How to Build a Festive Tablescape in Five Steps

During the holiday season, hosting a feast or simply wanting your dining room to feel a little more magical becomes so much easier with a tablescape. You don’t need to be a designer to pull off a stunning look and with fresh greenery, seasonal accents, and a few clever layering tricks, you can create a festive table that feels warm, welcoming, and totally you.

Here are five simple steps to help you create a tablescape your guests will be talking about long after dinner is over:

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How to Build a Festive Tablescape in Five Steps
Build Your Centerpiece With Greenery
Layer in Seasonal Accents
Add the Finishing Touches With Festive Decor
Finish With a Warm Glow

1. Start with a Strong Base

Every great tablescape begins with a foundation. Choose a runner, tablecloth, or placemats that fit your theme. Go with classic neutrals for a cozy vibe, rich plaids for something more traditional, or metallic tones for a modern holiday glow. Your base should complement (not compete with) the pieces you’ll layer on top.

Pro tip: If your table is beautiful on its own, skip the full cloth and go with a runner to let that natural texture shine.

2. Build Your Centerpiece With Greenery

Greenery is a must for a festive look. Use a mix of branches and sprigs to give your table height, movement, and natural charm. You can use lifelike greens to use year after year or even fresh cut greens for the aroma. You can weave your greens along the center or cluster them into a low arrangement, whatever fits your style and table size.

Want it to feel extra polished? Add in a few stems of seasonal flowers, sparkly accents, or berries for pops of color.

3. Layer in Seasonal Accents

Think pinecones, berries, and other foliar type items to tie into your greenery. Just remember: keep things low enough that guests can see each other across the table.

For a garden-inspired twist, add natural elements like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or sprigs of rosemary. These small details make a big impact.

4. Add the Finishing Touches With Festive Decor

Once your greenery and centerpiece are set, it’s time to sprinkle in the personality. This is where all the fun holiday extras come in, ornaments, miniature trees, ribbon, and all those charming pieces that take a tablescape from “pretty” to “unforgettable.”

Cluster ornaments in coordinating colors or place a few decorative figurines along the runner to build a story down the center of your table. You can even layer in battery-powered mini houses or scenes to take it to the next level.  

5. Finish With a Warm Glow

Lighting is the secret ingredient that makes your tablescape feel magical. Using a mix of candle heights and micro-LEDs, you can make your tablescape especially magical. We even carry flame-free battery-powered candles to give off the same cozy atmosphere without the worry. Dim your overhead lights just a touch, and let your table do the glowing!

Building a festive tablescape doesn’t have to be complicated. If you're hosting the whole crew or keeping it small this year, these five steps will help you set a table that feels merry, bright, and beautifully put-together. Plus, if you still need help, our Green Team is always ready to help. To stay inspired and grow with us online, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening.

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