The planning for Christmas Eve is certainly in full swing and the menu has been decided, the guests have been invited and the presents are wrapped. All that remains is to plan the table decorations for Christmas including the choice of colors, crockery, cutlery and tablecloths. Are there any rules about how to set the table correctly? And maybe you need some inspiration for the overall design? As always, we are here for you and will explain the best way to set the table for Christmas!
A few golden rules for table setting
If you follow a few simple rules, the banquet table can be planned relatively quickly and easily. Because these rules tell you how to set the table correctly and thus limit the large number of options.
Choose symmetry
To avoid chaos, symmetry is a good guide when setting the table for Christmas. This creates a quiet atmosphere that not only has a relaxing effect on the eye, but also ensures that you can fully concentrate on the delicious food and the company. In the following graphic you can see how best to decorate the Christmas tables depending on the shape of the table.
- The rectangular table is decorated in the middle and lengthways or accentuated at both ends so that the middle of the table remains free for the meal.
- At around tableThe center is decorated with a round decoration (e.g. the Advent wreath) and the plates are distributed around it. If the dining table is square, the same principle is recommended, but ideally with a square main decoration in the middle.
- The oval dining table benefits visually from a so-called pyramid structure. The main element is in the middle, while other decorations run from there lengthwise outwards and become narrower. Or do it like the first variant for the rectangular table: decorations narrow lengthwise and arranged in the middle. This means everyone has the same amount of space in front of them.
Also, don't seat too many guests at one table. As a rule, everyone should have around 70 to 80 cm of space to sit and eat comfortably. So before you squeeze 10 people around a 6-person dining table, it's better to combine it with a second one or, for example, set a Christmas table separately for the children.
The colors for the place settings and table decorations for Christmas
Which colors you ultimately choose is up to you. However, what you should definitely keep in mind is that there should be no more than two. This gives the banquet table an elegant, inviting look instead of appearing restless. However, you can vary slightly by adding similar shades of one of the two selected colors (in the example, copper and blue in two shades). If the dining table is in the living room where the Christmas tree is, you can choose the same color combination of the tree decorations to create a harmonious combination. However, this is not mandatory.
Setting the table for Christmas – cutlery and dishes
On this special holiday, people are of course happy to make the effortmulti-course menuto prepare. So you also need different cutlery and dishes: bowls for the soup, large plates for the main course, small plates for the salad and dessert forks, spoons, etc. How do you arrange all of this correctly? Whether you are setting the table for Christmas or another such occasion, the arrangement is always in the same order as the courses are served.
That means:
- The cutlery for the first course (e.g. salad fork) is on the outside.
- If soup is served first, the spoon is to the right of the plate, on the far outside.
- Set the dessert cutlery: the dessert fork and/or dessert spoon lie above the plate, parallel to the edge of the table.
- Use the right knives for steak, fish, etc. and arrange them in the right order.
- The largest plate for the main course is at the bottom. Place a small plate on it for salad, for example, and on top of that a bowl for soup.
- Arrange glasses in a triangular group above the knives: a water glass is on the far right so that it is easy to reach, and there are also a red wine glass and a white wine glass as well as possibly a champagne glass and dessert wine glass and a coffee cup.
If you want it to be more casual, you can simply place three pieces of cutlery on the plate on the napkin or tie it to it. AlsoCutlery bags are a great idea.
How do I set the table for Christmas step by step
This is the order in which you should set the table for Christmas: First, place the tablecloth neatly over the table (if you are using one and ironed beforehand if necessary). On top of that you can add a table runner or another smaller decorative tablecloth and, if desired, placemats. Then set the dishes and finish with napkins and table decorations for the center of the table. A few ideas on how to fold napkins for Christmas,can be found here.
Also, don't overdo it with the Christmas table decorations, otherwise you risk creating a chaotic atmosphere again. For example, you could use the Advent wreath for the center of the table or decorate a large bowl for Christmas. You can also give out one or two Christmas tree baubles or a few snowflakes. Also keep in mind that there should still be enough space left for the food at the end.
If you want, you can also decorate the chairs with matching covers or seat cushions and decorations for the back of the chair.
Set the table festively for Christmas – beautiful ideas for round and square tables
Below we have some more stylish andsuccessful table decorationscompiled for you. Here's how you could set your table for Christmas and amaze everyone present:
Rustic wooden table with mint greenery and fir garland for 5 odd people
Christmas table decoration for 6 people with poinsettia and wooden train
Christmas table decoration and setting for 10 people in copper and green
Simple table setting for 6 people with evergreen branches as decoration
Table decorations for Christmas in the middle of a round table
Without round Christmas tablecloth with snowflake placemats
The Christmas tablecloth can also be replaced with table runners and placemats - idea for 4 people
