12 Winter Table Decor Ideas That Feel Cozy Long After Christmas
12 winter table decor ideas from real homes: green gingham with birch, blue and silver snowflakes, moody candlelit tables and easy Scandinavian looks that work after Christmas.
When the Christmas decor comes down, my dining table always looks a little sad. That is why I love winter table decor. It keeps the cozy feeling going through January and February, without any Santa or red bows.
Below are 12 real winter tables from homes on Instagram. For each one I share why it works, who it suits and 3 easy steps to copy it. Most of these looks use things you already have: white plates, candles, greenery and a soft blue or green.
The Best Winter Table Decor Ideas
🎨 Winter table colors that always work
1Green Gingham With Birch and Pinecones
View this post by dining_delight on Instagram
Photo: dining_delight on Instagram
A green gingham cloth, white plates, birch logs and little candles make this table for two feel like a cabin weekend. Pinecones are tucked in everywhere.
It is perfect for a quiet January dinner at home. It suits a farmhouse or cottage style and anyone who loves a rustic look.
❄️ How to copy it
- Lay a green gingham or check tablecloth
- Add a birch log or two down the middle
- Scatter pinecones and small candles around it
2Blue and White Pre Ski Breakfast Table
View this post by dining_delight on Instagram
Photo: dining_delight on Instagram
Blue and white plates, little white houses and fresh greenery give this breakfast table a snowy mountain feel. It is bright, fresh and fun.
Blue and white is a great winter combo because it feels cold in a pretty way. Try it for a weekend brunch with family or friends.
❄️ How to copy it
- Mix blue and white plates you already own
- Add a few small white houses or trees
- Tuck sprigs of greenery between the plates
3Navy Placemats and Silver Snowflakes
View this post by dining_delight on Instagram
Photo: dining_delight on Instagram
Navy placemats, white scalloped plates and silver snowflakes make this table look crisp and elegant. Small white trees add height in the center.
This table works from Christmas right through the end of winter. It suits a classic home and a dinner party with friends.
❄️ How to copy it
- Use navy placemats or a navy runner
- Set white plates with a scalloped edge on top
- Scatter silver snowflakes and white mini trees
4Soft Blue and Silver Table
View this post by dining_delight on Instagram
Photo: dining_delight on Instagram
Soft blue linens, grey blue bowls, ribbed glasses and big white snowflakes give this table a calm, icy look. Clear candle holders add a gentle glow.
If you want winter without any red at all, this is the table for you. It suits a modern or coastal home.
❄️ How to copy it
- Pick linens in a soft dusty blue
- Stack a bowl on each plate for a layered look
- Add clear glasses and candle holders
5White and Gold Table With Woodland Touches
View this post by _karamercer on Instagram
Photo: _karamercer on Instagram
A crisp white cloth, gold flatware and little woodland details make this table soft and pretty. It is a lovely way to end the holidays and welcome the new year.
White and gold feels fancy but stays simple. It suits a New Year dinner or a winter birthday.
❄️ How to copy it
- Start with a plain white tablecloth
- Use gold flatware and gold rimmed glasses
- Add small woodland pieces like mushrooms or moss
6Rattan Chargers With Cabbage and Greens
View this post by australiancountryhouse on Instagram
Photo: australiancountryhouse on Instagram
Rattan chargers, white plates and big green cabbages in the center make this table feel natural and earthy. Crackers sit on each plate.
Vegetables as decor sound odd, but they look so fresh. This look suits anyone who loves natural, garden style decor.
❄️ How to copy it
- Put rattan or woven chargers under white plates
- Use a cabbage or kale as a centerpiece
- Add asparagus or greens in small vases
7Moody Candlelit Table With Red Berries
View this post by petal_and_pedal on Instagram
Photo: petal_and_pedal on Instagram
Low candles, deep greenery and bright red berry stems give this table a dark, moody glow. It looks amazing at night with the lights off.
This is great for a cozy winter dinner party with grown ups. It suits a home with dark walls or wood furniture.
❄️ How to copy it
- Lay a thick bed of greenery down the table
- Add red berry stems in a tall vase
- Light lots of low candles and dim the lights
8Navy Velvet Bow Napkins
View this post by juniperandme_ on Instagram
Photo: juniperandme_ on Instagram
A navy velvet ribbon tied around a white napkin with a little sprig print makes each place setting feel special. Woven placemats keep it relaxed.
