Traditional Christmas Table Setting with Jewel-Tone Layers and Classic Holiday Charm

It’s incredible how one traditional Christmas table setting can transform a room with just a few thoughtful layers. This look has a hint of Ralph Lauren charm with its jewel tones and classic touches, yet it’s simple, classic, and easy to recreate.

Festive tablescape ideas are always fun to share, and when I was asked to design a table for a sorority Christmas party, I knew this one was too special to keep to myself. The Royal Hunt china set the tone for a beautiful royal-style table setting that feels warm, elegant, and perfect for the holidays.

Let me walk you through how it all came together so you can recreate the look in your own home.

Traditional Christmas Table Setting Ideas

To begin this project, I used the Christmas china my client already owned.  Her china is called Royal Hunt by Noritake, and the beautiful, jewel-toned plaid design was the perfect inspiration to begin.

Christmas Royal China Place Setting

After adding a white tablecloth, I layered a knit blanket on top for a cozy texture. Then I began building the place settings.

First, I placed a dinner plate in front of each chair, added a fabric napkin, and topped it with the salad plate. Next, I set out the silverware and added the glassware. Now, let’s talk about the place-setting centerpiece.

Holiday Place Setting Centerpiece & Gift

I love to create a beautiful element that will sit on each plate. After strolling through Target, I found these cute cookie cutters by Hearth & Hand (no longer available, but here are some similar). The gold-tone color was perfect as the gift and centerpiece for each dish.

So I added some ribbon and a tiny sprig of pine to each plate, then set each place setting on a cable-knit throw resting on a white tablecloth.

Linen Cloth Napkins

There are so many ideas you can do with napkins, but with a fancy china centerpiece, I figured the napkin would look great nestled under the salad plate and draped down on the side of the table.

Christmas Table Centerpiece

Now, for the fun part, and that is the centerpiece.  Start with an eye-catching piece in the middle. 

Because this table is so long, I decided on something that had some length to it also.  It just happened that my laser-cut wooden village by Crate & Barrel (no longer available but World Market has many designs) was a nice compliment to the Royal Hunt china. 

Next, you will need something around the village, so I started thinking about using items that each guest's other senses could use.

Orange and Clove Candle Centerpiece

Being a Florida girl, I love using oranges whenever I can.  Did you know that oranges are ready to be picked in December in Florida?  So, I couldn't wait to add them to this table. 

To make these oranges, cut the tip off and scoop out just enough of the inside so the tea light can sit down into it. I have detailed instructions for making a candle from an orange.

Next, poke holes with a skewer, then stick the cloves into the holes.  Here is a great place to create designs like mine.  And if you want to carve some designs, use a Dremel.  It is much easier and faster!

Pine, Cranberry Garland & Battery Powered Light Centerpiece

Deciding on what greenery comes down to what you have around the house.  Pine is abundant in North Florida, so we went with pine, but to add another layer, we made a cranberry garland simply with a needle and upholstery thread. 

Then, for my favorite element, we added these six copper-wire battery-powered Christmas lights.  I wish you could have been there to see how it finished, the look, and made it sparkle.

Additional Festive Decor

You know how sometimes you have more guests than your table can hold.  Well, pull out your card table, throw on some white tablecloths, and add one of the extra lanterns.  Check out how we added some pine to the lamp to continue the repetition.  There was no room on the table to add anything else, so this was all that could fit, which was just perfect!

Christmas Buffet Decorations

Now, at this party, the buffet wasn't being used for food, so we needed to decorate it.  Lanterns, pine, and oranges were a great way to create repetition. 

If you have been following my blog, you know that repetition is a design element.  Using the lanterns on the buffet and the smaller second table.  And the oranges/clove candles and pine would bring everything together.

GET THE LOOK:

Conclusion

To finish the space, we added more pine to the nativity on the piano.  If you have other Christmas decorations sitting around in the room, add the candles, cranberries, or pine to repeat the pattern there, too.  Just these simple steps would tie it all together.  To recap, here is a list of what we used before we go.

• White tablecloth
• Cable knit throw tablecloth
• Crate & Barrel laser cut village
• 6′ copper wire battery powered Christmas lights
• Pine branches
• Royal Hunt china (dinner plate, salad plate)
• Crystal tea glasses
• Gold silverware
• Brass bell cookie cutters
• White and red ribbon
• Old fashion farm lanterns
• Oranges
• Clove
• Tealights

Well, we have come to the end of another post, and I am so glad you came to visit.  I hope you were inspired and created a beautiful table for your friend and family this holiday season. Here is a vintage farmhouse Christmas table decoration idea if you love a more casual table.

Happy Decorating!

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