Joanna Gaines' Understated Holiday Centerpiece Proves that Less is More – it's the Easiest I've Seen Yet

An elegant foliage swag and a few candles are all you need to create a spectacular Christmas table centerpiece, according to the designer

Joanna Gaines in dining room with a christmas tree and antique drawers in background
(Image credit: Target)

Perhaps it's the festive magic going to my head, but I often get a little carried away with my holiday decorations. My Christmas table decor ideas seem to become more elaborate every year – but according to Joanna Gaines, the simplest ideas are always the best. In a recent video, she added the easiest greenery centerpiece to her holiday table, and I'm determined to recreate it.

With the video in mind, I'm stripping it all back this year and using a faux garland as my table decor. I was already tempted by Joanna's DIY centerpiece idea, which involves gathering stems from your backyard, but I have to say that her latest trick looks even easier to achieve. Using a simple greenery swag as a base, she creates a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal fuss – and I'll be creating my own with Magnolia's holiday wreaths and garlands, many of which are on sale right now.

It might sound like a cliché, but Joanna proves that less really is more when it comes to table decor. In the video, her table is laid with a signature plaid table runner from Hearth and Hand with Magnolia, and her faux greenery centerpiece sits proudly on top. While I'm always keen to create lavish tablescapes during the holidays, Joanna's pared-back style has made me reconsider: it's a valuable reminder that a simple garland and a few taper candles can be just as impactful as vases of hand-cut florals or an extravagant shop-bought centerpiece.

Following Joanna's lead, I'll be hunting for an elegant faux garland to form the foundation of my centerpiece. Magnolia's real-touch Norfolk pine garland is ideal for a classic look, but I'm leaning toward a more intricate option like the foraged red berry pine garland (also Magnolia). The best thing about faux greenery, of course, is that you can invest in pre-decorated versions to make things even easier; I might find myself choosing the Magnolia cedar mix pre-lit garland to bring that glittery, festive ambience to my table.

Faux garland over archway leading to wood table covered with faux branches and berries

This cypress garland from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target is another versatile choice when it comes to faux greenery and can be used over doorways and mantels, too.

(Image credit: Target)

Naturally, any garland will provide a reliable backdrop for your centerpiece, and you can bring it back out every year (as well as using it to decorate your mantel, doorway or sideboard, if you want to switch things up).

Joanna's greenery centerpiece is accessorized with set of classic red taper candles in brass holders – a look I'd recreate using Magnolia's antique brass taper holders and chestnut brown tapers, not forgetting to keep my centerpiece low to avoid blocking eyelines across the table – a nugget of wisdom I picked up from Joanna's Thanksgiving centerpiece advice.

I must admit that Joanna's simple centerpiece has changed my mind when it comes to elaborate vs simple centerpieces. I can't wait to transform my table with just a handful of accessories – but I'm making sure to stock up before the Magnolia sale ends.

Shop Joanna Gaines' Greenery Centerpiece Essentials at Magnolia


Looking for more expert tablescaping tips? Joanna Gaines' holiday table uses traditional colors to create an effortlessly festive look – I added it to my mood board as soon as I saw it.

Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.

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