Ideas for a beautiful Christmas table

It's the month when we think about how to create a beautiful Christmas table, a table to dazzle our guests when we gather together for the festive season.

If you are hosting this year and are concerned about creating a beautiful Christmas table, here are some simple ideas and tips you can incorporate.

Which pieces are essential for a beautiful Christmas table?

Apart from the crockery, the number of plates you will need, the cutlery and the glasses (wine, champagne or both), you will need to use a Christmas tablecloth and some nice napkins, preferably made of cloth, as they are always more elegant and sustainable.

At Happyfriday we have a collection of Christmas tablecloths, as well as festive themed tea towels - take a good look!

If you don't want to use a patterned or festive themed tablecloth, choose the most beautiful one you have, preferably in a neutral colour against which the other decorative elements of the table will stand out.

Original options for decorating your Christmas table

Although there are many styles for decorating the Christmas, Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve table, the most popular ones are the natural Nordic style, the traditional ones (using red, green, white or gold) or other more original ones (bold or deep colours).

Tips on how to decorate a natural or Nordic style table

In this case, less is more, so don't create a very baroque table either.

Nordic Christmas tables are dominated by neutral, white or pastel tones (mainly blue or green). There is no profusion of ornaments, but natural materials reign supreme: wood, ceramics, branches, leaves, pine cones...

If you want a table in this style, you'll find plenty of ideas on Pinterest or Instagram to add a beautiful and cosy touch. For example, you can scatter sprigs of holly, cinnamon sticks, fruits or pine cones in the centre of the table or next to each guest's plate.

Place your beautiful stoneware or earthenware tableware in a light colour, a napkin and create an original napkin ring with some of these elements and a label with the guest's name will be a cheerful and beautiful touch.

Another piece that is a must on natural or Nordic tables are fir tree figures, stars, little houses and of course candles, preferably candelabra ones.

Ideas for a traditional Christmas table decoration

This style usually combines three colours: red, moss green and white. The quintessential Christmas style never goes out of fashion and helps to revive children's excitement and nostalgia - and the kids love it!

Use tableware that incorporates traditional motifs (moss, fir trees, deer, snowflakes, nutcrackers, holly...) and includes some of the key colours. You can add gold trim or touches of gold to your table, whether it's on plates, glasses or napkins.

An ideal option for this type of table is to choose vintage-style tree ornaments and place one on each plate to crown each guest's place setting.

Natural wreaths, spruce branches, holly branches, large candles, Nutcracker soldiers, reindeer, candy canes, a combination of large tree balls, etc. The limit is your imagination!

It is important to mix the three colours of this style, as well as materials and textures.

You can create the centrepiece on the long side, if the table is rectangular, or in the centre, if it is round. You can also group the different elements on a large tray or not, whatever you prefer!

Tips for decorating an original table with a vintage feel

Maximalist or art deco styles are also in demand when it comes to creating exuberant and decadent festive tables. In these cases, as they are vintage designs, glitter, especially gold, is common.

At the moment, matt gold finishes are the most popular, but shiny finishes are very popular for the festive season.

As for other colours, the retro maximalist style opts for an exaggerated ornamentation with lots of flowers in bright and deep colours. Opt for purples, pinks, blues or emerald greens for a magical and different Christmas.

For the centrepiece, you can use roses or hydrangeas, accompanied by a few branches of eucalyptus. If the beautiful colours of these flowers are a little muted, all the better!

Don't forget to use gold, copper or matte black cutlery - you'll see how well it matches the style of your festive retro table!

After these wonderful suggestions, you will be full of ideas for a beautiful Christmas table. The important thing is to make the most of the festive season and to get together with the ones we love the most. Happy 2023!