The holidays are here, and as much as I love the magic of Christmas, I know things can easily start to feel overwhelming, especially if you have no help.
Creating a beautiful Christmas table setting might seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be!
Over the years, I’ve realized how much I love keeping things simple and understated.
If you’re like me and want to embrace a festive yet effortless approach this Christmas, you’ll love these simple and minimal Christmas table settings.
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Related: Whimsical Green And Gold Christmas Table Settings
Simple & Minimal Christmas Table Settings
My simple and minimal green Christmas table setting is so easy to recreate. I promise it will take you less than an hour to complete!
It all comes down to two key elements: the color palette and the decor choices.
First, I love starting with a neutral palette of soft whites, creams, and warm wood tones.
I always go for neutrals because they create a calming foundation for everything that follows.
Then comes the fun part—decorating!
I always dig through my holiday boxes to find treasures that remind me of Christmas, like cherished ornaments collected over the years.
The best part? You can make this setting uniquely yours without spending any extra money.
That’s right! I want all of you to get creative and use what you already have to create a beautiful and meaningful gathering space for your loved ones.
Elevate your everyday tableware
For the place settings, I used my everyday plates, which are just simple white dining and dessert plates from IKEA that cost less than $2 each!
Both the plates and glasses are part of my starter kit from when I moved into my apartment six years ago.
They may be plain but they are practical and work perfectly for any occasion.
I hope this shows you that you don’t need expensive or brand-new tableware to create a beautiful table setting.
To bring in a little flair, I added my favorite gold flatware, which really makes the table pop!
Honestly, investing in gold flatware has been one of my best decisions.
I use it for almost every place setting, and it always elevates the set up, making it feel special and stylish no matter the occasion.
Add a vibrant touch with table linens
Now it’s time to elevate your everyday tableware with the right table linens.
Whenever I’m unsure, I always remember to incorporate color and texture.
It’s such an easy way to make your table settings feel interesting and inviting!
For me, the color green instantly brings Christmas to mind, so I decided to layer a sage green napkin on top of the dining plate.
Then, I added some texture to the place setting by using a hyacinth placemat and a matching jute napkin ring.
Simple accents like a placemat or napkin ring can tie the entire look together.
This time around, I chose to skip the tablecloth and went for a white checked table runner instead.
The table runner is the perfect foundation for arranging my greenery and centerpieces, because the white checked pattern provides a clean backdrop that lets each element stand out.
Plus, the runner adds just the right amount of texture while keeping the overall look light and airy!
Related: Simple & Casual Blue And White Tablescapes
Bring out the Christmas centerpieces
I love creating a focal point on the table, as a well-placed centerpiece sets the tone for the entire meal and reflects the theme of the dinner.
Of course, this means I had to showcase my favorite Christmas centerpieces!
After all, what’s Christmas without a beautiful tree and some cozy candles?
I gathered three ceramic pillar candle holders and paired them with a white ceramic Christmas tree.
I love decorating with ceramics because they bring a handmade touch that adds a warm and homey vibe to the overall decor.
But if ceramics are too fragile for you, you can always use a faux tabletop tree made from wood, paper, or plastic.
To add some contrast, I included a mini wooden Scandi-style Christmas tree and a gold tin house that lights up (can you believe this house used to be a cookie tin?)
To make things feel even more festive, I scattered a few gold sparkly baubles along the table.
Other Christmas table decor ideas I love include Christmas villages, candleholders, and garlands.
These little touches add so much warmth and cheer, making it feel extra special for the season.
Just remember not to overdo it and clutter the table with too many ornaments!
Ultimately, the goal here is to create effortless simple and minimal Christmas table settings.
Another thing I love to do is lay fresh greenery along the table.
Fresh greenery adds vibrant color and texture that instantly makes a room feel alive and warm.
Fragrant eucalyptus, pine branches, or delicate sprigs of holly, not only look stunning but also fill the air with a delightful holiday scent.
Plus, fresh greenery is sustainable and biodegradable, which is a wonderful bonus!
Embrace all of the greenery
Speaking of fresh greenery, I tucked a few sprigs of baby’s breath into each napkin ring.
I love bringing a bit of nature’s charm indoors, and I thought this little detail would add a simple, elegant touch to each place setting.
It feels so fresh and delicate, giving the table that extra special feel without much effort!
Finally, I draped a faux garland over the artwork on my dining room wall to make the whole room feel a bit more festive.
These photos don’t do the vibe justice, but this setting looks even better when the garland and candles light up at night.
It feels like a scene right out of a holiday movie, and I absolutely love how cozy and inviting it makes everything look!
This simple white, gold, and green table setting is exactly where I envision family and friends gathering to share stories and laughter, making memories together during this magical time of year.
Related: A Minimal And Classy Black And Gold Tablescape
Get The Look
You don’t have to buy anything new if you’d rather keep it simple, but if you’re in the mood to pick up some fresh Christmas goodies, here’s a round-up of what I’ve been loving lately.
1. White wooden tabletop trees // 2. Frayed oversized linen napkins // 3. Gold vein marble taper candle // 4. Set of 2 large gold deers // 5. Lit bottle brush tree centerpiece // 6. Faux cedar drapery garland // 7. Ivory and brown reactive glaze dinner plate // 8. Rattan basket weave Christmas tree // 9. Set of 3 ceramic house LED tealight candle holder // 10. Cotton-blend checked table cloth // 11. Braided seagrass napkin rings (set of 4)