The holidays are always the busiest time of the year. With buying gifts and planning festivities on top of your everyday responsibilities, dressing up your dining table may be the last thing on your mind. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a lot of time, effort, or money creating the perfect Christmas centerpiece.
You can find tons of inspiration online for your impressive holiday tablescape, and many of them are easy to DIY in 20 minutes or less. Here are nine simple Christmas centerpiece ideas that you can make in no time at all.
DIY wreath candle ring
A wreath candle ring is a timeless, elegant, and rustic holiday centerpiece that you can use again and again. To create this display, all you need is a candle and a small wreath or evergreen clippings. Place the candle in the center, and surround it with the wreath or pine branches, along with pine cones, flowers, and other winter plants. Use a jar candle or flameless one so you don’t create a potential fire hazard. You can add some dimension to your display by placing the candle and wreath on a pedestal or cake stand.
Snowy winter vase centerpieces
For a sophisticated centerpiece that will look store-bought, try painting vases to look like they’re covered in snow. You can find inexpensive vases at the dollar store or a thrift shop. Then, you’ll need some Snow-Tex, a textured specialty paint designed to look like snow. Dab the outside of the vase with the paint to create a realistic snowy texture. Then, fill the vase with decorative ornaments, pine cones, or wintery branches.
Homemade paper Christmas trees
If you’re planning a low-key and fun Christmas dinner, check out these DIY paper Christmas trees. You can make a few of them in various heights to create a paper forest for your centerpiece. This three-dimensional paper woodland is a unique display for your table, plus it can be an easy arts-and-crafts project for the whole family. To get started, use this free printable template from Paging Supermom.
Cranberry floral vases
Even if your guests aren’t fans of cranberry sauce, you can still put those berries to good use. Fill two or three clear vases with fresh cranberries. Add water so the berries stay fresh. Then, top it all off with flowers. Choose white flowers, like hydrangeas, peonies, or carnations, that will make your table look festive with the red cranberries. This is an excellent way to add a pop of color to an otherwise dull floral arrangement.
Herb-wrapped candles
Create a cozy tablescape with these rustic herb-wrapped candles. This simple centerpiece is effortless to make and still super effective. Use a rubber band to secure your favorite herb to a pillar candle, then wrap twine around it and remove the elastic. We recommend rosemary for the holidays, but you can also use sage, eucalyptus, or even cinnamon sticks. For safety’s sake, use a battery-powered candle. Complete the display with some evergreen garland or seasonal produce like apples or pomegranates.
Easy rustic farmhouse box
This farmhouse-style centerpiece is a real showstopper with its overflowing greenery. To create this type of floral arrangement, you’ll need a rustic box or crate, a Styrofoam base, and the foliage of your choice. This centerpiece is endlessly customizable; you can use whatever greenery, flowers, and decorations you want. Just make sure to use enough to make your display look lush and abundant. Follow the tutorial from Southern Charm Wreaths for a simple step-by-step breakdown.
Snow-covered Mason jar luminaries
Make your Christmas centerpiece light up the room with these festive snowy luminaries. This DIY project entails using Mod Podge with Epsom salt and glitter instead of the artificial paint used for the snow-covered vases mentioned above. Cover a few Mason jars with the faux snow, and decorate to your heart’s content. You can garnish the rim of the jar with twine and holly or other greenery. Then, place a flameless tea light inside to complete the display.
Evergreen garland runner
For a larger and slightly more grandiose Christmas centerpiece, add an evergreen garland down the center of the table atop the table runner.
First, lay your table runner down the center of your table (if you opt out of a runner, that’s perfectly fine!). Then, lay a long evergreen garland on top. You can find these garlands at most craft and hobby stores during the winter season. Some evergreen garlands are all-natural, while others feature poinsettias, pine cones, and cranberries added throughout the ensemble. Also, be sure to add mini string lights to the garland, weaving around the floral piece for a whimsical effect.
You could pause here or continue decorating by adding candelabras with beautiful, slender white or red candles. You may also consider adding vases filled with water and floating candles, lanterns, or additional foliage to create the perfect centerpiece.
Pine cones, apples, and evergreens
Creating a DIY Christmas centerpiece out of natural elements is a fun and festive way to bring holiday charm to your table. Start with a shallow tray or decorative bowl as your base. Arrange a mix of fresh evergreen branches for a lush, natural look. Add pinecones for a rustic touch, and scatter bright red apples for a pop of seasonal color. You can include candles in the center for a warm, glowing effect. Finish with sprigs of holly or a dusting of faux snow to complete your cozy, handmade masterpiece!
You don’t have to be a pro crafter to make these incredible centerpieces for your dining room table. With the right supplies and a little bit of effort, you can create a sophisticated and festive centerpiece. These nine ideas are all simple to put together in less than half an hour. But this is only the beginning; make your centerpiece your own with a few minor tweaks to fit your decor. With your own creative twist on the display, you can impress your guests and make a timeless piece that you can use for many years to come.
