30 Elegant Christmas Table Setting Ideas
You won't believe what a difference a fir branch and holiday ribbon can make.
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While we cherish the elegant light displays strung up outside and the process of selecting the most satisfying gifts for each of our loved ones, many of our favorite holiday moments occur around the dining table throughout the hazy glow of the day itself: stuffed with all our traditions (read: hors d'oeuvres) and perhaps red-cheeked from a glass of special-occasion wine. Of course, the table setting must reflect the majesty and festivity of the occasion as well. Whether you’re bolstering a china collection or simply looking for some cheery accoutrement, we’ve served up the best 30 table settings you can shop for the 2023 holiday season.
Festive Napkins
A little origami napkin-work can add an instant dose of holiday cheer (even if you left decorating the table until the last minute.)
SHOP NOW Pottery Barn Classic Napkin, $40 for a set of four
Pattern Play
Offset all of the red and green with some classic black and white touches to give your table a whimsical yet cohesive style that's perfect for a holiday celebration.
SHOP NOW MacKenzie-Childs Scottish Bouquet Plates, $92 for four
Moss Runner
Bring a little bit of nature to the bare winter months with a colorful moss table runner.
SHOP NOW Moss Table Runner, $16.99
Christmas Crackers
Originally a British tradition, crackers are a fun way to kick off the dinner party and make for a lively table setting.
Estelle Colored Glass Colored Glasses
Estelle Colored Glass Colored Glasses
These pastel-hued glasses offer a softer take on holiday decorating, we particularly love the the blue wine glasses for a Hanukkah dinner or a blue and silver-inspired Christmas table.
Henry Handwork Hand-Embroidered Holiday Napkins
Henry Handwork Hand-Embroidered Holiday Napkins
Delicately embroidered napkins are true modern heirlooms.
Festive Napkin Rings
Choosing a festive napkin ring is another way to dress up your table. Opt for a gold patterned design, like the napkin ring seen here, to add to the holiday color scheme.
SHOP NOW Joanna Buchanan Star Napkin Rings, $70 for 2
Light-Up Ski Chalet Ornaments
Light-Up Ski Chalet Ornaments
These clever Swiss ski chalets are ornaments, but we think they would make for a lovely centerpiece with dried florals and beeswax candles.
Eucalyptus and citrus are unexpected but oh-so-cheerful addition to the Christmas table. Bonus: The room will smell divine.
Juliska Berry & Thread Stackable Glass Trees, Set of 5
Juliska Berry & Thread Stackable Glass Trees, Set of 5
Stackable glass trees create a gorgeous glittering forest on your table. Plus, the heights can be adjusted to avoid having to peer around tall centerpieces.
Red and Gold
Red and green isn't the only Christmas color pairing—don't underestimate the elegant couple that is red and gold.
SHOP NOW Brushed Stainless Steel Flatware in Gold, starting from $60
Dear Annabelle Superlatives Place Cards
Dear Annabelle Superlatives Place Cards
Create new connections around the table with Dear Annabelle's superlative place cards, which can double as a conversation ice-breaker.
Kim Seybert Holiday Nostalgia Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6
Kim Seybert Holiday Nostalgia Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6
Don't underestimate the power of a great holiday cocktail. It has all the promise of a dinner party but is much more relaxed and fun. These striking, cheery napkins are so attractive, you almost won't want to tarnish them with the ring of your cocktail—or perhaps, you may opt for white wine over red to avoid any spillage.
Personal Gift
Whether it's Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day brunch, no guest will turn down a present upon their welcome.
SHOP NOW Party Favor Boxes, $6.41 for a set of three
Tory Burch Spongeware Dinner Plate
Tory Burch Spongeware Dinner Plate
Mix unexpected textures, like Tory Burch's spongeware into Christmas decor to keep things fresh.
Polish Your Good Silver
There's never been a better time to bring out any and all silver. Make sure you polish your pieces ahead of time, and then put them to good use at Christmas dinner.
SHOP NOW Wright's Silver Polishing Cream, $7.30
Juliska Country Estate Winter Frolic
Indulge in your cottagecore fantasy with classic red and white plates that recall the snowy holidays of yesteryear.
Natural Touches
Adding natural elements like branches and pine cones alongside shiny white ornaments brings an elegant winter forest touch to Christmas dinner.
SHOP NOW Mini Pine Cones, $9.99 for 100
MadeinMexicoFolkArt Hand-embroidered Mexican Ornaments
MadeinMexicoFolkArt Hand-embroidered Mexican Ornaments
The Mexican embroidery technique of Otomi is a vibrant way to celebrate Christmas. Etsy is a great resource for Otomi tree skirts, stockings, and other decor, but we like the idea of adding a few colorful stars to a whimsical winter table.
BLOOM Bloom Botanica Candleholders
Don't forget to adorn your tablescape with the soft glow of plenty of candles. These chic, organic candleholders add a gentle touch of silver.
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
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