Festive Dining Table Ideas for Your First Home

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle during the festive season? And isn’t it exciting to make your first Christmas in your new home extra special?

Here at The Property Experts, we can’t wait for the magic of Christmas to begin, and we know how important it is to create a warm, stylish atmosphere for your celebrations.

If you’re hosting Christmas dinner for the first time, now is the perfect moment to start planning your dining table décor. The good news? Adding a touch of glamour and sparkle doesn’t have to be expensive.

Here are five easy and affordable festive dining table ideas for your first home, so that you can create a show-stopping display!

1. Set the Scene and Declutter

There's no point making your dining table deliciously delightful if the rest of the room looks like a dog's dinner! You may well have set place settings, draped ribbons, placed holly and berries and have it looking beautiful, but if you have to step over discarded toys or waltz around the ironing board and laundry that's no good! Declutter and remove anything that doesn't go with your theme and colours for Christmas.

Top Tip: Take the opportunity to really think if you need everything you have on display, or if some could be packed away or given to charity shops. Consider if you're using the space to its best all year round.

2. Dreaming of a White Christmas?

We don’t often get snow at Christmas, but it’s synonymous with the festive period. A great festive dining table idea is to create a lovely winter wonderland in your dining room. Think white cushions or table runners, white candles in white holders, white plates and bowls, and white-handled crockery. You might want to add light-blue glassware, or faux fur throws over the back of a chair.

Top Tip: This does not have to be expensive. You're creating a dining setting, so think about the things you already own and could use. Add a sprinkle of gold glitter on the table to give a dash of colour.

3. Have you Twigged it Yet?

Here's another low-cost festive dining table idea. Bring the landscape to your dining table. A sprig of holly, a couple of twigs tied with a red ribbon, and you have a lovely little scene.

Pine cones can be collected and used in a display, and you could sprinkle them with glitter or a gold spray that you can buy in the supermarket or DIY store.

Top Tip: If you collect a couple of twigs or cones, they can go straight into the compost or garden waste bin after Christmas. You won't have bought yet more plastic, and it's environmentally friendly.

4. Accessorise for Extra Sparkle!

So your table looks good but a little plain? Accessorise. It's so simple.

Little strings of lights, battery-operated, can be stretched across the table. Crackers can be placed next to plates. Holly twigs can bring a touch of green and red to the table. Wooden ornaments can be arranged - if you've got room, create a village scene. A Poinsettia plant is associated with Christmas, so you could place one as a focal point. If you have red bead strings for your tree, you could use them on the table. Sequins and glitter will also help to set the scene.

Top Tip: If you love how you've accessorised, take a picture and keep it safe so that next year you can recreate your table.

5. The Light, Bright Touch

Lighting is essential to making your dining room sparkle! You might have a "big light", but how about using table lights to create more atmosphere, or using candles in gold holders for a touch of style. This festive dining table idea will ensure your table glows!

Top Tip: If you're using candles, please be careful! Don't place anything near them that could fall into the flame and cause a fire. Be sensible.

What Next?

Did you know that winter is a great time to be selling your home? People look online, often on their new phones and tablets, and browse properties ready for a potential move early in the New Year.

As we’ve been helping people to prepare their homes for sale for some time now, we know what works best when it comes to selling your home in winter. If you're thinking of selling, call The Property Experts on 0330 179 8180 for an informal chat to see how we can help get you moving.

In the meantime, we've answered some of your questions about festive dining table ideas and how to make your festivities sparkle. Happy Christmas!

What are some affordable ways to decorate my dining table for Christmas?

You can use items you already own, like white tableware, candles, or ribbon. Incorporate natural elements like pine cones or holly sprigs, and accessorise with glitter or small battery-operated lights for a festive touch.

How do I create a winter wonderland theme on my dining table?

Stick to a white and light-blue colour palette. Use white table runners, plates, and candles, and enhance the look with faux fur throws or light-blue glassware. Sprinkle gold glitter for an extra festive sparkle.

Are there eco-friendly decoration ideas for a Christmas dining table?

Yes! Use natural elements like twigs, holly, and pine cones, which can be composted after the holidays. Avoid plastic decorations and opt for reusable or biodegradable materials instead.

How can lighting enhance the look of my dining table?

Lighting adds atmosphere and sparkle. Use candles in gold holders or table lamps to create a warm glow. Battery-operated string lights can also be arranged across the table for an enchanting effect.

How do I keep my dining room looking tidy during the holidays?

Declutter the room before decorating. Remove non-festive items and ensure the space complements your Christmas theme. This will make your table decor stand out and create a cohesive look.

Can I use everyday items as part of my Christmas table decorations?

Absolutely! Everyday items like white plates, ribbon, or glassware can be repurposed. Combine these with seasonal touches like holly, glitter, or small ornaments to transform them into festive decorations.