How to Make a Simple Christmas Table Set

Here’s the step-by-step way to make a beautiful Christmas Table Set that’s easy and doesn’t break the budget!

As I was making my Scandinavian Inspired Tray for a Blogger DIY Challenge, I wanted to style it on a beautiful table set for Christmas entertaining. This is the step-by-step of how I put it together to create a simple Christmas table set that any can make!

Sometimes, we just need a little 1-2-3 to get us through the holidays. There’s so much to do and the thought of decorating the table for a holiday dinner can easily be overlooked with everything else on the to-do list.

What I’m sharing today can be done in an afternoon and will impress even the fussiest person on your guest list!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

christmas table set first layer – table runner

The table runners used for this arrangement are a little different in that 4 were used. Of course, typically a runner goes the length of the table. Here, I decided to run them across the width of the table from one seat to another. This way, they’re also placemats!

I made these. Don’t let that scare you into running straight over to Homegoods to buy one. These are SO easy. Here’s all you do for each runner:

• Length = Width of Table + 24″
• Width = 20″
• Press both short ends over 1/2″ and sew pom-pom trim on top of the fold.
• Stitch a straight seam along the length of the fabric leaving 1″ seam allowance.
• Pull off all threads perpendicular to the seam for the entire seam allowance.

That’s it!

There is a little trick to pulling the threads out to make the fringe. Snip perpendicular to your seam (without cutting it) every 12" or so. This will make pulling the threads off much easier.

Here are comparable supplies very similar to what I used from my stash:

• Fabric for Table Runners
• PomPom Trim for Table Runners

If you really can’t bear to sew even these super easy runners (really, no judgment. we all have super busy lives), then here are some that you might like to get a similar look:

You may notice that I included a table cloth there as well. That would work too!

the centerpiece base for our table set

If you don’t want to paint the board as I show in my post, you do have options.

First, you can just create the centerpiece right on the table. There’s no rule that says you can’t after all!

Or, you can buy a tray or a few to assemble. You’ll just need to alter the assembly of the centerpiece, yet you’ll still be able to follow the general flow of how it was done here without too much trouble.

I’ve picked some out for you!

Actually, those are GREAT substitutes. Of course, not as cute as the Scandi-inspired tray (let’s not hurt my feelings) but still super cute!

Now let’s dress up the centerpiece!

Creating the focal point of the table set

There truly are no tips and tricks for this as it’s as easy as 1-2-3, okay and 4-5-6-… you get the idea. It isn’t hard. Just lots of layers.

Creating the Illusion of a Raised Tray

To start, turn over Votive Candle Holders to raise up your tray if it isn’t already on risers or feet. Place your tray and then follow the photo tutorial:

Do you see our 8 kids on the gallery wall? Yes, eight!! I have three girls and Dan has 5 boys. You might know two of my girls from their blogs, BySophieLee and TheGuideInc. Proud mama. Stella is still finishing high school so her life is full without blogging!

Layering Faux greenery

I’ve used two sizes of artificial flocked lambs ear sprays. The first is placed under the tray.

The second Artificial Flocked Lambs Ear Spray Lamb Ear Stems Foliage Picks, smaller and less expensive so there’s more of it, is crisscrossed on top of the board.

To this, I added little micro-lights (or Fairy Lights as I like to call them). Just weave them loosely around the branches.

Next up is some SPARKLE! I used the same glitter sprigs for this display as I did to make my Farmhouse Wreath!

Simple Christmas Table Set Pinecones

Okay, are you ready for another arts & crafts project (don’t sigh so loud, I heard you!). This one is another SUPER easy one. You just need to spray some pinecones with gold paint and then add glitter using spray adhesive.

Now come on, there’s NO skill to that.

Alright, you’re still grumbling. How about using one of these options if you don’t have time to make your own glitter pinecones:

Christmas Tables need a little brilliance

It’s already so pretty, but don’t stop. Just a few more things.

First, we need just a bit of color. You can choose a color to match your napkins as I did with the red. These aren’t large balls, just simple red, and sparkly red.

And now, my favorite part … the taper candles. I used tapers for the first time in years when I decorated my fall table. They were so pretty, that I used them again. This time, however, I was lucky enough to find little glass holders for them at Walmart of all places. (Walmart is a sneaky gem, btw.)

Tip: To get your taper candles to stand up straight, drip hot wax from an old candle on the bottom of each new candle before putting into the glass holder!

Now is a great time for a glass of wine, I’d say. Just so you can sit and admire how pretty the centerpiece looks!

Here’s everything you can use to get a similar look (I used some things I already had but found close substitutes for you):

Now the christmas table set PLACE SETTINGS

I love having people come over to see a beautifully set table. Now I do realize that the plates have to be cleared before serving their food, but it just looks so impressive as they walk in the house.

The way this table is set could not be easier. The key is, once again, to have a few great staples in your stock and then add just a little seasonal flair.

For the staples, I stand by my white plates, simple wine glasses, and tumblers from Target; and my tableware from Oneida (I’ve had this for 25 years and still love it).

Then all that’s needed is a little bit of texture and color.

For the texture, I used jute chargers from Target. I love them as they work all year round with almost any style. On top, I used the prettiest sprigs from Michaels, plaid cloth napkins I found at Homegoods (please don’t use paper for a nice holiday meal, except for the little guys), and my ultimate favorite ribbon ever tied in a simple, yet elegant bow.

Let’s go through it in pictures (btw, I LOVE how these pictures came out)!

simple christmas table set gallery

This is a little bit of a happy moment for me as I’m really working hard to improve my photography for the blog. It makes a HUGE difference, don’t you think!

So here are some more photos that I just think are super pretty for you to see the final Christmas table set in its final stage.

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Can you see the battery pack for the Fairy Lights hiding under the tray?
Sneaky, right! Nobody else will ever see it there!

If you love this as much as I do, here’s what you can do:

1. Comment below (I promise I’ll respond) and let me know what you like and how you think you can use this setting for your own holiday celebrations.
2. Share this post with all your friends and family!
3. PIN it! I made a graphic for you to use (yay, life is so easy sometimes).

If you enjoyed this post, here are some others that might be of your liking too!

• How to Create a Fall Table Decor to Impress!
• Christmas Decorating Planner That Won’t Make You Crazy
• 10 Super Simple to Make Christmas Giftables
• How to Use Scandinavian Decor as Holiday Table Inspiration