Surely the planning for Christmas Eve is in full swing and the menu is decided, the guests are invited and the gifts are wrapped. It only remains to plan the table decorations for Christmas, including the choice of colors, dishes, cutlery and tablecloths. Are there any rules there about how to set the table properly? And maybe you still need some inspiration for the overall design? We are, as always, here for you and explain how best to set the table for Christmas!
Table of contents
A few golden rules for the table setting
If you follow a few simple rules, the festive table is planned relatively quickly and easily. After all, these rules will tell you how to set the table properly, and thus also limit the large number of possibilities.
Opt for symmetry
To avoid chaos, symmetry is a good guide when you set the table for Christmas. This creates a calm atmosphere that is not only relaxing to the eye, but also ensures that you can fully concentrate on the delicious food and company. In the following graphic you can see how best to decorate the Christmas tables depending on the shape of the table.
- The rectangular table is decorated in the center and lengthwise, or it is decorated with emphasis on both ends, leaving the center of the table free for the food.
- If the table is round, the center is decorated with a decoration that is also round (for example, the Advent wreath), and the plates are distributed around it. If the dining table is square, the same principle is recommended, but preferably with a main decoration, also square, in the center.
- The oval dining table visually benefits from a so-called pyramid structure. In the center is the main element, while other decorations run from there lengthwise to the outside, becoming narrower. Or do as in the first variant for the rectangular table: decorations arranged lengthwise narrow and centered. That way, everyone has equal space in front of them.
Also, don’t place too many guests at one table. As a rule, everyone should have about 70 to 80 cm of space for themselves to sit and eat comfortably. So before you squeeze 10 people at a 6-person dining table, better combine it with a second one or set a Christmas table for the kids separately, for example.
The colors for the place setting and table decoration at Christmas
Which colors you finally choose is up to you. However, what you should definitely adhere to is that there should be no more than two. In this way, the festive table will have a noble, inviting look instead of looking restless. However, you may vary a bit by including similar shades of one of the two chosen colors (in the example, copper and blue in two shades). If the dining table is located in the living room, where the Christmas tree is also placed, you can certainly choose the same color combination of the tree decorations to create a harmonious interplay. However, it is not obligatory.
Setting the table for Christmas – cutlery and tableware
On this special holiday, of course, you like to make the effort to prepare a multi-course meal. So it also requires different cutlery and crockery: bowls for the soup, large plates for the main course, small plates for the salad and dessert forks, spoons and Co. How do you arrange it all just right? Whether you are setting the table for Christmas or any other such occasion, the arrangement is always in the same order as the courses are served.
This means:
- On the very outside is the cutlery for the first course (salad fork, for example).
- If a soup is served first, the spoon is to the right of the plate, on the far outside.
- Set the dessert cutlery: Dessert fork and/or dessert spoon are above the plate, parallel to the edge of the table.
- Use the right knives for steak, fish and co. and arrange them in the right order as well.
- The largest plate for the main course is at the bottom. On top of it, place a small plate for salad, for example, and on top of that again a bowl for soups.
- Arrange glasses in a triangular group above the knives: a water glass is on the far right to be easily accessible, along with a red wine glass and a white wine glass, and possibly a champagne glass and dessert wine glass and a coffee cup.
If you want to keep it casual, you can also simply place three-piece flatware on top of the plate on the napkin or tie it to it. Cutlery bags are also a great idea.
How to set the table for Christmas step by step
In this order you should set the table for Christmas: First, lay the tablecloth neatly over the table (if you use one and, if necessary, ironed beforehand). Then on top of that comes a table runner or other smaller decorative tablecloth, if desired, as well as place mats. Then cover the dishes and finish with napkins as well as centerpieces for the table. A few ideas on how to fold napkins for Christmas can be found here.
Also, don’t go overboard with the Christmas table decorations or you risk creating a chaotic atmosphere again. You could take for the table center, for example, the Advent wreath or but a large bowl Christmas decorate. You can also distribute one or two Christmas tree balls or a few snowflakes. Also, keep in mind that there should be enough space left for the food at the end.
If you want, also decorate the chairs with matching slipcovers or seat cushions and decorations for the back of the chair.
Set the table festively at Christmas – Beautiful ideas for round and square tables.
In the following, we have now compiled some stylish and successful table decorations for you. Following you could set your table for Christmas and amaze everyone present:
Rustic wooden table with mint greenery and fir garland for odd 5 people.
Christmas table decorations for 6 people with poinsettia and wooden train set
Christmas table decorations and table setting for 10 people in copper and green
Simple table setting for 6 people with evergreen branches as decoration
Christmas table decoration in the center of a round table
Without round Christmas tablecloth with snowflakes place mat
Christmas tablecloth can also be replaced with table runners and place mats – idea for 4 people
