10 festive dining room ideas for Christmas

1. It starts with the right table

Decorating the dining room for Christmas has to start with choosing the right dining table. Think of it like the canvas on which you’ll create a fabulous and festive display. The first consideration is length: the number of people you’ll be hosting will impact the size you need. If you have a few guests coming over then you might want to consider a larger table, just like this one in Oxford. The second is depth: if your table is narrower than ideal, perhaps set up a side bar/buffet style service so people can comfortably access the food.

The Manor House, Oxford

2. Add a centrepiece

The focal point of your dining table, a beautiful centrepiece is a great addition to your Christmas meal. Adding indoor plants such as the ones here – or clippings from the bottom of the tree – for a touch of green include some baubles in there to add a gold accent, and battery operated fairy lights to give a little twinkle. Presto! You have low-effort centrepiece that embraces the Christmas spirit.

Ainger Road, NW3

3. Make the most of your open-plan living space

If you do not have a separate dining room, host Christmas in your open-plan room instead. With these spaces, you’ll likely already have the Christmas tree up, along with other seasonal décor, similar to this set up it can be simple but effective, ensuring it does not compete with the rest of the space. Use a beautiful set of dining furniture as the focus, with neutral shades of linen to compliment it.

Sway Road, Lymington

4. Put together a show-stopping place setting

We’ve spoken about centrepieces, but layering your table is key. Whether you are using tablecloth, a runner, or both, including a place setting matched with your choice of crockery and bowls allows your meal to be all the more delectably enhanced. One of our new homes properties displays this beautifully with a cloth napkin adding a final touch for that extra bit of elegance.

Dairy Lane, Edenbridge

5. Set the scene with lighting

When it comes to creating ambience in a room, lighting is everything. It is a simple but effective way to transform your dining room. A Christmas table is a chance for you to go all out with some new fittings from the lighting department. Take some inspiration from this modern house in Wandsworth.

Wycombe Place, Wandsworth

6. Create a Winter Wonderland

If we’re talking themes, Winter Wonderland is a great choice. It works well if you like a fresher, less busy look as it features lots of white and cooler colours. White is a good choice, as an all-rounder, as it won’t clash with existing colours and will look great in almost every room, encompassing this theme is a wonderful apartment in Chelsea.

Sydney Street, Chelsea

7. Little touches

A Christmas dining table can look aesthetically pleasing without extravagance. Small touches can make the room feel warm and cosy and it also helps create a more authentic experience. For a simpler look, there is nothing more important than the wooden dining table. In this property in Chelsea, a tablecloth has been drapped across to add some colour, but the aesthetic of the beautiful work texture is still exposed too.

Cheyne Row, Chelsea

8. Integrate classic Christmas colours

A dining room that incorporates red, gold and white is a winner as it immediately feels festive. If you prefer traditional décor, you will love the warmth and cheeriness of these classic Christmas colours, as seen in this stunning house in Lyndhurst which sets the scene for the perfect Christmas dinner.

Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst

9. Don’t forget the walls and windows

While your Christmas table may be the star of the show, there are plenty of other opportunities for decorating your dining room for the festive season. Wall-mounted decorations such as the one in this ski chalet is a great way to add some Christmas sparkle, like hanging a wreath to complement your table scheme. Or add some snowflakes on the windows as a simple décor (that also keeps the children occupied).

Savoie, France

10. Add a Christmas punch

A good Christmas punch recipe goes a long way during the holidays, treating your loved ones this season to a boozy beverage around the dining table or even a home bar is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit (if you pardon the pun).

Wilton Street, Belgravia

10 ways to add a festive flourish to Christmas dinner

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the dining room must be the stomach. Whether you’re having Christmas lunch or dinner, here are our top 10 tips to keep in your back pocket when you start planning the festive meal.