Christmas Tablescaping: Elegant Table Setting

🔖 Tableware

The essentials, in short

In short

Glasses: lined up diagonally above the knife, from the largest (water) to the smallest (champagne).

Decoration: favor candles that are either low or tall enough not to block conversation, and a discreet centerpiece.

Tip: wine or whisky decanters make excellent decorative elements, even before being used.

Setting a beautiful Christmas table doesn't require the skills of a head waiter: a few simple guideposts are enough for an elegant, welcoming result, without spending a whole afternoon on it.

The tablecloth and table runner

A solid-colored tablecloth (white, cream, or light gray) remains the safest base: it shows off the tableware and decoration without ever competing with them. To add a touch of color without overloading the look, a seasonal-toned table runner (fir green, deep red, or gold) is more than enough.

Placement of cutlery and glasses

The classic rule places the cutlery on either side of the plate (forks on the left, knives and spoon on the right, in order of use starting from the outside), and the glasses lined up diagonally above the knife: the water glass, the largest, first, followed by the red wine glass, the white wine glass, then the champagne coupe or flute, the smallest.

Overhead view of a table setting with cutlery and a glass

Decoration: candles and centerpiece

Favor candles that are either low enough or tall enough not to block the view between guests — this is the most common mistake. A discreet centerpiece (fir branches, a few pine cones, a thin garland) adds a festive touch without cluttering the space needed to serve dishes.

Practical tip: avoid overly tall floral arrangements that block the view of the person across from you — always favor width over height for a centerpiece.

Glasses as decorative objects

Beyond their function, glasses and decanters fully contribute to the table's aesthetic: a wine decanter placed at the center, even before serving, visually structures the composition. A set of matching glasses, with golden highlights or a tint, adds a refined touch that's visible the moment guests walk into the room.

Solen Wine Decanter€36.90

Centerpiece item

An elegant silhouette that structures the table, even simply placed there while waiting to be used.

Gold Rim Champagne Glass€18.90

Festive touch

A gold trim that catches the light of the candles, perfect for a holiday table.

To explore the full range, our wine glasses, wine decanters, and whisky decanters collections cover every table style.

🎯Expert selectionVetted by our tableware experts

🚚Careful shippingSecure packaging for your precious pieces

🔄Satisfaction guaranteed14 days to change your mind

📞7/7 serviceOur team answers your questions

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

How many glasses are in a bottle of champagne?

A standard 750ml bottle serves on average 6 to 8 glasses, depending on whether the servings poured are generous or more measured.

In what order should glasses be placed on a set table?

Glasses are lined up diagonally above the knife, from largest to smallest: water glass, red wine glass, white wine glass, then champagne coupe or flute.

How do I clean a wine decanter before the holidays?

Rinse it with clear water and no scented detergent, then let it dry upside down on a bottle rack to avoid limescale marks before bringing it out for the celebration.

Where can I buy nice wine glasses for a holiday table?

Our online collection offers quality wine glasses starting at €16.90, suited to everyday use as well as a more refined holiday table.

Do all the glasses on a Christmas table need to match?

It isn't required, but a matching set of glasses gives a more polished, professional result than a mix of mismatched models, especially for a special occasion.