12 Christmas kitchen decor trends (2024)

Whether you're cooking or enjoying a festive feast, the kitchen is where all the chaos happens on Christmas Day. As we get our homes set for the season, why not refresh your kitchen with some easy decorations and seasonal craft projects.

'If you are using your kitchen as a hosting space, or just want to raise the cook's spirits, there are many simple tweaks to festively spruce up the hub of your home,' says Lizzie Beesley, head of design at Magnet. 'If you're looking for a more subtle nod to Christmas you can utilise popular Scandinavian decor, or, on the other end of the scale, you can choose a more maximalist approach to your décor.'

Take a look at these festive Christmas kitchen ideas...

1. Christmas wreaths

A hearty Christmas wreath can instantly transform any front door, but households are also placing them around the kitchen.

The most popular locations to hang your kitchen wreaths are on cabinet doors, windows, or on units above the hob or oven. However, it's important you make sure wherever you place your wreath, it is safe and not at risk from setting alight.

We love the placement of this John Lewis wreath, sitting proud on a kitchen cabinet.

2. Foliage garlands

As well as wreaths, more of us are hanging foliage garlands around windows and above tables this Christmas. Whether artificial or real, garlands adorned with fairy lights, pine cones, berries and eucalyptus leaves​​ are a wonderful way to bring the outside in. If you don't have any suitable windows to work with, attach garlands to the top of wall cabinets or doorways for a similar effect.

Jess Martin, party decoration expert at Ginger Ray says: 'Opt for one garland draped across the centre of the table or try suspending foliage and baubles from above the table with a table clamp. This is a great option for creating an impressive centrepiece without obstructing any conversation.'

3. Decorative Christmas jars

Get your craft on this Christmas, because decorative jars filled with snowy winter scenes are considerably easier than you may think. Not sure how to make them? Simply add a layer of white sugar to the base of your jar (this will appear as snow on the ground). Then fill with your favourite objects, such as miniature gingerbread men and candy canes. Complete the look by adding a small tree or little house.

4. Christmas candles

Scented Christmas candles can fill the air with beautiful scents, ideal for a warm and cosy winter setting. Whether you prefer cinnamon, pine, or beautiful berry scents, they can mask cooking odours, too.

If you prefer unscented candles, these mini Christmas tree candles from Rose & Grey pictured above would be a fabulous option for the table.

5. Festive chair decorations

Give your dining room chairs a glow-up this Christmas by adding simple decorations to the spindle, such as foliage, stylish swags, ribbons and miniature wreaths. Festive chair decorations are great if you want to create a sophisticated and stylish look without taking up much table space.

We love this cluster of baubles fixed with a ribbon – which is so easy to replicate, and a nice craft project for little ones.

6. Decorate sideboards and islands

For those who have a kitchen island or sideboard, adding a DIY Christmas centrepiece or vignette is a great way to make your kitchen feel festive.

'You can repurpose a tiered tray stand by adding small festive objects such as pine cones, candles and ivy,' suggest the design team at Magnet. 'Pick colours that complement your kitchen's colour scheme or classic Christmas colours such as red and green.'

Tom Howley, design director of the eponymous kitchen brand, says: 'If you’d like to add a little festive cheer to your kitchen island, a tall vase with seasonal branches or a Christmas garland can look fantastic. Inject some vibrancy with colourful baubles or keep it simple with twinkling LED wire lights.'

7. Gingerbread houses or Christmas cakes

While tasty gingerbread houses might not last very long, they make wonderful temporary decorations in the run-up to Christmas. Whether you choose large or small ones, simply leave them on display for all to enjoy. The only problem is that people might take a nibble every time they walk past...

8. A decorated drinks trolley

Decorating a drinks trolley is a great way to free up valuable space on your kitchen table, and they can really be adorned in any way you wish – we love the idea of adding presents, baubles and foliage to a drinks trolley as well as some festive glasses and jugs.

'Decant your festive tipple of choice into coloured jugs or a drinks stand,' says Jess. 'Not only will it look much nicer than bottles on the table but it is another great excuse to incorporate some more colour and pattern.'

9. Christmas crockery

Give your table a seasonal refresh with Christmas mugs, plates and beautiful festive placemats.

'Mismatching your tableware is the perfect way to create a vibrant, joyful Christmas table setting,' says Jess. 'Combine vintage or secondhand pieces with some new favourites for that ideal mixture of shapes and styles. Opt for opulent jewel tones for your glasses and table linens and add in some candlestick holders with bright candles for a multicoloured maximalist look.'

10. Festive bowl of winter ingredients

While candles are one of the best ways to make the home smell like Christmas, making your very own dried potpourri is a brilliant, cheaper alternative.

All you have to do is choose your favourite ingredients to dehydrate, such as cinnamon sticks, essential oils, herbs, vanilla beans and dried orange slices. To dry the oranges, place them on baking paper in the oven for three hours. Start at 120c, turning them up every 30 minutes until they develop a brown shade. To cool, place them on a metal cooling rack and your kitchen will be smelling like Christmas in no time.

11. Tea towels and oven mitts

Washing up just got a Christmas upgrade. 'As well as replacing your crockery, you can also swap your everyday kitchen textiles, like tea towels and oven mitts, with their seasonal Christmas counterparts – it's an easy way to celebrate the festive season.

12. A windowsill Christmas scene

'If you have a window ledge in your kitchen, you can create your very own winter village scene this Christmas — an increasingly popular trend,' the team at Magnet explain. 'By assembling model homes in between faux Christmas trees, on a bed of cotton wool, you can build your very own winter wonderland. Not only will it look great from the inside of your home, you can spread the festive cheer as your neighbours will also get to see the scene too!'

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