You know that moment when you sit down at a Christmas dinner, and the flicker of candlelight just makes the atmosphere? Candles don’t just brighten up your table—they steal the show.
From classic wreaths to modern Scandi vibes, the right Christmas candle arrangement can take your festive setup from cosy to completely magical. Gathering around for a big family feast? Looking to impress the in-laws? We’ve got seven creative Christmas candle arrangements that’ll make your table glow.
7 Christmas candle arrangements for your table setting
A festive table isn’t complete without the warm glow of candlelight. Go all out with greenery or keep it sleek and modern, either way, these candle arrangements will help you create a stunning focal point for your Christmas dinner.
Christmas candle table wreath
Why hang a wreath when it can be the star of your table? A Christmas candle wreath is a perfect way to bring a traditional element to your table but with a fresh twist.
Start by choosing a wreath base—either lush pine or something a bit more minimal like eucalyptus. Secure your candles with holders or small wooden cups into the wreath form, spacing them evenly around the circle. Then, fill in with greenery, pinecones, or even dried orange slices for that extra festive touch.
Tapered candles are ideal here, adding height and a soft flicker to the centre of your table. Simple, elegant and undeniably Christmassy.
Rustic citrus candle centrepiece
For a centrepiece with both rustic charm and a zesty twist, look no further than this citrus-inspired arrangement. The real stars here are dehydrated orange slices—super easy to make at home. Just slice the oranges thinly, pop them in the oven on low heat, and in no time, you’ve got a natural, fragrant décor piece.
Lay a sturdy half-log down the centre of your table, then tuck in sprigs of greenery around those vibrant orange slices for a fresh, festive feel. Pair the citrus with slim, tapered candles in brassy holders to bring warmth and a subtle glow. Match your candles to the oranges—soft amber or tangerine shades work brilliantly—to tie the look together. It’s earthy, easy to make, and bursting with colour!
Pine garland candle display
A pine garland candle display is all about layering textures and height to create a full, dramatic centrepiece.
Start with a thick, lush pine garland running down the centre of the table, draping it to add volume. Next, mix and match candle heights by adding tall tapered candles in sleek holders—this will draw the eye upward. Balance this out by placing chunky pillar candles along the garland, creating visual depth and adding different levels of soft candlelight.
The contrast between the thin tapers and the wide pillars brings dimension, while the greenery ties everything together with a fresh, woodsy vibe. Simple but stunning!
Cranberry candle bowl display
Need a last-minute but high-impact idea? This cranberry candle bowl display is the perfect fix. The bold red of a thick pillar candle, nestled in a bed of glossy cranberries, adds a festive pop of colour to your table.
Real or faux cranberries? Either way, the result is striking. For an extra twist, try using a glass bowl to let the vibrant reds shine through from all angles. The best part? It’s so easy—just fill the bowl with cranberries, place the candle in the centre, and you’re done! It’s simple, striking and perfect for bringing that holiday cheer to your table.
Christmas forest hurricanes
Transform your table into a mini winter forest with these Christmas forest hurricane displays. Start by decorating clear glass hurricane holders with DIY felt trees—cut small green tree shapes from felt and hot glue them onto the outside of the glass. Once dry, place pillar candles inside, letting the flickering light bring the 'forest' to life. Scatter a few sprigs of greenery around the base for a natural, cohesive look.
If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle in some faux snow or tiny pinecones for added texture. It’s cosy, crafty and brings a festive woodland feel straight to your table.
Wood slices and eucalyptus candle arrangement
Rustic chic meets botanical beauty. Lay rough-hewn wood slices along the centre of your table, creating a natural base for crisp white pillar candles of varying heights. Thread sprigs of eucalyptus between the slices—their muted green tones and soft, fragrant leaves bring texture and a fresh pop of colour.
To amplify the look, scatter a few glass votives around the arrangement, their flickering light casting a soft, romantic glow. Skip the glitter and garlands. This setup leans into earthy simplicity, with a clean, natural vibe that feels effortlessly cool.
Scandiscape candle table décor
Want to channel that minimalist Nordic vibe? Black at Christmas might raise a few eyebrows, but in true Scandi style, it’s a bold, modern choice. Black tapered candles create striking contrast when paired with crisp white star ornaments, bringing a fresh, festive twist to your table.
Another tip for nailing that Scandi aesthetic? Keep things au naturel, and ditch the tablecloth to let the raw beauty of your wooden table shine through. Add sprigs of greenery, like fir or eucalyptus, for an earthy touch that complements the clean lines.
It’s all about creating an understated look that captures the essence of Scandinavian Christmas: calm, cosy and just a little daring.
Give your Christmas table the ultimate glow-up
Whether you're embracing rustic charm with wood slices or leaning into modern Scandi vibes with bold black candles, these seven Christmas candle arrangements are all about adding that personal touch to your Christmas table.
Play with colours like vibrant oranges and deep reds, layer in textures with greenery and wood, and don’t be afraid to mix heights and styles. The key? Keep it simple, but make it you.
Grab your candles, get creative, and let the glow bring your festive table to life. After all, there’s no better way to set the scene for a cosy Christmas gathering.
As always, safety is paramount when creating festive centrepieces, read our tips here.