Ideas For Decorating Coffee Table For Christmas

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Everyone seems downright giddy about decorating for Christmas this year, and I am no exception! I've made my decorating plans and checked them twice. However, I find that the coffee table sometimes takes a back seat on the decor train. If Christmas coffee table decor is one area you struggle with, read on for a few tips and ideas to get you on your way.

Pinterest pin reading "Christmas Coffee Table Decor"

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Welcome to a Pinterest Challenge!

Before we dive into coffee table decorating, let's talk about the challenge that started it all!

Graphic reading "Pinterest Challenge hosted by CountyRoad407.com"

Each month, my friend Cindy from County Road 407 issues a "mission impossible" challenge to recreate a pin from Pinterest.

(Let's just say, I'm always keen to accept the mission.)

We bloggers then set to the task of assembling a look inspired by the original pin. Aren't you curious to see the inspiration pin now?

If you're coming over from my dear friend Paula at Virginia Sweet Pea, then you've already seen a beautiful rendition of this challenge. Isn't her vintage coke crate coffee table decor absolutely charming?

The Inspiration Photo

Our muse this month was Jennifer at The Grace House Interiors. Jennifer shared a gorgeous Christmas home tour filled with rustic farmhouse touches, including this vintage crate vignette.

Christmas crate decor from Grace Home Interiors with wooden Christmas trees, faux greenery stems and berries

I adore the "Chip and Jo" Magnolia crate with its weathered texture. The carved Christmas trees and mixed berries are perfect in their simplicity.

Keeping Jennifer's main elements in mind, I created a similar centerpiece using items I already owned (or crafted). Then I filled in with a few other home decor accents for a complete coffee table look.

Christmas Coffee Table Decor

For my coffee table, I decided to create a trio of items, which is a bit busier than usual. (I suppose I'm feeling a bit "over-the-top" with the Christmas spirit this year.)

Coffee table decorated for Christmas with cloche, crate decorated with trees, and reindeer with books

My overarching theme for the coffee table was a rustic/woodland atmosphere, so I incorporated many natural elements in my display. Let's tackle each of them with the decorating idea I had in mind.

1. Display a collection with a glass cloche

Last month, I shared a tutorial on how to make mini wooden houses. If you have a collection of items or one special accent to highlight, a glass cloche often fits the bill.

Living room decorated for Christmas with Christmas tree in background and coffee table decorated for Christmas in foreground

What I love about cloche domes is that they invite guests to come take a closer look. It's a scene within a scene.

I also enjoy the way the light reflects off the glass to balance the darker wooden accents.

2. Create a focal point with a crate or tray

In the spirit of this month's challenge, I wanted to include a crate decorated for Christmas in my vignette. In a prior post, I talked about how I style coffee table tray decor grouping complementary items.

Wooden crate decorated for Christmas with trio of wooden trees, real evergreen branches, pine cones and berries

This wooden box was a gift from my late mother-in-law to my husband. I adore the grooves and texture of this box and the simple latch in front.

Tip: Partially fill the box or crate with packing paper, newspaper, or raffia to add height and stability.

Wooden box filled with packing paper and raffia to create stability — Filler used to add height to display

After filling the box halfway, I arranged a bit of real cedar garland together with my wooden trees.

Tip: Add touches of greenery to create liveliness in your coffee table decor, and mix real and faux stems.

You might recognize the wooden trees from last year's post on Christmas tree decorating tips.

Wooden Christmas box filled with wooden trees and cedar garland

I cut a new wooden tree this year on the band saw my husband designed. The others are store-bought. Can you guess which one I made in the photo above?

To finish the centerpiece, I added a few faux flocked pine stems, frosted berries, and pine cones. So quick and easy!

Christmas centerpiece with wooden crate, cedar garland and wooden trees

You'll notice, to draw attention to the display, I ensured that the trees stood taller than the rest of the coffee table accents. I also repeated the same berry stems on my Christmas tree in the background.

You'll get a closer look at the tree in my upcoming Christmas home tour next week!

3. Add figurines and reading material

I often find adding a small decorative sculpture to a coffee table makes the room feel more welcoming and cozy. My reindeer sculpture added the perfect finish to my woodland scene.

Bronze reindeer with books and red ball ornament next to pine cones

The red ornament and books also brought a little pop of color into the scene. A coffee table always feels complete with some literature to enjoy.

Underpinning the whole coffee table display was a repurposed Christmas table runner. This helpd to break up the wooden textures and complement the neutral sofas, bringing the whole piece in unison with the living room.

How do you plan to style your coffee table this year? Comment below!

Pin it for Later!

Coffee table decor for the living room with mix of rustic natural elements like wooden trees, pine cones and cedar garland branches

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Continue Your Tour

Don't forget there's plenty more Christmas inspiration to devour on this tour! Your next stop is Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse. She's an expert at decorating beautifully with crates!