Happy Holidays to anyone reading this blog post, and to anyone who comes back to my blog for decorating advice and design tips. Your presence here is truly appreciated. Decorating a round dining table can be more challenging than a rectangular dining table, as there’s less space to work with. It can limit your options, especially if you have a round dining room table without a pedestal base. However, round tables can be a great option for small spaces. In this post I’ll explain how to decorate a round kitchen table for Christmas, and rules for tabletop décor and place settings for any special occasion. A beautiful centerpiece is a great conversation starter and an easy way to make a great impression on your guests at dinner parties. So, let’s get started!
1. Pick a color scheme
The very first step in learning how to decorate a round kitchen table, is to select a handful of colors you want to use. This can be traditional reds, greens, and golds or a more neutral palette like mine with a strong evergreen color tablecloth. Keep in mind, metallic and natural colors like greenery sprigs or brown pinecones can also be present and add additional color. Also, consider the color and finish of your wooden table and dining chairs. They will be the backdrop for your entire dining table decorating creation! Any color scheme you choose will work if it makes you happy, and ties into the other colors you already have in your home.
2. Selecting the right tablecloth
The next step is selecting a tablecloth. When shopping for a tablecloth, remember to measure your table before you head out. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a gorgeous tablecloth only to find out it’s too small, or way too big for the size of the table you have. You don’t want the tablecloth to hang more than 10” over the edge of your table, and no less than 7”. If you stay within those guides your tablecloth will look proportionate and balanced in your dining area. If you’re curious, I purchased our festive green tablecloth from Target this year, when I was visiting the US. I’ll link it here if you’re interested.
Consider the shape of your table in relation to the tablecloth. Personally, I like the look of a rectangular tablecloth on a round table, which is what I’ve done with our Christmas dining table décor this year. Of course, you can opt for a traditional round tablecloth for a round table as well. However, I would not advise using a round tablecloth on a rectangular table…that just looks odd.
3. Use round placemats
Round placemats are the best choice for round tables. They fit the shape of the table, where you might encounter a strange overlap of mats if you go with rectangular ones on a round table. I love the layered look of using a tablecloth and placemats. Especially for a special occasion or the festive season. The more layering and detail you can incorporate into your tablescape, the more luxurious and special it will make your space feel. Placemats do not have to be elaborate or expensive either. I purchased these simple beige ones from Walmart, and they do the trick. They’re also extremely budget-friendly and work year-round with any season décor.
4. Add dishware
At this point, I add the dishware. Yes, the center of the table will eventually be the focal point. But, I like to have the plates set out ahead of time to help me visualize the end product. You don’t want your large centerpiece to overflow into the table setting, that just makes things dysfunctional and messy for enjoying a nice meal. At the moment, we don’t have any special occasion dishware. I went with our everyday set which is a simple and white color scheme. When it comes to creative centerpieces, balancing it out with simple and plain dishware keeps it from looking cluttered. I layered the main meal dish under the appetizer dish to add visual interest and an elevated feel. I purchased our everyday dishware set from IKEA about 4 years ago and it’s held up well! I’ll link it here if you’re interested.
5. Use cloth napkins
For great way to create the most luxurious feeling during the holidays, is to go with cloth napkins. Mine were given to me by my mother, but you don’t have to break the bank to find good quality napkins. I often find great deals on them at Homesense or Homegoods, and sometimes you can find beautiful ones second hand. Try to find ones with natural fibers if possible. Here’s a quick guide showing how I folded the napkins and placed them on the plates. I then added a small frosted pinecone and some pine sprigs to each setting.
6. How to set cutlery on a dining table
The general rule of thumb when it comes to placing cutlery next to plates is working from the outside in. Forks are placed on the left, and knives and spoons on the right. Dessert, coffee, and teaspoons are placed at the top of the plate with the handle towards the right. The largest cutlery, pieces are typically for the main course and are placed closest to the center, right next to the plates. The appetizer and first-course cutlery are placed towards the outside of the place setting as they are the first cutlery used. Again, we do not currently have a special occasion cutlery, so I placed our simple everyday set from IKEA. If you’re interested I’ll link it here.
7. Place large decorative items first in the center of your table
Creating a bold centerpiece can seem like a daunting task when learning how to decorate a round kitchen table, especially for a large table. One of the best tips when it comes to how to decorate a kitchen table, is to place the larger decorative items first. These large items are the main focal point for your table centerpiece, and have the most impact. Placing them correctly sets the base for how the rest of your dining room table décor will look. With a round table shape, I find placing items in an organic way works really well. Mix up different heights and different shapes to create an eye-catching layout.
I have a collection of miniature Christmas trees I’ve spaced out throughout the middle of the table. Their varying heights and finishes add interest. Taper candles are a great addition, as they are a classic centerpiece decoration. I found mine while at the thrift store and spray-painted them gold. Then, I placed a beaded garland I purchased from Amazon around the base of these larger items. I liked how the color of the beads matched my napkins.
8. Add natural materials to your centerpiece
Nothing says Christmas more to me than natural elements like pinecones and tree clippings. Natural decorations like these bring the outdoors in and give life to the center of your table. I love the rustic look these items give as well. First, I placed the larger pinecones first, then dotted around them with the smaller ones. I made sure to distribute the different wood shades of the pine cones evenly throughout the centerpiece. Finally, I added some smaller votive candles around the perimeter for that extra sparkle.
With a little bit of creativity and inspiration, you too can create a gorgeous table setting for the holidays or any of your large gatherings. Just remember these 8 simple steps on how to decorate a round kitchen table, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a designer approved, luxurious Christmas table. These steps can be applied to any interior design style.
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