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Christmas table mats

on 16th May 2025

Table Mats

For many families, Christmas is a time for gathering around the table, sharing lovely festive meals, and creating cherished memories. Though one often-overlooked detail that can help elevate your dining experience is the humble table mat.

Here, the Christmas.co.uk team takes a closer look at this key part of seasonal decor.

We’ll help highlight the trends and where to buy yours from to make your Christmas table stand out.

It will also help to appreciate how table mats might fit in with your theme or design ideas for your Christmas dinner table. These articles will help you:

What are Christmas table mats?

Table mats, sometimes called placemats, are both practical and decorative, adding a touch of cheer while protecting your table.

Used for when hot plates are being delivered, they tend to be solid, and many are made from cork, or they can be made from fabric.

During Christmas, they take on a festive twist with designs featuring holly, snowflakes, Father Christmas or twinkling stars.

Many of us love a festive table mat as a way to spruce up a dining table.

Why do people use them?

People turn to Christmas table mats for three main reasons: protection, style and tradition.

They shield tables from spills, scratches and heat which is essential when you’re serving up steaming roast potatoes or mulled wine.

Aesthetically, they tie together your Christmas table decor, complementing napkins, centrepieces and crackers.

They also evoke a sense of nostalgia, harking back to family gatherings where every detail mattered.

A brief history of table mats

The use of table mats dates back centuries, evolving from simple cloths to ornate designs.

In medieval Britain, diners used trenchers, a type of wooden board, to protect tables, but by the 17th century, woven mats appeared in wealthier homes as status symbols.

The Victorians, who shaped much of modern Christmas, popularised decorative table settings, including mats adorned with seasonal motifs.

What are they made of?

Christmas table mats come in a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits:

Cotton: Soft, washable and often double-sided with festive prints like holly or snowmen

Leather: Sleek, waterproof and heat-resistant – ideal for a modern, durable option

Plastic: Affordable, reusable and easy to wipe clean, often featuring playful gnome or reindeer designs
Cork or wood: Rustic and sturdy, perfect for a natural, understated look
Woven straw: Textured and eco-friendly, adding a tactile element to your table.

We have also seen a rise in demand for sustainable table mats as eco-conscious materials like straw or recycled fabrics gain traction.

What’s popular in table mat designs?

For anyone wanting to stay ahead of the trends, these festive table mat designs should be considered:

Festive patterns with a modern twist: Table mats featuring classic Christmas motifs like snowflakes, holly or reindeer will remain popular but with contemporary updates. Think bold geometric takes on snowflakes or minimalist line-art reindeer in metallic gold or silver accents for a chic, festive vibe.
Natural and sustainable materials: Eco-friendly materials remain popular. Woven designs, such as Dunelm’s grass placemats, will bring organic texture, often paired with festive embroidery or prints like pine branches or stars for a festive feel
Vibrant colours: While traditional red and green will persist, current trends include pops of trendy hues like ‘unexpected red’ or zesty citrus tones, as seen in Marks and Spencer’s fruit-inspired mats.
Artisanal designs: Mats with handcrafted or vintage aesthetics, such as William Morris’ honeysuckle patterns or Spode’s rural Italian scenes, will appeal to those seeking timeless charm. Cork-backed mats with festive botanical or woodland prints will blend practicality with Christmas elegance
Layered and textured looks: Tablescaping will emphasise layering, with mats in varied shapes (round, oval or rectangular) and materials like linen or faux leather. Festive mats with tactile details, such as tassels or embroidered snowflakes, will pair with matching coasters and napkins for a cohesive, celebratory setting.

However, not everyone will want a festive design, and these non-festive designs will be a trendy alternative:

Metallic minimalism: Think gold or silver mats with subtle shimmer to reflect a taste for luxurious simplicity
Gingham charm: Deep red or forest green check patterns offer a cosy, timeless vibe
Woodland whimsy: Mats with pinecones, foxes or stags tap into nature-inspired decor
Star shapes: Quirky star-shaped mats in bold reds or whites are gaining buzz
Scandi neutrals: White, grey and earthy tones with minimalist berries or sprigs.

These styles blend tradition with fresh twists, making them perfect for UK homes this Christmas.

Suppliers for quality or unusual Christmas table mats

Ready to deck your table? Here are five UK suppliers offering standout Christmas table mats:

Etsy is a great source for unusual Christmas table mats

Lakeland: Known for quality homewares, Lakeland offers classic cotton mats with holly or tartan designs – perfect for a traditional Christmas look

Ets y UK: Browse handmade gems like green and gold holly leaf mats or quirky Santa designs, with many sellers offering free shipping on festive sets

Dunelm: Affordable yet stylish, Dunelm’s range includes metallic cork mats and woven straw options for a modern-rustic hybrid

John Lewis: For elegance, their cotton-linen blend mats in deep red or star-printed runners pair beautifully with other trending styles
The Cotswold Company: Focusing on durability, their wooden or leather mats bring a unique, high-quality edge – deal for those seeking something unusual.

These suppliers cater to varied tastes, from budget-friendly to bespoke, ensuring your Christmas table shines and don’t forget that Amazon also offers an impressive line of festive table mats.