It’s the most wonderful season of all, Christmas! Molly and I have had the best time creating a variety of holiday tablescapes this year. I love playing around with different table elements, both old and new, to create special tablescapes. The classic fall tablescapes that I shared back in October were such a hit that I thought it would be fun to do a holiday roundup! Today I’m excited to share five classic Christmas dinner tablescapes. I’m also going to provide some tips for hosting Christmas dinner. If you will have overnight visitors this holiday season, be sure to also check out my 20 tips on how to prepare for overnight holiday guests. And if you’re not hosting, these Christmas tabletop items also make wonderful gifts for the hostess!
How to Set a Classic Christmas Table
One of my favorite parts of this job is being able to play around and create different tablescapes with Molly and other friends. We’ve designed numerous of tablescapes over the years and created tons of good memories along the way. Yet, setting a holiday table is one of my favorites of all! This time of the year everything seems a little extra special. Christmas tablescapes are often thought of as being red and green. But in reality, there are so many fun and festive ways to decorate a holiday table. The five classic Christmas dinner tablescapes we’ve created in 2022 include the traditional red and green, but also feature pinks, oranges and pears. Let’s have a look!
1. Red and Green Classic Christmas Dinner Tablescape
It only seems right that we start with a classic red and green Christmas dinner tablescape. There is something so nostalgic and comforting about this color combination during the holidays. It is also readily available and you can easily find red and green Christmas tablescape items at a wide variety of prices.
I shared about this Vietri Christmas tablescape a few weeks ago and it is such a classic! I have been a longtime fan of Vietri and their handmade products from Italy. The deep greens paired with classic red and fun striped patterns are so lovely. We added red and green candles, fresh flowers and pops of gold to complete this classic Christmas dinner tablescape. You can use code TUCKER25 to take 25% off at Vietri.
2. Holiday Oranges Tablescape
The tradition of decorating with oranges during the holidays began with oranges being left in stockings as a symbol of gold from Saint Nicholas. Now it’s common to decorate with dried orange garland, have oranges illustrated on Christmas cards or even send oranges as a holiday gift. Of course, living in Florida, it’s no surprise that I’m a fan of oranges as holiday decor!
This classic Christmas dinner tablescape was inspired by these holiday wreath scalloped placemats. They feature wreaths, bows, oranges and scalloped edges, what’s not to love! We kept the tablescape simple, using pinecones, greenery, oranges and candles as centerpieces. I love the cheerful combination of oranges and classic red and green. We also added some fun to the table with Christmas crackers for everyone!
3. Christmas Pears Tablescape
Let’s keep the fruit-themed tablescapes rolling with pears! Pears have been gifted during the holidays for many years. In ancient China, it was believed that pears represented immortality and prosperity because their trees live for a long time. Therefore, they are a symbolic and thoughtful Christmas gift.
This Honey + Hank Christmas pears tablescape is fun and unique, while still being classic. I love the soft sage green color of the pear table runner, plates and napkins. We paired it with additional shades of greens, a classic white tablecloth and small pops of berry colors in floral centerpieces. Overall, it made for a fun and somewhat subtle classic Christmas dinner tablescape that I really loved!
4. Pink and Green Classic Christmas Dinner Tablescape
Everyone thinks of red and green for the holidays, but let’s not dismiss pink and green! I mean, can you ever really go wrong with pink? I think this color combination is close enough to the traditional Christmas colors that it works well and also adds a little character to the table.
This pink and green tablescape was extra fun because it was our first one in Molly’s new home! We used a Christmas blockprint tablecloth and napkins that have shades of pink. We combined these with classic rattan flatware and placemats and sage green glasses. For the perfect holiday touch, we used fresh poinsettias as centerpieces.
5. Red, Green and White Christmas Dinner Tables cape
It only seems right to end this classic Christmas dinner tablescapes roundup with another traditional red and green table. Adding white and a little holiday sparkle can really brighten a Christmas tablescape. Oftentimes reds and greens can get a little dark, so I think this combination brings the perfect amount of cheer.
I loved working with Cailini Coastal to create this classic Christmas dinner tablescape. The hand-block printed holiday tablecloth is even more beautiful in person! We paired it with these evergreen rice paper placemats and holiday napkins. For added pops of white, we used these scalloped melamine dinner plates and white wicker wrapped ice tea glasses. Both of these table top items work year-round, making them excellent staple pieces for classic tablescapes.
Christmas Dinner Hosting Tips
In addition to these classic Christmas dinner tablescapes, I thought it might be helpful to share some hosting tips. As a hostess, the number one rule I always abide by is to make sure everyone feels like my home is their home. If my guests leave laughing, relaxed and with a full belly, then I know the night has been a success. I’ve shared gracious hostessing tips in the past that apply to all events. But, here are some hosting tips specific for a big dinner, like Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- Spruce up your home with some holiday decor. It doesn’t have to be anything over-the-top, even just a few items can cheer up a space!
- If cooking a turkey, be sure to allow enough time for it to fully thaw and cook.
- Preparing in advance is key. Any dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer will be a saving grace. These might include stuffings, desserts, gravy or appetizers.
- Clean out the fridge the week of the dinner to allow for extra storage space.
- Also, clean off your counters. You will need all of this space for food preparation, plates, guests, etc.
- Don’t make the mistake of overcrowding the oven. If you cook too many dishes at once, they most likely won’t cook properly.
- On that note, write out a “food schedule” so you know exactly what time to start preparing everything. You will be so thankful to have this plan.
- Don’t try a brand new recipe (unless you’re really brave or an excellent cook!)
- Provide a fun and festive drink. I previously shared about a favorite New Year’s Eve cocktail, which would also be great for Christmas dinner.
- Set up the tablescape the night before.
- Be sure to take time to step away and get yourself dressed and ready.
- Check with your guests in advance about food allergies.
- Have plenty of storage for leftovers.
- Plan activities, especially if kids will be attending. You could have holiday music on low volume, Christmas movies or games to play.
- Bonus tip: Be sure to check out my tips for hosting overnight holiday guests!
Classic Christmas Dinner Tablescape Ideas
I hope these classic Christmas dinner tablescape ideas help as you prepare for guests this holiday season. If you’re not hosting this year, be sure to save this post to look back on in the future! Additionally, many of these tablescape items would make wonderful hostess gifts. Are you hosting Christmas dinner this year? What kind of tablescape are you creating for the meal? I would love to hear about it in the comments below. I’m always looking for new tablescape inspiration! Happy holidays!
