Dreaming of a cozy holiday gathering right at home? Learn how to style a rustic Christmas tablescape that will impress your guests and set the tone for your festive celebration.
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A Cozy And Rustic Christmas Dinner Party
The holiday season is here, and I’m excited to join my supper club friends to share ideas for hosting a cozy and rustic Christmas dinner party.
If this is your first time joining one of our virtual supper club parties, or your first time visiting here at MWLS, welcome!
Each month, my friends Rachel, Stacy, Ann, AnnMarie, Michele and I share table styling ideas, hosting tips, recipes, and a complete menu – all centered around a theme!
We also invite a guest blogger to join us, because, after all, more friends always make a party better, right? This month we are thrilled to welcome Kristin from from White Arrows Home.
A lover of rustic decor and cozy gatherings, Kristin lives in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She loves styling her log cabin for the seasons and entertaining family and friends.
If you like to entertain, I would love to have you subscribe and join the MWLS family!
As a subscriber, you’ll receive a copy of my FREE holiday e-book, “The Holiday Host: A Guide To Easy Entertaining At Home.” You’ll also receive weekly emails with updates on all the latest happenings here on the blog, including the newest tablescapes, recipes, seasonal DIYs, and more!
And, If you’ve missed out on any of our past supper club parties, don’t worry! You can catch up on all the inspiration here for the best hosting tips, table styling ideas, and recipes.
How To Style A Rustic Christmas Tablescape In 5 Simple Steps
When I picture a cozy and rustic Christmas gathering, I instantly think back to the wonderful Christmases I spent at my grandparent’s farm in Iowa as a young girl.
The delicious smells of different soups bubbling on the stove and the cozy warmth of the wood-burning stove in the basement are still fresh in my mind.
Their farmhouse was nestled among wooded, rolling hills, which served as the inspiration for the creation of my holiday tablescape.
I hope this table is a testament to the warmth, charm, and love that the holidays bring.
If you’re dreaming of a cozy holiday gathering at home, here are 5 easy-to-follow tips to help style a rustic and inviting Christmas tablescape this holiday season.
Step 1: Set the Stage for A Warm And Inviting Gathering With Linens
Create a foundation for your cozy holiday table by selecting a neutral-colored tablecloth or runner in materials like burlap, linen, or cotton.
To style my rustic Christmas tablescape, I placed a simple linen tablecloth over our dining room table.
While I chose to forgo a table runner, you can easily add a festive touch by incorporating a fabric like a classic plaid, a cozy faux fur, or even a traditional ticking stripe in holiday colors.
Step 2: Embrace The Christmas Season With The Addition Of Greenery
Nothing says Christmas like garland! Bring the outdoors in with a generous helping of holiday greenery for your rustic tablescape.
I draped a pine garland down the center of my table to create a beautiful focal point.
You can use a real garland or a high-quality artificial one like my favorite faux Christmas garland from Afloral.
To add depth and texture, I tucked flocked pinecones and twigs into my garland, along with some brown and silver tartan plaid Christmas ornaments to create a cozy and rustic feeling.
And, to continue the greenery theme, I used a honey-brown colored velvet ribbon to hang some DIY Christmas chair wreaths with dried oranges on each of our dining room chairs.
Step 3: Use Layers to Style Your Rustic Christmas Tablescape
When it comes to setting a table, I always follow my golden rule: create layers to add visual interest.
To start setting my Christmas table, I reached for my favorite woven wicker chargers. They’re my go-to for adding a touch of rustic charm to any place setting.
Then, I added our everyday white stoneware dishes to help create a simple yet stylish setting for the holidays. I love how versatile these plates are, and that they can be used for any occasion.
I added a touch of warmth and elegance with this hammered rose-gold silverware. Can you believe it’s actually plastic?
You don’t need to use your finest china or fancy silverware to style a beautiful and rustic Christmas tablescape. Mix and match different pieces, and don’t forget to check around your home for items you can repurpose.
I topped each plate with a green and white plaid napkin, then added a festive Christmas napkin ring. I found these at the store, but you can also make your own beautiful holiday napkin rings following my easy DIY!
Finally, I tucked a slice of dried orange into each napkin ring for a pop of color. You can buy dried oranges at the craft store, or you can dry oranges at home in a food dehydrator or oven.
Step 4: Create A DIY Christmas Centerpiece
A handmade centerpiece is a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday table.
For a rustic Christmas centerpiece, consider using natural materials like I did to create these hurricane candle holders with greenery and dried oranges.
To give my centerpiece a bit of extra height, I used a small pillar candle holder topped with a tree slice and placed the biggest hurricane candle in the center of the tree circle.
Then, I positioned the two smaller hurricane candles on the table in front of the larger one, forming a visually appealing triangular arrangement.
Step 5: Add the finishing touches
After placing your centerpiece and setting your place settings, take a step back and look at your tablescape.
Are there any empty spots that need a little something extra?
Fill them up with additional sprigs of greenery, candles, or other decorative items to create a balanced and cohesive look.
To add a touch of warmth and ambiance, I added some brown mercury glass votive candle holders.
And don’t forget, the most important aspect of creating a memorable tablescape is to infuse it with your personal style.
Feel free to mix and match different elements to reflect your unique taste. Have fun, be creative, and let your imagination guide you!
More Cozy Christmas Tablescapes From Midwest Life and Style
If you love this post, you might also enjoy these holiday tablescapes:
Whimsical Gingerbread Tablescape
Blue and Green Tartan Plaid Tablescape
More Cozy and Rustic Christmas Dinner Party Inspiration
Thanks for stopping by! I hope these tips are helpful and inspire you to style your own rustic Christmas tablescape this holiday season.
As always, don’t forget to see the rest of my friends’ creative tables and hosting tips too. You can see all the posts linked below!
And, if you need recipe ideas for your holiday dinner, don’t miss our cozy Christmas dinner menu. With 6 different recipes from drinks to dessert, there’s something for every course or your celebration.
Happy Holidays and happy hosting!
Cozy Christmas Dinner Party Inspiration
Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse | Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms | Michele at Vintage Home Designs
Jen at Midwest Life and Style | Kristin at White Arrows Home | Anne and AnnMarie at Simply 2 Moms
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
Read this again today and thought how perfect for Thanksgiving too! LOVE IT!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Cindy! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
I adore your table friend! When it comes to nature-inspired rustic elegance, this is what I think of. Seriously beautiful. Hope you are enjoying this magical season. Merry Christmas
AnnMarie says
What a beautiful Christmas table! The dried oranges are fabulous and the wreaths on the backs of your chairs are so pretty. Pinned!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, AnnMarie!
Stacy Ling says
Love this tablescape! So beautiful!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Stacy!
Renae Frey says
Jen, your tablescape is so beautiful! I love all of the details. What a lovely place to celebrate the holidays. Hugs to you.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Renae. Happy holidays and hugs to you too!
Rachel Harper says
Jen,
Your cozy cabin table is stunning. I love the orange and cinnamon sticks. Such a clever ideas. I have those exact placemats. I saw them in a thrift store, didn’t buy them, and then saw them on a table in Southern Lady Magazine and rushed back to the store. LOL. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Rachel. And lucky you that you found some in a thrift store! I paid full-price for mine from a boutique, BUT I use them all the time so I certainly have gotten my use out of them.