Iāve hosted exactly zero (indoor) dinner parties in nearly two years, which is probably why Iām irrationally excited about Christmas table decorations. And while Iām not necessarily planning to go way over the top with decor, I am leaning into the idea that more is more. My 2021 holiday table will have more color, more patterns, more greenery, more warmth, and more joyāwhich can all be accomplished without anything too formal or trendy. In fact, itās really just a matter of layering modern takes on classic holiday decor like cozy plaid, evergreen accents (real or fake), and lots of taper candles.
The beauty of this approach to holiday table styling is that nearly every item here can be used on its own throughout winter, but when you put them all together (and light an excessive amount of candles, of course), it feels fun and festive. Here are seven ideas and 21 products to use for your Christmas table decorations in 2021.Ā
Fresh Evergreen
Fresh evergreen instantly turns any table into a holiday table, whether you put a few fir sprigs in bud vases or use a fluffy cedar garland as a runner. A trip to your local hardware store or neighborhood tree lot is probably the most cost-effective way to acquire it, but thereās always the chance it will sell out or just look really sad by the time you get it home. If youād rather be guaranteed gorgeous greenery in time for your big dinner, order online instead.
Artificial Garland
As much as I love decorating for the holidays with freshly cut greens, I hate constantly sweeping up the needles. Plus, no matter how fresh a clipping is, itās technically already half dead. Enter the fake garland: Itās reliably gorgeous, requires no spritzing, and never drops a needle. It also makes a beautiful ānaturalā runner for a holiday table. Unfortunately, finding a realistic-looking artificial garland isnāt as easy as product descriptions would lead you to believe. But I have both of these beauties and can attest to their realistic composition (just donāt look too closely at the one from Target).
Classic Taper Candles in Sturdy Holders
Candles are the easiest way to create a festive, intimate ambiance for two people or 20. And theyāre like guests in the Before Times: the more the merrier. I like taper candles for a crowded holiday table because of their small footprint, just be sure to use sturdy holders that wonāt tip over if they get bumped when youāre passing the gravy.
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Coordinating Cookware
Thereās a time and a place for cool vintage Pyrex and Corningware, but if youāre going for a cohesive look for your holiday table, consider an upgrade to something more neutral. White or off-white oven-to-table cookware works with just about any holiday decor and can be used year-round. (Plus, it always looks good on Instagram.)
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Vintage-Inspired Glass Ornaments
If your table still needs a little something, bring in a mix of vintage-inspired mercury glass ornaments. Theyāre shiny without being too glitzy, and white and mixed-metal shades work with all kinds of decor. You can snake an ornament garland along the length of your table (with or without a runner or greenery) or attach a gift tag to individual ornaments and use them as place cards.
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A Neutral Tablecloth
Iām not usually a tablecloth person. My style tends to be more eclectic than formal, and a tablecloth feels like a formality (plus, itās just another thing to wash). But my tabletop is in pretty rough shape after two years at home with two small kids, so this year Iām creating a neutral base with solid linen. Itās an easy way to cover scuffs and Sharpie marks and the relaxed texture means my setup will still feel cozy and casual.
A Plaid Table Runner
Even (or especially) if you skip the tablecloth, a runner is a great way to add color and texture to your holiday table. Itās also an extra layer of protection from hot serving dishes and dripping candles. Iām all about green plaid for Christmas this year, but even black-and-white buffalo check can feel festive when you pair it with fresh evergreen, cozy candles, and shiny ornaments.
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