Bring a touch of merry charm to your holiday table with cardinals, plaid layers, and a fragrant DIY evergreen runner. Easy greenery tips and festive winter bird details make this Christmas table both welcoming and wonderfully seasonal.
’Tis the Season to Deck the Table as well as the Halls and I’m joining 17 table stylists
for a Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop! You’ll find the links for more Christmas
and holiday table inspiration at the bottom of this post.
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There’s something especially magical about seeing the red flash of a cardinal against winter’s muted or snowy landscape! Their vibrant red plumage brings vitality and warmth to winter’s cold landscapes, reminding us of nature’s resilience and beauty.
Cardinals have long symbolized hope, love, and spiritual connection. Many people believe that when a cardinal appears, it signifies a loved one watching over us. . .a comforting message of peace and presence.
During the holiday season, their bright color against snowy scenery feels almost miraculous, adding a touch of magic to Christmas and winter traditions.
The sight of a cardinal always brings me joy so cardinals flew in to my table, adding festive pops of red, perched among plaid ornaments, glittering nests, and a mix of fragrant evergreens. If you love a table that feels merry, welcoming, and full of holiday cheer, this one’s for you!
For my Christmas table, I paired favorite cardinal accents with a fresh-cut evergreen runner you can assemble in minutes for a fragrant, festive centerpiece.
Grab your clippers and let’s feather the nest for Christmas!
Using evergreens to deck the hall, or the table, is one of my favorite ways to add a bit of nature and freshness during the holidays! Freshly cut evergreens make the whole house wonderfully fragrant, and they’re especially welcome when you decorate with an artificial tree. While ready-made garlands are always an option, creating your own evergreen runner is an easy, no-fuss way to bring a natural, woodsy touch to your Christmas table—no wiring required.
Gathering the Greens
For the base of the runner, I started with clippings from the trees and shrubs around the house—cedar, arborvitae, boxwood, and glossy gardenia foliage. Cedar is a favorite starting point with its wispy, layered texture, and then I mix in shorter bits of other greens to add fullness and variation.
Working down the center of the table, I laid the cedar first, then tucked in other greens to fill and fluff, layering different textures and shades of green for interest. It truly comes together in minutes once your greenery is gathered!
Tip: Cut more greenery than you think you’ll need and keep it in a bucket of water until you’re ready to assemble. Having everything prepped means quick, easy styling without stopping to clip more outside. Any extra bits of greenery leftover can be tucked in a bowl with ornaments or added to a book shelf with a special holiday figure or collectible.
Adding the Ornaments: Plaid, Cardinals & Glittering Nests
To bring in a little extra holiday sparkle, I wired plaid ball ornaments onto ornament picks using floral wire, then nestled them among the greenery. Once the plaid ornaments were in place, the cardinals “flew in” next!
A few clip-on cardinals perched along the runner, the bright red a beautiful contrast to the deep greens. Cardinal ribbon (from Hobby Lobby) tied onto some ornaments added an extra layer of charm and helped pull the theme together. Finally, two glittering nests tucked into the centerpiece brought just the right touch of woodland whimsy.
The Centerpiece: Santa, Cardinals & Fresh Greenery
A Fitz and Floyd Santa pitcher holding a cardinal is a favorite seasonal piece. I filled the pitcher with fresh cedar and gardenia foliage, then added a cardinal ribbon and red ball ornament pick, and a clip-on cardinal ornament for an easy centerpiece to unify the table. A cake plate provides a pedestal to elevate Santa, overlooking the evergreens and cardinal table runner.
Evergreen Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
🎄 Spray your greenery with an antitranspirant like Crowning Glory or Wilt-Pruf to keep it from drying out too quickly. It can stay fresh for weeks with the right prep.
🎄 Check for sap! Evergreens vary in their sap production, one cedar tree can differ than another, so check your greenery for sap and stickiness before using it on the table.
🎄 Protect your table by laying a strip of wax paper under the greenery if sap is a concern, especially on fabric tablecloths.
Table Details: A Cardinal Christmas Classic
A tablecloth patterned with cardinals, sprigs of holly, mistletoe, and white poinsettias provides a festive foundation for the entire setting.
Long-time readers know my love of birds and the tradition of my Winter Nesting Tree, so it’s no surprise that Lenox Winter Greetings makes an appearance at my table! The pattern features winter birds. . .cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches. . . surrounded by pinecones, holly, mistletoe, and festive red ribbons.
