15 Simple Coastal Christmas Table Decor Ideas to Bring Beachy Vibes to Your Holiday

If you’re dreaming of a beach-inspired Christmas table setting, coastal decor is the perfect way to bring a relaxed yet festive feel to your holiday celebrations.

Imagine a holiday table adorned with the colors of the sea, soft sandy tones, and nature’s treasures from the shore.

Here are 15 simple yet beautiful coastal Christmas table decor ideas to inspire your holiday hosting and bring that peaceful, breezy vibe to your home this Christmas season.

1. Seashell Name Cards

Personalized place settings can add a special touch to your table, and with seashells, you’ll get that unique coastal vibe right away.

Look for larger shells like scallops or clam shells, and write your guests’ names on them using a fine-point white or gold marker.

Not only will these shells serve as name cards, but guests can also take them home as a little keepsake. You can enhance the coastal feel by arranging the shells on a bed of sea glass at each place setting.

2. Driftwood Candle Holder Centerpiece

For a centerpiece with natural elegance, gather driftwood pieces of various sizes and arrange them in a row down the center of your table. Place small tea lights or votive candles on top of the driftwood, creating a gentle, warm glow that’ll make your table feel cozy and inviting. Driftwood’s rustic texture is beautifully complemented by the soft candlelight, and this arrangement gives your table a balanced mix of Christmas charm and coastal beauty.

3. Nautical Rope Napkin Rings

Nautical rope napkin rings are a subtle way to bring in that seaside vibe without overwhelming the table. Use pieces of thick nautical rope, and tie them in small loops around each napkin.

You can secure the knot with a small sand dollar, starfish, or a delicate shell for a touch of beachy elegance.

The ropes’ rough texture paired with soft linen or cotton napkins gives a nice contrast and a tactile element that feels fresh and unique.

4. Aqua and Sand Color Scheme

Choosing colors inspired by the ocean is key to pulling off a coastal theme. For a soft, dreamy look, go with a palette of aqua blues, sandy beige, and crisp whites.

Layer the table with a linen or burlap runner, and add aqua-toned dinnerware or glassware for a fresh, ocean-inspired vibe.

These colors bring a calm, serene feeling to your table, making it feel inviting and beachy all at once.

5. Mini Coastal Christmas Trees

Small, beachy Christmas trees bring an instant festive feel to your table. You can create these using white or light blue bottlebrush trees set in small pots filled with sand.

For a unique coastal twist, decorate the trees with mini seashells or starfish ornaments.

Arrange these little trees along the center of the table, or place one at each setting for a touch of individual holiday cheer.

6. Sea Glass Vase Centerpiece

A sea glass vase filled with small ornaments is both elegant and easy to create. Look for a large clear vase and fill it with pieces of sea glass in coastal shades—think blues, greens, and whites.

Mix in a few small Christmas ornaments in metallic or pastel tones to keep it festive but relaxed.

The result is a centerpiece that sparkles softly and captures the essence of the ocean.

7. Sand Dollar and Starfish Garland

Using natural elements like sand dollars and starfish to create a garland is a charming way to decorate your table.

Start with a base of greenery, like pine or eucalyptus, and add sand dollars, starfish, and small shells along the garland.

This mixture of pine and coastal decor ties in both holiday and beach vibes, making it a perfect centerpiece that feels balanced and festive.

8. Fishnet Table Runner

For a truly coastal touch, swap out a traditional table runner for a piece of fishnet. Drape the netting down the center of your table, and layer it with small shells, starfish, and tea lights. The netting brings texture and a rustic, seaside feeling that contrasts beautifully with the elegance of a holiday meal. This fishnet decor gives your table a relaxed beachy look, as if you’re dining by the sea.

9. Blue Glass Buoy Ornaments

For a coastal Christmas twist, add some decorative glass buoy ornaments to your table. These buoys, often seen in soft blue or teal glass, bring a touch of maritime history and add a pop of color. Place them strategically along the center of your table or as part of each place setting. The reflections from the glass give a watery, magical effect, like bubbles in the ocean.

10. Coral and Pine Centerpiece

Combining coral and pine branches may sound unusual, but the blend is stunning and unique. Use pieces of white or light coral and arrange them alongside pine greenery, adding small ornaments in shades of blue or silver for a festive touch. The natural elements create a visually interesting centerpiece that’s both coastal and holiday-inspired.

11. Oyster Shell Candleholders

Oyster shells make for beautiful, rustic candleholders. Clean the shells, and place small tealight candles within them for an intimate, beachy glow around the table. These oyster shell candleholders bring a warm, coastal feel and can be scattered down the length of your table, making for an easy yet elegant decor option that guests will love.

12. Coastal Cloche Display

Cloche displays are an elegant way to showcase beachy elements. Place small, coastal items like shells, tiny driftwood trees, or even coastal-themed ornaments inside a cloche. These covered displays create a refined look that feels festive and personal. Set a few cloches along the center of the table for a unified, peaceful holiday look.

13. Beach-Inspired Place Mats

Bring a casual, beachy feel to each setting with beach-inspired place mats. Use natural materials like whitewashed wood or burlap and stencil simple sea creatures, such as starfish or seahorses, on each mat for an extra coastal touch. These place mats not only protect your table but also add a playful, beachy vibe that works perfectly for a holiday gathering.

14. Miniature Driftwood Christmas Trees

Mini driftwood Christmas trees are both charming and easy to make. Collect small pieces of driftwood and arrange them in a tree shape by stacking from largest to smallest. You can glue the pieces together or use a thin wire to secure them. Place these mini trees at each setting or down the center of the table as a natural, rustic centerpiece. They add a festive coastal flair and are sure to be a conversation starter.

15. Seashell Christmas Garland Table Runner

Create a simple table runner using twine, seashells, and small ornaments. Start by attaching the seashells and ornaments to the twine, then lay the garland down the center of your table. For a festive touch, use light-colored or metallic-painted shells to catch the glow of candlelight. This beach-inspired runner adds a touch of holiday magic without overwhelming the table, creating a peaceful yet festive scene.

With these coastal Christmas table decor ideas, your holiday table can feel like a seaside retreat while still capturing the warmth and spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small family dinner, these easy, elegant touches will make your table unforgettable and perfectly beachy for the holidays.