18 kitchen Christmas decor ideas to add festive style to your cooking space

With Christmas fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about decorating. And this year, kitchen Christmas decor ideas are proving ever more popular as this functional room becomes a more lived-in space.

So often, Christmas decor focuses on the porch, hallways, or living room, but this year, the kitchen is about to become the center of your festive decorating. From hosting to cooking, it's the room you spend much of your time in over the holidays, so why not give it the spruce up it deserves?

From unexpected places to hang a garland to balancing festive style and function, the kitchen Christmas decor ideas are all you need to give your space a holiday upgrade.

18 kitchen Christmas decor ideas that balance style and function

Kitchen ideas require a bit of extra thought when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Safety and functionality have to come into consideration in a way they don't in cozier rooms. but with these expert-approved ideas, you can't go wrong!

1. Adorn a kitchen mantel with a garland

When it you're decorating the kitchen for Christmas, you need to be mindful that you don't clutter functional spaces or create safety hazards. 'Styling a kitchen for Christmas can be tricky at times as it still needs to function, and you don’t want decorations to get in the way too much,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

'However, there are several places that can lend itself to making your home have the festive spirit. If you have a mantel over your range or hob, consider hanging a garland – you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t dangle down too close to the hob.'

In this kitchen, the garland has been secured above the mantel without a drape so it doesn't get in the way when cooking or create a fire hazard. It offers a stylish and practical way to bring the festivities into your cooking space.

2. Go all out with a Christmas tree

If you have the space for it, then adding a Christmas tree is one of the best kitchen Christmas decor ideas that will instantly imbue your kitchen with seasonal cheer. Take it one step further by adorning shelves with seasonal foliage to tie the tree into the rest of your scheme.

'We spend so much time decorating the rest of our homes at Christmas that the kitchen can feel, comparatively, a little unloved,’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director of Kitchen Makers. ‘Embellish the surfaces with a handful of carefully chosen decorations or artfully arrange sprigs of seasonal foliage to lift the space.’

3. Hang decorations from your kitchen ceiling beams 

The kitchen has less usable surfaces for decorations – countertop space is needed for cooking a food prep – so think beyond the obvious places to hand your Christmas decorations.

'The kitchen is an incredibly busy space, and while we may want to introduce festive elements to this interactive space, if your kitchen is small then it is worth keeping Christmas ornaments away from kitchen countertops and food prep areas,' says Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge.

'Instead, hang foliage and decorations from the ceiling or beams for a festive scheme that won't encroach on Christmas dining prep.' In this kitchen, large paper decorations have been hung from the wooden ceiling beams, adding festive cheer without taking up countertop space.

4. Decorate a kitchen table to wow guests

If you're hosting Christmas parties this year, ensure that your kitchen Christmas decor ideas give guests a warm welcome. Factor in plenty of social spaces so that the kitchen doesn’t feel disconnected from celebrations.

‘Guests at a dinner party will want to interact with the host while they prepare the food, so ensure the seating area around the island counter does not interfere with the cooking stations,’ says kitchen designer Tom Howley.

In this open plan kitchen and dining space, most of the kitchen Christmas decor is focused of the dining table, while a vase of seasonal foliage on the kitchen island ties the two spaces together. You can find more Christmas table decor ideas in our dedicated feature.

5. Fill your kitchen with festive prints 

Kitchen Chrismas decor ideas are best when they balance festive style with function. As such, looking to everyday essentials and swapping them for more seasonal pieces is an easy way to invite the holidays in.

Swap your tea towels, oven gloves, seat cushions and aprons for Christmas alternatives is a fun and simple way to add a touch of Christmas to your scheme. in this kitchen, the festivities have been taken one step further by swapping in a blind with a fun seasonal print.

Alternatively, bringing in a Christmas-themed rug, festive scented candles and soaps, or even displaying novelty tableware will make all the difference.

6. Give your kitchen island a festive refresh

‘With numerous events taking place around the festive season, it is vital that the layout of the kitchen is both functional and allows for socialising,’ says Klink. ‘Creating a space that is adaptable for all occasions is key, from large family gatherings to smaller intimate meals with a loved one.’

As both Christmas traditions and kitchens modernize, more and more of us find ourselves entertaining in the kitchen at Christmas – with our kitchen island at the heart of the fun.

