There is a new trend in decorating for the holidays that calls for a more subtle approach, but in most cases has an absolutely beautiful affect on the holiday festivities. Despite the fact that in the last decade we have all acquired virtually mountains upon mountains of holiday decorations, more people and designers are going for the 'less is more' option in Christmas party decorations and entertaining.

When looking for a Christmas party decoration, there are basically two main options: exaggeration and understatement.

When going for understated holiday enchantment rather than an all-out Santa Claus's workshop holiday look, the idea is not to put out half of the decorations that you have, but rather to choose subtler ones. Instead of a giant Santa Claus candle in the middle of your serving table, imagine a silver platter with white taper candles arranged within a green wreath with red holly berries or with pine cones.

Ideally, decorations should be 'winter themed' with just a hint of the traditional. Christmas party decorations that are explicitly Santa and reindeer are no longer faring so well. Instead of a green and red table setting, try a white base with a few red accents---or even more breathtaking, a red tablecloth with all white on top. Set with plain white porcelain dishes and plain silverware, crystal glassware and maybe a touch of silver in the serving dishes. If the lights are fairly dim in your dining room, you will provide your guests with a beautifully festive Christmas dining atmosphere.

If you're looking forward to a specific theme for your Christmas party decorations, there are many different plate designs with matching cups and wine glasses that can include more popular Christmas symbols such as Santa Claus, or fancier designs such as mistletoe. These can come in a variety of different types, from more ornate (some might resemble things like snowflakes) to more humorous (such as snowmen, or Santa and Mrs. Claus).

Another fun yet practical Christmas table decoration is that of salt and pepper shakers. These come in a variety of themed seasonal designs and are a nice family tradition item to be included with a simple table design.

When it comes to a purely visual Christmas table decoration, candles are perhaps the most popular choice. These candles can stand alone in a simple holder, or can be more ornate and encircled by wreaths. These wreaths can be made of fake fruit, plain, or perhaps light blue or white and sprinkled with glitter so that they resemble a large snow flake.

These decorative candles, like all candles, come in two varieties: scented, and non-scented. Non-scented is the better choice for people who have allergies and for people who have sensitivities to smell, as the smell might interact with the smell of the food. There are many scented choices, but one of the most popular ones is that of cinnamon. These candles can stand alone in a simple holder, or can be more ornate and encircled by wreaths.

Christmas party decorations are fun to shop and fun to use to spice up your party and party table. Prices will vary depending on how ornately one wishes to decorate, but decorations can always be found at a reasonable price for those who are cost-conscious. Visit a local store during the holiday season, or go online and search for more fun ideas for Christmas party decorations.