How to Set the Kids’ Christmas Table

Everyone will be excited to sit at the kids’ Christmas table this year when you incorporate some creative ideas for table. From colorful paper Christmas tree centerpieces to rustic kraft paper table coverings that double as coloring space, we’ll walk you through some thoughtful ways to welcome your smallest guests for the holiday dinner. These ideas from us at Pottery Barn Kids will inspire you to spruce up the kids’ dinner table in imaginative ways!

Planning Your Tablescape

Just like planning for the adult table, the kids’ Christmas table will come together most easily when you go with a theme to incorporate throughout the tablescape. Think about selecting a color palette that coordinates with the adult table or other holiday decorations. Or, plan something more detailed, like “rustic woodland,” “merry and bright” or “old-fashioned Christmas” themes.

Include the Essentials

No matter the theme you’ve chosen, think about including a few essentials in your kids Christmas table setting ideas. While adults are happy to linger in conversation over the dinner table, kids will appreciate some extras that help them stay entertained. An exciting kids table setting will include a few activities that the kids can work on together while waiting for their food or for other festivities to begin. Easy crafts, coloring pages or small board games can entertain even the most energetic guests while they wait. Also, include smaller flatware, no-spill cups and sturdy plates and bowls.

A Rustic Woodland Kids’ Table

A rustic woodland theme incorporates natural winter elements with lighthearted nods to the creatures of the season. Begin your tablescape with a kraft paper base, covering the table and attaching the edges under the tabletop with strong tape. Then, build the center of your table with a simple plaid runner and freshly cut evergreen branches. Accent with a small bucket of crayons set on a wooden branch base, small plastic cups filled with baby’s breath and a few miniature woodland creature figurines. On the kraft paper, use a bold black or dark brown marker to outline each guests’ place setting, writing each name nearby. Wrap chair backs in a simple muslin fabric with twine ties. Or, continue the plaid fabric motif with large-scale ribbon bows. Set the table with neutral or red-colored plates and cups. Let the children decorate their own placemats while they wait.

A Merry and Bright Kids’ Table

A merry and bright decorating theme can focus on brightly colored Christmas decor with shiny bold accents. With unusual holiday color combinations like trendy teals, warm magentas and lime greens, this color palette draws kids into the holiday festivities. Begin with a bright base, and wrap your tabletop in a metallic wrapping paper. Then, add a centerpiece of shiny ornaments placed in a bowl or basket, or intertwined within a simple floral or evergreen arrangement. Accent the table with bright Christmas crackers, glittery mini trees, and a small board game that the children can play while they wait. Wrap chair backs with wide teal or magenta ribbon and big, artful bows. Set the table with bold melamine plates, colorful translucent plastic cups and bright, kid-sized silverware.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Kids’ Table

A throwback to old-fashioned holiday celebrations, this classic theme incorporates simple designs of red, white and green. Start your tablescape with a simple white base, using either a machine washable table linen or an easily cleaned vinyl tablecloth. Build a centerpiece that doubles as a fun kids activity. Place a gingerbread house in the center of the table on a large platter, surrounded by small bowls of classic decorations like gumdrops and candy canes. Surround your house with simple paper trees – tall triangles cut from printed cardstock and clipped to a silver photo holders. Enlist the kids to help sprinkle the table with white paper snowflakes. Wrap your chairs in white tulle.

Welcome your smallest guests to the table with inspiration from our best ideas for Christmas table decorations that incorporate kid-friendly design elements. Use our ideas as is or as a jumping off point to build your own creative table settings the kids at your Christmas table will love most.