A Playful Table Setting for Christmas

Welcome! Today I'm excited to join a Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop organized by the amazing Rita of Panoply. She has gathered eighteen of us to share our ideas for festive tables perfect for celebrating the holiday season! You're sure to enjoy the wonderful inspiration you will find in all of the tables — their info is listed at the end of the post.

 

I especially enjoy setting holiday tables in all their variety! Awash in color, they bring joy to family and friends and are a delight to style. This year I decided to embrace the playful side of Christmas with a table that I hope will bring you smiles.

 

The table begins with one of my favorite holiday tablecloths, a deep green covered with lighter green leaves and bright red berries. Iconic toy soldiers parade across the dinner plates on which are two styles of coordinating salad plates. 

 

       

I then placed Christmas crackers that have a similar leaf and berry design on the salad plates. I thought they would be a playful addition to the table setting. I had never had Christmas crackers before and I was surprised to learn that they would emit a 'pop' when pulled! They've apparently been enjoyed since the 1840's. 

  

               

More red berries fill the centerpiece bowl, one that my mom received as a wedding gift. I love incorporating items that have sentimental value in my table decor, especially during holidays. Snowy glass pine cones and a glittered ornament form a perfect perch for the little raffia bird.

 

In the center of two of the accent salad plates are the Christmas trees that are interspersed among the toy soldiers. These plates have a wide green rim — its color at the top of the photo is a truer representation than the color at the bottom. The bright sunlight streaming through the windows played havoc with the colors in some of the photos. 

 

The other two salad plates repeat the dinner plate design except that they added a deep red band encircling the well. We had wanted these dishes for what seemed like a long time and finally purchased a few pieces a couple of years ago. If you'd like to see a more formal table set with the dishware, visit Christmas in Red and Gold.

 

                         

Because of the red-jacketed soldiers, the berries on the tablecloth and the red band on two of the plates, red was the logical choice for an accent color. Beautiful glassware catches the light and stands on pewter coasters that are pretty but not terribly functional LOL. I used cute stem charms to differentiate the wine glasses.

 

               

The napkins have designs in red and green that go well with the other table items. They're held by joyful reindeer rings in glowing silver that picks up the color of the flatware and the softer shine of the pewter coasters and hammered aluminum bowl. A tiny evergreen pick was inserted into the napkin rings.

 

I love how the sunlight slants across the table!

 

To add to the playful feel I used salt and pepper shakers at each place setting that have charming figural shapes. First are cute pups, pleased they have found an ornament to toss about.

 

       

Second are a stocking full of toys and a wrapped gift complete with a dove, an enduring symbol of peace.

 

        

   Third is a two-part train, with a steam engine pulling a car full of goodies.

 

And lastly are a festively wrapped present and another stocking with a wide-eyed teddy bear.

 

         

Peppermint stick candles add a delightful spark on either side of the centerpiece! I confess I don't actually want to light them. . . 

 

                  

 An appealing Christmas tree conceals a sugar bowl in its base. On the opposite side is its matching creamer.

 

While on the sideboard a teapot and mugs await hot chocolate to be served after the meal.

 

                   

 I think this lighthearted approach would be just the thing for a leisurely lunch during the holidays!

 

The cheeky little bird is having fun!

 

 

I would like to thank Rita from Panoply for organizing this Christmas tablescape celebration. I hope that you'll visit each of my fellow stylists — you are sure to be inspired by their endlessly creative ideas! 

                    Panoply - O Christmas Tree Tablescape

                    Home is Where the Boat Is - Cardinal Christmas with Plaid and Checks

                    Hyacinths for the Soul - Cozy, Comfy Christmas

                    Everyday Living - A Victorian Christmas Tablescape

                    Life and Linda - All Aboard the Polar Express

                    The Cats Whiskerz - A Christmas Tablescape in Gold, White and Mint

                    Belle Bleu Interiors - Christmas Traditions

                    Pandora's Box - A Holiday Breakfast for Two Special Boys

                    My Thrift Store Addiction - Secret Garden Whimsical Christmas Tablescape

                    Olla-Podrida - All Aboard the Christmas Express: A Nostalgic Holiday Tablescape

                    Red Cottage Chronicles - Ralph Lauren Inspired Tablescape

                    Me and My Captain - Christmas 2025 The Reason for the Season

                    The Little Yellow Corner Store - A Pretty Poinsettia Tablescape

                    Dinner at Eight - A Playful Tablesetting for Christmas

                    Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Oh, Come All Ye Plaid Lovers

                    Mantel and Table - A Cozy Christmas Tablescape: Simple Ideas for a Beautiful Holiday

                    Thrifting Wonderland - Vintage Christmas Tablescapes with Thrifted Finds

                    The Bookish Dilettante - Simple Evergreen Christmas Tablescape

    

 

Happy Holidays! 

 

 

  

Table details

Plates |  Bernardaud 'Grenadiers'

S&P shakers | Fitz and Floyd

Teapot and cake plate | Spode 'Christmas Tree Peppermint'

Tree mugs |  Waechtersbach 'Christmas Tree'

     

* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight does not receive any type of compensation.