Decorating Tables For Christmas Parties

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25 Elegant Christmas Table Setting Ideas

You won't believe what a difference a fir branch and holiday ribbon can make.

Dishware, Tableware, Porcelain, Room, Flower, Table, Plate, Design, Plant, Dining room,

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Maybe this year more than others, we can really appreciate being able to gather around the table to celebrate our friends and family this Christmas. The table settings you pull out year after year becomes the backdrop for memories, so regardless of what you choose to set out, it is worth putting in some thought. We like to pair new traditions in with the old like cheeky name cards, nostalgia-inducing ornaments, and crisp red and white table linens. It can also be fun to pull elements from different cultures, like Scandinavian paper flowers and cozy candles or Mexican otomi embroidery, and mix them in with your existing décor. We've put together 25 ideas for uniquely elegant Christmas table settings for an unforgettable holiday dinner.

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Festive Napkins

A little origami napkin-work can add an instant dose of holiday cheer (even if you left decorating the table until the last minute.)

SHOP NOW Pottery Barn Classic Napkin, $40 for a set of four

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Moss Runner

Bring a little bit of nature to the bare winter months with a colorful moss table runner.

SHOP NOW Moss Table Runner, $16.99

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Christmas Crackers

Originally a British tradition, crackers are a fun way to kick off the dinner party and make for a lively table setting.

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Colored Glasses

These pastel-hued glasses offer a softer take on holiday decorating, we particularly love the the blue wine glasses for a Hanukkah dinner or a blue and silver-inspired Christmas table.

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Hand-Embroidered Holiday Napkins

Delicately embroidered napkins are true modern heirlooms.

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Festive Napkin Rings

Choosing a festive napkin ring is another way to dress up your table. Opt for a gold patterned design, like the napkin ring seen here, to add to the holiday color scheme.

SHOP NOW Joanna Buchanan Star Napkin Rings, $70 for 2

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Light-Up Ski Chalet Ornaments

These clever Swiss ski chalets are ornaments, but we think they would make for a lovely centerpiece with dried florals and beeswax candles.

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Citrus Garland

Eucalyptus and citrus are unexpected but oh so cheerful addition to the Christmas table. Bonus: The room will smell amazing.

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Berry & Thread Stackable Glass Trees, Set of 5

Stackable glass trees create a gorgeous glittering forest on your table. Plus, the heights can be adjusted to avoid having to peer around tall centerpieces.

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Red and Gold

Red and green isn't the only Christmas color pairing—don't underestimate the elegant couple that is red and gold.

SHOP NOW Brushed Stainless Steel Flatware in Gold, starting from $60

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Belle Noel Table Runner

A poinsettia runner layered over a crisp white tablecloth is a traditional look that never fails, especially with this elevated design.

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Superlatives Place Cards

Create new connections around the table with Dear Annabelle's superlative place cards, which can double as a conversation ice-breaker.

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12 Days of Christmas Cocktail Napkins

Don't underestimate the power of a great holiday cocktail. It has all the promise of a dinner party but is much more relaxed and fun. Still pay attention to the details, like these 12 day of Christmas napkins that help guests keep track of whose drink is whose and look good doing it.

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Personal Gift

Whether it's Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day brunch, no guest will turn down a present upon their welcome.

SHOP NOW Party Favor Boxes, $6.41 for a set of three

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Spongeware Dinner Plate

Mix unexpected textures, like Tory Burch's spongeware into Christmas decor to keep things fresh.

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Polish Your Good Silver

There's never been a better time to bring out any and all silver. Make sure you polish your pieces ahead of time, and then put them to good use at Christmas dinner.

SHOP NOW Wright's Silver Polishing Cream, $7.30

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Country Estate Winter Frolic

Indulge in your cottagecore fantasy with classic red and white plates that recall the snowy holidays of yesteryear.

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Natural Touches

Adding natural elements like branches and pine cones alongside shiny white ornaments brings an elegant winter forest touch to Christmas dinner.

SHOP NOW Mini Pine Cones, $9.99 for 100

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Hand-embroidered Mexican Ornaments

The Mexican embroidery technique of Otomi is a vibrant way to celebrate Christmas. Etsy is a great resource for Otomi tree skirts, stockings, and other decor, but we like the idea of adding a few colorful stars to a whimsical winter table.

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2021 Christmas Candle Holders

Don't forget loads of candles to add the perfect glow to your winter soiree.

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Winter Fruit

Next to guests' name tags, add an elegant winter fruit, like a miniature pear, for a touch that balances rustic and formal.

SHOP NOW Harry & David Deluxe Fresh Fruit Basket, $99.99

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Linen Tablecloth - White

Don't forget the basis of all great tables: a classic white linen tablecloth. We like Cultiver's version which looks amazing crisp or rumpled and is made from 100 percent European flax.

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Table Tree

A beautiful Scandinavian accessory, these table trees reference Danish paper flowers, which are used to decorate in the winter.

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Ribbon

A simple, elegant solution: Tie up each napkin with a sprig of fir and a holiday ribbon.

SHOP NOW Candy Cane Ribbon, $12.60

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Red Everywhere

Berry topiaries and miniature red candles set the holiday mood.

SHOP NOW Red Votive Candles, $10.29 for a set of twelve

Olivia Hosken Style and Interiors Writer Olivia Hosken is the Style & Interiors writer for Town & Country, covering all things design, architecture, fashion, and jewelry.

Lauren Hubbard Writer Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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