Elegant Holiday Decorating Ideas for the Dining Room

In this post: If you’re looking to bring a little Christmas elegance to the dining room, these holiday decorating ideas will inspire you to entertain at home.⇒

Sometimes I think it takes me a few rounds to get it right.

I started the season with a pretty firm idea of where I wanted to go with my color palette, then experimented with a few twists and ultimately got back to my initial plan.

Specifically, that means a color range of mixed metals, plenty of white, touches of greenery, and subtle accents of blush pink. I’ve used this approach to add a layer of holiday elegance to our dining room, but with the concept well established, I can go back and tweak some of our other rooms, as well. Here’s how I used these holiday decorating ideas in the dining room.

Holiday Decorating Ideas for the Dining Room

The centerpiece of the room, even though it’s in the corner, is a nice lush flocked tree. I love the richness of the flocking and the way it keeps the room looking light and it’s easy to trim as the branches are so fluffy. I started out using only gold, silver and white, but it didn’t feel complete until I added the blush pink. Even though I wanted a soft neutral look, the pink hues are subtle and set the tone for the whole space.

On the sideboard I kept the crowned cherub that always sits there, and added a vignette of glittered cone and bottle brush trees. In front I used smaller painted glass trees and a smattering of greenery to ground the presentation.

The table centerpiece is an antique dough bowl filled to the brim with holiday greens, and then on top I added mini green hydrangeas, blush peonies and white tulips, to mirror the palette of the ornaments on the tree.

To carry the decor to the other side of the room, I hung fisherman knit stockings with bits of greens tucked inside and draped large crystal drops from the knobs on the hutch.

In addition to color, I like to play with varied shapes and sizes, and my ornaments include finials, as well as orbs for a more interesting look. This tree is so full, that it didn’t need much to look decorated, so I stayed away from ribbon and garlands, and even omitted the topper.

However, beneath the tree I set an array of gold rimmed gift boxes, and instead of a traditional skirt I used a faux fur throw in a snowy winter white.

The overall look of the room is a mix of glitter and bling with more natural greenery, taking advantage of the contrasts between warm and cool.

This room hits just the right note that I was hoping for this year, staying close to the neutral palette that it wears all year long, but adding enough decoration and gentle color to be dressed appropriately for the holidays. With vintage crystal and gilding as part of the room’s all-year decor, all that’s left to do it light the candles and enjoy the gentle glow!

More Elegant Holiday Dining RoomTips

• Statement Chandelier Garland: Wrap your chandelier with a mix of greenery, eucalyptus, or pine branches for a lush, elegant look.
• Velvet Table Runner: Use a deep, rich velvet table runner in colors like emerald green, burgundy, or navy blue for a sophisticated touch.
• Gold or Silver Candle Holders: Place tall, metallic candle holders down the center of the table for a luxurious glow.
• Crystal Glassware: Serve drinks in crystal glassware to add sparkle and elevate the dining experience.
• Layered Chargers and Plates: Use ornate chargers under each plate, layering with elegant dinnerware in holiday colors.
• Mini Wreath Place Cards: Add mini wreaths tied with name tags to each place setting for a personal, festive touch.
• Antique Mirror on the Wall: Hang an antique-style mirror in the dining room to reflect candlelight and add depth to the space.
• Garland Draped on Sideboard: Drape a garland with pine cones, ornaments, and berries across your sideboard for a seasonal look.
• Ornate Napkin Rings: Use gold or jeweled napkin rings with linen napkins for a refined touch at each place setting.
• Luxurious Chair Covers: Wrap chair backs with velvet or faux fur covers to add warmth and texture.
• Crystal or Metallic Ornaments in a Bowl: Arrange ornaments in a large glass bowl or on a cake stand as a sparkling centerpiece.
• Elegant Floral Arrangement: Create a centerpiece with seasonal flowers like amaryllis, roses, and winter greenery.
• Plaid Tablecloth or Runner: For a cozy, classic holiday look, use a plaid tablecloth or runner in muted colors.
• Gold Leaf Garland on Table: Lay a garland with gold leaf details down the center of the table for a touch of glam.
• Mirrored or Metallic Chargers: Use mirrored or metallic chargers under each plate to reflect light and add elegance.
• Hanging Ornaments from Chandelier: Suspend delicate ornaments or crystals from the chandelier for a festive sparkle.
• Winter Branches in Tall Vases: Place bare winter branches in tall vases on a console table or in the corner of the room for a dramatic look.
• Metallic Beaded Placemats: Use beaded or metallic placemats at each place setting for a subtle sparkle.
• Draped Faux Fur Throw on Bench or Chairs: Drape a faux fur throw over seating for an inviting, cozy touch.
• Layered Candle Holders: Mix and match tall candle holders with tealight holders to create a layered, glowing effect on the table.
• Decorative Bowl of Pinecones and Ornaments: Arrange pinecones and metallic ornaments in a decorative bowl for a natural yet luxurious centerpiece.
• Winter-Themed Artwork: Hang seasonal artwork or framed winter landscapes for a subtle holiday touch.
• Mixed Metal Accents: Mix gold, silver, and bronze accents in the room for a sophisticated, layered metallic look.
• Crystal or Mercury Glass Votives: Scatter crystal or mercury glass votive holders across the table for a romantic candlelight effect.
• Holiday-Inspired Charger Plates: Use holiday-themed charger plates, like those with subtle snowflake patterns, to add festive elegance without being overly themed.