These Gorgeous Christmas Centerpiece Ideas Will Upgrade Your Holiday Table

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updated Oct 29, 2020

christmas centerpiece ideas — emmaduckworth/Getty Images

It's that time of the year when we decide to host holiday parties and feasts, which inevitably means spending all day cooking (or attempting to), and then panic at the last minute because we forget to set the table with more than just plates. Just us? This year, brainstorm your tablescaping ahead of time instead of leaving all your best hosting tricks for the final hour. No matter if you're more of a rustic, woodsy kind of holiday decor person or you're into a more obviously festive vibe, we've got a holiday centerpiece for you.

Keep scrolling for a few of our favorite holiday decorating ideas. And while you're at it, you might as well plan a menu and work through all the logistics. Don't leave everything to the day of, or your future self will be very overwhelmed.

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Holly Jolly Eucalyptus

While we love a good pine moment in the winter, sometimes it can feel like there’s pine everywhere. Tone down the table with a runner that features both eucalyptus and pine. The fresh take on greenery not only looks good, but if you mix in fresh eucalyptus, the entire room will smell divine.

Koyal Faux Eucalyptus 6' Garland $16

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O' Hygge Night

Very few moments go by when we don’t try to make something more hygge. What can we say? The Nordic trend is still going strong.

For this centerpiece, mix wood texture with brass metals and subtle faux greenery for a look that’s all about the coziness.

World Market White And Gold Bottle Taper Candleholders $18

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Winter Citrus

When everyone's expecting red and green motifs, try a crisp orange, white, and green palette instead. The key here is to keep the runner and plates in neutral whites and creams and use eucalyptus and sliced oranges as fresh decorative touches.

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Oh, Deer

This time of the year, we’re most accustomed to seeing deer on ugly sweaters. But we have to say: A brass deer bust candle holder is the kind of deer decor we never knew we needed—and it’s so much better than a fair isle sweater. Add a few more matching candle holders, and the table is perfection.

Roost Rustic Brass Raindeer $25

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A Classic Holiday

You simply can’t go wrong with a classic. For this traditional take on a holiday tablescape, whip out the pine cones, the plaid, the red curly ribbon, and wood stumps. It’s like the cozy cabin you’ve always dreamed of getting away to during the holidays.

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Pastel Winter Wonderland

We are here for bottle brush trees; they are the perfect finishing touch for fireplace mantels, holiday sceneries, and tabletops alike. Here, we appreciate the pastel take on the winter set up—complete with coordinating eucalyptus and other pastel decors nearby.

Crafted Creations Colored Bottle Brush 14" Trees, Set of 6 $95

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Very Merry Edible Arrangement

Beautiful desserts deserve nothing more than to be the center of attention, so it feels natural to make them part of a centerpiece.

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Whisper of Winter

Okay, we get it; not everyone is as into the holiday season as we are. But that doesn’t mean you can’t decorate your holiday table in your own (much less festive) way. For a toned-down look, try a centerpiece made from white feathers, dried blooms, and delicate touches. Add a few simple candlesticks, and you’re in business.

Terrain Antiqued Brass Candlestick $22

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Rockin' Around the Tree

If you either have no room for a tree or you want more than one, this centerpiece is just what you need. Head to a local florist or tree farm and pick up a living baby tree. Think Charlie Brown, but much more glam. Affix it at the center of your table, et voila.

Gerson International Flocked Tree in Bucket, 33" $42

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Candy Cane Caprese

Give your guests what they really want: easy access to the snacks. This adorable candy cane Caprese platter doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece and tasty treat. Plus, it couldn't be easier to execute.

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Comfy & Cozy

If it were up to us, we'd be wrapped in a cable knit blanket every second of the season. That's why we love this table runner so much: It's like a comfy blanket for the dinner table. Layer it with another table runner (just like how you might layer rugs) for the perfect winter wonderland vibes.

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Effortless Elegance

Trying to impress your guests? It’s all about elevating the season and steering clear of cheesiness. Opt for grandiose floral arrangements, modern candelabras, and small, sophisticated elements of subtle holiday design.

West Elm Metal Loop Candelabra $45 $36

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‘Tis the Season of Minimalism

Not everyone has room for large dining tables (or dining tables at all, really). If you’re trying to host in a small space, consider a simple centerpiece with a few elements of greenery and minimal candles so you can still have room for the main course.

Millwood Pines Faux Long Needle Pine Branch $66 $58

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Star Light, Star Bright

Whoever said confetti was tacky clearly never met this table. When paired with golden candles and holiday crackers, the confetti pulls the entire table together. The best part? Save them in a bag and reuse for any upcoming party that could use a little extra something.