‘A kitchen island is ideal to create a center point in which all the guests can gather and the hosts can entertain. Whether toasting the new year or enjoying delicious canapés, an island is the perfect piece to combine cooking, dining and entertaining in an open-plan space.’

7. Introduce a countertop Christmas tree

Make every room in your home festive with small details and decorative designs that work in any size space. Here, a delightful miniature Christmas tree nearly fits into an unused corner on the kitchen countertop.

A charming addition, tabletop Christmas tree decor is perfect for small spaces, or in kitchen with little to know free floor space. In this scheme, the mini Christmas tree has been displayed in an empty corner, but it would look just as wonderful on an island, or even a side table.

8. Decorate above your kitchen cabinets

Most kitchens feature a small empty gap above the upper cabinets – and they're the perfect place to add unexpected Christmas decorations.

'If you don't have space for a tree in your kitchen Christmas decor ideas, you can still add a touch of festive style,' says Rebecca Nokes, head of design and brand creative at John Lewis of Hungerford. 'Think about grouping candles in varying heights on a kitchen island to make a stunning centerpiece or draping festive foliage and twinkling lights over cabinetry.'

We love the look of the garlands filling those empty gaps between the cabinets and the ceiling. It instantly draws your eye up and introduces a cozier element, which ties in beautifully with the greenery on the island.

9. Make a display from your tableware

When it comes to kitchen Christmas decor ideas, start by using the items that are already in play in your kitchen. 'I typically use more colorful tableware for Christmas, so putting pieces in more prominent places, such as on a dresser or shelving, can add a subtle touch of color that feels festive,’ says Kevin O’Gara from Kevin Francis Design.

Bringing out a festive dinner set for a Christmas meal is a joy – and while they will eventually end up among your Christmas table ideas on the big day, let them charm your guests in the days prior by putting them on display in the kitchen.

To add a further decorative edge, intertwine shelves with fairy lights and fill a terrine with jewel-colored sweets or a dish with clementines. ‘Citrus is one of my favorite decorating tools during the winter as the colors are so beautiful at this time of year. Keeping a bowl of citrus on an island or dresser makes a beautiful and easy feature.’

10. Decorate a kitchen window seat

Even the practical rooms of the home shouldn’t escape the festive cheer. If you have a large window or a cozy window seat in your kitchen, it's the perfect place to add festive style.

Decorate your windows with Christmas garland ideas and swags of foliage that will brighten your home both inside and out. You can even make a garland yourself from Christmas foliage ideas.

If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat in your kitchen, pair it with Christmas window decor ideas such as jewel-toned cushions in sumptuous velvets to create a cozy nook – ideal for taking a moment with a cup of coffee.

11. Spruce up a kitchen cupboard with a Christmas wreath 

Wreaths are not just for your Christmas door decor ideas – nor are they strictly for Christmas wall decor ideas. In the kitchen, think about attaching one to the doors of your cupboards for an unexpected piece of festive detail.

If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in pantry, the door to this is also an excellent location for Christmas wreath ideas – perhaps scented with cinnamon and dried oranges to hint at the tasty Christmas treats located inside.

If you want to hand a wreath on your cabinet doors, opt for a smaller design so it feels practical – you don't want to make opening and closing your cabinets difficult or weigh them down with an oversized decoration.

12. Create a festive glow with candles

Christmas is the optimum time to whip out your best candles. They’re a great way to add a sense of drama to a kitchen when it is being used as an entertaining space, or just as a little bit of luxury for yourself while cooking.

‘Candles, of course, never fail to please, mixed in displays with pretty, small bud vases which bounce the light beautifully,’ says Chrissie Rucker, owner at The White Company.

‘And don’t forget that lovely glass vases can often double up as storm lanterns too when you pop a candle inside. I use lots of scented candles throughout the house,' she adds.

13. Bring seasonal plants into your kitchen Christmas decor

The Christmas season has more to offer than the holiday celebrations – this time of year sees beautiful flowers and plants growing that can add a natural touch to your kitchen Christmas decor.

‘I always think it’s best to deck your halls from the garden,’ says florist Nikki Tibbles of Wild at Heart. ‘Rather than cliched poinsettia, I like a big vase of branches – a mass of holly, lichen, pine or something evergreen – in the entrance hall or on the kitchen table.’

