24 Festive Crate & Barrel Holiday Decorations To Make Your Space Magical

Plan out your tablescape ahead of time

Whether you shop for decorations a few weeks beforehand or even brainstorm ideas with a quick sketch, it’s wise to have a clear idea about the contents and layout of your table before the big day. If you’re not sure where to start, it often helps to decide on a color scheme or an overall theme and build from there. For instance, you might opt for a traditional look with red, green, and gold accents that remind you of Christmases gone by. Or, you may want to try out a more minimalist look this year and experiment with rising trends like eco-friendly decorations.

It's easy to get a little carried away when you’re being creative, but try to make sure that your table is still practical and comfortable for your guests, as well as looking beautiful. In between the decorations, centerpieces, and place settings, be sure to leave enough space for plates, glasses, serving dishes, and any other essential items you’ll need to use. This way, no one will feel cramped or short of space enjoying their meal! To save time, you may also want to lay your dining table the night before — this means you can focus on opening presents and preparing dinner on the day, knowing that you’ve got a beautiful tablescape ready and waiting.

Choose the right homeware

Even though they serve a practical function, your plates, bowls, and serving dishes play a large part in the overall aesthetic of your table too. You may have a dedicated set of ceramics that you use for Christmas, but if you don’t, it can be just as effective to use some of your favorite neutral staples. Especially if you’re using décor like a patterned tablecloth or bright centerpiece, you can balance this out by using classic pieces in understated colors. This is why investing in durable ceramics that last is always worthwhile: you can make use of them all year round.

Other essential pieces like cast-iron cookware, serving platters, and mugs are all perfect for the festive season, as they allow you to serve everything from appetizers and main meals to comforting hot drinks easily. As well as ceramics, don’t forget to add some of your best glassware to serve up the wine, Champagne, or festive cocktails you’ll toast with during dinner.

Using versatile or more neutral pieces like these also allows you to be more flexible. For example, if you need to add an extra seat at the table, using more understated homeware means you won’t have to use plates in drastically different colors or patterns. This will help you maintain a coherent theme for the table, even if your plans change to accommodate friends, family, or neighbors. After all, the more the merrier!

Forage for a natural centerpiece

With the popularity of eco-friendly Christmas decorations on the rise, why not make your own centerpiece with natural foliage? Not only is this a more sustainable way to decorate, but foraging in your local woodland area is a fun, festive activity you can do with the whole family. So, wrap up warm and look out for classic Christmas plants like holly, mistletoe, berries, and evergreen branches like fir or pine. Just be sure to only take what you need and never trespass onto private land when foraging.

When making your own centerpiece, you might take a more relaxed approach and simply lay out your plants across the middle of your table, interspersing this with candle holders, baubles, and any other accessories you have on hand. However, if you’re a little short on space you might make a smaller, more contained piece like a wreath or display them in a ceramic milk jug for a rustic, farmhouse look.

Add some personal touches

You may want to keep your theme more traditional and opt for a classic Christmas look, but if you want to add a little something different, then it’s always fun to include some personal touches — whether they’re for you or your guests. One way of doing this is with your place settings, as you can often make these yourself and have full creative freedom. You might leave a small gift box with a little personalized gift inside, adding a handwritten name tag for each guest. Or, keep it classic with simple name cards and add a few sprigs of the holly or mistletoe you foraged earlier.

Once your place settings are laid, you can also add a personal touch with the glassware you pick out for each guest. For example, if one of your family members loves to toast with a glass of Champagne, make sure to provide them with a nice crystal flute. Whether they like a glass of wine, whiskey, or a hot toddy, giving your guests the right glassware for their favorite drink is a little gesture that shows how much thought you’ve put in to make the perfect Christmas table for you and your loved ones.

Jonathan Adler Dachsund Menorah

I just want an entire zoo of these Jonathan Adler menorahs.

Piecework Puzzle Hanukkah Cookie Tin

There're truly no better way to celebrate than with Jelly donuts, dreidels and gelt - except maybe in puzzle form.

