5 Easy Christmas Tablescape & Table Setting Ideas

A well-set Christmas table can enhance the overall vibe of your celebratory feasts and the heralded grand Christmas Day lunch. Make your Christmas decorating a fun and creative experience by experimenting with themes and cohesive colour palettes. Whether hosting a cosy family dinner or a grand celebration, thoughtfully festive tablescape design adds an extra layer of magic to the season. A beautiful tablescape can elevate the mood and add excitement to the day as guests admire your table and enjoy the personal touches.

We've curated 5 on-trend looks to help inspire your next Christmas table setting -

Quick Links:

• Elegant Gold And White Christmas Table Setting
• Traditional Red And Green Christmas Tablescape
• Modern Coastal Christmas Table
• Rustic Neutral Christmas Table Theme
• Soft Pastel Christmas Tablescape

Explore tips, tricks and ideas below for perfectly executing each dining theme, or take inspiration and create your own idea for a festive tablescape that will wow your friends and family on Christmas day.

Christmas Table Setting Idea 1: Elegant Gold and White Christmas

Imagine a scene that captures the essence of winter's purity and the glint of holiday cheer. The pairing of gold and white accomplishes just that. When brought together, these two colours create a harmonious blend that mirrors the elegance of snow-kissed landscapes and the sparkle of cherished ornaments.

Gold and White Colour Palette

The colour scheme sets the tone for the entire tablescape. Begin by selecting a pristine white tablecloth as the canvas for your festive creation. This foundational choice immediately establishes a clean and classic backdrop, allowing the richness of gold accents to become the focal point.

In creating your gold and white Christmas tablescape, remember that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. By carefully balancing these two regal colours and infusing subtle details, you'll craft a table setting that radiates style and sophistication whilst remaining festive and eye-catching.

Curate Your White & Gold Tableware & Decor

Picture your table adorned with dinnerware featuring delicate gold rims - a touch of luxury with every place setting. Complement this with crystal or gold glassware and gold-plated cutlery to create a cohesive, elegant ensemble.

White & Gold Centerpieces and Decorations

To anchor your theme, consider a striking centrepiece that combines metallic gold with a crisp white backdrop. A meticulously crafted arrangement of gold-dipped pinecones or a display of pristine white florals in a gold-trimmed vase can become the focal point, capturing the attention of your guests and tying the entire tablescape together.

More Tips for a Cohesive Look

• Achieving the perfect balance is key to executing this theme flawlessly. While the timeless allure of gold and white is undeniable, it's crucial not to overwhelm the table with too many elements.
• Opt for a dominant colour - perhaps white table linens - and use the other as an accent, ensuring a tasteful and balanced presentation.
• To infuse subtlety, consider incorporating small but impactful details. A gold ribbon elegantly tied around napkin bundles or delicate white name cards with a hint of gold calligraphy can add the finishing touches without overshadowing the overall aesthetic.

Christmas Table Setting Idea 2: Traditional Red and Green

Immerse yourself in the classic charm of rich reds and vibrant greens, where festive nostalgia intertwines with contemporary sophistication. Striking the right balance involves allowing each element to enhance the other, creating a tablescape that seamlessly marries the warmth of tradition with the sophistication of modern design. Ultimately, the key is to infuse creativity into the familiar, resulting in a Christmas tablescape that is both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

Red and Green Christmas Colour Palette

Choosing a red and green Christmas theme brings forth a timeless and festive atmosphere to your holiday table. Opting for a bold red or green tablecloth, or a classic plaid design, instantly establishes a vibrant foundation. Coordinating dinnerware with traditional patterns featuring holly or reindeer in both red and green ensures a cohesive and spirited look.

Setting the Table

Start with a solid foundation by using a red or green tablecloth or placemats. For a classic touch, opt for a design like stripes or plaid that seamlessly combines both colours, instantly bringing in a sense of traditional holiday charm.

In terms of seating arrangements, maintain the classic formality of a holiday table but infuse a modern edge. Opt for unconventional place settings or experiment with unique chair covers that introduce a modern aesthetic without overshadowing the traditional charm.

Red and Green Tableware: Classic Patterns and Coordinated Accents

Choose dinnerware with timeless patterns featuring holly, reindeer, or other festive motifs in red and green. Coordinate your cutlery and glassware to match the colour scheme. This simple step ensures a cohesive look without much effort.

Red and Green Festive Centrepieces

Craft a centrepiece using readily available items. Place a bowl of vibrant red apples or greenery at the centre of the table. Add small ornaments, pinecones, or candles in red and green hues to create a festive focal point without breaking the bank.

Balancing Traditional Christmas Colours With Modern Flair

Maintain balance by distributing red and green elements evenly across the table. If your tablecloth is red, opt for green cloth napkins and vice versa. This ensures a harmonious blend without overwhelming one colour. Add touches of both colours through simple decorations like ribbon-tied cutlery or Christmas table runners.

