I’m not into holiday decorating, and not just because I’m Jewish. I just don’t see the value of buying and storing extra stuff (clutter!) that is only used a few weeks a year. I remember going into an off price chain store a couple of years ago and being visually bombarded with turkey fingertip towels and the like. Nobody needs those. There are better ways to use both natural resources and money; plus, they’re just ugly.
Seriously though, I don’t mean to be Scrooge-y. I love flowers, garlands, candles. Such winter holiday decor is beautiful. I especially appreciate Scandinavian style accents — Moravian stars, white candles, pine tree springs, sheepskin, and all that. And while I personally don’t favor red, there are plenty of ways to incorporate red flowers and berries into winter tablescapes that look pretty and fresh.
Branches studded with berries standing solo in clear vases are stunning. A simple, wide red ribbon around a white ceramic vase looks pretty as a centerpiece. Plenty of tapered candlesticks and votives. Evergreen garlands. All of these items help create more naturalistic winter feel during holiday time. Here are 18 winter tablescapes with centerpieces geared toward Christmastime decorating.
Sarah Winward • Honey of a Thousand Flowers
A simple evergreen garland, plain glass votive holders, and black candlesticks make an elegant rustic winter tablescape.
Tinsel & Twine • Photo by Marianna Jamadi • via Ruffled
I’m not sure what kind of flowers these are, but the wintry white blooms mix well with evergreen sprigs and look beautiful in a silver pot. Fluted votives and gold-rimmed goblets add more shine and show that mixing metals can be done tastefully.
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Red berries on branches in a clear glass florist’s vase adds Christmas color color without confusion.
Martha Stewart • Photo by Eric Piasecki
I’m not a fan of the poinsettia, but I love the way the large blooms are placed around the based of tapered candles on this classic but simple holiday table.
A black and cream buffalo check runner pairs perfectly with wood slice chargers and forest green glass, not to mention handpainted deer napkins. The winter centerpiece consists of oversize pinecones, greens, and a hurricane lamp.
I put together a similar arrangement this summer on the Cape, cutting white roses from my rose bush and pairing with pine tree clippings from the forest.
Good Housekeeping • Photo by Michael Parantino
Peppermint striped runners made from ticking fabric laid across the table vertically provide a cheerful backdrop to this red and white Christmas table setting complete with shiny red winter berries in white vases of varying heights.
Jen from the City Farmhouse det her Christmas-themed dining table with a fringed plaid blanket (I had one of these as a baby, too bad it’s long gone), a potted mini evergreen tree, lanterns, and woodland creature.
Marigold and Mint • A Blog Named Scout • Photo by Belethee
Seattle florist Marigold and Mint created the cotton flower centerpieces for this Seattle dinner party that celebrated the cozy Danish concept of hygge.
Blogger Victoria McGinley created this simple DIY Christmas centerpiece using a clear glass cylinder vase, one bunch of white roses, a bunch of Ilex berries, evergreen clippings from the Christmas tree, and a red and white ribbon.
A mix of vintage and new vessels holds white spider mums, seeded eucalyptus, and blue Atlas cedar branches frosted with silver floral spray paint. Cluster them as a centerpiece or set them in a row down the middle of a table for a Scandinavian style setting.
Sarah Winward • Honey of a Thousand Flowers
Winter citrus, privet berry, and amaryllis centerpiece on rustic wood table set with organic white ceramic dishes and pewter candlesticks gives this tablescape the feel of a Dutch still life painting.
Salt Harbor Designs • Millie Holloman Photography
The Wilmington-based event planners used cylindrical, Christmas tree shaped topiaries and white candles in a row down the center of an extra long table.
Denver-based interior designer Anna Smith made the black and white striped runner out of wrapping paper, then layered brass candlesticks, mercury glass votives, and an evergreen garland down the center of the table.
White spider mums, greens, and branches topped with a silver ribbon makes for a petite but multi-level and economic centerpiece.
Flowers for Everyone
The simple Nordic winter vibe is very popular in Australia too. One can send a gorgeous bouquet by Flowers For Everyone of crisp green and white flowers in a cardboard box. This one has Singapore orchids, roses, lisanthus, lime chrysanthemums, native green brazillia berries, and adorable little bundles of cinnamon sticks.
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Topiary trees get red and white ribbons for a joyous Christmas touch while burlap accents infuse a rustic feel to this traditional but still fresh holiday table.
JL Designs • Photo by Leo Patrone • via Be Inspired PR
Mini succulents in low vases mixed with bright red blooms make for a festive and fresh modern table setting at Christmastime.
Pretty Christmas floral arrangement features red and white amaryllis in a white pitcher tied with a ribbon.
