Blog Post: How to Decorate a Kids’ Table for the Holidays 🍽️🎄
Creating a beautifully decorated kids’ table for the holidays is one of the easiest ways to make children feel included and excited during your seasonal celebrations. A thoughtfully styled kids’ table adds charm, encourages independence, and brings a touch of magic to your holiday gatherings.
Today we’re sharing simple, stylish ideas — inspired by the adorable setups in Angie’s photos above — to help you design a holiday kids’ table that’s festive, functional, and full of personality.
1. Start with a Festive Tablecloth
A colorful tablecloth instantly sets the tone. For the holidays, classic red plaid is always a favorite — it adds warmth, tradition, and a big dose of cheer. Bonus: it hides spills and crumbs, making cleanup a breeze.
For a whimsical touch, try:
These stores carry everything from classic tartan to whimsical woodland or candy-cane prints — perfect for layering under your little one’s plates and crafts.
2. Choose Kid-Friendly Holiday Plates
Holiday-themed plates make the kids’ table feel extra special. Sturdy dinnerware featuring Christmas trees, evergreen details, or whimsical winter motifs is both decorative and practical. In our setup, the green-rimmed Christmas plates bring just the right amount of seasonal charm.
Shop adorable kids’ holiday plates:
Look for melamine or BPA-free sets — they’re sturdy enough for little hands and dishwasher-safe for parents’ sanity.
3. Add Bright Napkins and Playful Napkin Rings
Red napkins add a bold pop of color, and tying them with kid-friendly napkin rings (like these sweet bow-shaped ones) makes the place settings feel complete. Kids love tactile details, and napkin rings are a great way to introduce texture and fun without clutter.
Try Arhaus’s handcrafted napkin rings or The Container Store’s decorative accessories for extra sparkle.
4. Keep the Centerpiece Simple (and Cute!)
When decorating a kids' table, avoid anything tall or breakable. Instead, opt for a charming centerpiece like a plush holiday bird (see Angie’s picture below!), a wooden tree, or a small decorative figurine. This keeps the table cute, safe, and perfectly scaled for little hands.
We love Target’s Wonder Shop mini figurines and Crate & Barrel’s whimsical tabletop decor for inspiration.
Angie created this darling kids’ table with a plaid tablecloth, matching plates and mugs, and a simple festive bird from Target.
5. Use Mini Mugs or Child-Sized Cups
Kids love having their own mini drinkware. Small holiday mugs give them ownership of their place setting and tie into the theme beautifully. Plus, they’re perfect for warm cider or festive hot cocoa.
6. Incorporate Comfortable Seating
Kid-sized chairs make all the difference. They help children sit comfortably and independently, allowing them to feel like the table was designed just for them. Neutral-toned chairs blend seamlessly into any room or holiday style.
Try Pottery Barn Kids chairs or Target’s toddler seating.
7. Make It Inviting and Cozy
A kids' table should feel warm and welcoming. Setting it near a cozy sofa, plush toys, or a sunny window creates an environment where children feel relaxed and excited to dine together.
Layer soft textures like HomeGoods throw blankets or Crate & Barrel’s faux-fur seat cushions for added comfort.
8. Add Personal Touches
Whether you include place cards, little treats, or holiday crafts at each seat, personal touches go a long way. Kids notice when something is made “just for them,” and these details can become traditions they look forward to every year.
Final Thoughts
Decorating a kids’ table for the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated — it simply requires a blend of cheerful colors, thoughtful details, and child-friendly pieces. With festive layers, playful accents, and a welcoming atmosphere, you can transform their table into a magical little world within your holiday home.
Whether they’re sipping cocoa, sharing stories, or enjoying their holiday meal, the kids’ table can become one of the most memorable parts of your seasonal celebrations. 🎄