Christmas Holiday Tablescape
A Little Less Simplicity and a Lot More Dazzle, Please!
A Christmas Holiday Tablescape is like a tapestry that isn’t just beautiful but also tells a story. Stories about age-old heirlooms beautifully adorning the centre, about a hand-crafted tablecloth bought as a reminder of our trip, and about flowers that most accurately resonate with the spirit and cheerfulness in the air! This is why I always take the onus of setting up the table for a family Christmas dinner. 🙂
The holiday season invites a meditation on togetherness, the meaning of joyfulness, the profound relationship between our yearning to be loved and the ability to open our arms and love others equally so, and the fragile tendrils of care that grasp onto a warm heart.
One can feel a change in the air as Christmas draws near. Stores, both big and small, begin to bring out their Christmas trees; streets light up with pretty lights for New Year, and the cheery star starts popping its head out from the roofs and balconies of many homes. Looking out from the balcony of my home, I immerse myself in the excitement of the year coming to a close, the joys of seeing close friends and family, and the happiness of starting a New Year. This is when I begin to plan and ideate for upcoming Holiday Dinners which all of us eagerly look forward to.
I, of course, want the zing in the atmosphere to continue to the dinner table; keeping things fun and festive even when my guests sit down to dinner. This is why I have a generous inclusion of colours to liven up the mood. As you will see, I also have an affinity for vintage mercury glass and pretty fresh flowers. I hope my tablescape inspires you to come up with a beautiful way of decorating your own dinner table this Christmas season.
When planning this tablescape, I started with an inventory of décor and silverware that I already had. It served as a launching pad for my ideas. The everyday place setting of our table is white and I totally love the way white enhances the entire look of the table. But Holiday Dinners are special, so that white needed some dazzling up. I have a gorgeous ivory tablecloth with block-printed gold stars that I decided would go well with the theme I had in mind, and to go along with the bright gold stars, I took out crystal and silverware that has been in my family for four generations now. In my opinion, adding family heirlooms increases the charm of the table and connects it to a bigger, more beautiful story.
Each place setting was set with an ivory charger and ivory plates with silver details on and silver flatware. I chose dinnerware that included silver details for a touch of elegance and to contrast with the colours of the tableware. I neatly tied the flatware with satin ribbons for texture and letting the holiday spirit rule my mind added a few Christmas tree ornaments to the ribbons.
The napkins sitting deftly next to the plates looked dapper in their holders. Not able to pick between an adorable vintage sterling silver reindeer napkin holder and a decorative crystal one, I ended up using both on my table. As they went up on the table, I realised how two is sometimes better than one!
A small ceramic ornament lay unassumingly beside the plates as a fond keepsake for my guests. I had filled them with holiday chocolate simply because the season believes in sharing sweetness in not just our relationships but also in our appetite.
Of course, my table also saw a generous addition of mercury glass ornaments as they perfectly augmented the holiday vibe. These timeless pieces sat coyly on the table, serving as a reminder that classic pieces of décor never fade. They also hung cheerily from my Christmas tree creating continuity in the theme of the dinner.
I love holiday dinner tables when they are flamboyant and visually stunning. So simplicity was never on the agenda!
I firmly believe copper tableware is perfect any time of year! This led me to bring out these pretty copper bowls, with the inclusion of colour in metal adding to the visual sensation. I adore copper-ware and it has adorned my dinner table more times than just the holiday season. But adding to the delightfulness of the vibrant environment were pretty copper vases too, to hold those gorgeous blooms, which stood nattily on copper trays that were lined up on the table. I love the drama this metal creates!
Tip: For a festive vibe, my advice would be to add interest by coordinating decorative elements that complement the setting such as delicate pearls and scented candles and using fresh flowers. Keeping an eye on the details makes all the difference.
The festive spirit encouraged me to play with candles and pearls as the main focus of the table, and I gladly obliged. I used a Silver Candelabra at the centre of the table on account of its sensational impact; it looked brilliant, especially after I swathed it in fairy lights {that reminded me of miniature gold disco balls} that I had purchased from our local hardware store. The garland of fairy lights extended down the middle of my table where they were interwoven with strings of pearls and shiny Christmas baubles.
I had also picked candles to match the colour of the roses {that were going to add an element of freshness to my table}. These candles were placed in tall brass candlesticks that I positioned strategically in different parts of the table. Later that evening when the candles were lit and the fairy lights glowing, the magic was intense and I totally loved the effect it had on my guests!
With the winter breeze nudging me to create a cosier ambience, I added some votive candles for a warmer, more inviting aura. The element of vibrancy and festive glamour ruled the tablescape while smaller elements of timelessness created a classy more composed overall impact.
