How to Decorate Your Christmas Table the Scandinavian Way


With a husband from Finland, I’m always inspired to bring a little Scandinavian magic into our home during the holidays. This year, I set the dinner table with everything I found on Amazon, but with all the warmth and charm of a traditional Scandinavian Christmas! Here’s how I brought together natural textures, warm colors, and a touch of Nordic nostalgia to create a table setting that feels just like home for my husband.


A Dark Green Foundation

I started with a dark green tablecloth, which instantly gives a rich, forest-like base for the table. In Scandinavian culture, green is more than just a Christmas color; it’s a reminder of nature’s beauty and resilience. This deep green sets the stage for a festive, cozy atmosphere, making the rest of the elements really pop.

Red & White Scandinavian Dishware

To stay true to Nordic tradition, I chose a matching set of red and white dinner plates and bowls. Red is a classic Scandinavian Christmas color, representing warmth and joy amidst the winter cold. The patterns are simple yet cheerful—just enough to add character without overpowering the table. These dishes feel festive without being over-the-top, perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones.

Nostalgic Red Glass Goblets

One of my favorite touches on this table are the red glass goblets. These are especially meaningful because they look just like the ones my husband’s mom had on her Christmas table when he was growing up in Finland. They bring a sense of nostalgia and tradition that connects him to his childhood memories and family gatherings. The rich red glass catches the light beautifully, adding a warm, festive glow that ties the whole table together. Using these goblets makes this table feel even more special—like we’re honoring his family traditions while creating our own.

Velvet Accents for a Touch of Luxury

I added red velvet placemats and a matching table runner for a soft, luxurious layer. There’s something about velvet that feels extra special at Christmas, and the deep red against the green tablecloth has a classic holiday feel. It adds warmth and elegance without taking away from the natural, grounded vibe of Scandinavian decor.

Faux Wood Chargers for a Natural Touch

Under each plate, I used faux wood chargers to bring a bit of the outdoors in, another Scandinavian tradition. These chargers add warmth and texture, grounding the table and balancing out the bold colors with a natural touch. In Nordic decor, wood elements are a way to stay connected to nature, especially during the dark, chilly months of winter.

Rustic Centerpiece with Small Pine Trees and Garland

For the centerpiece, I placed three small pine trees and matching pine garland down the center of the table. They give the table a winter wonderland feel and are perfectly sized to bring the magic of the forest right to the table. The soft greens of the trees echo the tablecloth and bring a fresh, lively feel to the setting.

Old-Fashioned Gold Bells for a Hint of Nostalgia

Nothing says Christmas quite like bells! I scattered a few small, old-fashioned gold bells along the center of the table for a subtle, vintage touch. The bells add just the right hint of shimmer, catching the candlelight and creating that special glow that makes holiday dinners feel so magical.

Wooden Christmas Tree Figurines

In keeping with the natural theme, I added small wooden Christmas tree figurines. These little trees bring a whimsical touch to the table, blending perfectly with the pine trees and wood chargers. They add to the cozy, down-to-earth Scandinavian feel without being too flashy.

Bringing it All Together

Every detail on this table—the greens, the reds, the wooden textures, and the nostalgic bells—comes together to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a slice of Finland right at home. Setting a table like this is my way of honoring Scandinavian traditions and creating a warm, inviting space for our family to gather.

So, if you’re looking to bring some Scandinavian charm to your Christmas table, this setup is simple, festive, and incredibly cozy. Everything here was found on Amazon, but with all the heart of a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner.


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This setup has truly brought that special Scandinavian Christmas feeling to our home, reminding us of cozy winters, holiday cheer, and the beauty of gathering around the table with family. Here’s to a magical Christmas, filled with warmth, love, and a little Nordic charm!