Incorporating winter’s natural bounty into your holiday decorations is a tried and tested winner. Choosing individual branches of eucalyptus or other evergreen foliage and arranging them in a relaxed way works well in more contemporary homes, but also adds a modern touch to farmhouse Christmas decor ideas.

14. Don't forget to add a seasonal scent

Decorating you kitchen for Christmas should capture all of the senses – not just sight. Infuse your space with scents that feel synonymous with the holiday season to really make it feel like Christmas.

'My aunt is Swedish and at Christmas she always makes a traditional spicy drink called Glogg. It is a type of mulled wine with the addition of ginger, cardamon and bourbon which permeates the house with the most incredible aroma – it’s been a staple on our Christmas table for years,’ says Angus Buchanan, creative director at Buchanan Studio.

Cooking up festive treats will not only taste good, but will also make your home smell nice as you await guests. Gingerbread is another winner – here, gingerbread stars have been used to create a culinary wreath for the kitchen.

15. Create a cozy kitchen seating area

Living kitchens have been one of the most coveted kitchen trends this year, and they really come into their own during the festive period, especially if you have lots of waiting around while various dishes are in the oven.

And during a long day of Christmas cooking, you deserve to give yourself a rest. For those little bits of time in between the next turkey-brining session and blind-baking the mince pies, create a corner of your kitchen dedicated to kicking back.

Borrow some pointers from your Christmas living room decor ideas and pile up an armchair with blankets and surround it with candles – place it near the range to ensure a cozy spot for a repose in the days leading up to Christmas.

16. Don't forget to add decorative details

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to incorporate kitchen Christmas decor ideas into your space is to take time to create decorative vignettes filled with cheer. Giving the kitchen a festive feel is a great way to bring warmth into what is typically a functional space.

Here, vases of winter blooms, surrounded by a selection of Christmas card ideas and baubles, all lit by candlelight, make for a pretty display when the island is not in use.

Take your kitchen Christmas decor ideas to the next level by learning how to create a winter flower arrangement with this expert guide from Philippa Craddock.

17. Use berries and eucalyptus to decorate platters

One of the easiest kitchen Christmas decor ideas is to add festive foliage to your kitchen. 'I am a great believer that we shouldn’t all wear ourselves out producing all the meals at Christmas time, it's much more important to have fun together,' says Mark Winstanley, chief creative officer at The White Company.

'There are so many great delis and supermarkets that make things that are both delicious and ready to go. I often opt for simple things that work easily for larger numbers and then present them well on lovely big plates, platters, and glass-footed bowls,' he adds.

'And while you’re prepping in the kitchen give yourself some festive cheer with the beautiful scent of eucalyptus and iconic berries that can be used to decorate the grazing boards later.'

18. Fill a cake stand full of festive decorations 

If you have a kitchen island, or even have some spare space after organizing your kitchen countertops, then use these areas to embrace kitchen Christmas decor ideas.

'We love to use a large lantern in the middle paired with a statement wreath, a beautiful glass bowl filled with baubles, or an elegant cake stand with a glass cover filled with Christmas ornaments,' says Suzy Humphreys, founder of Layered Lounge.

'They can be easily moved if you need the space back but add a focal point to an area where people will usually gather around.'

How can I decorate my kitchen for Christmas?

As a highly functional part of the home, any kitchen Christmas decor ideas need to be well planned so as not to interfere with your – occasionally frantic – festive cooking.

The easiest way to decorate your kitchen for Christmas is with festive foliage – think garlands, wreathes, vases of winter greenery and even Christmas house plants. This will instantly give your kitchen a Christmas ambience without overwhelming the space.

While there may be oodles of worktop space that can be filled with vases of holly branches and more, you’ll have to position these carefully to lesser-used parts of the room.

Wall decor, like wreaths, is great for decor that is easy to maneuver around, while garlands strung along display-focused shelving, interjected with candles is another excellent choice.

What do you put on top of cabinets for Christmas?

You should put string lights on top of cabinets for Christmas. This will give the whole space a festive ambience. You could go a step further and decorate the space on top of cabinets with garlands or tinsel.

Whichever kitchen Christmas decor ideas you choose this year, they're guaranteed to add festive cheer to your space. From garlands in unexpected places to making a display of seasonal tableware, there's no reason to leave your kitchen out of our festive decorating.