The holidays are a season of memories — of gathering around the fire, the soft glow of twinkling lights, and the familiar scent of fresh pine that instantly transports us back to childhood. As the snow falls gently outside, there’s something magical about stepping into a home that’s wrapped in the warmth and peace of the season.
Imagine your guests arriving, the crisp winter air still on their cheeks, greeted by the scent of cinnamon and cedar, the soft flicker of candles, the delicate sparkle of ornaments catching the light, and the gentle hum of holiday music in the background.
Every detail of your entryway tells a story, welcoming them into not just your home, but the heart of the holidays. In this article, we'll create a "tablescape" for your entryway table that captures this sense of wonder, blending textures, scents, and timeless holiday elements to wrap your guests in the magic of the season the moment they walk through the door.
Starting with the Base – Setting Up the Entryway Table
Before you start layering all your holiday decor onto your entryway table, it’s important to set a strong base. This foundation will create the structure for your display and help bring everything together in a cohesive, visually appealing way.
Tablecloths, Runners & LinensThe first step is to choose the right tablecloth or runner for your entryway table. Since entryway tables are often smaller than dining tables, you want to choose fabrics that don’t overwhelm the space. Here are a few options to consider:
- Neutral Linens: A simple white, beige, or cream tablecloth is timeless and creates a calm backdrop for more colorful or intricate decorations. If you’re aiming for a more elegant and refined look, this is a great choice.
- Festive Linens: A runner or towel in a festive pattern or simple plaid design can give your entryway an instant seasonal feel. Burlap or linen runners with holiday-themed patterns or embroidery are also excellent for creating a rustic vibe.
- Layered Textures: For added depth, consider layering a runner over a neutral tablecloth. This can give your tablescape more visual interest without overwhelming the space. You could even drape a cozy throw over the corner of the table or nearby chair for a softer, more inviting touch.
If your entryway table is positioned beneath a mirror or artwork, consider incorporating this into your tablescape’s overall look. A mirror framed with a garland of fresh or faux greenery instantly makes the space feel festive. You can also hang a wreath directly on the mirror or artwork for a bold and seasonal focal point. If you have wall space, draping string lights or fabric behind the table creates a soft, twinkling backdrop that will enhance the overall mood.
Adding Natural Elements for Seasonal Warmth
There’s something about bringing a touch of nature indoors during the holidays that makes your space feel cozy and timeless. By incorporating natural elements like evergreens, pinecones, and even twigs, you can create a tablescape that’s rich in texture and filled with the organic beauty of the winter season.
EvergreensFresh greenery is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform your entryway into a winter wonderland. Lay sprigs of pine, cedar, or eucalyptus along the surface of your table for a lush and fragrant base. You can even let the greenery cascade over the edges of the table for a more dramatic look. Here are a few ways to use evergreens creatively:
- Garlands: Drape a garland made of fresh or faux evergreens along the front or back edge of the table. Add small touches like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or clusters of berries for color and scent.
- Mini Trees: If you have the space, consider adding a small tabletop Christmas tree or two. You can leave them bare for a minimalist look or decorate them with small ornaments for a whimsical touch.
- Vases of Greenery: For a more vertical element, fill a vase with pine branches, eucalyptus, or holly. You can mix in twigs or birch branches for added texture and height.
Pinecones are a versatile and beautiful addition to any holiday tablescape. Their rustic charm and natural texture add depth to the display without being overpowering. Here are a few ways to incorporate pinecones:
- Scatter Them: Simply scatter pinecones along the surface of the table, nestling them among greenery and candles. For a more polished look, consider painting the tips of the pinecones with metallic gold or silver paint for a frosted, festive effect.
- Use Them as Accents: Pinecones can also serve as accents in other parts of the display. Tuck them into napkins, place them in bowls or vases, or group them around candles for a cohesive and natural look.
If you’re going for a more minimalist or modern vibe, bare branches can be an elegant and striking addition to your tablescape. Place a few in a tall vase for a simple but dramatic centerpiece. You can leave the branches bare, wrap them in fairy lights, or hang small ornaments from them for added holiday sparkle.
Upcycled & Vintage Charm —
One of the best parts about creating a holiday tablescape is the opportunity to incorporate personal, sentimental, or upcycled pieces. These elements not only add character to your display but also make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Vintage Ornaments & GlasswareIf you have a collection of vintage Christmas ornaments, this is the perfect place to show them off. Arrange ornaments in decorative bowls or glass jars, or use them as accents among the greenery on the table. You can even hang smaller ornaments from the branches in your vase or from the garland framing your mirror. For a more whimsical touch, fill old glass bottles or jars with fairy lights or tinsel and place them strategically throughout the display.
Old Picture FramesRepurpose old picture frames by painting them in festive holiday colors like red, gold, or green. Use them to frame holiday artwork, family photos, or even handwritten Christmas greetings. Another option is to use a large picture frame as a tray for displaying candles, greenery, or ornaments.
