A Christmas table that really looks the part can add to the vibe and atmosphere for Christmas, without actually having to go to that much for effort at all. With a few basic rules of thumb, and some modern Christmas place setting ideas, you can transform a drab table into a creative work of art in no time. Here’s how.
Like many other occasions across the year, the dining table is one of the places that encourages camaraderie of the event. And we know that in many homes, for Christmas, this is certainly the truth.
A place of cheer, spirit and togetherness; although whilst hosting a tonne of food, the Christmas table is the ideal place to make guests feel welcome. So, grab the reindeer by the horns (although, not sure how happy Santa would be about that) and embrace the opportunity to style your table this year with some cracking modern Christmas place settings. Why? Because it’s Christmas!
Following is some of our Christmas Cart decorating connoisseurs’ tips and tricks for styling your table full of fabulous modern Christmas place settings.
#1 Keep it Décor-Dreamy
An important first step for creating great modern Christmas place settings, or place settings for any occasion really, is to consider the other décor you already have in place. You want to keep it all matchy matchy, not clashy clashy. The décor on your modern Christmas place settings should at least mimic some of what you have around your home already.
#2 Create Your Canvas
Like any good artist, you need to start with the right canvas. Choose a base for your Christmas table that works with the Christmas theme you are creating.
For example, a Coastal Christmas theme might work wonderfully set atop a table covered with a white tablecloth, a hessian runner, or on a bare timber table. Traditional Christmas place settings might require a velvet or satin table underlay. Whatever the theme, be sure to consider your canvas first.
#3 Create Modern Christmas Place Settings with a Showstopping Focal Piece
This is where the fun really begins! Modern Christmas place settings are never complete without their hero of the table – the centrepiece. But before you get too carried away, consider some styling factors first:
- How long is your table?
- How many guests do you need to seat at, or feed at, the table?
- Do you need to leave more room than usual for larger items like serving platters, serving spoons, etc.?
Use the above as consideration for the type of centrepiece you should create and what will work best for your modern Christmas place settings. You might need to work with something low and lengthy, like the homely centrepiece in our Farm Fresh Christmas Collection, or perhaps a more elegant centrepiece featured in our Harlequin Christmas Collection.
* Tip: see how to ‘make and create our Harlequin Christmas Holiday table centrepiece’
Although the centrepiece should be the focal piece at the centre of your modern Christmas place settings, you don’t want it to impede on vital space (or views across the table).
If in doubt, we recommend opting for a less-is-more approach. Consider the practical element as well as the physical and visual impact your centrepiece will have on guests around the table. Remember, the idea is to encourage conversation and fun, not to impede it.
#4 Create Individual Appeal
When you have the centre of your table looking fit, you can concentrate on the individual modern Christmas place settings. How do you want to welcome each of your guests to the table?
Along with the plates and cutlery, consider some additional elements that will help to make your table look and feel uber-special. If you want to allocate places, use some personalisation. Otherwise, just leave names off the table for your guests to choose their own seat.
Some ideas you might like to consider to achieve impressive modern Christmas place settings include:
- A personalised blackboard or name card with each of your guests’ names at each of their place settings
- A personalised Christmas bauble atop on a plate at their setting
- Personalised wooden etched name tags attached to the linen or on bonbonniere at each place setting
For more of an impressive vibe, use a simple charger plate at each setting, under the main plates for layering and visual appeal. Then add a Christmas bon bon on the top to encourage conversation and fun. Additionally, other subtle embellishments, such as tree decorations, florals, picks and sprays, can help to introduce more depth and colour if needed.
It certainly is that simple to create stunning modern Christmas place settings! For plenty of modern Christmas place setting inspiration and ideas, please take a look at our Inspiration Gallery. We have a tonne of decorating articles, videos and tips available in our online blog too. Source all the elements and tools for creating amazing modern Christmas place settings in our online store at The Christmas Cart.