How to Set a Stylish Christmas Table: Top Tips from Secret Linen Store

With the Christmas season fast approaching, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by transforming your dining table into a stunning centrepiece ready for celebrating. Whether you’re hosting a low key family gathering or a fabulous festive feast, your Christmas table can set the tone for a truly memorable meal.

At Secret Linen Store, we’re here to help you create a festive yet elegant setting with our beautiful table linens. In this guide, we’ll share creative tips that blend traditional Christmas charm with modern touches, from DIY décor ideas to luxurious elements, ensuring your table is both stylish and functional for hosting a memorable Christmas meal.

Your  tablecloth  is the foundation of your Christmas table décor, and choosing the right one can instantly transform your space. For a traditional feel, go for a crisp white or soft cream tablecloth, which provides the perfect backdrop for festive accents like red, gold, or green. Or, for a contemporary twist, consider a muted grey or even a deep jewel tone like navy or forest green to bring modern sophistication to your table.

If you’re reusing your table linen from last year, ensure it’s lovely and clean for your dinner guests by following our top tips on how to clean a tablecloth.

At Secret Linen Store, we offer a stunning selection of tablecloths crafted from high-quality linen that’s both durable and effortlessly stylish. Linen not only adds a touch of luxury but also has a natural, relaxed texture that perfectly complements both traditional and modern Christmas settings.

Psst! Don’t forget to check our handy Table Size Guide to ensure you get the perfect fit. This will help you achieve your desired look, whether that’s luxurious layers that overhang or corners that neatly meet your table edge, just so. 

Once your tablecloth is in place, consider adding a table runner to create a focal point and bring texture and dimension to your table setting. A simple linen runner in a contrasting colour can make all the difference, helping to frame your centrepieces - while adding an extra festive flourish! 

Runners in classic tones, such as rustic oranges, blush pinks and French blues can enhance a classic Christmas look, while neutral shades, such as olives, greys and beiges bring a modern and understated feel to your table.

Explore our range of table runners for some stylish inspiration.

Personalised place settings add a thoughtful touch to your Christmas table, and they’re a doddle of a DIY project (no really, they are!). You don’t need to be an arts and crafts whizz to find ways to add a pop of personalisation to your party guests' place settings. With a few simple yet effective design touches, you can achieve a fabulous festive feel.

For a classic, elegant look, tie linen napkins with festive ribbon or twine, then tuck in a sprig of rosemary, lavender or a cinnamon stick for a natural, aromatic accent.

For a modern twist, our linen napkins and placemats, add a beautiful and functional feature to your table setting, creating a layered look for extra warmth and texture. Consider folding napkins into sleek shapes or using name tags with metallic font for a glitzy, contemporary feel. Handwritten name cards in calligraphy add a personal and polished touch. If you’re a little rusty, don’t worry! Simply practice on a sheet of paper to perfect your cursive swirls before putting pen to placenames. Nobody needs to know how many attempts it took to get the final fabulous finish.

No Christmas table is complete without a striking centrepiece. Whether you prefer a traditional candelabra or a festive floral arrangement, a centrepiece is an opportunity to get creative. For a traditional option, tall candles paired with festive wreaths, holly, or berry branches add a magical touch.

For a more contemporary take, consider geometric candle holders or sleek vases filled with fresh flowers or simple greenery. Remember to keep the centrepieces low enough so that guests can see each other across the table— you don’t want any obstacle when it comes to pulling those Christmas crackers!

Our top tip: a mix of tall and short elements adds a pop of visual interest to your table. Try adding both to your table arrangement this year for more depth and dimension.

While it's important to create a beautiful setting, it’s equally essential to ensure the table is practical for serving and dining. Make sure your décor doesn’t overwhelm the table, leaving enough space for plates, glasses, and serving dishes. If you're tight on space, consider using a side table to hold extra food and drinks. You could even create a festive sign to let guests know that they’re welcome to help themselves and top up their tipple as and when they need to.

Functionality also extends to your choice of linens—investing in quality tableware not only adds elegance but also makes cleaning up easier. Our linen tablecloths and napkins are designed for everyday use and can be easily washed so that they’re good as new in time for your next dinner party.

Visit our Table Linen Care Guide for tips on how to keep your linens looking their best throughout the festive season.

To make your Christmas table truly unique, add personal touches that reflect your family’s traditions or your own style. Whether it’s incorporating your grandma’s china, hand-painted ornaments, or homemade crackers, these small details will make your Christmas meal even more special.

Ready to transform your Christmas table into a festive masterpiece? Explore our full range of  table linens  to find the perfect  tablecloths ,  table runners ,  napkins , and  placemats  that will add elegance and charm to your celebrations. From timeless classics to modern designs, we have everything you need to make your holiday meal truly special.

Got any further questions for us? Contact us today and one of our friendly customer advisors will be happy to help.