If you’ve ever stood in your dining room wondering why it doesn’t feel finished, chances are it’s missing layers, texture, and a little intentional storytelling. Today I’m sharing how I styled this gold and white holiday dining room and how you can use the same ideas to decorate your own space for Christmas or winter entertaining.
This look is soft, neutral, cozy, and elegant all at once… and the best part? Most of it is simple, affordable, and totally doable.
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Start With a Soft, Neutral Color Palette
When decorating a dining room, especially for the holidays, a limited color palette makes everything feel calm and elevated.
For this space, I stuck to:
- Warm whites
- Soft creams
- Gold accents
- Natural wood tones
This combination works beautifully in farmhouse, cottage, French country, and vintage-style homes and allows texture to do the heavy lifting instead of bold colors.
Tip: If your dining room already has a lot going on (wallpaper, beams, shelves), neutrals help balance the visual weight.
Layer the Table Like a Centerpiece Landscape
Instead of one large centerpiece, I created a tablescape that feels like a little winter forest.
Ideas to try:
- Mix bottle brush trees in different sizes and finishes
- Add folded paper trees or DIY paper decor for softness
- Tuck in gold ornaments to catch the light
- Use a faux fur or textured table runner to ground everything
Varying heights keeps the table interesting and makes it feel collected—not store-bought.
Don’t Forget the Vertical Space
Dining rooms aren’t just about the table. This space really comes alive because of what’s happening above and around it.
- Hanging paper snowflakes and ornaments from the chandelier adds whimsy and movement
- Open shelves styled with white dishes, pitchers, and greenery create a cozy backdrop
- Architectural pieces (like old windows or cutting boards) add character without clutter
Tip: Keep wall decor neutral so your table remains the star.
Add Warmth Under and Around the Table
One of my favorite cozy tricks? Styling the area around the table.
- Baskets filled with firewood or wood accents add warmth and texture
- A chunky knit throw casually draped over a bench softens hard furniture
- Slipcovered chairs keep the space relaxed and inviting
This is especially helpful if your dining room is part of an open floor plan and visible from other rooms.
Use Unexpected Materials for a Collected Look
One of my favorite details here is the music sheet paper used for place setting decor.
It adds:
- Vintage charm
- Soft pattern without color overload
- A personal, curated feel
Old book pages, sheet music, or handmade paper are such an easy way to elevate place settings without spending a lot.
Final Styling Tip
When decorating a dining room, step back and ask yourself:
- Does it feel layered?
- Is there a mix of soft and hard textures?
- Does it feel welcoming enough to sit and linger?
If the answer is yes—you nailed it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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