Winter Table Decorating Ideas

Many holidays fall within the winter months, which means that family gatherings and formal dining opportunities abound. Decorating the table for winter will ensure that your guests will enjoy a visually appealing dining setting; also, a winter-themed dining area will match the rest of your home, which you have most likely also dressed up for the holidays. Does this Spark an idea?

Winter White

An all-white color palette immediately evokes a sense of snowy elegance. Glass candle holders wrapped in white lace, a white tablecloth and white chargers ground the look, but some pops of color in accessories, like place mats, or smaller items, like dishware, update the table. Winter white tables need strong centerpieces to create visual interest; large seasonal floral displays such as white roses paired with winter cabbage in a crystal vase work well.

Shine and Sparkle

Ever-festive gold is simultaneously cheerful and dignified. Gilded table displays can be either simple and sophisticated with only gold accents such as chargers, gold flatware or a glittery table runner, or boldly conceived with numerous shining candles and a flashy white or silver and gold centerpiece. Lighting elements such as gold chandeliers or lit fireplaces contribute both function and warmth to the overall appearance of the golden winter table. Quirky accessories such as gold reindeer statuettes add a hint of whimsy.

Bringing in the Outside

Twigs and branches add install winter style to a nature-themed formal table; spray paint them white, golder or silver for a more polished appearance. Carefully arranged branches poking through the arms of a chandelier recall a dormant winter tree. Use branches in centerpieces as bundles tied with ribbon or group them in vases. Pine cones and winter vegetables are also good options for natural centerpiece bowls or cornucopias.

Outdoor Ice Table

Winter weather wrecks many outdoor activities, but you can use it to your best outdoor decorating advantage. Large, low rectangular snow structures transform into tables when you place an appropriately sized panel of ice over the top, as the website Apartment Therapy suggests. Such an unusual buffet will not only house your cups and plates, but also serve as an instant conversation piece. Trash cans or similarly sized sturdy items make good interior support.