3 Simple Holiday Table Decor Ideas

In this wild and unpredictable year (pandemic, wildfires, and yes, a divorce), I’ve set my intention on cherishing every celebration, even if it’s much more simple. Christmas dinner is a family tradition for our little family, so to keep that feeling going, I’m creating a cozy table space. Given that we’d been eating from an old plastic card table (which served us well!), I’m so grateful that All Modern sponsored this post so I can share some of my easy holiday table decor ideas with you!

Update: Five years out from this post and I’m still loving these simple ideas. I’ve found that created a more peaceful holiday is helpful and grounding no matter what is happening in the world around us.

Overhead shot of a wood table with holiday decor, including woven placemats, gray linen, napkins, tied with string and rosemary, plus pinecones and glass jar candle votives on a black and white runner

Holiday Table Decor Ideas

First off, the foundation – if you follow along with me over on Instagram, you might’ve noticed that this new dining table really transformed our Remodeled Dining Room. The exact table sold out but this table is similar and so pretty! I chose a classic table that would accommodate not only our dinners for three but also puzzles, school work, and the weekend game night.

Either way, it’s the perfect blank slate for holiday decorating. Now, I have a more sleek black table and it works just as well for these ideas.

Neutral dining room with wooden table, black chairs on a white and gray rug with a white and black table runner and simple, holiday decor. There is a white kitchen in the background.

Holiday Styling: Use What You Have

If you know me well, you probably know I am not a big fan of buying a lot of items with each season. I really like to keep things minimal. It saves money, space, and headaches. First, I started with a basic black & white table runner. I love it because it can be used year round with other seasons. It still feels classy & festive with add holiday items.

I also try to stretch my creative side and find new uses for things. For example, I saved these glass yogurt jars from the spring and used them as candle votives on the table for some cozy vibes. I love their shape and they work perfectly for simple holiday table decor.

holiday table decor with gray linens tied with jute string and rosemary sprigs, there is woven placemats, pinecones and candles in yogurt jars on the table

Natural Elements for Table Styling

Of course I looked outside for inspiration! We’re pretty lucky with all the greenery here on our property but these petite pinecones are easy to come by. For each napkin setting, I included a sprig of rosemary from our shrub (there are so many rosemary plants in the stores this time of year too!) because the smell totally feels like winter.

gray linen napkins tied with jute string and a sprig of rosemary on a wood table for holiday decorating

Decorate with Texture

Texture is pretty much my magic pixie dust for any space (shhh….) but it definitely adds something extra for holiday table decor. Here, I’ve brought in texture with a variety of items including:

wood
woven placemats
linen napkins
jute string ties
spiky pinecones

All of this make a holiday table feel dynamic and interesting. Without texture – just like in other areas of the home – a table will feel flat and sort of one note.

Neutral dining room with wooden table and black chairs, decorated for the holidays with simple items like pinecones candles, and woven linens. There is a black and white rug underneath and a black chandelier above. — New dining room table from All Modern

Final Thoughts on Holiday Table Decor Ideas

I hope this post gives you ideas on how to create simple holiday table decor. From using what you already have to gathering natural elements, decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be For more holiday ideas, check out my Modern Hoop Wreath DIY and Natural Gift Wrap Ideas!