Christmas Table Decor that’s as Delicious as it is Decorative!

By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

Traditional Christmas dishes are delicious - but who says they can’t pull double duty as dazzling decorations too? These six Christmas table decor tips will help you serve up a feast that’s both food and a festive display - guaranteed to keep everyone feeling merry and bright!

When it comes to traditional table decor, citrus fruit is the perfect fruit for a natural, festive look and it can bring vibrant colour and a refreshing scent to the centre of your table. 

To create an edible centrepiece start by arranging whole fruit like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit in a decorative bowl. Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for that festive, fragrant touch. You could also slice the citrus fruit into thin rounds and layer them on a large platter with candied ginger, nuts and dried cranberries for a beautiful and aromatic display. The bright citrus hues will bring a pop of colour to your table, while the aroma will make your Christmas meal feel even more magical.

 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a conversation-starting Christmas table decor suggestion with a more tropical local touch, a pineapple can easily be transformed into a Christmas tree. Cut the top leaves into a more sculptural, pointed shape and then decorate the body of the pineapple with red berries and mint leaves that embrace the Christmas colours. This makes for a quirky and eye-catching centrepiece that's sure to be a conversation starter at your festive dinner.

A cheese platter is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not take it up a notch by transforming it into a creative and festive shape? With a little imagination, you can turn a regular cheese board into a stunning Christmas tree.

To DIY, arrange your favourite cheeses, such as brie, cheddar and gouda, into a triangular shape on a large platter or wooden board. Add some grapes or cherry tomatoes as baubles to give the appearance of ornaments. Use green herbs like parsley or basil to create the ‘branches’ of your tree. For the finishing touch, add some nuts or dried fruits at the bottom of the platter as the ‘tree trunk’. This delicious and creative arrangement will have your guests admiring the edible masterpiece before digging in.

 

Or, really embrace your inner Michelangelo and sculpt a version from soft cheese!

Gingerbread houses are a beloved holiday tradition and they make for stunning centrepieces that are both decorative and delicious. While they’re often used as treats for children to decorate, you can elevate them by making a larger, more intricate version that takes centre stage on your table.

While creating a gingerbread house is fun, it is also time-consuming. However, buying a pre-made kit is a helpful hack. Decorate it with icing, candied fruit and sprinkles to match your Christmas theme. Place the house in the centre of your table or use smaller houses as place settings for each guest. Add some battery-operated fairy lights inside the house for an extra magical touch. Your guests will appreciate the charm of these edible creations and the sweet scent of gingerbread will fill the air.

 

A festive wreath doesn’t have to be made from just greenery. An edible wreath made of bread, cheese, or even fruit can be a gorgeous and delicious table decoration.

For example, try creating a wreath using puff pastry, filled with cheese, garlic and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Arrange the dough in a circular shape on a baking sheet, bake and then garnish with fresh herbs, sliced olives or dried cranberries. For an added festive touch, you can even bake small stars or holly shapes to place on top. 

Alternatively, give your antipasto platter a holly jolly makeover by arranging it into a wreath! Start with a base of leafy greens like rocket or parsley to mimic the look of greenery. Then, layer on a selection of salami, prosciutto and sliced cheese, rolling them into neat shapes for visual flair. Add cherry tomatoes, olives and mini mozzarella balls as ‘ornaments’ and scatter fresh rosemary sprigs throughout for that festive look (and scent!). A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving takes this edible wreath to the next level. 

 

For dessert, craft a Christmas wreath entirely out of fresh fruit. Start with a circular base of green sliced kiwi for a lush, leafy look. Then, add vibrant baubles like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. You can even include pineapple stars or watermelon shapes for a fun, festive touch. To make it even sweeter, dust the fruit lightly with powdered sugar to give it a snowy finish. 

Instead of traditional baubles, you can create edible ornaments using baked biscuits. Roll out your favourite dough and use cookie cutters to create fun, festive shapes like stars, hearts or even Christmas trees. Once the biscuits are baked and cooled, use a small straw or skewer to make a hole at the top of each cookie.

 

Thread a piece of twine, ribbon, or string through the hole and hang it from the branches of a small table-top Christmas tree or suspend it from the ceiling above your table. You can decorate the cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for an extra touch of Christmas sparkle. These sweet, homemade ornaments will not only add a unique and edible element to your decor but also give your guests a delicious treat to enjoy!