Repurposed CandleholdersDo you have old glass bottles or candlesticks lying around? Paint them in holiday colors or leave them natural, and use them as unique candleholders. Wrap greenery or ribbon around the base of the bottles for a more festive touch. Upcycled elements like these add a personal and creative flair to your holiday decor.
Lighting: The Key to Cozy Ambiance —
Lighting plays a major role in creating the right atmosphere for your entryway. It not only sets the mood but also adds warmth and a soft glow that will make your guests feel welcome the moment they step inside.
Candles & LanternsCandles are a must for any holiday tablescape, and there are so many ways to incorporate them. For an elegant look, mix pillar candles of varying heights or place tea lights in glass votives for a cozier, more intimate feel. Don’t worry if you don’t want to use real candles—batter-operated candles work just as well and offer a safe alternative. If you prefer a more rustic look, lanterns filled with LED candles or fairy lights are a great option.
Fairy Lights & String LightsFairy lights add a magical glow to any tablescape. Drape them along the edges of the entryway table, weave them through garlands, or place them inside glass jars or vases for a twinkling effect. You can even hang them behind the table to create a soft, glowing backdrop that enhances the overall atmosphere.
Small Details: Ornaments, Greenery, & Personal Touches —
The small details are what make a tablescape truly special. By adding personalized touches and carefully chosen ornaments, you can give your display a unique and memorable feel.
Ornament DisplaysOrnaments don’t have to be reserved for the Christmas tree. Use them creatively throughout your entryway tablescape. Group small vintage or glass ornaments in decorative bowls or on tiered trays for a simple but elegant display. You can also use ornaments to fill vases or glass jars, or place a few scattered around the table for added color and shine.
Sprigs of Greenery
Tucking sprigs of greenery like pine, holly, or berries into the spaces between candles, ornaments, or lanterns adds a touch of nature and creates a fuller, layered look. You can also use small bundles of greenery as napkin rings or to decorate a small dish used for holding keys or other items.
Personalized TouchesMake your entryway tablescape even more special by incorporating personal elements. Frame family photos or holiday cards, hang small stockings from drawer handles, or display personalized ornaments. These little details make your guests feel more at home and add warmth and charm to the space.
Holiday Accents & Whimsical Decor
Add a bit of holiday whimsy to your entryway with playful touches like RONNINGS’ adorable gnome decor or a festive coffee mug filled with candy canes. Tuck in small surprises—like jingle bells or sprigs of holly—to make your tablescape extra charming. These little accents bring joy and warmth, making your entryway as festive as it is welcoming.
Extra Spaces: How to Bring Holiday Cheer to Other Small Areas —
Once you’ve created your perfect entryway tablescape, you may want to carry the festive spirit throughout your home. Here are a few ideas for bringing holiday magic to other small spaces, like coffee tables, end tables, bookshelves, and more.
Coffee TableA coffee table is a great place for a simple but festive display. Arrange a tray with a few candles, a small vase of greenery, and some pinecones or ornaments for a low-profile yet beautiful centerpiece. If you want something more interactive, create a holiday-themed tray with books, candles, and a small bowl of holiday treats.
End TableKeep your end table decor simple and clean. A single candle surrounded by greenery or berries can add just the right touch without overwhelming the space. You can also use a holiday-themed tin or upcycled box to store remotes or other small items.
Sofa TableIf you have a sofa table, create a mini holiday vignette with framed holiday photos, candles, and a small bowl of ornaments or Christmas candies. You can also drape a garland along the back of the sofa or throw a festive blanket over the armrest to tie everything together.
BookshelfBookshelves are often overlooked, but they offer plenty of space for festive decor. Tuck small ornaments, greenery, or candles between books, or place holiday-themed figurines or Christmas village pieces among the shelves for a touch of seasonal charm.
Kitchen CounterYour kitchen counter doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday fun. Create a simple but festive display with a tray of mugs, a jar of candy canes, and a small candle or vase of greenery. You could also set up a hot cocoa station with holiday-themed mugs and treats (read our article about creating the Ultimate Hot Chocolate Bar).
Small Bathroom CounterEven a small bathroom counter can be dressed up for the holidays. Place a holiday-scented candle, a vase of evergreens, and a jar of festive soaps on the counter for a subtle but stylish touch. You can also add a mini wreath around the base of the soap dispenser or tie hand towels with holiday ribbon for a pop of color.
Time to Deck Your Walls, Halls, and Tables —
Creating a Christmas entryway tablescape is a wonderful way to welcome guests into your home and set the tone for the holiday season.
Whether you prefer a rustic, vintage, or modern look, there are endless possibilities for making your entryway festive, warm, and inviting. And don’t stop at the entryway — carry the holiday magic throughout your home by decorating other small spaces like coffee tables, end tables, and kitchen counters.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and make it personal. Use what you have, get creative with upcycled items, and don’t be afraid to mix textures and elements to create a display that’s uniquely yours. Happy decorating, and may your home be filled with holiday joy!
