Holiday Tablescapes: Layering Elegance for Christmas & Hanukkah

Setting the table for the holiday season is one of the most meaningful styling rituals of the year. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or both, your dining table becomes the heart of your home—where stories unfold, traditions are honoured, and memories are created. At Rype Interiors, we believe a holiday tablescape should feel luxurious yet effortless, layered yet uncluttered, festive yet deeply elevated.

In 2025, holiday styling is leaning toward a new era of quiet abundance: tactile textures, sculptural silhouettes, unexpected colour pairings, and curated natural elements that evoke warmth without overwhelming the senses. This is your guide to creating a show-stopping table—one that feels timeless, photogenic, and beautifully personal.

Image Credits: Pinterest

Start With a Mood: What Do You Want Guests to Feel?

Great styling always begins with intention.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want the table to feel formal or relaxed?

• Moody and dramatic, or light and airy?

• Is the celebration intimate, or full of family and noise?

• Do you want a modern palette or something traditional?

At Rype Interiors, we gravitate towards a mood of natural luxury—a look that feels warm, inviting, deeply textural, and grounded in timeless materials. From here, every decision becomes easier.

Choose a Colour Palette That Elevates the Celebration

A well-chosen palette is the foundation of any editorial-level tablescape.

For Christmas:

Think earthy sophistication:

• Deep greens

• Soft golds

• Warm neutrals

• Terracotta accents

• Smoky glassware

• Walnut-toned woods

This keeps Christmas styling elevated rather than kitschy, blending seamlessly with modern Australian interiors.

For Hanukkah:

Move beyond expected blue-and-silver clichés and into modern tonal layering:

• Midnight blues

• Navy linen

• Soft dove grey

• Brushed nickel & pewter

• Frosted or clear glass

• Warm walnut for grounding

The goal is to create a Hanukkah table that feels modern, soulful, and architecturally refined.

The Base: Textiles That Transform the Table

Your table linen sets the tone more than any other element.

Consider:

• A washed-linen tablecloth for flow and softness

• A wide, lush table runner (blue for Hanukkah, earthy neutrals or greens for Christmas)

• Layered placemats—rattan, linen, or soft felt for winter warmth

• Draped napkins, knotted or secured with a subtle ring

These layers instantly shift the table from everyday dining to a thoughtful holiday moment.

Hero Florals: Sculptural, Abundant, and Seasonally Inspired

Florals make the biggest visual impact—and elevate the entire setting.

For Christmas:

Choose arrangements with:

• Pine or cedar branches

• Magnolia leaves

• White blooms

• Burgundy or rust florals for warmth

• Branches for height and drama

For Hanukkah:

Think clean, architectural, and tonal:

• White hydrangea

• Blue delphinium

• Snowy branches or berries

• Soft eucalyptus for movement

• Silver-hued foliage for depth

We recommend mixing heights for a tablescape that feels layered without obstructing conversation.

Dinnerware & Glassware: Understated Luxury Wins

Rather than using holiday-themed plates, choose high-quality, neutral pieces that allow the table styling to shine.

Opt for:

• Stoneware or ceramic plates

• Brushed or matte cutlery

• Amber or clear glass goblets

• Sculptural stemware

• Chargers that add weight and elegance

The mix should feel curated rather than matched, creating a look that feels modern, timeless, and effortless.

The Statement Moment: Gifts, Menorahs, Candles & Sculptural Touches

The “moment” is what guests notice first. For an Architectural Digest-worthy table, add one statement piece per place setting or per centre line.

Options include:

• A miniature wrapped gift on each plate

• A custom name tag or hand-written calligraphy card

• A sculptural menorah placed off-centre

• Clustered candles in mixed heights

• A centrepiece ceramic bowl spilling with ornaments, citrus, or pomegranates

This is where the table becomes personal—and unforgettable.

Elevate with Material Contrast

Holiday styling thrives on contrast.

Combine:

• Stone with linen

• Walnut with glass

• Bouclé with metal

• Matte ceramics with polished cutlery

• Textural runners with smooth stoneware

This creates visual richness without relying on clutter.

Make It Family-Friendly Without Losing Luxury

A beautifully styled table should still be functional—especially during the holidays.

Tips:

• Use wide runners to protect tabletops

• Choose greenery that doesn’t drop excessively

• Use flameless candles for small children

• Opt for washable linens

• Keep the centre area spacious for food platters and shared dishes

At Rype Interiors, we believe homes should be lived in, not tiptoed around—especially during the festive season.

Layer In Subtle Lighting for Evening Magic

Nothing shifts the mood more elegantly.

Use:

• Taper candles in sculptural holders

• Low, warm lighting from nearby lamps

• Small fairy lights woven discreetly through greenery

• Smoked glass votives for ambience

Soft lighting elevates texture, deepens colour, and adds romance to the dining experience.

Finish With Emotion: The Holiday Story Your Table Tells

Every tablescape speaks. Let yours reflect:

• Your culture

• Your family traditions

• Your colour preferences

• Your design style

• Your level of formality

• And your personality

The most memorable holiday tables are not the most decorated—they are the most intentional.

They invite people in.
They feel sophisticated without being stiff.
They elevate the moment.
And they make home feel more magical, more meaningful, and more connected.

This is holiday tablescaping, the Rype way.
Layered, natural, luxurious, family-friendly—and unforgettable.

Give us a call or complete our New Client Form to see how we can make your life more beautiful.