Christmas is a few days away and I am getting the final touches ready to host my family. The meal is planned and the shopping list is written. All that’s left is to do is to set the table, prepare the food, and enjoy the holiday. But before that, I need to put together the centerpiece and table scape. My personal favorite kind of table scape has always been rooted in simplicity. At my own wedding, I locked horns with the florist, wedding planner, and even my own mother-in-law, because all I wanted were floating candles and bare, yet sparkly branches. I had the vision and they just needed to trust me. Almost ten years later, while my style has evolved, one thing has not changed: simplicity with a splash of shine always wins. I tend to lean this direction often. It’s classic and never feels overdone.
So, how am I decorating my table for Christmas this year? I follow the same principle every December, and the method is beautifully straightforward:
- Pick your base.
This year, I’m sticking with simple and my base will be a real cedar garland that will run along the center of the table. The fresh smell of cedar will bring a touch of the outdoors in and gently ground the space without overpowering it. Since we are just about to enter the winter season, flowers are dying down and I want my table to feel seasonally appropriate and intentional.
- Choose an accent
For my accent layer, I am using two brass metal garlands I picked up a few years ago from Target’s Hearth & Hand Magnolia line. While the store does not have these exact garlands this year, I have linked a few other similar options that would work great from Ballard Designs, West Elm, Pottery Barn, and even Amazon. Lay them across or weave them into the cedar garland for a subtle hint of shine. This will elevate the greenery without competing with it.
- Fill in the gaps
Next comes the candlelight. While I still love the floating candles from my wedding (and will forever believe this look is timeless), this year, I’m using taper candles in mixed-height taper candle holders. I’ll place six along the table and, I’ll even be mixing in a few sculptural Christmas tree candles to make it feel even more festive. While the candles themselves are all the same height (10 inches), my candles holders vary in height to give a little dimension and keep the table visually interesting.
4. Add Finishing Touches
This is where you can stop. Or, if you feel you need more, keep going. I’m keeping my centerpiece simple, but bows, additional candles, ornaments, ribbon, or small personal touches can all work beautifully. As long as it brings you joy, it belongs on the table.
5. Time to set the table.
Once your centerpiece is in place, the rest of the table practically sets itself. I always begin with chargers that echo the tone of the art I’ve created down the middle. This year, I’m choosing a neutral rattan woven placemat. It’s an easy way to keep the natural elements present while adding warmth and subtle texture. They also are structured enough to allow me to skip chargers which gave off a little too formal of a feel.
From there, I layer upward. Simple white plates, stacked from largest to smallest, create a clean foundation. A linen napkin comes next, cinched with a brass napkin ring that ties back to the metal garland running through the centerpiece. Gold flatware frames each setting and adds just the right amount of shine.
If you’re unsure how to set your table properly (or why each piece goes where it does), you can read my breakdown here. For my final touch, I’m tucking a small sprig of cedar into each napkin ring. It is a tiny detail that feels festive without overwhelming the simplicity of the overall look.
6. Sit back and enjoy the table.
When each layer is chosen with intention, the whole room feels calmer, warmer, and ready for celebration. Keep it simple with a little greenery, a little shine, everything else is optional. And honestly? That’s why this method works every single year.
At the end of the day, a holiday table doesn’t need extravagance to feel magical. You also don’t need a dozen steps, a floral degree, or a giant budget. The real beauty comes from creating an inviting space where people want to linger, talk, laugh, and refill their plates. If your table feels like you, then you’ve done it right. When each layer is chosen with care, the whole room feels calmer, warmer, and ready for celebration. Keep it simple with a little greenery, a little shine, and remember that everything else is optional. And honestly? That’s why this method works every single year.
