Holiday Dinnerware and Christmas Centrepieces

Holiday Hosting Essentials

Turn holiday meals into magical moments with holiday table décor from Urban Barn. Whether you’re planning to host an intimate Christmas party or invite the whole family over for a special meal, you’ll appreciate our selection of seasonal dining room home décor. Shop now to discover holiday plates for your table settings, along with beautiful Christmas table decorations and centrepieces.

How to Set a Christmas Table

Build your table in layers, starting from the surface up. Begin with a table runner down the centre, or placemats at each seat for a more casual look. Next, set each place with a dinner plate, then a side plate or bowl on top. Forks go to the left of the plate, while knives (blade facing the plate) and spoons go to the right. Place the water glass above the knife and a wine or cocktail glass just to its right. Fold a cloth napkin on the plate or to the left of the forks. Finish with a low centrepiece of greenery, tabletop trees or candles down the middle of the table, and keep it under about 12 inches tall so guests can see and talk to each other across the table.

Holiday Hosting Checklist

• Dinnerware: Most Urban Barn dinnerware sets include 16 pieces, enough for four complete place settings.
• Glassware: Plan on at least two glasses per guest: one for water and one for wine or cocktails. Shop wine, coupe, highball, and old fashioned styles in our glassware.
• Serveware: Platters, serving bowls, and trays carry dishes from the kitchen to the table and the buffet. Browse serveware.
• Table linens: Holiday table runners, placemats, and cloth napkins add colour and protect your table. Find runners in our holiday textiles.
• Candles and holders: Taper and pillar candles create warm, flattering light for evening gatherings. Choose holders made of glass, ceramic, or metal, and never leave candles unattended.
• Coasters: Keep a few sets on coffee tables and side tables to protect surfaces while guests mingle.
• Centrepieces: Tabletop trees, deer figurines, LED houses, and faux branches make easy, low-maintenance centrepieces. Shop holiday décor accents and wreaths, garland, and branches.

Gifts for Your Favourite Hosts

Invited to a holiday dinner? Bring a gift the host can enjoy after the party. A scented candle, a set of coasters, cloth napkins or a serving tray are all thoughtful, practical choices. For more ideas, browse our best-selling gifts, shop all holiday décor or explore the full holiday collection. Finish the rest of your home with a Christmas tree and tree collar and Christmas ornaments, so the whole house is ready when guests walk in.

Holiday Hosting FAQs

How do I set a Christmas table?

Start with a runner or placemats, then layer a dinner plate and a side plate or bowl at each seat. Place forks on the left, with knives and spoons on the right. Glasses go above the knife. Add a cloth napkin, then finish with a low centrepiece of greenery or candles down the centre of the table.

How tall should a centrepiece be?

Keep table centrepieces under about 12 inches tall so guests can see each other across the table. If you want height, use slim taper candles or place taller arrangements on a sideboard or buffet instead of the dining table.

What size dining table seats 8 people?

A rectangular table about 84-96 inches long seats eight comfortably, based on roughly 24 inches of space per guest. Leave about 36 inches of clearance around the table so chairs can pull out easily. An extendable table is a good option if you only need the extra length for holidays.

How many glasses do I need per guest?

Plan on at least two glasses per guest: one for water and one for wine or cocktails. If you're serving both wine and a cocktail or sparkling toast, add a third glass per guest, and keep a few extras on hand.

What is a good gift for a holiday host?

A scented candle, coaster set, cloth napkins or a serving tray are all practical host gifts that will be used long after the party. Choose neutral colours or classic holiday tones so the gift fits easily into the host's home.