How to Style a Festive Forest Christmas Tablescape

I’m changing things up on you guys and sharing my Christmas tablescape first! Usually, I like to share the floral centerpiece DIY first, then build to the full tablescape the next day. But for my holiday table this year, the two posts go hand in hand! Sarah designed the centerpiece, I set the table around that, then she added the final details. I loved styling a table this year and feel like that really comes across in how festive and cozy it feels.

How to Style a Festive Forest Christmas Tablescape

When it comes to holiday decor, I will always prefer cozy, more rustic vibes over the glitzy and glam aesthetic. That’s just my personal preference! Usually that means I’m all about a Nordic or Scandinavian holiday style (remember this warm Scandinavian tablescape from a few years ago?). For this tablescape, I was inspired by the cute a-frame houses of Iceland and rolling green hills.

Let’s discuss more of the details + my styling suggestions!

Dinnerware & Glassware

I actually kept things pretty simple for this Christmas tablescape and used our everyday white dinner plates (find more ways to style white plates here). Just because it’s the holidays does not mean you need to go out and buy everything all new!

Next, I layered on this amazing glass salad plates. They provide just enough sparkle to make the tabletop feel special without going overboard. The texture you see is on the back of the plate, so they don’t affect the food or anything… but look super cool. I have the feeling I’m going to be re-using these plates a lot in the future!

I chose vintage coupe glasses to coordinate with the pressed glass salad plates. The mix of patterns makes the tablescape feel more curated, while the texture bounces light and makes everything twinkle a little bit more.

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Table Linens

I wanted this holiday table setting to feel warm and cozy, so I spread my trusty natural linen tablecloth over our marble dining table. To juxtapose the rustic linen, I chose a shimmery silver napkin. I’m forever looking for new ways to style napkins when setting the table. This time I knotted it — what do you think of this look?

Never be afraid to mix metallics — especially during the holidays! Even though my napkins have silver threads running through them, I finished each place setting with modern white and gold flatware.

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Glowing Houses

And then… my favorite part: these charming glowing houses! As soon as I saw them, I had to have them. Can you believe they are from IKEA?? Unfortunately they are sold out, but I sourced a few similar options below.

After Sarah placed her centerpiece (more on that tomorrow), I sprinkled these glowing white houses around the table, creating a modern Christmas village. I love that they provide the same amount of glow as candles, but add a touch of whimsey to the overall tablescape.

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So what do you think of this year’s holiday tablescape? I’d love to know what you think!

My Festive Forest Christmas Tablescape