Christmas Table Decoration

Decorating the Christmas table

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, we think about garlands & wreaths, the tree, the outside, the lighting… etc. We tend to leave the Christmas table to the last minute..

In previous articles I have written about DIY Christmas decor – how to make your own garlands & wreaths, baubles & candles. In this article I’ll let you know how to decorate the Christmas table for parties and for Christmas dinner.

Firstly, you do not need to buy a new set of table/glassware – just for Christmas. Beautiful theme-based tableware is screaming at us in the shops – try to resist the temptation! You can use your existing (even everyday) tableware – just add a bit of imagination.  Secondly, choose your Christmas theme and design your table that complements this.

The Table

You’ll need some sort of cover – depending on your theme choose a simple tablecloth and decorate it yourself – you can stencil motifs on it, spray it with glitter or metallic fabric paint, sew or glue pearls/beads/berries/dried leaves on it. Alternatively use two pieces of tablecloth – a base material covered by a piece of semitransparent material such as lace, silk organza or chiffon. You can get such materials cheaply from fabric shops. Then choose your central piece. This should reflect your theme – displays of fruits & nuts, candles in containers, garlands of acorns & berries, fairy-lights, candelabra etc .

Tableware

As I wrote above, you do not need to invest in special tableware – just decorate your existing pieces! Depending on your theme, you can spray the edges of your plates with removable "frost", or add a few dried leaves & berries. Your glasses can also be decorated with frost spray or stencilled with stars, snowflakes and snowballs – or just tie a piece of ribbon around them. Make your own (or decorate your existing) tablemats with beads, pearls or dried twigs.  Make napkins from the same materials as you chose for the base or top tablecloth and tie ribbons or pearls-on-wire around them. Finally, think of small details, such as individual little gifts in small stockings, chocolate in treasure boxes or funky/funny/elegant crackers etc 

Lighting

Lighting should be subdued – use candles and/or fairy lights – and dim your pendant and wall lights. If you have a fireplace in your dining room, turn it on – or pile up some string lights or church candles to add to the mood. Do remember to be careful with unattended candles and open fires!

Party decoration

You can be less formal when decorating a party table – if possible, buy some cheap theme-based plastic or paper plates or decorate some basic white ones with stickers and glitter-glue.  Create a few display bowls of acorns, fruits & nuts, chocolate or baubles.  Your tablecloth can also be made of paper – you can even utilize some glittery wrapping paper or some funky wallpaper. Put party food on large plastic plates on the table. Have fun! Afterwards:  no need to wash-up, just dispose of the trash. But it’s Xmas time, so try to be good – recycle as much as possible!