Christmas Table Setting Ideas: Tablecloths, Runners and Napkins
A Christmas table setting starts with three layers: a tablecloth sized to your table, a runner down the middle, and napkins and plates that pick up the same colours. Choose one theme for the whole table, such as red and green tartan, Santa and snowmen, white lace or holly, and everything else is easier to choose. Below are four looks you can put together from our tablecloths, runners, napkins and Christmas dinnerware, plus how to pick the right tablecloth size.
Shop the table: every tablecloth is in Tablecloths and every runner is in Table Runners, with napkins and placemats in Kitchen Accessories.
What do you need for a Christmas table setting?
You need a tablecloth, a runner, napkins, plates and something for the centre of the table. That's the whole list. Everything else (crackers, place cards, candles) is extra.
- Tablecloth: the base layer and the biggest block of colour, so pick it first.
- Runner: a long, narrow strip down the centre. It sits under the food and the centrepiece and adds a second pattern.
- Napkins: one per guest, folded on the plate or beside it.
- Plates and bowls: your everyday white plates work with any theme. Christmas plates are the easy way to make the table look festive.
- Centrepiece: a vase of greenery or a garland down the runner. Keep it low so people can see each other across the table.
What size tablecloth do I need?
Measure your table, then pick a tablecloth that is longer and wider than it, so the cloth hangs over every edge. Take the cloth's length, subtract the table's length and halve it: that's how far it hangs over each end. Do the same for the width.
For example, a 90cm x 180cm table with a 140cm x 240cm tablecloth has 25cm hanging over each side and 30cm over each end.
Most of our Christmas tablecloths are 140cm wide and come in several lengths. Here are the sizes for each one:
| Tablecloth | Sizes | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Xmas Tartan Tablecloth | 140cm wide, from 140cm to 300cm long, in red, green or brown | Cotton |
| Tartan Tassel Tablecloth | 140cm x 180cm, 200cm, 240cm or 300cm, or 150cm round, in red or green | Polyester |
| Santa & Snowman Tablecloth | 140cm x 140cm, 180cm, 200cm, 220cm, 240cm or 300cm | Polyester and cotton |
| Holly Tablecloth | 140cm x 140cm, 180cm, 200cm, 220cm, 240cm or 300cm | Polyester and cotton |
| Pinecone Checkerboard Tablecloth | 140cm x 140cm, 200cm, 220cm or 240cm | Polyester |
| White Rose Lace Tablecloth | 150cm x 100cm, 150cm, 200cm, 260cm or 300cm | Polyester |
A round table needs a round cloth or a square one. The Tartan Tassel Tablecloth comes in a 150cm round, and a 140cm x 140cm square suits a small round or square table.
A traditional red and green table: tartan and checks
Tartan is the quickest way to a classic Christmas table, because the red and green are already in the pattern. Lay a tartan tablecloth, add a runner in a different scale of check, and finish with tartan napkins.
Cotton, 140cm wide, in red, green or brown tartan, from 140cm x 140cm up to 140cm x 300cm.
For a table with more texture, the Tartan Tassel Tablecloth has tassels along the edges and is the one to choose for a round table. The Christmas Tartan Napkin Set is four 30cm x 30cm napkins in 100% cotton, in red and green tartan.
The Tartan Xmas Night Table Runner comes in green or white. It isn't meant for the washing machine, so spot clean it after lunch.
A fun table for the kids: Santa, snowmen and reindeer
If children are at the table, go for a playful print and let the dinnerware join in. The Santa & Snowman Tablecloth sets the theme on its own, so keep the runner simple or leave it off.
Santa and snowmen on a polyester and cotton cloth, 140cm wide, from 140cm x 140cm to 140cm x 300cm.
Our Merry Xmas Bowls come as Santa, reindeer or Christmas tree bowls, sold as one piece or a set of four, and the ceramic Xmas Salt & Pepper Shaker Set is one tree and one reindeer.
A light white table for a summer Christmas
A white lace tablecloth keeps the table looking light and fresh, which suits a long Christmas lunch on a warm day. Add green through the runner and real greenery in a vase, and keep the red to a few touches.
Airy polyester lace with a rose pattern, 150cm wide, from 150cm x 100cm to 150cm x 300cm.
If spills worry you, the White Lace Trim Tablecloth is waterproof polyester (the lace trim isn't waterproof). The French Lace Table Runner is 300cm long, in 35cm or 75cm widths. Hand wash it in cold water, or wipe it with a wet cloth, and line dry it in the shade.
A woodland table: holly and pinecones
Holly, pinecones and greenery give a softer, more natural Christmas look than bright red and green. Pair a holly or pinecone tablecloth with plain napkins and our Xmas Holly Dinnerware.
Holly sprigs on a polyester and cotton cloth, 140cm wide, from 140cm x 140cm to 140cm x 300cm.
The Xmas Holly Dinnerware is ceramic, with plates in 20cm or 25cm and cake stands in the same two sizes. A Christmas Tree Vase filled with pine branches makes a low centrepiece. It comes in red or green, 18cm or 22.5cm tall.
How long should a table runner be?
Pick a runner about as long as your table, or a little longer if you want it to hang over the ends. Most of our Christmas runners are 35cm wide and come in three lengths: small 180cm, medium 220cm and large 260cm.
On a 180cm table, the small runner sits flush with the ends and the large one hangs about 40cm over each end. A runner also protects the middle of the table, where the hot dishes go.
See every design in Table Runners.
Questions about Christmas table linen
Do you have round Christmas tablecloths?
Yes. The Tartan Tassel Tablecloth comes in a 150cm round, in red or green. Our other Christmas tablecloths are rectangles, and most also come as a 140cm x 140cm square.
Can I machine wash my tablecloth?
It depends on the fabric, so check the care notes on each product page before you wash. The Tartan Xmas Night Table Runner isn't meant for the machine, and the French Lace Table Runner should be hand washed in cold water.
How much is delivery?
Delivery in Australia is free on orders over A$99, otherwise A$9.95. Orders usually leave us in 3 to 5 business days and Australian deliveries arrive in 3 to 14 business days, so order your table linen early if you want it on the table for Christmas Day.
Can I return a tablecloth?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery if it's unused and unwashed. Items marked FINAL SALE can't be returned. The full details are on our returns page.
Looking for presents too? Read our guide to Christmas home decor gifts they'll use all year.
