Joanna Gaines’s $20 Holiday Centerpiece Swap Instantly Makes Any Table Look Designer-Approved

Hosting dinner parties during the holiday season is, for me, one of the highlights of the year. Preparations begin weeks ahead, from finalizing recipes to sourcing the finest ingredients. However, the food is just part of the story; the centerpiece on the dining table plays a crucial role in turning a simple dinner into a truly special occasion.

‘When it comes to the big Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, time spent dressing the table is never wasted as it really helps to set the scene,’ says Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs. If you’re short on time, you’ll be pleased to know that a simple, minimalist floral arrangement is the elegant, trend-led Christmas table decor to embrace this season.'

This year, I’ve completely fallen for the idea of keeping holiday tables elegant and understated. The trend toward sophisticated simplicity – a hallmark of modern luxury design – has taken over my festive styling, thanks in part to Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Collection from Target, which has influenced my holiday decorating this year.

‘Lately, there has been a real movement towards enjoying not only the food we eat but also in how we prepare the table, but I am championing the single floral arrangement as a key look this year,’ says Katrina Harper-Lewis, Head of Living at Homes & Gardens. ‘Mixing and matching layers of tablecloths, placemats, and napkins signals to your dinner guests that you have been looking forward to their arrival and the meal ahead, and the refined nature of one striking Christmas centerpiece keeps the focus where it should be: on the food and the conversation.’

Gone are the days of fussy arrangements piled high with oversized bouquets, candles, and endless little trinkets. Instead, I wholeheartedly embrace a look where one single, stunning centerpiece becomes the star of the show. There’s something so serene and luxurious about a single planter filled with lush, natural foliage, whether it’s crisp seasonal greenery for my Thanksgiving table decor or a beautifully arranged mix of pine and subtle metallic accents for my Christmas table. The result is effortless, chic, and leaves plenty of space for conversation, food, and laughter – prioritizing the gathering over clutter.

Decorating the table for the holiday season is about much more than aesthetics – it’s an act of hospitality, warmth, and celebration. A thoughtfully styled table sets the tone for the gathering, showing guests that they are welcome and valued. It’s a way to mark the season, creating moments of joy, connection, and memory-making around the food we share. Even with a minimalist style, the table feels intentional and meaningful, enhancing the sense of occasion without feeling overwhelming. I’m adopting this philosophy championed by designers like Joanna Gaines this year, and it’s easy to see why it resonates with so many.

By focusing on quality over quantity – something her Target line does beautifully – the table feels curated and welcoming, rather than cluttered. I'm letting a single statement planter set the entire mood of my festive tables. It’s a small change, but it transforms the atmosphere, creating a sense of calm and luxury that makes every holiday meal feel like a true, unhurried celebration.

Shop the look