Christmas Table Decorations: 4 Table Setting Ideas for 2022

Gathering around the Christmas table for lunch is truly a highlight of the holiday season; a ritual eagerly anticipated by many.

The ambience that accompanies this special meal is supported by how you tailor the surrounding space, ideally fostering an inviting atmosphere for all who enter. By thoughtfully curating your Christmas table decorations, you can achieve a design that works cohesively with your home’s aesthetic while showcasing the impressive festive spread.

With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to get inspired! Discover our four favourite Christmas table setting ideas for 2022 below, where you’ll find the perfect style for any budget and taste.

When it comes to elegant Christmas table setting ideas, French provincial reigns supreme.

Originating in France in the 17th century, this style was conceived when countryside villages wished to emulate the luxurious furnishings found in Paris. The result was a more relaxed, affordable, and rustic iteration of their original inspiration.

Provincial design is characterised by its charming sophistication, communicated with gold accents, wood, ornate details, and a muted palette.

The beauty of this style is that it can complement both formal and informal Christmas occasions — from a fancy soirée to a casual garden party in the sunshine.

Achieve the Look

The pastel hues of delphiniums and carnations make a wonderful Christmas table garland for a provincial table setting. Pair these with antique tableware, such as china featuring embossed motifs and vintage candlesticks to add dimension to your decor. Finish the look with the sophisticated shine of a gold cutlery set.

For a bold host seeking to transcend the conventional Christmas table setting, the retro revival approach offers a unique aesthetic that won’t be forgotten. If you’re wondering, ‘What Christmas decorations are trending?’, this is one of the year’s top contenders.

Integrating the vibrant colours, patterns, and textures of maximalist interiors, this style embodies the joyful experience associated with the holiday season.

The key is to include pieces that exude personality, without conforming to the constraints of everything appearing exactly the same.

Achieve the Look

Start with your Christmas table centrepiece to characterise your setting — an acrylic vase filled with assorted florals, such as gerberas, can inspire just the energy you need.

Keep in mind, balance and harmony are essential to avoid chaos, so choose two or three main colours to underpin your palette.

Play with abstract shapes, such as bubble candles and wavy glassware, plus lively patterns of varying sizes on textiles and servingware.

If you’d prefer to be less daring with your decor, simple Christmas table settings can be equally as impactful by tuning in to the beauty of minimalism.

Japandi is one of our favourite interior styles that rely on simplicity, and it works exceptionally well as a Christmas tablescape to inspire comfort and tranquillity.

Muted colours, rustic features, and clean lines define this style, with each aspect being chosen with intention to enhance functionality.

Achieve the Look

Natural elements and the concept of ‘wabi-sabi’ — beauty in imperfection — play a significant role in the ethos of Japandi. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking sustainable Christmas decorations, as you can use pieces of nature found around your property, and existing items that may be slightly chipped or cracked.

We’re fond of placing a magnolia bud branch down the centre of the table, surrounded by linens in neutral tones. Handmade ceramics add character, so try searching for locally-made plates and candle holders.

Further embracing the concept of comfort, cottagecore promotes a culture of slow living while celebrating its rural influences.

The aesthetic features often include natural elements, cosy textures, and antiques to inspire a rustic, lived-in atmosphere.

Cottagecore draws attention to the countryside’s simplicity and informality, making it ideal for a casual Christmas lunch.

Achieve the Look

How can I decorate my Christmas table in cottagecore? As one of the most affordable Christmas decoration ideas, you can easily embellish your space by searching local op-shops or vintage stores for antique servingware. Or, to truly align with cottagecore’s preference for self-sufficiency, you can try crafting your own DIY Christmas table decorations with clay.

A warm, neutral palette should champion your design. Include timber features for a homely effect — wooden chopping boards make beautiful and functional serving trays or placemats.

Add bunches of baby’s breath and juniper shrub stems to bring life to the centre of your tablescape and finish off the organic look.

Whether you lean towards modern Christmas table setting ideas or a more classic approach, these styles offer the perfect starting point to begin designing your space, helping you cultivate your most cherished Christmas to date.

Create an unforgettable Christmas event by pairing these table settings with our favourite Christmas food and drink recipes.