Dinner tables are hardly complete without the addition of fresh flowers. So, I chose bunches of fresh pink roses to make the tablescape look more alluring, while also supplying an element from nature. The warm glow from the candles and the gentle blush of the pink roses created a beautiful effect on the rest of the elements of décor on the table.
The moon demurely shone its light on my table contributing to the beauty of the place as if in recognition of all the hard work I had put in. My guests loved every bit of it, and I enjoyed every bit of the dinner as I sat there looking at my own imaginations unfolded into reality!
To conclude: While the Holiday Season is perfect for family dinners, this tablescape can work for you any time of the year. Take away the Christmas décor and add roses in place of the centrepiece or add a piece of décor that resonates with the occasion you are celebrating.
I hope that my Christmas Holiday Tablescape inspires you to take the time out and create your own holiday masterpiece. Feel free to share your thoughts and your ideas in the comments below! Happy Holidays!
This table setting is lovely, Tanya! Although it is hard to pick a favourite element, I do love the reindeer napkin holders! Thanks to your creative share, I am now all set to decorate for Christmas. 🙂
Thank you for your appreciation, Sheethal. It means a lot to me.
Christmas inspiration! I appreciate your sharing this exquisite tablescape with us, Tanya! I should get around to buying some Christmas tableware… Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
I’m so glad to hear this. Thank you, Subhra.
Tanya, I’m so inspired by everything you’ve shown here, and I can just imagine what it would have looked like in person. Delightful! ❤️
That’s nice of you, Anu. Thank you!
I love the block-printed tablecloth, and the flowers just look gorgeous! Thanks for sharing all of this with us – I love getting the opportunity to see with your “insiders” view! ❤️
So happy to hear your affectionate sentiments on this post, Ruchi.
Such a lovely table setting for the perfect Christmas party at home, and what a fabulous room to celebrate in! Thanks so much for taking us along on this brilliant holiday makeover, Tanya!
I’m overjoyed at your sweet words. Thank you, Pranati.
What an extraordinary Christmas tablescape! I have so much to do and I’m making a list to get things done… Thanks for showing us around. I hope you are having a lovely day! xx
Thank you for your kind words, Peenaz.
Lots of gorgeous inspiration here! And, what a way to dine eating off a piece of artistic craftsmanship steeped in history – just beautiful! ✨✨✨
Thank you very much, Sangeeta.
Ah, it’s that festive time of the year again! Wish I had a big table like that to invite more people to help us eat all the food… awesome inspiration all the same! Merry Christmas and happy new year to you, too!
Thank you, Ajeet. So nice of you.
This tablescape is stunning my friend! Not surprising since you always have the prettiest table settings! Everything is done on a whim around here… but I find I’m much less stressed if my table is planned and done the day before – just one less thing to do! 🙂
Thank you, Kavya. That’s the best way isn’t it?!
Your precious crystal napkin holders brought back memories of a fund raiser I attended a few years ago… There are so many ideas in your photographs, by the way. Setting mine today for a gathering tomorrow, and taking inspiration! ❤️
That’s so sweet! Thank you, Monali.
I love to put together tablescapes for Christmas! Although, who might have thought to use copper as part of a Christmas tablescape… loved seeing all the different dish patterns, too. Thanks for the inspiration. xx
So glad you appreciate this, Sunita.
This sophisticated tablescape channels the warmth of the season with luxe nods to the Christmas holiday! But what I really love is the addition of the little reindeer! ❤️❤️❤️
Very sensitive of you to resonate like this, Soniya.
I love this elegant X’mas vibe! I am by NO means ready for the holiday season to roll around, but I’ve been playing with new ideas today… I think sage green and poppy red is quite Christmasy, don’t you?
I like it ~ as you say “very Christmassy,” Jyoti.
Love that holiday table swag! I especially adore the glass loaded with Christmas treats!! Hahahah!! Love stopping by your blog and seeing what you are up to, Tanya! Merry Christmas!
Thank you very much indeed.
This is Christmas spirit perfection, Tanya! I needed this infusion of inspiration today! Pretty sure this year will have more memories than ever… 🙂
Aww, thanks my friend!
I can see that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this one, Tanya! LOL! Christmas is such an exciting time of year… so festive and fun to spend with loved ones! I can hardly wait! ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Suchismita, you overwhelm me! 😀
What an incredible way to start off my day… Tanya ~ you have filled my heart with joy! Thank you for these awe-inspiring ideas for my Christmas tablescap!
I’m humbled by your kind words, Yuvasri.
I really love your creativity! I love looking at holiday tables and you have a spectacular one featured here! I see many people are still using mercury ball ornaments in their table’s stylistic theme… 🙂
You are so sweet! Thank you, Sarika.