Bows are not only for Christmas. A dark velvet bow feels very winter. It suits a classic or preppy home.
❄️ How to copy it
- Fold white napkins in a simple rectangle
- Tie a navy velvet ribbon around each one
- Set them on woven placemats
9Green Placemats With Magnolia Leaves
View this post by angiemckenzie_creative on Instagram
Photo: angiemckenzie_creative on Instagram
Green woven placemats, white bowls and fresh magnolia and viburnum leaves make this long table feel calm and fresh. It is simple but well layered.
Green is a great color to keep after Christmas because it still feels like the season. This look suits an outdoor or indoor table.
❄️ How to copy it
- Use green woven placemats
- Layer white plates and bowls on top
- Lay magnolia leaves down the center
10Crisp White and Green Late Winter Table
View this post by rachelrsimon on Instagram
Photo: rachelrsimon on Instagram
Crisp white linens, green plates and soft greenery give this table that in between feeling where winter meets early spring. A crystal chandelier glows above.
This is the perfect table for February, when you are ready for something lighter. It suits an elegant or traditional dining room.
❄️ How to copy it
- Use white linens and green plates
- Add trailing greenery down the middle
- Keep the centerpiece low and leafy
11Dark Wood Table With Tall Green Candles
View this post by liljeholmens_stearinfabrik on Instagram
Photo: liljeholmens_stearinfabrik on Instagram
A dark wood table, tall green taper candles, brass holders and a moss runner make this Swedish table feel warm and simple.
Scandinavian homes are great at winter decor, and this is why. It suits a minimal home and anyone who loves candlelight.
❄️ How to copy it
- Leave the wood table bare
- Line up tall green or white taper candles
- Add a moss or greenery runner between them
12Sheepskin and Candles on a Wood Table
View this post by home_delish on Instagram
Photo: home_delish on Instagram
A soft sheepskin, pillar candles and a few branches on a wood table make this corner feel like a ski lodge. It is cozy and very easy.
You do not need a full table setting for this. It suits a small dining nook or a kitchen table you use every day.
❄️ How to copy it
- Drape a faux sheepskin across part of the table
- Group 3 pillar candles in different heights
- Add a few bare or evergreen branches
Christmas Table vs Winter Table
A winter table is not the same as a Christmas table. Here is the easy difference.
Christmas table
- Red, green and gold
- Santa, ornaments and bows
- Used for about one month
- Feels festive and bright
Winter table
- White, blue, green and silver
- Snowflakes, birch, pinecones and candles
- Works from December to February
- Feels calm and cozy
How to Turn Your Christmas Table Into a Winter Table
You do not need to start over after the holidays. Just swap a few pieces and keep the rest.
- Take away red bows, Santas and ornaments
- Keep the greenery, candles and white plates
- Add pinecones, birch or snowflakes
- Switch red napkins for blue, green or white
- Use silver or wood instead of gold
Winter Table Decor on a Budget
Winter decor is one of the cheapest seasons to decorate for. Pinecones and branches are free from the yard, and white candles cost very little. Paper snowflakes cut by the kids look sweet on a table too.
💡 Hana’s tip
Buy your winter candles and snowflakes in the after Christmas sales. They are often half price, and you can use them from January all the way to the end of February.
Quick Guide to Winter Table Decor
- Rustic: green gingham with birch and pinecones
- Icy: soft blue and silver
- Classic: navy and white with snowflakes
- Moody: candles and red berries
- Scandi: bare wood and tall tapers
FAQs
How do I decorate my table for winter after Christmas?
Remove the Christmas pieces like red bows and ornaments, then keep the greenery and candles. Add winter touches like pinecones, birch, snowflakes and blue or white linens.
What colors are good for a winter table?
White, soft blue, navy, pine green and silver all feel like winter. Natural wood and cream also work well.
What can I use as a winter centerpiece?
A birch log with candles, a bowl of pinecones, a low line of greenery or a group of pillar candles are all easy winter centerpieces.
How long can I keep winter decor up?
Winter decor can stay up from early December until the end of February, which is why it is worth setting up a nice table.
Keep the Cozy Going
Winter table decor is the easiest way to keep your home feeling warm after the holidays. Pick one idea, start with candles and greenery, and add one winter color you love.
More ideas: Christmas table decor ideas, cozy Christmas living room and small dining room banquette ideas.
