Shades of red, green, and gold are the classic colors for the season and will look great on your dinner table. Start with a solid-color tablecloth, preferably white, and use china with holiday motifs like poinsettias, holly berries, or snowflakes. Should you choose another color for the tablecloth, make sure your dishes and napkins complement this color.
A centerpiece might make your table look pretty but it will also take up a lot of space which could be used for placing more dishes. Consider putting a few tall, slim candles or a small Christmas tree in place of a bulky centerpiece.
Arranging the food properly will make it easier for you and your guests to enjoy them. Keep the one-serving dishes in the middle of the table, and have things like bread and butter surround it. The ham or lechon should be close to the person carving so he or she can reach it comfortably from his or her seat. Alternately, you can also place the lechon on a separate table to leave more room for other dishes.
Follow these guidelines to start off decorating your Christmas dinner table but remember that there are still so many things you can do to make it pretty. Experiment with low flower arrangements, chair decorations, or other color combinations.