
Text by Bethany Adams
There’s nothing more inviting than a fireside table when it comes to creating holiday magic—complete with sweet seasonal touches and thoughtful details galore.

From foraged elements and woodland-inspired tapers to a tree bedecked in simple, rustic decorations, the forest-themed spirit of the room juxtaposes against sleek candlesticks and Louis XVI-style chairs. The end result is worthy of a storybook, encouraging visions of a snowy walk through the woods.

No Christmas china on hand? This place setting mixes and matches patterned dishes in coordinating colors for a look that, when topped off with holiday touches, beautifully complements the season.

Let the Christmas touches spill over from your tabletop and into the rest of the room. Your sideboard, china cabinet, or hutch can be a wonderful place to display desserts and parting gifts throughout the evening.

The true charm of a country-style Christmas is an appreciation for nature’s beauty. Welcome it to the table with pine cones and dried orange slices, which offer the added benefit of filling your home with an alluring seasonal aroma.

Present each guest with their own personal wonderland—and a sweet treat. Chocolate candies shaped like Christmas trees are dusted with sugar and covered with small cloches, creating a miniature take on the beloved snow globe.





![Designer Paige Kontrafouris Layers Her 100-Year-Old Home with Collected Treasures “I think my own personal style is a bit of French design [and] a little bit of English, but I just love that overly collected, curated, layered space that looks lived in and comfortable,” Paige says.](https://thecottagejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-May-05-2022-2-46-08-PM_OTR-feat-218x150.jpg)


