Coming up with ideas to decorate the Christmas table for dinner isn’t always easy – do you go traditional or modern? Subtle or maximalist? A single centrepiece, or a decoration for every place setting?
In this guide we’ll take a look at some on-trend 2022 Christmas table ideas to help you set your table with contemporary style, without abandoning tradition.
With most materials available in your local garden centre’s Christmas shop or from your own home and garden, these are some simple and budget-friendly ideas too.
Go bold with one big centrepiece for your table. That could be a miniature Christmas tree fully decorated, a large vase filled with baubles and battery fairy lights, or a Christmas garland for the middle of long tables – you’ll find our guide ‘How to make your own DIY Christmas garland‘ on our blog.
Your centrepiece should be brightly coloured, illuminated with small battery LED lights, held together well, and easy to lift off the table if you need more space for board games after dinner.
2. Place settings
Individual place settings can include smaller versions of the ideas above: a tiny set of battery powered lights piled into a wine glass or some small sprigs of holly, ivy or mistletoe.
Napkin rings and individual cutlery holders add to the aesthetic and are practical too. You could even personalise them and let your guests take them home.
3. All-natural
Natural materials are on-trend and if you have much garden space, it’s likely you have options like evergreens, holly and ivy, plus possibly some winter-flowering plants you can pick to add colour.
You could even consider an authentic yule log centrepiece using a branch or piece of driftwood – just make sure it’s clean, dry and suitable for use on a dining table! Add LED fairy lights to highlight its nooks and crannies for a beautiful all-natural aesthetic.
4. Splash the colour
Contemporary colour schemes are moving away from the traditional green, red and gold (although there’s nothing wrong with that if you prefer a traditional Christmas!).
For a different, modern aesthetic, opt for frosty colours like silver and ice blue, with bold royal blue and rich purple to add stronger colour accents. Pretty frosted-effect tinsel and decorations are also popular right now, alongside the traditional mirror-finish metals.
5. Do it yourself
Whatever you decide to use as your Christmas dinner table decorations, don’t be afraid to do it yourself – even if you just add some indoor fairy lights or other personal touches to a pre-made table centrepiece.
You can go the whole hog with a completely DIY Christmas garland, add some extra bits and bobs to a pre-bought decoration, or just use a shop-bought garland or pre-lit miniature Christmas tree – it’s completely up to you.
The main thing is to have a great time with your friends, family and other visitors, or a merry and bright Christmas if you’re spending it alone, with the very warmest of winter wishes from everyone here at your local garden centre.
Shop the entire Christmas Table range at Bents today.