There’s something about a round dining table that makes Christmas decorating a little trickier. You can’t just throw a long garland down the middle like on a rectangular one, but you still want it to feel warm and festive. I’ve seen a few people come up with clever ideas lately – some modern, some really classic and thought I’d round up a few Christmas Centerpiece Ideas for Round Dining Room Tables that are simple enough to do in half an hour or less.
1 | Clustered Candles and Evergreen Sprigs
My mom always did this when she didn’t want to fuss.
She’d grab a few mismatched candles from a drawer, set them in the middle, and tuck in little bits of pine and cedar between them.
The trick is to mix candle heights so it feels intentional, not like you just dropped them there.
Tip: You can use jam jars, old holders, or even short mugs if you’re struggling to create height and need a quick DIY fix.
2 | Mini Ornament Bowl
One friend filled a plain glass salad bowl with leftover ornaments that didn’t make it on the tree.
Nothing fancy – just reds, silvers, and a few glittery ones that had lost their hooks.
She added a small strand of battery fairy lights inside, and the whole thing gave off a soft glow.
It’s one of those easy centerpiece ideas that takes 5 minutes and looks better than the effort it takes.
3 | Pinecones and a Cake Stand
If you have a round table, cake stands are kind of perfect. They lift everything just enough without blocking conversation.
Try piling up pinecones and tucking in cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices.
You can dust the tips of the cones with a bit of fake snow or flour for a frosty touch.
4 | Fresh Fruit and Greenery Mix
You don’t always need fancy decor. A bowl of red apples, pomegranates, and a few sprigs of eucalyptus looks fresh and rich at the same time.
It smells faintly sweet and makes the table feel abundant.
It’s an affordable centerpiece that takes less then 10 minutes to set up!
5 | Single Vase with Holiday Branches
One of the simplest modern centerpiece ideas is just one vase – tall and plain – with a few branches of holly or spruce.
It doesn’t clutter the table, and the height looks elegant against round edges.
You can even paint the branches white or gold if you want a more contemporary look.
I did this once with spray-painted twigs and it weirdly worked. It looked minimal but festive.
6 | Mason Jar Snow Scene
This one feels old-school in a fun way.
Take a wide mason jar, sprinkle some sugar or fake snow inside, and place a small bottlebrush tree in the center.
Add a bit of twine or ribbon around the lid if you want.
My niece made a few of these one year and we lined them up in the middle of the table.
Kids love making these so they are perfect for family meals!
7 | Wreath Center with Candle Inside
You can buy a small faux wreath and just place a pillar candle right in the middle.
It instantly looks like a complete centerpiece with no crafting skill required.
My friend who hosts every year swears by this because she can reuse the wreath for the door later.
Try mixing textures – like pine with tiny berries or little pinecones tucked in.
It’s simple, symmetrical, and suits any round table shape.
8 | Layered Wood Slices
If you’ve seen those rustic wood slices in craft stores, grab two or three in different sizes and stack them like a little tower.
Add candles, pine, or even a few ornaments on top. It adds height without feeling formal.
You can find similar slices online if you don’t have any.
9 | Vintage Teapot Arrangement
This one’s a bit quirky but charming.
Use an old teapot or kettle as your vase and fill it with winter greens, berries, or even dried flowers.
My aunt did this once by accident when she couldn’t find a vase, and it ended up being everyone’s favorite detail.
The roundness of the teapot fits nicely on a circular table.
Plus it makes the whole setting feel nostalgic without being too formal.
10 | Low Tray with Mixed Textures
For a modern look, take a round serving tray and fill it loosely with small candles, pine sprigs, and maybe a few matte metallic ornaments.
The trick is to keep it low and simple so it doesn’t block anyone’s view.
Tip: If you are looking for a budget friendly option try use an old cookie tin lid as the base!
11 | Cranberry Floating Candles
Fill a wooden bowl or vase halfway with water, toss in a handful of cranberries, and float tea lights on top.
It looks clean and modern but still festive.
The red berries pop beautifully against the glow of the candles.
Just make sure the candles are centered so they don’t drift to one side.
12 | Mini Tree in a Pot
If your table is big enough, a small potted tree can be the centerpiece.
Try a tiny tabletop spruce, wrapped in a pot with burlap and add a bow.
It will last the whole season. You can even plant it outside later.
Just keep it watered and maybe add a few tiny ornaments if you want it to feel more finished.
13 | Scattered Baubles on a White Cloth
This is more of a “lazy but works” setup.
Spread a plain white tablecloth, then scatter ornaments in different sizes across the center.
Add a few sprigs of greenery here and there.
14 | Taper Candles with Ribbon Base
Grab three or four taper candles in different holders and tie a long ribbon loosely around the base to connect them.
Choose a deep red, plaid, or even velvet ribbon for a classic Christmas feel.
The ribbon gives the illusion of a single cohesive centerpiece.
I saw this trick in an old decorating magazine years ago, and it’s surprisingly effective.
Just keep the ribbon far enough from the flame!!
15 | Basket of Greens and Pinecones
A small woven basket works perfectly on a round table.
Fill it with cuttings of pine, cedar, and a few pinecones, then tuck in small ornaments or bells.
This is my perfect go-to every December because it’s fast and always looks homely.
You can add fairy lights if you want more sparkle. It’s that easy.
16 | Stacked Books and Candle
For something modern but warm, stack two or three old books (hardcovers look best) and set a candle on top.
Surround it with greenery or a few scattered ornaments.
It adds a bit of character and keeps the table low-key.
17 | Dried Citrus Garland in a Circle
Slice a few oranges and dry them in the oven until crisp, then tie them together with twine into a small circular garland.
Lay it flat around a candle or vase. It smells amazing, and the amber color looks lovely with pine or eucalyptus.
I tried this once on a whim after seeing it online, and it became one of my favorite festive pieces.
It’s simple, handmade, and feels both traditional and fresh.