Layered Place Settings
The Winter Greetings salad plates are layered over red and green plaid dinner plates, white chargers, and round linen placemats in black-and-white check—chosen to coordinate with the checked cardinal napkin rings.
Holly berry napkins add a classic pairing of Christmas red and green with ruby goblets provide a merry pop of red.
Wallace Gold Accent Corsica flatware brings elegance with its signature basket-weave motif at the handle base and neck.
The flatware paired with winter birds, fresh greenery, and classic Christmas colors, weaves together a festive holiday table that’s merry and bright!
A Festive Table Full of Meaning
Since cardinals represent hope, comfort, and loved ones, their bright red presence alongside fresh evergreens adds heartfelt meaning to the table. This table is filled with texture, fragrance, and joyful color, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas Eve supper, or a cozy winter dinner shared with loved ones.
Table Details:
Cardinal Santa Christmas Pitcher / Fitz and Floyd, used HERE
Cardinal Toile Napkin Rings / MacKenzie-Childs, last year
Holly Berry Napkins / HomeGoods
Cardinal Tablecloth / The Farmhouse by Rachel Ashwell, HomeGoods
Black and white check round linen placemats / Crown Linen Designs
Plaid Plates / Pottery Barn, several years ago
Red Goblets / Mikasa French Countryside
Cardinal Ornaments / collected over the years
Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop!
Find more Christmas table inspiration from my talented blogging friends at the links below:
🎄Panoply – O Christmas Tree Tablescape
🎄Home is Where the Boat Is – Cardinal Christmas with Plaid and Checks
🎄Hyacinths for the Soul – Cozy, Comfy Christmas
🎄Everyday Living – A Victorian Christmas Tablescape
🎄Life and Linda – All Aboard the Polar Express
🎄The Cats Whiskerz – A Christmas Tablescape in Gold, White and Mint
🎄Belle Bleu Interiors – Christmas Traditions
🎄Pandora’s Box – A Holiday Breakfast for Two Special Boys
🎄My Thrift Store Addiction – Secret Garden Whimsical Christmas Tablescape
🎄Olla-Podrida – All Aboard the Christmas Express: A Nostalgic Holiday Tablescape
🎄Red Cottage Chronicles – Ralph Lauren Inspired Tablescape
🎄Me and My Captain – Christmas 2025 The Reason for the Season
🎄The Little Yellow Corner Store – A Pretty Poinsettia Tablescape
🎄Dinner at Eight – A Playful Tablesetting for Christmas
🎄Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Oh, Come All Ye Plaid Lovers
🎄Mantel and Table – A Cozy Christmas Tablescape: Simple Ideas for a Beautiful Holiday
🎄Thrifting Wonderland – Vintage Christmas Tablescapes with Thrifted Finds
🎄The Bookish Dilettante – Simple Evergreen Christmas Tablescape
Cardinal lovers might also like:
Certified International Winter’s Medley 5.75” Canape/ Luncheon Plates
Certified International Winter’s Medley 11″ Dinner Plates Set of 4
Certified International Evergreen Christmas 6″ Canape/Luncheon Plates, Set of 4
Certified International Holly and Ivy 9″ Salad/Dessert Plates
Wishing you a holiday season filled with nature’s beauty and merry and bright Christmas traditions, both old and new.
❤️🎄🐦
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Merry Tuesday!
I, too, love cardinals. When I see that pop of red by our bird feeders, I always smile.
Your table here is so pretty! The cardinal napkin rings are a sweet addition to the plate stack. I am swooning over your Lenox Winter Greetings china. I have always loved that collection.
Your centerpiece/runner must be quite fragrant. How wonderful to find the greens in your yard. I love how you shared how you added all the embellishments. Thank you!
Merry December, my friend!
Good morning. A beautiful tablescape, Mary! I can feel the outdoorsy feeling just going over all the photos and details. The tablecloth gives the impression of your snow photos with cardinals, and the Winter Greetings china is truly one of the most beautiful. How you created the living runner and adding all the red & tartan picks and your collection of cardinal ornaments ❤️ has me swooning. What a great collection. The F&F pitcher is the perfect centerpiece. Again, that cardinal Santa’s holding!
This tablescaoe can go all through winter with simply swapping the Santa vessel, and I love that.
Thank you for bringing your Christmas magic to the blog hop, Mary. The clear instructions and great sources make for the perfect inspiration for others to try. I know you’ve inspired me.
