Christmas Banquet Table Decorations: How to Style a Large Holiday Table
Christmas Banquet Table Decorations: How to Style a Large Holiday Table
A banquet table is a large table that needs a different approach. A single centerpiece gets lost, a small arrangement looks sparse, and a tall arrangement blocks conversation across a wide table. The problem is that most people either use the same approach as a small table (one centerpiece in the middle) or overdo it (so many decorations that there’s no room for the food). The right approach is to use the length of the table, to choose low, wide arrangements, and to leave room for the food. This guide covers Christmas banquet table decorations, what to buy, and what to skip.
Christmas banquet table decorations covers the decor and styling used on large holiday dining tables, including runner-style arrangements, multiple centerpieces, greenery garlands, and candle displays. The best banquet table decor is proportional, low, and functional. The worst is too small, too tall, or too cluttered.
The right banquet table decorations make the table feel special without getting in the way. Here’s what to buy, what to skip, and how to style it.
Christmas Banquet Table Decorations by Layout
The Runner Layout
The runner layout is the most common arrangement for a banquet table. It uses a runner of greenery or decor down the center of the table.
How to arrange it:
- Lay a table runner down the center of the table
- Place a garland of fresh greenery on the runner (cedar, pine, or fir)
- Place candles (in varying heights) along the greenery
- Tuck in pinecones, berries, and ornaments
- Set the place settings on either side
Best for: Long banquet tables, rectangular tables.
Tips: Keep the greenery low. Don’t let the candles block conversation. Leave space for the serving dishes.
The Multiple Centerpiece Layout
The multiple centerpiece layout uses several small arrangements spaced down the table. It’s the layout that ensures every guest has something beautiful to look at.
How to arrange it:
- Lay a table runner or tablecloth on the table
- Place 3 to 5 small arrangements along the runner
- Place candles between the arrangements
- Add greenery and accents between the arrangements
- Set the place settings on either side
Best for: Long banquet tables, rectangular tables.
Tips: Space the arrangements evenly. Keep them low and small. Don’t block the serving dishes.
The Candle Cluster Layout
The candle cluster layout uses clusters of candles spaced down the table. It’s the layout that’s simple, elegant, and warm.
How to arrange it:
- Lay a table runner or tablecloth on the table
- Place 3 to 5 clusters of candles along the runner
- Each cluster has 3 to 5 candles in varying heights
- Add greenery and pinecones around each cluster
- Set the place settings on either side
Best for: Long banquet tables, formal dinners.
Tips: Use a mix of candle types (taper, pillar, votive). Use warm white or cream candles. Use flameless candles for safety.
The Greenery Garland Layout
The greenery garland layout uses a garland of fresh greenery as the main decoration. It’s the layout that’s natural, organic, and beautiful.
How to arrange it:
- Lay a garland of fresh greenery down the center of the table
- Tuck in candles, pinecones, berries, and ornaments
- Add a few sprigs of fresh flowers
- Set the place settings on either side
Best for: Long banquet tables, rustic style.
Tips: Use a mix of greenery (cedar, pine, fir, eucalyptus). Keep it low. Don’t let it block the serving dishes.
Christmas Banquet Table Decorations by Element
The Tablecloth and Runner
What to use:
- A quality tablecloth in a festive color (red, green, cream, or white)
- A table runner in a warm material (linen, burlap, or velvet)
- A tablecloth that’s washable (food will get on it)
- A runner that’s the right length (it should run the full length of the table)
Price range: $20 to $60.
The Greenery
What to use:
- A garland of fresh greenery (cedar, pine, or fir) down the center
- A few sprigs of greenery at each place setting
- A few pinecones, berries, and ornaments tucked in
Price range: $15 to $50.
The Candles
What to use:
- A set of pillar candles in varying heights (3 to 5 per cluster)
- A set of taper candles in candlesticks (for a formal look)
- A set of votive candles in glass holders (for a warm glow)
- A set of flameless candles (for safety)
Price range: $15 to $50.
The Place Settings
What to use:
- A quality dinner plate (white or cream, so the food stands out)
- A quality salad plate (in a festive color or pattern)
- A quality napkin (cloth, in a festive color)
- A napkin ring (in a festive style)
- A quality glass (wine, water, or both)
- A quality set of flatware (in a cohesive style)
- A place card (with the guest’s name)
Price range: $5 to $30 per place setting.