You can also seamlessly blend classic elements with contemporary aesthetics. Start by embracing timeless colours and patterns, such as the traditional red and green palette, which serves as the foundation of your table setting. Incorporate classic motifs like holly or reindeer on dinnerware and use a plaid tablecloth to evoke a sense of holiday nostalgia.

To introduce a modern twist, focus on clean lines and minimalist design. Choose sleek and simple tableware to complement the traditional patterns, creating a juxtaposition that feels both familiar and fresh. Experiment with unconventional shapes for your centrepiece or decorations, steering away from the typical holiday imagery. Consider metallic accents, like silver or gold, to add a touch of contemporary elegance.

More Tips for a Cohesive Look

• Consider layering textures for added visual interest. Combine smooth tableware with textured napkins or incorporate a burlap table runner to infuse warmth into the setting.
• Add Christmas crackers and bon bons for an entertaining touch.
• Embrace natural accents by incorporating elements from the outdoors, such as small pinecones or sprigs of holly.
• Create a cosy ambience with strategic lighting, utilising candles in red and green holders or fairy lights intertwined with greenery.
• Maintain a uniform seating arrangement with matching chair covers or coordinating ribbons around chair backs for a polished touch.
• Pay attention to small details, like red and green name tags paired with holiday-themed favours or tying cutlery with matching ribbons.

Christmas Table Setting Idea 3: Modern Coastal

Step into a seaside holiday celebration with a modern coastal-themed Christmas tablescape, a concept that brings the beauty and relaxation of the beach to your festive gathering. Whether you live by the beach or not, the warm weather during Christmas in Australia perfectly aligns with the laid-back look of a coastal-inspired tablescape. Harmonising the serene hues of the ocean, a cohesive Modern Coastal Christmas Tablescape invites a breath of fresh air to your holiday celebration.

Coastal Christmas Colours and Beach-Inspired Elements

Embrace the tranquil hues of coastal colours by selecting a thematic palette inspired by the beach. Think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and hints of seafoam green with rattan accents. Consider using a light and breezy tablecloth or placemats to evoke the feel of sun-soaked shores. Integrate beach-inspired elements, such as seashells, driftwood, or starfish, to infuse the table with the essence of the seaside.

Relaxed Styling: Embracing Coastal Charm For Christmas

Create a relaxed and inviting ambience with coastal-inspired styling. Opt for simple and natural materials like woven or rattan placemats for a touch of coastal texture. Choose dinnerware in shades that mimic the ocean, such as aqua or turquoise, to enhance the coastal vibe. Let the casual feel of a beachside retreat influence your choice of elements.

Incorporating Coastal Elements Into A Festive Setting

Transform your table by strategically incorporating seaside elements. Place small bowls filled with seashells or sand as charming centrepieces. Consider personalised beach-themed place cards for each guest, adding a thoughtful touch. Enhance the overall setting with beach-scented candles or coastal-inspired napkin rings to evoke the sensory experience of a day by the ocean.

Christmas With An Australian Twist: Blending Coastal and Festive Traditions

Given the unique context of celebrating Christmas in Australia, consider incorporating natural local elements into your coastal tablescape. Introduce native flora, such as eucalyptus leaves or banksia blooms, into your centrepiece. Blend iconic Australian Christmas symbols, like kangaroos or koalas, with coastal elements to create a one-of-a-kind holiday setting that beautifully fuses the best of both worlds.

More Tips for a Cohesive Look

• Opt for a balanced colour palette, blending soft blues, sandy neutrals, and subtle seafoam greens to mirror the tranquil tones of the beach.
• Infuse natural textures such as woven placemats and rattan ice buckets for a casual yet elegant coastal touch.
• Keep a minimalist approach with streamlined dinnerware in oceanic hues, allowing the beach-inspired elements to be the focus.
• Craft a distinctive centrepiece by combining native flora with seashells and driftwood, embracing an Australiana twist for a unique festive blend.

Christmas Table Setting Idea 4: Rustic Neutral

Step into the warmth of the holiday season with a rustic and neutral-themed Christmas tablescape, where the charm lies in the simplicity of earthy tones and natural textures. This theme invites a cosy and homey ambience that effortlessly combines nature with the rustic appeal of the season.

Rustic Neutral Colour Palette: Earthy Tones and Natural Textures

Embrace a colour palette dominated by earthy tones such as warm browns, muted greens, and soft whites. Opt for a neutral tablecloth, table runners and placemats to create a soothing base. Select dinnerware in natural materials, like ceramic or wooden plates, to enhance the rustic feel. Integrate natural textures such as burlap or linen napkins and add a touch of greenery, like pine branches or eucalyptus, to evoke the simplicity of nature.

Christmas Serving Ware with Rustic Charm

Extend the theme to your servingware to enhance the overall look. Opt for earthy-toned platters and bowls crafted from natural materials like wood or stoneware. Choose pieces with subtle textures and imperfect finishes that exude rustic elegance. Choose cutlery with natural or matte finishes that align with the earthy tones of the theme. The understated feel of rustic dining sets complements the overall aesthetic while maintaining a practical and down-to-earth vibe.