Good morning Mary. I have always loved the Lenox Winter Greetings that features the handsome cardinal. The table runner of fragrant greens, cardinals, plaid ornaments, and glittering nests is beautiful. Fitz and Floyd Santa is the perfect centerpiece, their older pieces are works of art! CLD checked placemats frame the plate stack wonderfully. Plaid is a favorite any season, but especially Christmas! The MKC napkin rings are fabulous and I don’t remember them from last year. I love seeing cardinals especially during winter when they light on our rye grass! Thank you for featuring them, they are a bright spot during the winter months! It is always a pleasure to view one of your curated tables! Wishing you Joy during this Christmas season ❤️🎄!
Spectacular!! First and foremost, your photos are stunning….secondly, I adore everything about this table and your ceterpiece is lovely. I especially like your flatware. I wish you a wonderful month of peace, celebrations and joy!
I love all of your cardinals, Mary! I am going to have to get one of those sets of plates from Certified International. Being a St. Louisan and a Cardinal baseball fan, it’s surprising that I don’t have anything with cardinals on them. Absolutely beautiful.
Mary, what a beautiful table setting!
I absolutely love cardinals. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy bird watching. Your table pays tribute to these lovely birds! Thank you for sharing!
Mary your table is a delight. I have always loved cardinals and they are so strikingly beautiful against the snow. I also have those cardinal plates and almost used them…but your display is always inspirational and one can never top that. I have always loved birds of any kind and my feeders have attracted a beautiful variety. Thank you for your step by step instructions on how to set a pretty table. I love the natural greens but always worry of the damage that could be done to the table and cloth. great tips. Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas with special Blessings for you and yours..🎄✝️🎄
Good morning, Mary! This table warms my heart. I adore our feathered friends, especially the cardinals. Yesterday, I was just reflecting on your same shared sentiment. It was a bleak, cold, dreary day, and I was so thankful to look outside and see my bright red cardinals sitting in the trees and at the bird feeder. I miss the lush greens and flowers outside, and seeing their bright red color dotted in the landscape made me so happy! Your Christmas table is absolutely stunning as always. The Lenox plates are one of my favorites. Your table runner of gathered greenery is so beautiful with all of your cardinal pretties. I can see why the Fitz and Floyd Santa Pitcher is one of your favorites. He is beautiful and makes the perfect vessel for your arrangement. Sweet friend, I hope that you have a blessed and happy Christmas season!
Mary, I always get inspired by every post you do for us. Love how you detailed the steps you took to create your runner. It not only fills the space with holiday beauty, but must smell fabulous. Love fresh greens! The cardinal theme is beautifully shown with all the special touches of the Lenox Winter Greetings, the MKC cardinal napkin rings, and all the special ornaments. Of course, I love the touch of tartan and black and white checks, ALWAYS! Merry, Merry, dear friend. I look forward to more shares as the season develops. I know there are plenty of more ideas up your sleeve.
This is such a happy table, Mary. Winter enchantment is evident in every aspect of the table setting. The cardinals are wonderfully festive and your pictures of them in the wild set the scene for the indoor celebrations. Loved the evergreen runner and how simple it is to put together. It brings a feeling of holiday magic to the table. The ribbon , ornament and cardinal picks that are scattered on the runner weave all the color together. The Lenox “Winter Greetings” china is a favorite pattern and goes so well with the theme. The Fitz & Floyd Santa Pitcher is perfect as the center of the tablescape. Wishing you and your family a very Merry holiday season.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Mary, your festive table brought a smile to my face–the beautiful evergreen runner, whimsical cardinals, and colorful accents are a visual celebration of the season! Merry Christmas to you, Cecilia – My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much Mary. You, your special Christmas table, and your Cardinals truly brought hope, comfort, and loved ones memories and thoughts…Merry Christmas!
So many wonderful ideas – always an inspiration.
Two years ago, my grand grandmother and mother-in-law died, that’s when I started decorating a small four foot tree with cardinal ornaments. I leave it up until Valentines. Last winter, I also did a tablescape using cardinal salad plates. Really enjoyed seeing your table runner and I like how you tied a bow to help cover the ornament loop for hanging. I’m going to copy your idea!
Oh Mary, what can I say, but this is perfection! The tablecloth, to the fresh runner sprinkled with cardinals, to the F&F pitcher, to the gorgeous Lenox plates, the gingham placemats, and the darling napkin rings make me want to sit right down at your table! Happy December to you ❤️
Absolu5tely stunning. And I sooooo love the Certified International patterns! Your table and greenery – gorgeous!!!!
