This site contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
This post shows you the best modern christmas tray decor ideas.
When it comes to holiday decorating, the little details make the biggest impact.
A Christmas tray is one of those small but mighty decor accents that can completely transform your home for the season.
Whether you place it on your coffee table, kitchen counter, or entryway, a well-styled tray brings warmth, personality, and instant holiday cheer.
From cozy farmhouse vibes to sparkling glam touches, here are 18 Christmas tray decor ideas that will inspire you to create your own picture-perfect holiday setup.
Christmas tray decor ideas
1. Minimalist Scandinavian Christmas tree shaped tray
For lovers of simplicity, a Scandinavian-inspired tray is the way to go. Keep the color palette neutral, think white, gray, beige, and light wood. Start with a white ceramic tray or a light wooden one.
Add a couple of tall, white pillar candles, a sprig of fresh greenery (like fir or pine), and one or two ceramic ornaments. Less is more here, instead of filling the tray, leave plenty of negative space so each piece stands out.
Tip: This tray works especially well in homes with modern or minimal decor, where you want a subtle but elegant nod to the season.
2. Rustic farmhouse tray
If your style leans cozy and homey, a rustic farmhouse Christmas tray will feel right at home.
Start with a weathered wooden tray or even a round breadboard as your base. Add mini pine trees in galvanized metal pots, a stack of plaid mugs, and a few pinecones scattered around for texture.
For extra warmth, tuck in sprigs of evergreen garland or eucalyptus. You can also add a small candle in a mason jar wrapped with twine. This look feels casual but inviting, perfect for a coffee table or kitchen counter.
Tip: Choose colors like red, green, and brown to keep the palette classic farmhouse. Buffalo check patterns or burlap ribbon can also enhance the rustic charm.
3. Ceramic Vase with Ribbon and Berry Stems
A ceramic vase is such a versatile piece for a Christmas tray, and with just a few festive touches, it can become a holiday showstopper.
Start with a simple white or neutral-toned vase, then wrap a velvet or satin ribbon around it in a rich holiday shade, think deep red, forest green, or even a metallic gold. The ribbon instantly dresses it up while still keeping the look elegant and clean.
To bring in a seasonal pop of color, add a few berry stems to the vase. The red berries against the ceramic create a classic, cozy Christmas vibe that feels traditional yet fresh.
Arrange the vase on your tray with a couple of pinecones, candles, or sprigs of greenery around the base for a layered effect. It's simple, chic, and works beautifully on an entryway console or coffee table.
4. Sparkling glam tray
Bring a little glitz to your holiday home with a glamorous tray. Start with a mirrored or metallic base, then layer in gold or silver ornaments, mercury glass candle holders, and glittery figurines like reindeer or angels.
Add velvet ribbon or a faux fur accent underneath to soften the look. At night, the tray will shimmer beautifully under the glow of Christmas lights.
5. Christmas village tray
Bring festive charm to your home with a Christmas village on a round tray. Start with a simple wooden or metallic base, then arrange a few miniature houses, trees, and figurines.
Sprinkle faux snow around the pieces for a frosty, magical look. Add battery-powered lights inside the houses to make the village glow.
This setup creates a whimsical, cozy centerpiece perfect for a coffee table or console.
6. Dining Table Tray with Runner
Elevate your holiday dining table by placing a tray in the center atop a festive runner. Use the tray to hold candles, small ornaments, or a vase with greenery and berries.
Surround the tray with complementary Christmas decor like pinecones, miniature figurines, or additional votive candles along the runner.
This creates a cohesive, layered look that draws the eye down the table while keeping the centerpiece contained and stylish. It's perfect for adding warmth and holiday charm to any dinner setting.
7. Wood Tray with Ceramic Houses and Candy Canes
Bring holiday cheer to your kitchen counter with a simple wood tray display. Place a few Christmas-themed ceramic houses on the tray, then tuck candy canes around them for a playful, festive touch.
Add a small sprig of greenery or pinecones to complete the look. This easy arrangement keeps your counter decorative but uncluttered, creating a cheerful holiday accent that's simple yet charming.
8. Kitchen Island Centerpiece Tray
If you have a large kitchen island, an oversized tray makes the perfect centerpiece. Add tall candles or vases filled with greenery in the center, then surround them with ornaments or small wrapped gifts.
The result is festive, eye-catching, and ideal for entertaining. It instantly makes the kitchen feel like part of the holiday celebration.
