Classic Christmas Tablescape

I really love setting the table especially at the holidays. Today I’m sharing a classic Christmas tablescape with white linens, brass accents, and gingerbread cakes!

You may remember last week I shared our Seaside Christmas Home Tour in which I used these fun gingerbread house cakes in a rustic setting. The gingerbread houses were placed on cake stands and wooden pedestals in the center of the table with lots of greenery and candles. When imagined making these cakes I also thought they’d look so pretty against a white cloth. I’m so excited to share a new take with these cakes – a Classic Christmas Tablescape!

Conor and I baked these together and it was so much fun! I shared the recipe here. The white cloth really makes the gingerbread cakes and the powdered sugar snow look even more whimsical.

How special and sweet for each person at your table to have their own gingerbread house cake!

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How to Create A Classic Christmas Tablescape

White Table Cloth

First start with a white table cloth. I believe this one was from HomeGoods it’s by Ralph Lauren. This one is similar. The pattern is soft and elegant. I also like this one , this one and this one. I know this sounds obvious BUT make sure to get the right size and shape for your table.

A Gingerbread House Cake and a Linen Napkin

I placed a linen napkin (I love these) at each place setting and layered in a square plate (from Ikea) with our homemade gingerbread cake houses on top.

Each plate got a dried orange to add a warm hue. I will be sharing a tutorial for drying oranges soon.

Layer in Greenery

Across the middle of the table add a simple garland or fresh cut greenery from your yard.

I added in some eucalyptus branches from Trader Joe’s, some dried hydrangeas from our yard, and glittering mercury glass ornaments.

I’ve carried out greenery throughout the room – on the table, on the blue cabinet in an ironstone pitcher, and across the antique hutch. It’s perfectly acceptable to mix real and faux.

Add Flickering Candles

I LOVE candles. Ever since I was a little girl we ate dinner by candlelight. I’ve carried on this tradition with our boys. We dim the lights and enjoy the warm glow of candles. White tapers in vintage brass candle holders are my favorite. I love using simple white tapers from Ikea but my son has started making hand dipped candles (we’ve run out) but I’ll share a tutorial soon.

Isn’t that soft light so pretty and magical?

I know the brass candle sticks might look expensive BUT you can usually find them for a $1 or less at thrift stores or yard sales. Every time I see ones with different shapes I grab them. I use these ALL YEAR LONG.

Gold Flatware

Carry out the warmth of the candlesticks with gold flatware. I got these from Target several years ago.

I actually have few sets of cutlery – hammered, stainless, an old silver set, and these gold ones. I’m actually also thinking of getting a matte black set. It’s really interesting how changing out the flatware can totally change the look and feel of the table.

Here’s a view from above:

It’s as easy as that! The only new things I bought for this tablescape is the cake tin and the pillar candles by Shabby Chic that have evergreen and holly in them. I got them from HomeGoods but can’t find them online. I guess I wanted to share how you can create an elegant and festive table on a budget. Shop your home – you just might be surprised what you have that you can use! 😉

We’re planning on making these gingerbread cakes again for Christmas 😉 They are so delicious.

You can shop the look of this room below. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Shop the Look

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this tablescape? How are you decorating this Christmas?