Mary, your table steals my heart. Your use of fresh greenery with the traditional red and green puts me in the holiday mood than any other colors. It is remarkable how well the black and white checkered pattern works so beautifully in the plaid and print combination. They were all meant to be together. The story of the cardinal always makes me feel so comforted since my sister who has passed away also created a cardinal tablescape. Every time I see a cardinal outside, I feel like she is paying me a visit. So sweet and so heartwarming. Have a wonderful holiday, Mary!
Cardinals are my very favorite birds. I always heard growing up that cardinals are messengers from heaven, and I think your tablescape is heavenly! Thanks for the tutorial for the fresh table runner. I also regret not getting any items from the MacKenzie-Childs cardinal collection last year. I like how the red birds look with the courtly check pattern. Your cardinal plates and tablecloth are so pretty, too, and the little cardinal ornaments are so cute! I truly love your theme for Christmas tablescape. Merry Christmas!
Mary, I love cardinals because they remind me of my mom and grandmother. That is a beautiful tablescape! The linens are gorgeous as are the napkin rings. The dishes are so very pretty. I just love it all! The pictures of the cardinal in the snow are just outstanding! We’ve had some unusually cold weather the past couple of days, but hopefully it will warm up by tomorrow. I need to get out and cut some fresh cedar for the house. You’ve put me in the mood to use fresh greenery in some places. Happy holidays! Clara❤️
Mary, your live runner down the center of the table is beautiful and it must smell heavenly! I love your merry mix of checks and plaids in the plate stack, topped by the gorgeous Winter’s Greeting salad plates. Santa is impressive filled with greenery in the middle of the table. The cardinal ornaments are so pretty and the plaid and red balls add the perfect pop to the greenery. The pictures of the cardinals outside are simply breathtaking. Such a wonderfully merry and bright table that anyone would be honored to have a seat at. It’s always a pleasure to hop with you and wishing you a most joyous holiday season!
Mary, your cardinal table is so lovely. The centerpiece is so pretty with evergreens, cardinals, plaid ornaments and feathered nests. I love your Fitz & Floyd Santa pitcher. The Winter Greeting plates look so pretty with your CLD checked placemats. Those MKC cardinal toile napkins rings are so eye catching. Love seeing the red cardinal against the winter snow. Always a pleasure joining you at the table. Happy holidays.🎄
I love the cardinal table. So many wonderful pieces. I like the idea of the greenery table runner.
Indeed, lovely!
Mary, I am always inspired by each and every one of your posts! Your table is spectacular and I love the cardinal theme. The cardinal is Ohio’s state bird and we see a lot of them, but there is nothing prettier than a cardinal in snow covered trees and you have absolutely captured that beauty here. I especially love your linens and napkin rings. The nice mix of the checks and the plaids make me happy! As always, thank you for sharing your talents with us. I wish you a very merry and blessed Christmas 🎄 and a happy and healthy new year ❤️
First of all, the little snowflakes on your post are SO festive! It definitely feels like Christmas, and so beautiful falling over the Santa and cardinal in that first picture! You’re totally invoking the holiday vibe! And then, that lovely table! The combination of the cardinals, the black and white, the plaid, and the winter holly is just great! So bright and friendly. And I love those plates! Also the square cardinal ones – I just ordered a set for my annual best friends lunch coming up! Always so lovely to hop with you! Thanks for the festive inspiration, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I visited a friend in Washington DC last April. I live in Oregon so it was really fun to see the other side of the US. Red Cardinals reside there and it was such a treat to see some. My friend’s husband had passed so when we would see one she told me the story of how she felt it was her husband watching over us. We even saw one at the Zoo that seemed to follow us around. There was one hanging out in the back courtyard of the Airbnb where we stayed. It was very cool! I love them in my Holiday decor and your post is such a beautiful tribute to them! (Btw – I forwarded it to her so you may have a new follower. )
Mary, so many details come together for a cheerful and festive holiday table! I love how you meticulously layered the evergreens and Christmas ornaments for a lush runner. The tablecloth is a pretty foundation and I love the cardinal theme that has inspired your collections. Ever since our boundary hedge grew substantial 20+ years ago, we’ve had a series of cardinal couples making their home there. I love seeing them. The alternating colors and textures of your place settings are classic. Happy Holidays!
What a lovely tablescape Mary! Cardinals have a very special meaning to me, so I was delighted to see your table! The DIY fresh-evergreen runner paired with cardinal accents feels like winter magic on a table! I love how the layered plaids, festive salad plates, and glittery nests come together with the greenery. It makes for such a welcoming, nature-inspired holiday setting. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!
Beautifully done! Your photography is amazing too! Happy Holidays to you and yours.