12 Festive Pieces to Create the Perfect Christmas Table

Pottery Barn Nostalgic Santa 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

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The easiest way to upgrade your tablescape without taking up too much space is by swapping in festive plates. This collection from Pottery Barn is particularly perfect this season when kitschy and vintage are trending. The collection is inspired by vintage holiday prints that recall Christmases past, and they’re perfect for layering in with neutral everyday plates.

If you’re not into the current retro vibe or you need a base to get started, Carson Kressley has a suggestion. “I prefer to ditch an exactly matching set," he shares with The Spruce. "Something like Ballard’s Bunny Williams Campbell House Dinnerware Collection is great, as the patterns are coordinating and in the same color family, so they work together without clashing. It feels ultra-modern and un-stuffy."

Ballard Designs Celebratory Cocktail Napkins - Assorted Set of 6

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Even if you’re not planning a formal sit-down affair, you can still pull together a sweet tablescape for a low-key event. These cocktail napkins are cheerful without being too holiday-specific, which means they can carry you from pre-Christmas all the way to New Year’s Day and beyond.

ComSaf Glass Bud Vases, Set of 6

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If you’re looking to add some greenery but don’t want to go all out with giant arrangements, even the experts agree that that’s sometimes better. ​​Justin Lievano of UrbanStems tells us, “Don’t be afraid to play with non-traditional options. For example, you could break a bouquet up into several bud vases and place the bud vases between your candles, place settings, and decor."

Crate & Barrel Holiday Candy Canes Double Old-Fashioned Glass

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When it's time for the nightcap, consider special glasses just for the occasion. We love the whimsy of these quickly-trending glasses from Crate & Barrel. It’s the perfect way to wish your guests a Merry Christmas to all , and to all a good night!

Riverbend Home Oh What Fun Acacia Round Wood/Slate Board

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Everyone loves a cheese course to start the party, and a cute board like this wooden serving board from Riverbend Home is an ideal way to work some Christmas cheer into an often-overlooked spot.

Pottery Barn Red Ribbon Handmade Recycled Drinkware

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Colorful glassware has become a festive tablescape staple, and these glasses from Pottery Barn is a great option—with a candy cane twist. As a bonus, they’re made from recycled bottles, which means they’re hardy enough for daily use all season long.

Ballard Designs Maisie Table Linens

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There are lots of reasons a tablecloth might be impractical, and Kressley tells us it’s okay to ditch them if you want. Instead, get creative with how you use your table linens.

“A common mistake is sticking to the 'rules' too closely," he shares. "I am a huge fan of getting creative with product uses and utilizing items in ways other than their intended purpose. For example, monogrammed dinner napkins can easily double as placemats. Have fun with it and experiment!”

Pottery Barn Handcrafted Glittery Decorative Trees

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As far as the center of your table goes, Christmas is the perfect time to go all-out with the sparkles. These glittery trees do exactly that. With their varying sizes and silhouettes, they’re great for arranging into an eye-catching vignette, and the golden glitter will look best set against candlelight. 

Ballard Designs Evergreen Napkins, Set of 4

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Regardless of what you use for your placemats, the holidays are most definitely the time to bust out the cloth napkins. These napkins from Ballard Designs are a great option if you’re going for a more casual, classic aesthetic this season.

Pottery Barn Rustic Reindeer Terra Cotta Salad Plates - Set of 4

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By the time dessert rolls around, your tablescape might be in slight disarray, but that doesn’t mean the dessert course should be overlooked. Consider setting up a separate dessert bar, or at the very least, roll out special plates for the cookie hour—these reindeer plates fit the bill nicely. 

Ballard Designs Reindeer & Sleigh Napkin Rings, Set of 4

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Maybe your napkin folding skills aren’t up to snuff, or maybe you just want to add some jewelry to your table display. Whatever the reason, we say go big or go home—and these Reindeer & Sleigh Napkin Rings from Ballard Designs do exactly that.