Incorporate Rustic Textiles & DIY Elements for a Cosy Feel

Introduce warmth and comfort to your dining space by incorporating rustic textiles into the ambience. Consider adding cushions and throws in neutral tones with natural textures like burlap or linen. Place these cosy elements on dining chairs or nearby seating areas, providing both visual appeal and practical comfort for your guests.

Infuse a personal touch with DIY elements that radiate warmth. Craft simple yet charming placeholders using natural materials like twine and small branches, or repurpose mason jars into candle holders adorned with rustic twigs. These handmade details contribute to the overall cosiness of the tablescape, reflecting the spirit of a handmade holiday.

Thoughtful Accents for a Complete Setting

Complete the theme with thoughtful accents. Consider placing small bundles of cinnamon sticks or sprigs of fresh herbs tied with twine on each plate for a fragrant and decorative touch. Incorporate nature-inspired elements like pinecones and eucalyptus leaves into your table decor.

More Tips for a Cohesive Look

• Illuminate your table with the cosy allure of candlelight. Strategically place rustic candle holders or repurposed lanterns to create a soft, inviting ambience for your holiday gathering.
• Enhance the visual appeal with practical layering and textures. Combine smooth dinnerware with textured napkins, and consider a layered table runner for added interest. These tactile elements contribute to the welcoming feel of your tablescape.
• Embrace a subdued yet elegant aesthetic. Keep it simple and avoid excessive embellishments. Choose a minimalist centrepiece, like a wooden tray filled with pinecones and candles, to create a focal point that seamlessly aligns with the rustic theme while capturing the essence of Christmas.
• Ensure practical comfort by selecting coordinated elements. Integrate cosy chair cushions or neutral-toned seat covers, encouraging your guests to linger and enjoy the festive atmosphere. These practical additions enhance both the visual appeal and comfort of your holiday table setting.

Christmas Table Setting Idea 5: Soft Pastel

This contemporary take on holiday styling brings a refreshing and light-hearted vibe to your festive celebration, where delicate hues and whimsical touches create a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.

Soft Pastel Colour Palettes and Delicate Tableware

Immerse your Christmas tablescape in soft pastel hues, choosing colours like blush pink, mint green, lavender, and baby blue. Set the tone with a pastel tablecloth or placemats, creating a canvas for your dreamy display. Select delicate tableware adorned with subtle patterns or solid pastel tones to maintain the gentle aesthetic. Pastel-coloured plates, cups, and utensils contribute to the overall softness of the theme.

Whimsical Decorations for a Touch of Festive Fantasy

Consider hanging delicate ornaments, like pastel-hued snowflakes or mini angels, above the table to create a magical overhead display. Introduce Christmas lights in soft pastel shades to evoke a starry night effect, casting a gentle glow over the entire setting. Incorporate whimsical figurines or small pastel-themed Christmas trees as centrepieces to complete the enchanting scene.

Mix and Match Pastels with Festive Metallics

Embrace the versatility of pastels by mixing and matching different shades. Combine pastel napkins, plates, and glassware to create a harmonious yet diverse tablescape that exudes softness. Seamlessly blend hues like blush pink, mint green, and soft lavender with the enchanting glimmer of Christmas metallics. This combination of gentle pastels and gleaming metallics transforms your tablescape into a trendy and joyous celebration of Christmas.

More Tips for a Cohesive Pastel Look

• Create a dreamy ambience by placing floating flowers or pastel-hued blooms in glass bowls as centrepieces. Incorporate traditional florals like poinsettia, holly or mistletoe for a Christmassy feel. This ethereal touch adds a subtle and romantic element to the table.
• Incorporate soft fabric drapings, such as pastel-coloured table runners or flowing chiffon, to add texture and movement to the table. The gentle folds create an elegant and romantic ambience.
• Infuse a personal touch by incorporating pastel-themed place cards or custom name tags. Small pastel-coloured favours, like macarons or candies, add a sweet and thoughtful element to each place setting.
• Immerse your celebration in dreamy hues and ethereal details. This trend embraces the beauty of subtlety, offering a contemporary and enchanting way to celebrate the holiday season.

Find All the Table Linen & Tableware You Need Plus More Home Stylish Inspiration at Harris Scarfe

Whether you lean towards classic traditions or embrace contemporary trends, the art of crafting a beautiful tablescape allows you to create a visual feast that mirrors the spirit of the season. Explore these themes, mix and match elements, and let your creativity flourish. Be sure to head over to our hub for the ultimate guide to Christmas decorating as well as the key trends for Christmas 2023 to find more tips and inspiration for every room in your home.

Shop the entire Christmas range online or in-store at Harris Scarfe and elevate your table this year. Shop our categories below:

• Christmas tableware
• Christmas servingware
• Christmas table linen
• Christmas crackers and bon bons
• Christmas home decor

Cheers to a festive season filled with warmth, love, and the beauty of thoughtfully curated celebrations!