You may also like: 28 Kitchen Island Decor Tray Ideas That Are Simple & Stunning
9. Rustic Farmhouse Tiered Tray with White Christmas Decor
Add cozy charm to your home with a rustic farmhouse tiered tray styled in all-white Christmas decor.
Use the tiers to layer small ceramic trees, candles, and ornaments, keeping everything in soft whites and creams for a cohesive look.
A few sprigs of greenery or pinecones can be tucked in for texture without breaking the neutral palette.
This setup works beautifully on a kitchen counter or sideboard, bringing a clean yet festive farmhouse vibe to your space.
10. Natural elements tray
Bring the outdoors in with a tray full of natural touches. Pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and fresh greenery make a display that looks and smells amazing.
This earthy style is cozy, fragrant, and easy to put together with items you may already have at home.
11. Long Narrow Dining Table Tray with Votives and Greenery
Style your dining table with a long, narrow tray filled with votive candles and fresh greenery. The length of the tray creates a natural centerpiece that draws the eye down the table, while the flickering candles add warmth and a cozy glow.
Tuck in small sprigs of pine, holly, or eucalyptus between the candles for texture and seasonal charm. This simple arrangement keeps the table elegant, festive, and uncluttered, perfect for holiday dinners and gatherings.
12. Kitchen counter tray
Make your everyday kitchen essentials festive with a decorated tray. Corral oils, utensils, or salt and pepper shakers, then tuck in greenery, berries, or a few ornaments.
A small holiday-scented candle adds warmth. This approach keeps things functional but still cheerful, proving even practical spaces deserve holiday magic.
13. Winter Wonderland Tray
For a frosty, magical vibe, design a tray in shades of white, silver, and red.
Use faux snow as your base, then add bottlebrush trees, glittery ornaments, and glass figurines.
A strand of battery-powered fairy lights weaved through the display adds sparkle. Place this tray in your entryway for a dramatic first impression.
14. Hot Cocoa Bar Tray
Turn your tray into a functional hot cocoa bar everyone will love. Include holiday mugs, a jar of marshmallows, candy canes for stirring, and tins of cocoa mix.
A small festive sign or chalkboard that says “Hot Cocoa Station” adds personality. It's decorative, practical, and guaranteed to be a holiday favorite in your home.
15. Dough Bowl Tray with Frosty Greenery, Tree, and Owl
Bring rustic charm to your holiday decor with a dough bowl tray. Fill the bowl with frosty greenery, a small Christmas tree, and a whimsical little owl figurine for a playful yet cozy vibe.
Add a few pinecones or tiny ornaments to complete the scene. This arrangement works beautifully on a kitchen counter, console, or side table, creating a festive focal point that feels natural and inviting.
16. Holiday coffee table tray
Your coffee table tray can balance beauty and function. Arrange candles, greenery, and ornaments, then leave room for practical items like a stack of holiday books or a bowl for remotes.
This style keeps your living room festive but still livable. Guests will love the cozy, curated look.
17. Neutral toned tray
For something calmer, opt for neutral tones like beige, white, and soft metallics.
Add cream-colored candles, pinecones dusted with faux snow, and wood bead garland.
The effect is elegant and understated, making it perfect for bedrooms or spaces where you want a softer holiday feel.
18. Simple statement tray
Don't underestimate the power of a few statement pieces placed on a beautiful simple tray! When decorating a tray for Christmas make sure you ge the scale of the decorative items paired with the tray right.
Final Tips for Styling Your Christmas Tray
- Layer heights: Use tall candles or trees in the back and shorter accents in front to create depth.
- Stick to a color scheme: Red and gold, silver and white, or neutral tones keep things cohesive.
- Mix textures: Wood, glass, fabric, and greenery add richness to your tray.
- Don't overcrowd: Leave some breathing room so your decor feels curated, not cluttered.
- Add sparkle: Fairy lights or metallic accents instantly make your tray more magical.
Wrapping It Up
A Christmas tray is one of the simplest ways to decorate your home for the holidays while making a big impact. From rustic farmhouse setups with pinecones and plaid to glamorous mirrored trays that sparkle under the lights, there's a style to fit every home.
Whether you're styling a functional cocoa bar, a centerpiece for your kitchen island, or a whimsical tray for the kids, these 18 tray decor ideas prove that holiday magic can be captured in even the smallest spaces. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can instantly elevate your holiday home and spread Christmas cheer in every corner.
This post showed you the 18 best Christmas tray decor ideas.
You may also like:
