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Inspiration
5 Ways to Style your Christmas Table
NOV 22|5 min read
Christmas, together with summer weather, means plenty of entertaining & dinner parties are on the horizon.
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Gather round - Christmas magic starts at the table!
That time of year has finally swung around again - when we welcome friends and family around the table as we gather and celebrate the pure joy of being together. We’re imagining our homes buzzing with activity; guests congregating around a perfectly dressed table for long festive lunches and alfresco dinners while the kids play happily in the garden. If you’re stuck for holiday table styling ideas or want to try something new to wow your guests, we’re sharing five super simple yet stunning Christmas table settings to try this coming festive season.
The Traditional Merry & Modern Christmas Table
Bring timeless charm into the present with a Christmas table that blends classic festive elements with a sleek, contemporary twist. Think rich reds and deep greens softened by neutral tones and and minimalist glassware.
Layer traditional motifs—like the 12 Days of Christmas Tablecloth, inspired by tradition Christmas carols—with modern tableware and cutlery.
Finish with a centrepiece that nods to tradition but feels fresh: perhaps a cluster of decorative Christmas trees—like Adairs’ Coastal White, Natural Tree and Gold Ruffle Tree. Their varied textures and tones create a festive focal point that feels both nostalgic and stylishly modern. This look is perfect for those who love the nostalgia of Christmas but want a table that feels current, curated, and effortlessly stylish.
Stripes & Bows
Make a playful statement with a table that’s full of festive charm and colour with our collection of bow and striped products. Imagine your cheerful striped tablecloth with festive red, white & gold bow candleholders and oversized bows tied around chair backs for a whimsical twist. The sweet, nostalgic feel of this look brings together the magic of the holidays, creating a joyful atmosphere your guests will love. Pair with classic red-and-pink striped serving ware and finish with bold ribbon details to tie it all together – quite literally!
Adairs
Christmas Red & Pink Mango Wood Scalloped Platter
$79.99
20% off for Linen Lovers
Linen Lovers $63.99
Adairs
Festive Red, White & Gold Bow Candleholder
$39.99 - $44.99
20% off for Linen Lovers
Linen Lovers $31.99 - $35.99
Bold Meets Playful
Why choose between drama and fun when you can have both? This table style blends the luxe appeal of cotton napkins and gold cutlery with the joyful energy of scalloped table runners, colourful glassware, and mix-and-match plates.
Create a vibrant centrepiece with tall candlesticks in jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, and ruby—paired with playful touches like candy canes in Santa jar, scattered baubles, and novelty place cards. Add a fruity twist by serving drinks in a Lemon Jug or Lemon Bowl filled with fresh citrus or berries for a pop of colour and natural texture.
Serve drinks in Positano Drinkware and Summer Fruit Glasses, and present festive bites on Calypso Resin Servingware to tie the look together. Whether you lean into pastels like pink and reen, or go bold with stipes, this table is all about layering colour, personality, and sparkle—perfect for a Christmas dinner party that’s as stylish as it is spirited.
Coastal Setting
Bring seaside charm to your festive celebrations with a coastal-inspired Christmas table that’s equal parts relaxed and refined. The Le Mar tableware features looks that celebrates oceanic beauty with tableware adorned in playful sea creatures—lobsters, crabs, and fish. Pair with our Buon Appetito range with it's seashell-patterned bowls and mermaid motifs.
Layer on breezy blue and white stripe table cloth with matching napkins and woven placemats to create a laid back yet stylish summer vibe.
The Outdoor Table Setting
If your Christmas style is a little less roast turkey and a little more prawns and pavlova, you're probably also looking forward to a Christmas outdoor table fit for the sunshine. Embrace the relaxed elegance of summer entertaining with durable, break-resistant pieces like Positano Drinkware and Bamboo Servingware—perfect for alfresco dining and easy to transport from kitchen to garden.
Keep your festive spread fresh and protected with decorative food covers, ideal for outdoor serving and keeping pesky insects at bay. Layer your table with lightweight linens, woven placemats, and pops of colour through tropical fruits and vibrant serveware. Whether you're hosting a backyard brunch or a beachside feast, this setup combines functionality with flair—making it a go-to choice for Australian summer Christmas celebrations.
Adairs
Aparri Outdoor Plain White & Natural Food Cover
$59.99
20% off for Linen Lovers
Linen Lovers $47.99
Set your Christmas table
How do you choose the right Christmas tablecloth?
When choosing the right Christmas tablecloth, there are a few things to consider. First, factor in the size of your table, ensuring a drop of 6 to 8 inches on all sides. Next, decide on a fabric that aligns with the occasion—fine linens for a sophisticated look or perhaps a festive cotton print for something more casual. Always consider the color palette of your other table settings, aiming for a harmonious look. Lastly, maintenance is key; opt for a tablecloth that's easy to clean and can handle accidental spills during the festive feast.
How do you choose a Christmas table centerpiece?
Choosing the perfect Christmas table centerpiece begins with your decoration theme, be it traditional reds and golds, rustic woods and greenery, or elegant silvers and crystals. Always consider the size of your table; larger tables can accommodate grander pieces while smaller ones benefit from simpler arrangements. The height is essential—opt for pieces that won't obstruct views across the table. Infuse some magic with candles or fairy lights, but always prioritize safety. Natural elements like pine branches or holly can bring a festive touch. Don't forget to add a personal flair, perhaps through DIY elements or personalized tags.
How do you set your Christmas table?
When it comes to setting a Christmas table, start with a clean, ironed tablecloth in a festive or neutral shade, paired with evenly aligned placemats. The foundation of your place setting is the charger, upon which the dinner plate sits. The arrangement of flatware is crucial: forks on the left, while knives (blade inwards) and spoons sit to the right. If dessert is on the menu, its fork and spoon go above the plate. Glasses find their home above the knives, with the water glass taking precedence and any wine or additional glasses placed to its right.
How to fold napkins for your Christmas table?
Adding a touch of elegance to your Christmas table is easy with beautifully folded napkins. Start with a neatly pressed square napkin, laying it flat on a clean surface. For a simple yet festive option, fold the napkin in half to form a rectangle, then fold it again into a smaller square. To create a Christmas tree fold, position the napkin so that the open corner is facing you, then fold each layer upwards, tucking each corner under the previous fold. Alternatively, a classic pocket fold allows you to slip in a piece of festive greenery or a handwritten name tag for that extra personal touch.
No time for folding? Napkin rings will keep your table looking neat while adding adding some extra colour and fun!
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