Interior Designers Say These Holiday Tablescape Ideas Are Trending

The end of the year is near, which means one thing: lots of holiday hosting. Whether you’re planning to DIY a festive tablescape or need to snag specifics like drinkware or candles, even the smallest addition to your space can make it all the more inviting and on-trend.

Previously, I tapped interior design experts about what’s on their holiday decor shopping list. As I’ve started thinking about hosting for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I thought we’d get more granular, and see how these pros are setting up their holiday tablescapes. They responded with the tips and products they’re using to celebrate in style.

Just off the top? Don’t procrastinate on prepping.

“I am a firm believer in setting the table the night before,” says Barbora Samieian, co-founder of Sundays Furniture. “It’s one less thing to do the day-of, and it also gets me excited for the gathering!”

1. Sip on Decorative Glassware

From elegant coupe glasses to festive mugs, there are a number of drinkware products that can set the tone for your tablescape.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

“Nothing makes me happier during the holidays than a festive mug. The gnome and Santa mugs from Pottery Barn are the perfect way to feel festive every day you have a cup of coffee through the whole month of December.” —Ashley Clark, owner and lead designer at sKout Interior Design in Costa Mesa, California

Obakki

“Whenever I’m creating a holiday tablescape, I love to bring in pieces that act as conversation starters and hold a narrative in terms of their origins. At Obakki, our pieces are crafted by global artisans from various regions that complement each other so well. So on my table, you may find gorgeous glassware from our Italian artisans or a handcrafted Mezcal tasting set from Oaxaca, Mexico.” —Treana Peake, humanitarian and founder of Obakki in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Maison Balzac

“Glassware like the Maison Balzac Pomponette champagne coupe add a sprinkle of whimsy and chic elegance for all kinds of bubbly.” —Leah Alexander of Beauty Is Abundant in Los Angeles and Atlanta

2. Get Creative with Candles

It should come as no surprise that lighting can contribute to the overall mood of your environment. This year, designers are leaning into more unconventional candles and accessories to spark holiday joy.

Courtesy of Anthropologie

“Candle shades are so special! Not something you see at many dinner tables. These ones from Anthropologie offer a subtle touch that immediately make your tablescape more sparkly and festive.” —Clark

Courtesy of Coming Soon

“I love this candelabra with asparagus or eggplant taper candles for a sculptural centerpiece as well as ambient light.” —Alexander

Obakki

“Tie it all together with soft Italian linen, hand-dipped beeswax candles from Mexico, and gorgeous handmade dinnerware for the ultimate, globally-inspired tablescape.” —Peake

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

“A favorite low stress move I can do in just a few moments is to lay the greenery down the center of the table and nestle candlesticks within it for a soft, glowing effect.” —Stacy Becker, president and director of design at White Label Interiors

3. Mix in Festive Decor Objects

There’s nothing wrong with having a few holiday knick-knacks—but seek out decor with a modern flair. For instance, Susie Novak, founder and principal designer of Susie Novak Interiors in the San Francisco Bay Area, found several pieces that are authentic to the season but provide a fresh take for your tablescape.

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

“For tabletop I love to mix in some objects and a garland along with my runner and other essential items. I think these marble green Christmas trees are so cute! Or give it a narrative and add some deer to roam around your table.” —Novak

4. Choose Unexpected Colors

We all know red and green are Christmas classics, but you officially have permission to deviate from the traditional palette. Things like glassware, serveware, and textiles can all contribute to your unique color story.

“As a mom to four little ones, I try to balance tablescapes that draw attention and spark conversation, without leading to spills or breaks. Recently, I’ve been drawn towards decorating with citrus: oranges and lemons add such vibrancy as well as function. Plus, an added bonus if a dinner guest snacks on a tablescape orange after the meal!” —Samieian

Courtesy of Noom and Moon

“I cannot get enough of curves and color for tablescapes! The holidays are no exception. Sides served on stunning plates and serveware make holiday meals that much more memorable. Painterly dinner plates in vibrant shades take some of the formality out of tablescapes while making guests feel like you’ve deeply considered their dining experience.” —Alexander

Courtesy of Material

“I love Material Kitchen’s glassware for a pop of color, and beautiful printed textiles from Blockshop.” —Samieian

Emily Kennedy

“To add a pop of color, I love incorporating seasonal fruits like pomegranates or clementines. The vibrant red of pomegranates is especially striking, while clementines add a unique and festive touch. Keep the overall aesthetic simple and elegant by sticking to one color in repetition—whether it’s the red of the pomegranates or a warm gold tone in your candles or tableware.” —Becker

5. Make Way for Bonus Seating

Chances are, you don’t have enough chairs to accommodate everyone in your party. If that’s the case, consider benches and having extra stools on-hand to give each guest a seat at the table.

Courtesy of Sundays

“We love sitting around the Field Dining Table with bench seating, and usually end up pulling over Field Stools for extra seating for big dinners. Our dining tables’ solid wood and rounded edges make it ultra durable and family-friendly!” —Samieian

6. Let the Games Begin

Start brand new holiday traditions with interactive games and puzzles that effortlessly double as decor.

Courtesy of Amazon

“What better way to keep the good times rolling than to have puzzles and board games handy like Uno Platinum cards or this Saucy puzzle from Etsy that could—maybe, in the right context—be framed as a conversation art piece later?!” —Alexander

Courtesy of Anthropologie

“This checkers set would be a darling host/hostess gift during the holidays, but personally would buy as a coffee table decoration to have out on display as long as possible!” —Novak 

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