Adara Rituals Talia Dreidel Terrarium

Dreidel-shaped terrariums are the decor extra I never know I needed. Add a plant for some greenery or dress them up with fairy lights.

Susan Alexandra Merry Menorah

If Betsey Johnson were to create a capsule Hanukkah collection, this menorah would undoubtedly be a part.

Garnet Hill Personalized Hook Wool Pillow

We love a personalization moment, especially when it's as cozy as this pillow.

Adara Rituals Liora Hurrican Candle Holder

Candle holders shaped like the Star of David? Yes please!

Godinger Contemporary Modern Menorah

For a more modern take, we love this marble menorah (with pops of gold, of course!).

Adara Rituals Nava Happy Hanukkah Beaded Sign

ICYMI, it's Hanukkah. This beaded sign is giving DIY vibes without all the effort.

Lele Sadoughi Indigo Crystal Dreidel Headband

Reigning queen of headbands Lele Sadoughi truly has something for everyone. I'll take your ugly Christmas sweater and raise you one (actually cute) dreidel headband.

abc carpet & home Menorah Ornament

We may not have Christmas trees, but *some of us* have leaned into the Hanukkah bush movement 👀 No judgement here, though -- unless, of course, you don't decorate yours with on-theme ornaments like this.

Tchotchke Bubble Ceramic Menorah

This ultra cool bubble menorah is a vibe. Buy it for your most grown up friend who actually has their life together.

Susan Alexandra Bubble Cup

The cool-girl kiddush cup we never knew we needed.

Handcrafted Wooden Menorah

Feeling rustic? Lean in and add this artisan crafted menorah to your cart.

Susan Alexandra Chagall Dreidel

Dreidels, but make it art. Impress your friends with Chagall-inspired Hanukkah memorabilia.

Personalized Hanukkah Candle

We can never have enough candles, especially on Hanukkah! Write a personalized message to your bestie and enjoy the scents of the season.

Gold Hanukkah Dreidel

It was only a matter of time until the wooden dreidels of yore got a luxe upgrade.

Everyday Yiddish Bracelet

A Hanukkah gift your friends will love, and probably continue wearing year round.

Susan Alexandra Kandinsky Menorah

Whether you visit the Met every weekend or barely skated by in Art History 101, this menorah is hard to beat.

Crow Canyon Home Cake Stand

Blue and white is a standby, but the splatter gives it a modern feel.

Susan Alexandra Dirty Martini Menorah

I'd be lying if I said this menorah hasn't been brought up in every Jewish group chat of mine over the last three weeks.

Isabel Halley Striped Platter

Plate all your dishes on this trendy serving platter.

Kate Spade New York Menorah

Kate Spade created the perfect color-blocked menorah, and we're already obsessed.

Chefaine Yiddish Cocktail Napkins (Set of Four)

Is there anything more Jewish than busting out a random Yiddish word at the slightest inconvenience? No, there's not -- which is why these cocktail napkins are a tongue-in-cheek addition to any dinner party.

Apeloig Collection Menorah

Yes, this is a Barbiecore menorah. And yes, my life is now complete.

What is white cast?

White cast is the annoying grayish, white color that some sunscreens leave behind after you've applied them. And sometimes no matter how much you rub them in or blend them, it simply will not go away. Tosin Eyikogbe, MSN and skin expert gave us the full explanation on this. She says, "The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen, zinc and titanium oxide, are large rough, white particles. Because of this, when applied to the skin, traditional mineral sunscreen tend to leave an unwanted, ashy, white or grayish appearance."

Dr. Praveen Guntipalli also weighed in on this topic by saying, "These ingredients are effective at blocking UV radiation but can leave a visible white residue on the skin, especially if the particles are not finely milled or if the formulation lacks certain tinting additives that help the product blend into various skin tones." So, essentially, these sunscreens are working, but they end up leaving particles behind on the skin, ultimately causing a white cast to appear.

How can I avoid white cast?

