10 Ways To Upgrade Your Christmas Table

There’s something about setting a Christmas table that feels almost ceremonial. And over the years I’ve realised the magic isn’t in one big show-stopping centrepiece, it’s in the small, thoughtful details that quietly transform a table into something memorable

Here are ten things I am loving this Christmas, that take it from pretty to experiential, with very little additional effort, and I promise you, you’ll have so much fun in the process.

1. DIY Christmas Crackers (the kind people actually want to open)

Last year I swapped the usual plastic toys for mini treats I knew my guests would love, think Jo Malone mini perfumes, Rhode lipgloss, Essie Nail Polish, 11 Skin lip masks. Filling your own crackers is ridiculously fun and it instantly personalises each place setting, setting the mood for each guest and transforming the moment from ordinary to incredibly special. My favourites are from Nany & Betty linked here. They are also super easy to make yourself using fabric / paper with ribbon!

2. Little Lamps That Change Everything

I’m in love with these striped lamps from Von Norten linked here. They give the table this soft, vintage glow - they’re tiny, elegant scene-setters. Mrs Alice also has an exceptional selection of decorative Christmas lamps, linked here.

3. Bow Napkin Rings (because bows make everything festive)

The H&M bow napkin rings linked here instantly dress up even the plainest napkin. They’re playful without trying too hard, and the perfect touch to any table that works with almost any Christmas theme. 

4. Skinny, Tall Candles for Height + Drama

There’s something wildly elegant about tall taper candles, they stretch the table upwards and make the whole setting feel intentional. My favourites are linked here.

5. Bow Glasses from Anna + Nina

These glasses are pure whimsy. They catch the light in the prettiest way and feel like they were made for Christmas toasts and giggly kids drinking apple juice like it’s champagne.

7. Christmas Plates That Feel Like Heirlooms

I love the festive crockery from Mrs Alice, it’s timeless but full of character, the kind of set your kids will one day ask to borrow. Find it here.

8. Oversized Bow

This is my favourite little twist - instead of a wreath, hang an oversized velvet bow on your front door. It feels chic, unexpected, and beautifully minimal. Find it here.

9. Glass Lanterns

There is nothing more magical than a glowing Christmas table, filled with different heights, textures and lots of sparking glass candles. I particularly love these glass lantern candle holders from Mrs. Alice linked here.

9. Embroidered Napkins That Make the Table Feel Thoughtful

Nothing elevates a table quite like embroidered napkins, they add instant texture and charm. I love these embroidered candy cane napkins linked here, and these embroidered nutcracker napkins linked here.

10. The Tablecloth That Ties It All Together

A beautiful linen tablecloth is the quiet hero of your tablescape. This one is festive without being loud, find it here. There is also a wonderful selection of printed, tartan and toile table cloths from Mrs Alice linked here. 

Bonus: The personalised pieces I adore

My go-to festive personalised touches are always our personalised velvet ornament linked here, which I double up as a place-card, which my guests can take home as a momento after the dinner is over. And I adore personalised candles, they add such a fun, quirky touch to your table, showing everyone that the main point of any dinner, is always fun. My favourite personalised candles are from Pepper Loves linked here.

Setting the table is such a small thing, but somehow it holds everything - the anticipation, the conversation starters, the nostalgia, the fun of the season. I hope these little touches bring as much joy to your home as they do to mine.

With love,
Roshni