5 Restaurant Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season

Holiday decorations help create a warm and inviting atmosphere. So why not bring that feeling to your restaurant? Aside from holiday promotions and events, customers love dining out at places that invoke plenty of cheer. There are many ways to make a space stand out during the holidays. That’s why it can be tricky to pin down the right décor and style for a restaurant. But we’re here to help! Below are themes to spark some restaurant decorating ideas for the holiday season.

Keep with Tradition

When we say traditional, think of the classic colors and decorations that are associated with the season. The standard red and green colors can work for a multitude of settings and truly evoke the spirit of the holidays. Here are some ideas to get you started with decor:

• String up multi-color lights in places like on the ceiling or wrapping them around poles and countertops.


• Add in some green garland on stair rails or posts.


• Accentuate your tabletops with festive centerpieces and place settings.


• Use classic colors such as red, green and gold.

To truly capture the traditional feeling, a tree is a must. For an elegant touch, think about combining red

and gold ornaments with white lights and gold ribbon. You could even add in some red poinsettia clips for an extra pop. If you’d rather do something more whimsical, adorn your tree with ornaments featuring Santa, snowmen, reindeer and other fun Christmas characters.

Make it Modern 

For new-age restaurants or urban gastro pubs, a contemporary theme might be the way to go. What do we mean by “contemporary”? Think of a style that is minimal and clean. Think art deco or mid-century modern for this theme. Not sure where to start? Try these tips:

• Hang metallic orbs or globe lights from the ceiling.


• For centerpieces, add simple yet festive figurines. This could include everything from crystal reindeers to metal Christmas trees.


• A modern palette normally encompasses black, white, silver, royal purple or blue tones.

Rugged & Rustic

Whether you take inspiration from a converted farmhouse or a countryside lodge, a restaurant with a rustic atmosphere typically invokes a warm, charming feeling. Different holiday décor can complement that sensation beautifully.

While decorating, think simple and natural: for instance, hang up wreaths and garland that feature accents like cedar, pine cones, buffalo plaid and faux berries.

Another decorative piece that goes a long way is burlap. You can use it as ribbon in lieu of garland, tinsel on a tree or to wrap around countertops or beams. Burlap ribbons also come in a wide variety of colors; traditional tan or brown burlap helps accentuate wood planks common in a rustic setting, while red or green options help add a pop of festive color to your space.

Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for a decoration theme that’s not only season-appropriate but also non-denominational, a clean and crisp winter motif is the perfect option. Transforming your dining area into a winter wonderland makes for a whimsical experience that’s sure to be a delight. For a memorable wonderland:

• Choose from white, silver, ivory, tan, gold, gray and gunmetal as your holiday colors.


• Evoke a snowy landscape by using cotton batting to represent freshly fallen snow, and incorporate snowflakes and icicle lights for added sparkle.


• If you wish, you can go with a winter woods vibe and use cut birch tree branches as candle holders, along with wintertime creatures like deer and cardinals.


• Jazz your decor up with eye-catching centerpieces like lanterns, snow-covered pine trees, bells and, of course, snowflakes.

Warm & Cozy

Everyone loves that warm and toasty feeling you get when you come inside after being in the cold. Bring that comforting sensation to your restaurant while adding classic holiday flair. You’ll want to start with some beige or warm gray table settings. Adding a few taper candles in black candle holders to the tables will get people in the holiday spirit. A few other suggestion would be to:

• Incorporate red accents throughout. These could range from a small bowl of red and silver ornaments in the center of the table or red napkins alongside the plates.


• Use candles to give your restaurant a warm glow.


• If you have a fireplace, light it or simply bring up a yule log video on the TVs that play holiday music.


• Having some white table runners could also add to the warmth. Maybe include a sprinkle of pinecones or small bowls of potpourri for a cinnamon aroma.

Whatever theme suits your place best, remember to take plenty of pictures and post them to your restaurant’s social media channels. Holiday-inspired pictures and menu items can tie into different promotions you post throughout the season as well.