Tanya, you sure do know how to dress a table ~ this is gorgeous! ❤️ You are truly talented ~ and I did need more inspiration this year, so I’ll just use these beautiful and inspiring Christmas photos!
Thank you, Aisha. I’m definitely a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas, with a little twist thrown in for good measure! 😉
Such whimsy and elegance ✨ I wish Christmas could be every day! And yes, I am with you on the vintage mercury glass which left me smiling! Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Nivedita. So glad you liked it!
I’m on Christmas sensory overload and adoring every moment of it! My favourite is the reindeer napkin holder… so whimsical and charming! Those plates are precious, too. Love me some Christmas!
Thank you for your warm appreciation, Hema.
Lovely post! ❤️ I am ready for Christmas now!
p.s. As much as this may surprise you, I tend to put out the same things every year, but each year I add to my collection of Christmas decor, so even though it’s the same, there’s always a little bit of a difference!
Isn’t that fun!
This is absolutely gorgeous in pictures, and I bet was even more stunning in person! ❤️ Thinking about using some of these colours for my table this year… Gosh, I am so ready for Christmas decorating!
Thank you so much for the compliment, Dipti.
Beautiful details, Tanya! Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and it always seems the shortest no matter how early I decorate! 😀
It’s the most magical time of the year, Neeta!
Perfect for Christmas Eve! Candles always add to the warmth of any ambience especially when used as part of a table display… ✨ Thank you for these amazing ideas that we can recreate for our homes!
Thank you for your sweet words, Antra.
Love this set-up!! The space and photos are so gorgeous & magical, Tanya! ✨ How I dream of a Christmas celebration such as this!
Thank you, dear Sailajah. Such a sweet thing to say!
Absolutely gorgeous tablescape! ❤️ Well, our presents are wrapped, the table is set, the kids are excited! We are ready! Merry Christmas in advance!
Enjoy the holidays, Rohit!
Absolutely beautiful tablescape. ❤️ I like a good theme, and holidays surely fall into that category. Your theme has a little life past the intended moment. I’d like to think this table, with its softer, palette, could make it all the way to New Year’s Day.
I’m so glad you like it! Thank you truly for always being my cheerleader, Siddhesh.
Beautiful setting! Beyond it being gorgeous, I love that the look can live on beyond Dec 25. ✨ And on that note, your posts are always a bright spot for us! Best to you and yours in 2022!
Thank you, Koushiki! Your wishes and kind thoughts are valuable to me.
Oh, everything here is gorgeous. And, that lighting!!
p.s. After Christmas, the house always seems so bare without the lights and decor. Does anyone else feel this way too or is it just me?
I always get sad putting away the decor too, but I’m also eager to change things up for spring, Vishnu.
I love everything about this, Tanya! Striking on many levels. Simple yet so sophisticated. Super balanced, too.
Awww ~ this means the world to me! Thank you, dear Isha.
Aww, so timeless and beautiful! I love the colour pallet and the beautiful textures. Merry Christmas, Tanya! I hope you have a beautiful one and enjoy your moments together. ❤️
Thank you for your sensitivity in seeing it, Lakshmi.
Such a festive tablescape! I’d legit leave everything up until January! 😀
On a side note: I don’t want Christmas to be over … the house just feels too magical right now!
I feel the same way, Fayiza! Such warmth and magical feelings throughout our home!
Love ❤️ Love ❤️ Love ❤️ this! I don’t even know what my favourite part is… the light decor, the tablescape, or the treats! All amazing!!
I truly treasure your appreciation, Sayyed!
This is absolutely stunning! So appreciate your efforts… ❤️
Oh, Monal, what a beautiful sensitive soul you are.
So magical! You have a good eye, Tanya. I love your table settings… so many details. Your tiered stand looks stunning and the cutlery, super chic! ❤️
You are just the best, Abhijith! Thank you.
One beautiful photo after another! Just complete table goals! Definitely puts me in the mood for Christmas! I better get busy shopping or at least making lists. (Thanks for sharing. 🙂 )
Thank you for your affectionate and kind thoughts, Deepanshi.
This is exactly what I needed to see today! I woke up this morning thinking “Oh my gosh, there’s only this much time left … I have so much to do!” Love the inspiration!
Happy to have your warm appreciation, Reshma. I value it so.
I LOVE these gorgeous dishes & the contemporary style! ❤️ It’s been so long since we’ve all feasted together over the dinner table. I miss the madness!!
Thanks so much, sweet soul!
As the year comes to a close, I find myself feeling both heartbroken and hopeful. Heartbroken for the loss we’ve faced this year… lost dreams, plans, lives. But hopeful that healing and change will come.
Wishing each of you a lovely Christmas!
I wholeheartedly agree, Neharika!