How to Create A Perfect Christmas Tablescape

Tablescaping is the art of creatively decorating your tabletop. In the past, it was something we saved for special occasions, but it’s now become part of the joy of entertaining — a way to express yourself and make guests feel special.

At Christmas, tablescaping takes on even more meaning. It’s about creating warmth, light and togetherness. From foraged greenery to flickering candles and carefully chosen details, it’s these touches that turn a meal into a celebration.

Here’s how to create a traditional Christmas tablescape that feels both timeless and personal.

Start with a theme. Christmas itself gives you plenty to work with — but decide whether you want traditional red and gold, crisp green and white, or a coastal twist with blue and silver.

We wanted a coastal theme and for it to be full of warmth and light. So we chose lot's of candles which look amazing when all lit! 

Pinterest is a great place to gather ideas. Create a board and pick out elements that inspire you: ribbons, candles, greenery, glassware, or a particular centrepiece. Then make a list of what you’ll need to bring that look to life.

You don’t have to spend a lot to create a beautiful table. Look around your home first — a plain white sheet can make a perfect tablecloth, jam jars become candleholders, and foraged greenery brings life to the table.

Spraying shells with a metallic paint looks amazing and is so easy. You can also spray or paint wooden candle holders, easily bought from on line retailers such as Amazon or buy lots of glass tea light holders. They are really cheap and look great when placed en masse on a table. I've used the ones I've linked to for tabelscaping and the y do look great.

The basics:

• China
• Glasses
• Table linen
• Cutlery

Decoration:

• Candles and candlesticks
• Flowers
• Garlands or branches

Finishing touches:

Baubles, pinecones, ribbons, fruit or shells — anything that ties in with your theme.

These beaded decorations look great just scattered on the table or hang them from taller candlesticks. 

You can also use the hanging loop to place around your napkin. 

Get creative! We want to see what you do! #creamcornwall

Step outside and collect pine, eucalyptus, rosemary, ivy and holly. Arrange them down the centre of your table as a loose garland, or display them in small vases and jugs. Add pinecones, dried oranges or berries for colour and scent.

If you don’t have access to fresh foliage, a faux garland can look just as lovely. Mix in a few real sprigs for a natural finish.

A large bow or swag suspended above the table instantly adds height and a festive feel.There are lot\s of videos on You Tube for a visual how to. Here's how to make a bow, wired ribbon is great for a structured look and normal ribbon, I like velvet, for an unstructured look. 

You’ll need:

• 2–3 metres of wired ribbon (velvet, tartan or linen work beautifully)

• Florist wire or string

• Optional: sprigs of greenery or mistletoe

How to make it:

1. Fold the ribbon into even loops, about five on each side.

2. Pinch the centre tightly and wrap with wire.

3. Fluff out the loops and add long tails.

4. Fix it above the table and tuck in greenery for a natural look.

This simple detail instantly creates atmosphere — especially when paired with candlelight below.

Start with a cloth or runner as your base, then layer your plates, napkins and glassware. Use charger plates or woven placemats to frame each setting.

Fold napkins neatly and tie them with ribbon or twine, slipping in a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick. These small touches bring warmth and scent to the table.

Nothing says Christmas quite like candlelight. Mix tall tapers with shorter votives to add height and depth. Brass, glass or ceramic holders add a gentle glow.

Keep dining candles unscented, but light a softly fragranced candle nearby — pine, spruce, or orange and clove are perfect for the season.

Colour is what ties your tablescape together. Stick to two or three tones — perhaps deep green, ivory and gold, or blue, white and silver for a coastal Christmas feel.

Mix patterns carefully — different designs can look beautiful when connected by colour or texture. The goal is cohesion, not clutter.

We have chosen our classic blue & White chine for this Christmas table with lot of coastal elements such as the sea urchins and gold scallop shells.

These are so easy to create, just get a good gold metallic paint, I really like the tins of Montana gold as the colour and finish look so good!

Scatter a few small decorations through your greenery — baubles, stars or ribbons in your chosen palette. Handwritten name cards or luggage tags tied to napkins make each guest feel special.

For your centrepiece, keep it low so guests can see each other across the table. A cluster of pillar candles, a bowl of baubles or a vase of winter flowers like white roses or amaryllis works perfectly.

When everything’s ready, dim the lights, light the candles and take a moment to admire your work. The best tablescapes aren’t about perfection — they’re about creating warmth, generosity and joy.

This Christmas, let your table tell a story. Forage greenery, make a bow, use what you have, and enjoy the simple beauty of gathering around the table with the people you love.