How to Decorate the Table for Christmas Dinner

When it comes to decorating the table for Christmas dinner, every detail counts. Today, we'll show you how to create a beautiful display that will help make every moment special this Christmas.
How to Decorate the Table for Christmas Dinner

Last update: 28 January, 2021

Christmas time is a time for family. If you’re like us, you probably have guests coming over, which means getting everything ready in preparation for their arrival. But there’s one more thing you have to remember to do – decorate the table for Christmas dinner.

Christmas is a day of excitement, reunions, celebrations and spending quality time with your loved ones. With so much going on, getting the right decor for the festive season becomes all the more important.

This is a special time of year, a time when we raise a glass to family, friends and the joy of being together. To help make sure your Christmas is a success, we want to tell you how to decorate your table for Christmas dinner.

Decorating the table for Christmas dinner – getting it right

Christmas napkin rings.

Decorating the table for a special occasion is no easy task, especially if you’re playing the role of host. Everyone wants their table to be beautiful and original. To do this, you need to think carefully about the look you’re trying to create.

The important thing is not to go overboard. Not everything needs to be showy and elaborate. It’s simply a question combining the elements to create a sense of balance between the colors and the materials.

Variety is also a key part of decorating your table. Again, however, less is more. If you can combine festivity and elegance, your Christmas display will be one to remember.

– Christmas time should be spent with family and loved ones.

Table cloths

A black table cloth.

Firstly, we need to talk about table cloths. The table cloth will act as both the foundation and main feature of your table display. Choosing the right color and detailing can make all the difference. We recommend the following types of table cloths:

  • The texture is very important, so a silk table cloth is always a good option. Its softness is unparalleled.
  • If you’re unsure about which color to go for, white is a great choice. You could also go for colors such as maroon or navy blue. Black is a color that is full of elegance and offers a touch of neutrality that sets it apart from the rest.
  • Embroidered table cloths: if you love intricate detailing, an embroidered table cloth could be a really beautiful addition to your dinner table.
  • Bobbin lace: this type of fabric will give your table the touch of elegance you’re looking for. Bobbin lace table cloths are a really interesting option, that’s guaranteed to work well with your Christmas display.

– Choose the right table cloth and finding the right decorations will be easy. 

Napkins

A Christmas tree napkin.

Though it might not seem like it, napkins are a really important part of your table display, serving to complement your table cloth. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to choose the right napkins to match your table cloth.

  • While neutral-colored napkins work generally really well with a white table cloth, it’s best to avoid black.
  • If you’ve chosen a dark table cloth, you could complement it with white, gray or maroon napkins. Maroon is perfect if you want to give your dinner table a touch of elegance and sophistication.
  • However, if you want to give your table display a more original look, red napkins are a great way to give it that Christmassy feel. They’ll work particularly well with a white table cloth.

Dinnerware

Christmas dinner table display.

The plates and cutlery need to be in harmony with one another, as well as the table cloth and the overall display. For example, you should never combine dark-colored cutlery with a black table cloth. So, before choosing your dinnerware, it might be a good idea to take a look at some of the different options:

  • Silver-plated cutlery works well with any type of table cloth, dinnerware or decoration. Simply follow the rules of table etiquette and set out the cutlery you’ll need for your Christmas dinner.
  • Plates: it’s usually best to choose light-colored plates. However, if you do decide to use dark plates, try to make sure the table cloth is a different color. We also recommend choosing deep dishes, without too much in the way of decoration.
  • When it comes to the glasses, it’s important to choose a different type for each drink. There are three drinks that no Christmas dinner would be complete without – water, wine, and champagne.

– The devil is in the detail.

Other decorative elements

There are a few other decorative elements you’ll need to give your table that perfect finishing touch. Candles, centerpieces, flowers (such as irises or roses), and any other decorations will be sure to give your table display a touch of elegance and harmony. Decorating the table for Christmas dinner has never been so easy.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Muñoz Boda, Mª Soledad: Protocolo y relaciones públicas, 2ª ed. Madrid, Paraninfo, 2016.