This Easy Decorating Hack Looks so Professional – and Will Solve Your Overcrowded Table Woes

When the holiday season rolls around, I just can't pass up the chance to get creative with my Christmas table decor ideas. The challenge is leaving enough room on the table for the actual meal – which is the main event of Christmas of course. That's why I'll be relying on this clever over-head decor idea that I spotted on TikTok this year.

It might not seem glamorous at first, but the results are so professional. It relies on a rather unassuming table rod stand like this one from Amazon and is a small-space savior when you have lots of guests to squeeze around a not-so-large table. By clamping the rod over the table and decorating it with festive garlands, natural foliage, string lights and ornaments, you can keep your table decor to a minimum, so there's more space for the plates, glassware, and the delicious and lovingly prepared dishes.

‘These over-table poles are often fully adjustable and allow you to create imaginative, bespoke tablescapes for special occasions,' explains home stylist and H&G contributor, Pippa Blenkinsop. 'Done well, by which I mean covering every part of the pole with decor, they can look really beautiful.'

You can find over-the-table rods everywhere from Amazon to Wayfair, Walmart and Michaels; I've even spotted an iron over-the-table rod at Terrain. The rod is secured to each end of your table using clamps, so you'll need to ensure that its weight can be supported without damaging the table in the process.

You'll also want the rod to sit at a comfortable height above your table, preventing any decorations from hanging down and obstructing sightlines. Of course, if the rod is too high, you might struggle to do the decorating – so take some time to adjust the poles and find what works in your space.

Once the rod is safely attached, you can work on your Christmas decor ideas. The best foundation is a garland – either artificial or fresh – which you'll use to completely cover the table rod and create an immersive, professional centerpiece.

'Flowers and foliage are an easy way to add that drama to your tablescape; it really is "more is more",' says Lucy Whiddett, founder of The Table Stylist.

Taking inspiration from Joanna Gaines' holiday greenery centerpiece hack, I'd begin with something like the real-touch cedar mix garland from Magnolia – but if you prefer fresh foliage, you can forage for your own, if you feel like getting stuck into some DIY Christmas craft ideas, or choose an option like this live eucalyptus and berry garland from Pottery Barn. The garland should be full enough to hide the table rod, but it's best to seek out a simpler option that can serve as a backdrop for your remaining decorations.

To build a cohesive centerpiece, planning is key. 'Choose a color palette and pick three shades that fall into it: a primary, secondary, and accent color,' advises Lucy. 'This gives you some parameters to work with, so you’re not overwhelmed by all the choice.'

If you have a specific theme in mind, you can also use a few carefully-chosen ornaments as the basis of your look. 'I often build a theme around a specific item such as a nutcracker, using red as primary, pink as secondary and gold as an accent color,' says Lucy. 'However, you can also show off other pieces you already have in your home: think special trinkets, foraged foliage from the garden, or even DIY Christmas crafts for a most cost-friendly option.'

Yet as with all the best home decor hacks, there are plenty of ways to experiment if you fancy recreating the table rod centerpiece look without a table rod itself.

'Adding foliage and decorations to over-table light fittings is an easy way to dress them up and create a festive look fast,' suggests Pippa. 'Use floristry wire and ensure the foliage doesn't touch the bulbs themselves if the light is to be switched on.'

Plus, if you have the space (and the gardening supplies), you can even suspend a branch over your table in place of a rod, decorating it with ribbons and dried orange slices for a rustic feel.

Shop Everything You Need to Create an Over-the-Table Centerpiece

Want to try out a few more holiday centerpiece hacks? Joanna Gaines' DIY centerpiece idea is a must – and it also starts off with florals and foliage.