How to Create a Cozy Neutral Winter Tablescape

This post is all about how to create a simple, neutral winter tablescape that is perfect for Christmas dinner or any winter gathering.

Creating a magical neutral winter tablescape is easier than you may think. With a flower bouquet in a soft seasonal palette, candles, gold accents, and textured linens, you can create an ambiance that will keep your dinner guests joyful and cozy around your table!

With everything that has been going on with the pandemic, I am craving a softer, earthier color palette, and a more minimal approach to decor in general. Maybe the same is true for you too?

That craving was definitely the catalyst for this tablescape; I wanted something grounded and simple – but yet just a little festive!

In this post, I will break down this neutral wintery tablescape so you can recreate it in your own home. I will show you how I styled the place settings and centerpiece. And I will also give you links to the exact or similar items so you know where to find the things that catch your eye.

Because isn’t it SO frustrating when you see something you love but don’t know how to track it down!? Don’t worry – I won’t leave you hanging! 🙂

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Matte Black Stoneware Plates

The star of this place setting is without a doubt the matte black stoneware plates. Can we just pause for a moment to take in these beauties!?

In person, the plates have a ton of heft both visually and in weight. They are on the heavy side since they are stoneware. Stoneware in general is a huge trend, as is the coupe plate shape. This set is a great option if you’re looking to get into the trend without investing a lot.

Soft Wintery Green Gauze Napkins

The napkins used in this tablescape are actually made of gauze. They are definitely fashion before function. But boy are they pretty!

Where they lack in utilitarianism, they make up in adding a whimsical, textured element to this table. The exact napkin I ordered on Etsy is no longer available, but here is a similar option.

place setting with matte black stoneware plates and matte gold cutlery

To achieve a casual vibe, I knotted the napkin and put it off center on the salad plate. Knotting a napkin is maybe the easiest napkin fold that packs the biggest punch. It looks harder than it actually is. You can easily do this!

To knot the napkin, fold it in half to create a triangle. Then, bunch it up so the fabric is in one long line. Then, grab the fabric in the middle and tie one knot. You can loosen the knot to get the desired effect. Voila!

To knot the napkin, fold it in half to create a triangle. Then, bunch it up so it is in one long line. Then, grab the fabric in the middle and tie one knot. You can loosen the knot to get the desired effect.

Matte Gold Cutlery

I purchased this matte gold cutlery about six months ago, and am obsessed. Our family loves them so much, we started using them as our daily flatware. (In case you’re wondering, I run them through the dishwasher and haven’t noticed any ware.)

Update: I did start to notice some ware. The finish will likely stay intact by hand washing. Otherwise, still very happy with the purchase!

The modern, clean shape of the utensils coupled with the flat gold finish makes these the little black dress of cutlery; you can easily dress them up or dress them down.

They’re surprisingly affordable too. I looked high and low for gold flatware and these were definitely a bargain in comparison to similar sets elsewhere.

In this case, they dress up this table just a bit adding some shine, which I think is a nice contrast to the stoneware plates!

Basic Glassware

Truth be told, we had little kids at the meal this tablescape was used for. So, glassware was kept pretty simple. At the same time, we wanted our littles to feel special – and also use it as an opportunity to teach them an appreciation and understanding of how to dine. (Truth: It was a chaotic mess – but, hey, we tried!)

table setting with winter floral arrangement and brass taper candle centerpiece

That being said, they each had a water glass and a wine glass (filled with non-alcoholic sparkling juice, of course).

Both of the glasses are from Ikea. Years ago, we stocked up on tons of these to use for big events. They are less than a dollar each. So, no tears when one breaks. The shape of the glasses is fairly nondescript. They aren’t super modern or super traditional – they’re right in the middle and work easily into a ton of different event styles and themes.

The exact name of the Ikea wine glasses we have is SVALKA. And the exact name of the Ikea water glasses is GODIS.

Lighting with Candles

There are two types of candles used on this table. First, in the center of the centerpiece, we used three taper candles in candlestick holders. Placing these in the middle gives the table height and a focal point. The eye likes to see things in threes, so we used three but grouped in a bunch rather than a line for interest.

The candlestick holders are from Target years ago. But here is a link to similar brass candlestick holders, which I actually really like and wouldn’t mind owning one bit!

The second type of candles we used are tea lights in small glass holders. This creates a low light that casts a pretty festive glow around the table. The glow makes the table feel warm and inviting.

The exact holders we used are actually yogurt containers! We stumbled upon this French-style yogurt earlier this year (they are packaged beautifully and delicious – highly recommend), and then decided to reuse the glass jars they come in. But if you don’t have these, any glass votive holder you have on hand will do.

Ikea is my go-to for candles. I’ve used their tea lights for years. Almost every trip includes a restock pack of them. Same goes for taper candles.

Winter Floral Arrangement Centerpiece

I’m a firm believer that every table scape needs some kind of natural element – greenery, fruit, or flowers. In this case, we chose a pretty winter bouquet a friend gifted us with.

The main things to look for when shopping to recreate this arrangement is a bouquet that is a mix of creamy white florals, a few accent springs of greenery, and a winter element, like a pinecone.

overhead image of a neutral tablescape and a crystal chandelier

We broke down the bouquet and created two smaller arrangements. The arrangements were placed in these sleek squared vases. The vases I used are from a local store, but these are similar and quite pretty! The vases were placed on either side of the taper candles for a symmetrical look.

Faux Linen Tablecloth

You really cannot go wrong with a linen tablecloth in a flax color! I own many in several different lengths. If you’re worried about budget – fret not! There are loads of cotton-linen blend options on the market for around $30.

This exact linen tablecloth is no longer available, but this one is also a good option!

In this case, I did not iron the tablecloth. Can you tell?? That was intentional. I wanted the tablecloth to look less formal and fussy. The natural puckering of the linen added that extra textural dimension I was going for. But if wrinkles bug you, iron! It’s definitely a personal preference. No judgement here!

Textural, Cozy Details

Last but not least, we added a few extra details to this table – place cards, bells, and faux fur – to bring home the cozy factor.

Since this table was actually used for Christmas dinner, we opted for gold reindeer place card holders. But you could easily switch these out for something less holiday specific if that works better for your occasion.

I found my Kassatex gold reindeer place card holders at Home Goods. If you’d like to go away from holiday, then I suggest these wood place card holders. They’re rustic and super texture-y.

Scattered near the tea lights at each end of the table were large gold jingle bells. Again, this is specific to the holidays. You could omit this for a non-holiday occasion, or use something like these gold spheres instead.

Last but not least, we added a wintery white faux fur accent to the backs of the end chairs. I love the extra dose of cozy they add to the overall look. If you don’t have an Ikea near to you pick one of these up, then you can try this option from Amazon!

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In case something caught your eye, here are links to items used in this tablescape.

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