How to Set a Table for a Cozy Winter Dinner Party

Learn how to set a cozy and beautiful table for a winter dinner party in just a few easy steps.

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This post was originally published on December 15, 2022. Last updated on January 9, 2025

How to Set a Table for a Cozy Winter Dinner Party

Winter weather is here, and it is the perfect time to stay warm and cozy indoors while enjoying the company of family and friends.

If you are looking for inspiration, I am sharing my favorite tips for setting a beautiful table for a winter dinner party.

This setup is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a festive New Year’s Eve celebration or a relaxed winter gathering with friends

Entertaining does not have to be difficult or expensive.

In fact, I created this table without spending a single penny.

Let me show you how easy it is to style your own elegant winter table setting on a budget.

Table of Contents

• How to Set a Table for a Cozy Winter Dinner Party
  • Step 1: Shop Your Home for Table Decor
  • Step 2: Create a Layered Place Setting
  • Step 3: Winter Dinner Party Table Ideas: Simple Centerpiece Styling
  • Step 4. Winter Table Ideas: Finishing Touches for a Cozy Setting
• More Winter Dinner Party Table Setting Ideas from Midwest Life and Style
• Shop The Post
• Wrapping Up: Setting a Cozy Winter Dinner Party Table
• More Winter Dinner Party Ideas and Inspiration
• Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!

Step 1: Shop Your Home for Table Decor

First things first, my top tip for styling a winter dinner party table is to shop your home before you head out to buy anything.

Chances are, you already have everything you need.

To create this wintry look in our dining room, I reused a lot of the same decor from my gingerbread Christmas tablescape.

I just stripped away some of the red and more Christmas-y pieces and kept the dishware and many of the centerpiece elements, like the realistic garland and my favorite collection of vintage brass candlestick holders.

Not only does reusing decor save time, but it also helps you save money.

Repurposing items you already have is a fun way to challenge yourself to style old settings in fresh, new ways.

With a neutral, non-holiday-specific theme, this table is a great way to transition your home from Christmas to winter.

Step 2: Create a Layered Place Setting

After you have shopped your house and gathered all your home decor and dishware, it’s time to choose your place setting.

One thing you will notice about my tablescapes is that they always include layers.

Using a mix of materials like these woven chargers and some basic white stoneware dishes is the perfect way to create a cozy layered look, making it one of my favorite winter table setting ideas.

I love to use white plates because, no matter the season or the celebration, they go with everything.

For a neutral place setting like this, they also add another wintry touch, making them a perfect addition to your winter table decor.

Some simple gold flatware adds a hint of elegance to the table setting.

And, it wouldn’t be a winter dinner party without some wine glasses placed on the table!

You can place the glasses at each settting, or allow the guests can serve themselves by creating a mini wine bar on a nearby bar cart or buffett.

You can also add some DIY wine charms to the stem of each glass and give them to guests as party favors at the end of the dinner.

They are a fun and practical addition to your other winter table decor ideas that your guests will love.

Step 3: Winter Dinner Party Table Ideas: Simple Centerpiece Styling

My third tip for setting a beautiful tablescape with budget-friendly winter table decorations is to create a simple centerpiece.

Try a basket of greenery with pinecones or a pair of hurricane candle holders filled with greenery and Epsom salt.

You can also fill a vintage urn or old soup tureen with a DIY floral arrangement made with either real or faux paperwhites.

Need even more ideas?

Start by laying down a winter table runner.

You can use anything from linen to cotton, or even a knit scarf or throw blanket.

Then, use faux garland and twinkle lights draped down the center of the runner to create simple winter table decorations.

This is an easy way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere without much effort.

Pinecones, twigs, and neutral-colored florals also make great table decorations for winter, adding a natural touch to your setting.

I love using mercury glass decor throughout the winter, so I grouped a few trees from my collection to add height to the centerpiece, making it a perfect addition to my winter dinner party table.

And to finish, I added a bit of soft ambiance with candles.

You can never go wrong with candles, so if you’re only able to implement one of these centerpiece ideas into your winter dinner party table decorations, candles are definitely the way to go.

They bring warmth and a cozy glow to your party, helping to set the mood for a memorable evening.

To make the centerpiece more unique, mix and match candle holders like thrifted glass bottles, mercury glass votives, and vintage brass candlesticks.

It’s an easy way to add extra character and charm to your winter dinner party table.

Step 4. Winter Table Ideas: Finishing Touches for a Cozy Setting

To wrap things up, the last tip for setting a cozy dinner party table is to add a few more winter details.

To tie your winter table settings together, add pinecones with a sprig of greenery at each setting.

They complement the pinecones in the centerpiece and add a simple finishing touch.

Other winter table decorating ideas include snowflakes made from coffee filters or paper bags, DIY winter napkin rings, or handmade ornaments placed at each plate.

If you looking for even more winter tablescape styling ideas here are a few of my other favorites:

More Winter Dinner Party Table Setting Ideas from Midwest Life and Style

• New Year’s Eve Grazing Table
• Simple and Cozy Winter Tablescape

Shop The Post

Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!

Wrapping Up: Setting a Cozy Winter Dinner Party Table

As always, thank you for stopping by.

I hope these tips help give you a few ideas for how to set up a cozy and inviting table of your own for a dinner party this winter.

If you’re looking for food ideas, don’t miss our  winter dinner party menu.

It features six simple and delicious recipes your guests will love, like my bacon onion and cheese tart.

From drinks to desserts, we have the menu planning covered.

Just cook, serve, and enjoy!

Xo,

More Winter Dinner Party Ideas and Inspiration

Stacy at Bricks n’ Blooms | Michele at Vintage Home Designs | Jen at Midwest Life and Style

Anne & AnnMarie At Simply 2 Moms | Heidi at Eleanor Rose Home | Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse

Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!