The Accents
What to use:
- A set of ornaments in a bowl (in your color scheme)
- A set of mini trees or mini villages (if there’s space)
- A string of fairy lights (along the runner)
- A set of holiday figurines (if there’s space)
Price range: $10 to $40.
How to Decorate a Christmas Banquet Table
Step 1: Choose a Layout
Choose a layout that fits your table (runner, multiple centerpiece, candle cluster, or greenery garland).
Step 2: Choose a Color Scheme
Choose 2 to 3 colors and use them throughout the table. Good combinations: red and white, green and gold, white and silver.
Step 3: Start with the Base
Lay the tablecloth and runner first. This is the foundation.
Step 4: Add the Main Decoration
Add the garland, the multiple centerpieces, or the candle clusters along the runner.
Step 5: Add the Greenery and Accents
Tuck in greenery, pinecones, berries, and ornaments. Add fairy lights.
Step 6: Set the Place Settings
Set each place with a plate, napkin, glass, and flatware. Add a place card.
Step 7: Add the Serving Pieces
Place the serving dishes on the table. Arrange them so they’re easy to reach.
What to Skip Entirely
A single small centerpiece. A single small centerpiece gets lost on a banquet table. Use a runner or multiple centerpieces.
A centerpiece that’s too tall. A tall centerpiece blocks conversation across a wide table. Choose a low centerpiece.
Too many decorations. A table that’s covered in decorations has no room for the food. Choose a few quality items.
Decorations that block the food. Don’t put decorations where the serving dishes go. Keep the food accessible.
Decorations that are too messy. Greenery that sheds, candles that drip, or items that tip over are a hassle. Choose clean, stable decorations.
Too many colors. A table with 5 or more colors feels chaotic. Choose 2 to 3 colors.
FAQ
How do I decorate a Christmas banquet table? Choose a layout (runner, multiple centerpiece, candle cluster, or greenery garland). Choose a color scheme (2 to 3 colors). Start with the base (tablecloth and runner). Add the main decoration (garland, centerpieces, or candles). Add greenery and accents. Set the place settings. Add the serving pieces.
What are the best Christmas banquet table decorations? The best decorations are a runner of fresh greenery with candles and accents ($15 to $50), 3 to 5 small arrangements ($30 to $75), 3 to 5 candle clusters ($15 to $50), a set of cloth napkins with rings ($5 to $15 per setting), a set of ornaments in a bowl ($10 to $30), and a string of fairy lights ($5 to $15).
What should I avoid when decorating a Christmas banquet table? Avoid a single small centerpiece (it gets lost), a centerpiece that’s too tall (it blocks conversation), too many decorations (no room for food), decorations that block the food, decorations that are too messy, and too many colors (choose 2 to 3).
How much does it cost to decorate a Christmas banquet table? A tablecloth and runner cost $20 to $60. Greenery costs $15 to $50. Candles cost $15 to $50. Place settings cost $5 to $30 per person. Accents cost $10 to $40. You can decorate a banquet table for $100 to $400.
What color scheme is best for a Christmas banquet table? Good color schemes include classic (red, green, white), warm (red, gold, cream), elegant (white, gold, silver), natural (green, brown, cream), and modern (white, silver, blue). Choose 2 to 3 colors and use them throughout the table.
How do I decorate a long banquet table for Christmas? For a long banquet table, use the runner layout (a garland of greenery down the center with candles and accents) or the multiple centerpiece layout (3 to 5 small arrangements spaced along the runner). A single small centerpiece will get lost on a long table.
How do I leave room for food on a decorated banquet table? Keep the decorations low and in the center of the table. Don’t put decorations where the serving dishes go. Leave 12 to 18 inches of space for each place setting. Use a runner-style decoration that leaves the sides of the table clear for plates and serving dishes.
References
- Martha Stewart. “Banquet Table Decor.” https://www.marthastewart.com/275268/banquet-table-decor
- The Spruce. “Banquet Table Decorations.” https://www.thespruce.com/banquet-table-decorations-4142251
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Banquet Table Setting.” https://www.bhg.com/christmas/decor/banquet-table-setting/
