How to Style a Side Table for a Holiday Gathering

Start by selecting the right side table from GHome UK’s collection. The right table becomes your styling platform. You’ll find options like:

for a sleek modern look: Modern Side Table

for a warm, natural feel: Wood Side Table or Wooden Side Table

an elegant light tone: Oak Side Table

a textured relaxed look: Rattan Side Table

Each of these gives you a different backdrop. A modern side table works for cleaner, minimalist décor; wood or oak adds warmth; rattan adds casual, natural texture.

2. Set the scene: location & layering

Place your table in a spot where guests will naturally pass by or gather. Near seating, entryway, or even next to the holiday buffet. Then layer:

Start with a table runner or a small placemat to define the space (especially if your table has a very distinct finish).

Consider height variation. For example: a tall candle, a mid-sized decorative object, and a low tray or bowl.

If you’re using a wood side table or oak side table, the natural grain adds character, so keep additional decorative items simple so the table itself stands out. If you choose a modern side table (which might have sleek lines or metal accents), you can go a little bolder with décor.

3. Select a holiday theme & colour palette

Choosing a consistent theme makes styling easier and more effective. Some ideas:

Classic holiday: deep green, rich red, gold accents. On a wooden side table this feels cozy.

Nordic-scandi: white, light grey, muted natural tones; works beautifully on an oak side table or rattan side table.

Modern glam: black, white, metallics (silver/gold); perfect with a modern side table.

Natural rustic: lots of greenery, wood berries/branches, candles; ideal if you have a wood side table or wooden side table.

Once you pick the palette, stick to 2-3 main colours + one accent. That keeps things cohesive. Use the same palette across your decorative elements on the table—candles, small ornaments, trays.

4. Layer practical & decorative items

Think of half functionality, half decoration. Guests will place drinks, use the space, so you want it to look good and be useful. Some ideas:

Functional: a small tray for drinks, a bowl with mints or nuts, a coaster stack.

Decorative: candles (varying heights), a small vase with seasonal foliage, a decorative ornament, fairy lights (battery-and-timer style).

On a rattan side table or wood side table, the texture plays beautifully with natural items like pinecones or eucalyptus. On a modern side table you might mix in metallics and glass for contrast.

Use something with height: a tall slender candle, a small lamp, or a stacked‐book arrangement. Then mid‐height object (vase), then low level (tray or bowl). This three-tiered approach gives visual interest.

5. Add seasonal touches & personal elements

Holiday styling is all about the personal, the seasonal, the little details that bring warmth. Some ideas:

A small framed photo of last year’s Christmas or a happy memory.

A mini holiday sign or a small wreath hung on the wall above the side table.

A stack of holiday books or magazines next to the table.

Incorporate greenery: a sprig of pine, holly, or eucalyptus in a small vase. These work especially well on a wooden or oak side table.

Use scented candles (or flameless if you prefer safety) that evoke the season: e.g., cinnamon, pine, vanilla.

If children/guests put their things here, have a small decorative bowl or basket for keys, phones, etc. That way the side table remains tidy and stylish.

6. Lighting & ambiance

Lighting is key to making the styled side table come alive. Without good light, even great items can go unnoticed. Some suggestions:

Place a candle (or two) on the table. On a rattan side table, the flicker will bounce nicely off natural textures.

If possible, a small table lamp with a warm bulb will highlight the décor and invite interaction. On a modern side table you might choose a sleek lamp with metal or marble base.

Consider fairy lights or battery-operated LED string lights tossed into a glass bowl or around a decorative object. They add soft sparkle without overwhelming the space.

Ensure there’s enough ambient light in the room so the side table doesn’t become too dark/hard to see in. The contrast between the lighting on the table and the rest of the room will draw the eye.

7. Keep it balanced (not cluttered)

A good styled table has just enough—too much and it looks messy; too little and it’s underwhelming. Here’s how to keep balance:

Choose one larger object, one medium, and one small object, then optional low tray for function.

Leave negative (empty) space so items breathe. On an oak side table, let the wood grain show. On a modern side table maybe the metal finish is part of the visual interest.

If you use many decorative items, keep them in the same colour palette to avoid visual chaos.

Rotate items: if a certain ornament is very bold, balance it with a neutral one.

Regarding side table size: if it’s compact, don’t overload it. The piece from GHome UK in the side-table collection gives many in-stock options.
GHome UK

8. Match the side table style to your room & gathering

The environment you’re styling in matters. Some thoughts:

If your living room has heavy wood furniture and warm tones, a wood side table (or wooden side table) from GHome UK fits perfectly and your décor can lean a little rustic.

If your space is more modern with glass, metal and clean lines, go with a modern side table and pick décor that mirrors that aesthetic.

For relaxed gatherings (children, families), choose durable options: e.g., a rattan side table is resilient and gives a casual vibe.

Also think about the flow of the room: if guests will pass by it, make sure it’s accessible, not in a tight corner, and that it doesn’t block movement.

9. Consider functionality during the gathering

Since it’s a holiday gathering, you want the side table to serve guests too. Practical ideas:

Use the tray on the table for drinks or hors d’oeuvres so people can help themselves.

If kids are involved, maybe one surface holds board games or festive cards.

If it’s a buffet side table, accessories can hold napkins, festive cups, or sweets.

If you expect coats or bags, place a small basket underneath or beside the table to keep things tidy.

If you’re using one from GHome UK’s collection, check how much surface area and storage each offers (some have drawer or shelf) to suit your needs.
GHome UK

10. Final touches & maintenance during the event

Before guests arrive, make sure the side table is polished and dust-free. During the gathering:

Keep a small coaster nearby so guests don’t place hot/wet glasses directly on the table, especially if it’s wood or oak.

Occasionally check that lighting is comfortable (not too bright, not too dim) so the styled display remains inviting.

Be prepared to clear off items if needed (like moving the decorative bowl if someone uses the table for something else).

After the event, remove items you used for display (candles, greenery) and wipe down the surface so your side table is ready for the next use.

11. Summary

Styling your side table for holiday gatherings is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your décor. By selecting a piece from GHome UK—whether you go for a modern side table, wood side table, wooden side table, oak side table or rattan side table—you set the stage. Choose your theme and palette, layer function with decoration, play with lighting, keep things balanced, let it serve guests, and maintain it through the event. The result: a welcoming, festive focal point that ties your space together.