20 Simple Christmas Coffee Table Tray Decor Ideas

Although Christmas isn’t a major holiday where I live, I still enjoy a bit of winter decorating by setting up a small tray in the living room.

I mean, who can resist adding a cozy Xmas touch to their home, right?

A simple tray on your coffee table is all it takes to brighten up the space. I’ll show you 20 trays in a variety of styles—rustic, modern, farmhouse—you name it!

1. Winter Wonderland Theme

Looking for a simple yet captivating tray idea?

Start with a wooden tray and lay down a base of faux snow.

From there, I like to add height by placing a vase filled with pine twigs—or flowers, if that’s more your style.

Then, work your way down in height.

Add smaller elements like tree or house figurines, but keep them shorter than your vase to maintain balance.

2. Farmhouse Style Tray

Have a long table that needs a little love?

A large rectangular tray makes a great centerpiece to fill those awkward spaces.

For a charming farmhouse look, consider adding a small lantern, plenty of greenery, and lots of pinecones. To make it sparkle, drape some string lights over the arrangement.

Alternatively, you could place fairy lights inside a mason jar to keep things neat and tangle-free. The choice is yours!

3. Modern Minimalist Setup

I’ll admit, I usually lean towards more abundant decorations.

However, a minimalist setup has its perks, especially when it comes to cleaning or rearranging.

If you prefer a sleek aesthetic, go for a modern minimalist look.

Use a black tray as your base, then add a single mini tree, a couple of tree figurines, and a small gold-accented candle for a touch of elegance.

4. DIY Centerpiece with Mason Jars

Mason jars are incredibly versatile—you can use them for just about any holiday décor!

I think the only limits are your imagination (and maybe budget, it’s a big thing for me too). For instance, fill a mason jar with baby’s breath, and you’ve got a lovely vase.

Pair it with candles or other decorative items to create a simple but charming tray display.

5. Vintage Bronze Charm

Want to add a nostalgic touch to your Christmas decorations? Go vintage!

Use a thrifted tray or incorporate vintage ornaments for that timeless charm.

To easily pull the look together, angle the tray so it faces a specific direction, and arrange your decorative figures to follow suit.

It’s a simple trick that makes your setup feel intentional and cohesive.

6. Holiday Jug

I get it—holiday-themed items can feel a bit limiting since they only shine during the season.

But let’s be real, who can resist a cute Christmas jug?

If you have one, make it the centerpiece of your setup.

Place a mini reindeer on one side and a Santa figurine on the other, then fill in the gaps with pine twigs or sprigs of holly.

It’s a small display, but it packs a delicate, festive punch—perfectly Christmassy without going overboard.

7. Simple Candle Tray

Sometimes, you need a quick and easy winter centerpiece.

That’s where this setup comes in. Start with a round tray and place a candle at the center.

Add a few decorative elements like a mini tree or a glass tree—whichever suits your style. From there, it’s all about the finishing touches.

Fill the remaining space with pinecones or even a small bouquet of holly to double as a flower vase. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a simple yet elegant tray.

8. White-themed Tray with Mini Christmas Tree

A mini Christmas tree can be a budget-friendly alternative if you don’t want a full-sized one.

Place the tiny tree in a pot and complement it with a single pillar candle.

Add a few ceramic décor pieces for a touch of sophistication, and arrange everything on a woven tray.

The result? A beautifully cohesive white-themed tray with just the right amount of holiday charm.

9. Tree Slice Centerpiece

For a rustic or farmhouse-inspired look, consider using a tree slice as your base.

It’s perfect for creating a cozy forest scene.

Place a few mini trees and a tiny house in the center, then add other festive pieces like a Santa figurine.

Keep in mind, though, that tree slices lack a rim, so you’ll need to secure your décor to keep everything in place when moving it.

It’s a minor inconvenience for such a charming, country-style centerpiece.

10. Elegant Gold Tray

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle during the holidays?

If rustic décor isn’t your style, a gold tray might be just what you need to bring warmth and elegance to your setup.

Choose a metallic tray with gold accents and fill it with shimmering baubles, a Christmas tree, and a sparkling reindeer.

It’s a luxurious twist on traditional holiday decorations that’s sure to impress.

11. Rustic Wooden Tray with Pinecones

Here’s a super simple idea you can pull off at home using only five items.

Start with a wooden tray as your base.

From there, you can build your arrangement either bottom-up (smallest to tallest) or top-down (starting with the tallest item).

My go-to Christmas essentials include pinecones, twigs, baubles, and candles.

Mix and match these to create a cozy, festive vibe—it’s easy yet effective.

12. Nutcracker Figure

A nutcracker is a classic Christmas symbol and makes a fantastic centerpiece for a holiday tray.

Surround it with a candle, a small vase filled with pine, and a ceramic Christmas tree for a balanced display.

For an extra touch, opt for a decorative tray with intricate patterns to add a bit of flair. This setup blends traditional charm with a hint of elegance.

13. Black Tray with Burlap Accents

A black tray paired with burlap creates a grounded, casual look compared to more formal combinations like black and gold.

If a laid-back vibe is your style, place a tree with a burlap-wrapped base on the tray.

Add a black mini house for contrast, then scatter pinecones and cinnamon sticks for a rustic, seasonal touch. It’s a quick and charming way to bring Christmas warmth to your space.

14. Simple Mason Jar Centerpiece

Switching up the color of your mason jar can completely change the mood of your display.

An amber mason jar, for instance, creates a warm, cozy glow when lit with a candle.

If you’re planning to indulge in a little holiday cheer, pair the jar with a bottle of liquor—bonus points if it’s in amber glass to match.

It’s a simple yet versatile way to elevate your table décor for those chilly winter nights.

15. Classic Christmas Display

Nothing says Christmas quite like the classic red and green color scheme.

But here’s a twist: use everyday items like a milk jug as the base for your centerpiece.

Fill it with festive greenery or flowers, and you’ve got a stunning, understated holiday display that feels both traditional and fresh.

16. Plaid Accent

I bet by now, you’ve got a good sense of the essentials for your Christmas tray décor.

But here’s one more detail you might want to add: plaid.

Buffalo plaid, in particular, is a holiday favorite and one of the most popular patterns for Christmas décor.

You can easily find it in stores this time of year, and it brings a cozy, classic vibe to any tray.

17. Winter Village Scene

The aesthetic of a cozy winter village is truly unique, and while it’s not easy to live in a village these days, you can still bring that charm into your home!

Start with a rustic tray as your base—it sets the tone beautifully. Sprinkle a layer of faux snow to capture that frosty, wintery feel.

Next, arrange tiny houses and mini trees to create your scene.

Take your time and play around with the layout until it feels just right—I’m sure you’ll love the result.

18. Round Woven Tray with Reindeer Figure

Sometimes, less is more.

When working with a round woven tray, you can try leaving space between each item to let it shine individually.

Limit the number of items in your display to two or fewer per category, like a single reindeer figure and one mini tree.

Wow, what a simple way to keep your arrangement clean, cohesive, and effortlessly elegant, right?

19. Marble Tray Setup

Looking for a sleek, minimalist setup?

Use a tray that matches the material or color of your coffee table for a seamless look.

This way, the tray blends naturally into your existing décor.

And if you choose similar items, like Christmas tree figurines, you can try to mix up their finishes—think glossy, matte, or even textured.

It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

20. Neutral Theme

As I’ve mentioned, when you’re working with the same item, like a collection of Christmas trees, variety is key.

Incorporate different shapes, sizes, and styles to create a more dynamic and visually interesting display.

For instance, you could include a wooden Christmas tree for a rustic touch or one with a sparkly finish to add some festive shimmer.