Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Get inspired with 12 Christmas tiered tray decor ideas! From festive coffee bars to farmhouse Christmas themes.
Ah, the joy of decorating for Christmas! It’s like the holiday season just flips a switch in me, and suddenly every nook and cranny of my house has to scream “festive.” One of my favorite ways to add some Christmas charm without going overboard is by using a tiered tray. It’s the perfect size for displaying those cute little holiday decor items that wouldn’t quite make sense on a bigger shelf or mantel. Plus, it’s an easy way to refresh your space without buying a ton of new stuff.
What Can You Put on a Christmas Tiered Tray?
When it comes to decorating a tiered tray, the options are seriously endless, which is why I love it so much. Think decor items like mini wreaths, Santa figurines, pine cones, or candy canes—they all fit perfectly.
You can also add seasonal knick-knacks like bottle brush trees, tiny ornaments, or even quirky things like small Christmas cookies or a cute marshmallow mug for that whimsical touch. Rae Dunn-style coffee mugs work great too, especially if you’re aiming for that farmhouse style.
I love adding layers of texture with things like faux leaves, little signs, and even beaded garland. It’s all about getting creative and mixing in pieces that make you smile!
Where Is the Best Place to Put a Christmas Tiered Tray?
The beauty of a tiered tray is its versatility—it can literally go anywhere! One of my favorite spots is the kitchen island or coffee bar because it adds such a festive touch without being in the way. I’ve also seen trays on console tables, tucked into a little nook, or even on a coffee table tray. You can even move it around throughout the season depending on where you need a little extra holiday cheer.
Now let’s look at some ways to decorate your tiered trays for the holidays.
1. Anchor with a Christmas Tree or Santa Figurines
You’ve gotta start with an anchor piece on your tiered tray. Personally, I always kick things off with a mini Christmas tree or even a cute Santa figurine. Last year, I found a tiny, rustic-style tree at Hobby Lobby that was just perfect for my bottom tier. It set the tone and brought that cozy, farmhouse Christmas vibe I love. If you’re looking for inspiration, little trees, mini bottle brush trees, or even a traditional red truck are all great ideas.
2. Hot Cocoa or Coffee Bar Additions
If you’re a coffee lover like me, you know your coffee bar deserves some holiday magic too. Adding coffee mugs with Christmas sayings—think Rae Dunn style—is always a great way to tie in your tiered tray to the whole setup. Add some cute hot cocoa packets, a jar of marshmallows, or even a marshmallow mug. Those tiny paper straws? They’re not just for show. They make your hot chocolate bar look super festive.
3. Mix Traditional Red with a Modern Color Scheme
I love how traditional red pops during the holidays, but mixing it with other colors is such a fun way to keep things fresh. Last year, I went for a mix of red, white, and a bit of gold. The contrast between the bright red candy canes and the soft gold accents was just gorgeous. And if you’re into neutrals, there’s always that white-tiered tray look, pairing it with greenery like faux leaves or even a small mini wreath.
4. Add Little Signs and Cute Decor Pieces
Tiny signs with holiday phrases are always a great addition to your trays. I found some adorable ones that said “Ho Ho Ho” and “Merry & Bright.” Plus, they’re usually pretty affordable and support small businesses (I love scoring something cute from an Etsy shop). Throw in a few decor pieces like pinecones, faux leaves, or even floral stems, and you’ve got a winner. These decor items give it texture and make it feel intentional.
5. Incorporate Christmas Cookies (Yes, Really!)
Okay, this might sound odd, but hear me out. Adding a couple of Christmas cookies—whether homemade or even those cute fake ones you can find at the dollar store—makes your tray feel whimsical. It’s like your tray just stepped out of a Christmas bakery! Plus, it’s a great reason to bake, right?
6. Create a Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Feel
Nothing says rustic Christmas like a wooden tiered tray decked out with some beaded garland. I stumbled upon one at the dollar store that was shockingly good quality for how cheap it was. Add some wood signs or mini white ceramic houses for a cozy, farmhouse style. It’s an easy holiday touch that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
7. Utilize Holiday-Themed Items
This is one of my favorite places to experiment. I love adding themed stuff to my trays, whether it’s patriotic tiered tray decor during the summer months or going all out with Christmas tiered trays. Cute Christmas trays items like tiny ornaments, bottle brush trees, and even small Santa figurines bring everything together.
8. Add Bottle Brush Trees in Different Colors
Oh, and speaking of bottle brush trees, mix them up! A bunch of different colors looks adorable on a themed tiered tray. I went for a mix of pink and green once—super unexpected but honestly, it was so much fun.
9. Use Transitional Decor for New Year
Once Christmas is over, you don’t have to completely dismantle your Christmas tiered trays. Instead, opt for transitional decor. Keep the color scheme neutral with whites, greens, and gold, and add elements that work for both the holiday season and the new year. I usually swap out the Santa figurines for more generic winter pieces, like snowflakes or evergreen sprigs. It’s an easy way to keep your tray looking festive without having to start from scratch after Christmas.
10. Incorporate a Mini Wreath or Dried Orange Slices
I love using dried oranges during the holiday season. They add a cozy, nostalgic feel to my tier tray, and the color really pops against the greenery. If oranges aren’t your thing, a small mini wreath tucked onto the top tier or hanging off the side of the tray adds a touch of nature that makes your display feel well-rounded and thoughtful.
11. Don’t Forget the Tiny Details
Sometimes, the smallest things make the biggest impact. I’ll sprinkle in candy canes, tie them with twine, or place them in a little jar to add some fun and color. Same with paper straws—they’re an easy holiday addition to fill up space and make it feel festive without a lot of effort.
12. Rotate the Tray to Switch Up Your Look
Lastly, one of my favorite tricks is to simply rotate the tray every few days. It sounds silly, but by turning the bottom tier or adjusting the decor items, it’s like you’ve got a whole new display. Plus, when guests come over, they’re bound to notice something different every time, which keeps it interesting.
What Is the Purpose of a Christmas Tiered Tray?
The purpose of a tiered tray is really to give you a stylish way to showcase your seasonal decor or small treasures in one compact, eye-catching space. It’s like a mini-display area where you can change things up for any holiday or time of year. Whether it’s a farmhouse Christmas look, a patriotic tiered tray for the Fourth of July, or fall decor for autumn, it’s such a great way to highlight themed items and keep your home feeling fresh.
And there you have it—12 great ideas to create a stunning Christmas tiered tray that’s festive, functional, and totally customizable. Whether you’re decking out a coffee bar or dressing up a corner of your kitchen, a tiered tray is the creative way to celebrate the season.