There are a few ways to avoid this problem. You can try a different formula, stay away from certain ingredients, or just try to blend it in as much as possible. A different formula or type of sunscreen will definitely help with this, as mineral sunscreens are more likely to cause the white cast, whereas chemical sunscreens don't. Eyikogbe says, "Chemical sunscreens, which contain organic compounds that are absorbed by the skin then convert UV rays to heat that is released, are offered in a variety of formats and are often paired with moisturizers to increase a light weight feel."

We love the sound of that! She adds, "These formulas typically don’t leave a white cast, however chemical sunscreens aren’t ideal for all skin types, as they can clog pores and irritate the skin, and compounds including oxybezone and octinoxate are harmful to marine animals and can damage fragile coral reef ecosystems."

What ingredients should you look for in your sunscreen to avoid white cast?

If you have sensitive skin like me, then you know you always have to double check labels and look into ingredients lists before buying products; especially when it comes to sun care. I'm very sensitive to certain ingredients and perfumes so I have to look carefully. We asked skincare experts what their thoughts were on what ingredients to keep an eye out for and this is what they had to say!

Eyikogbe says,"Mineral sunscreens, which typically contain inorganic compounds, titanium or zinc dioxide, can traditionally leave the notorious 'white cast' due to the reflection of the metal oxides on the skin. But there are newer formulas that have eradicated the old-school white cast and provide excellent mineral protection without a white cast."

Board certified dermatoligst Dr. Divya Sachdev says, "I highly recommend tinted zinc oxide-based pure mineral sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher. These sunscreens are not only effective at protecting against UV rays but also include antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and raspberry seed oil that help combat free radicals from oxidative damage caused by sunlight."

What are some helpful tips for sunscreen?

If you're looking for something that will blend in seamlessly into your skin, and easily go into your daily routine then I'd really recommend tinted moisturizer with SPF or a CC cream. One of my favorites is the Tatcha SPF which really blends into the skin for a nice glow. I'd recommend using this daily!

Dr. Sachdev says, "Remember, it’s crucial to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when spending time in the sun, wear sun-protective clothing such as wide-brim hats and sunglasses, and maintain a diet rich in antioxidants to enhance your skin's defense against sun damage." Duly noted, doctor!

Best Sunscreens Without White Cast To Shop Right Now

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen gives your skin the nicest glow, and it's the perfect base for your makeup. It's definitely a crowd favorite for good reason!

Blendability: 5/5 Doesn't pill and blends so nicely!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 It's glowy perfection!

Protection: 4/5 It's lower in SPF, but still does the job!

EltaMD UV Elements

Dr. Divya Sachdev, "Favorites of mine include EltaMD UV Elements and Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, which avoid any white cast. These tinted formulations also contain iron oxides that provide additional protection against UV damage and blue light exposure." I'm a big fan of the EltaMd sunscreen, and feel like it always makes my skin feel light and not too heavy with products!

Blendability: 5/5 I love how creamy it is!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Feels like a moisturizer!

Protection: 4/5 A higher SPF is always better, but this is still great!

Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen

Another sunscreen that I looove is the Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen. Every time I let one of my friends use it, I never get it back because it is that good. Genuinely is so milky and smooth, and it looks amazing underneath makeup or other skincare products!

Blendability: 5/5 Blends beautifully!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Doesn't feel and works as a primer!

Protection: 3/5 It isn't as high in SPF as I would like, but it works nonetheless!

Innisfree Daily SPF Broad Specturm SPF 36

My personal favorite is the Innisfree Daily SPF, which blends in like moisturizer! It's genuinely so thin and creamy!

Blendability: 5/5 Blends into your skin within seconds.

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Genuinely could be a primer for how well it sits.

Protection: 3/5 Wish it was higher SPF, but it's so thin, so it makes sense!

ColorScience Sunforgetabble Face Shield

We asked Tosin Eyikogbe, and she says, "My personal favorite at the moment is ColorScience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex SPF 50, which contains all mineral active ingredients and comes in four shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. It has a light weight feel and provides a luminous and even skin tone. A lot of patients have told me it has replaced their need for foundation!"

Blendability: 5/5 Melts into the skin!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Blends in with your foundation and base great!

Protection: 5/5 It's high in SPF so definitely a winner!