Every year when Christmas rolls around, I tell myself I’m going to keep my decorating simple, and somehow that never happens. The lights go up, the candles come out, and before I know it, I’m pulling out ribbon and greenery, trying to style one more tiered tray.
They make every corner of your home feel cheerful, even the kitchen counter that’s usually covered in coffee mugs and crumbs.
This year, I wanted to share twenty tiered tray ideas that will make your space feel festive without going overboard. These are the trays that mix easy DIYs with a few store finds, nothing that breaks the budget or takes hours to put together.
What I love most about styling Christmas trays is how forgiving they are. You can mix wood with metal, shiny with matte, and somehow it all works. Some of these ideas are small, perfect for coffee bars or side tables, while others are full trays that make a statement. Each one tells a story in its own way, and that’s what decorating should feel like: personal, a little playful, and completely yours.
Naughty or Nice Christmas Tiered Tray
This cheeky little Christmas tray is full of personality, and I absolutely love that about it. The bright pops of red instantly draw your eyes in, and that “I was good at being naughty” sign? It sets the tone perfectly, playful, bold, and just a little mischievous.
The red truck on top ties everything together, giving that nostalgic farmhouse charm I can’t get enough of. You can tell every item has its place, from the cozy “Merry Christmas” candle to the greenery tucked between the mugs.
Cozy Campfire Christmas Tiered Tray
I adore how it captures that warm s’mores-around-the-fire feeling right inside the kitchen. The layers are stacked with charm, graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars placed perfectly among mugs that look like they’re filled with sweet cocoa.
The “Worry Less Laugh S’more” sign feels like a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy something simple. I love that mix of rustic patterns, especially the red buffalo plaid tucked in the background.
Classic Christmas Farmhouse Tray
This tray feels like stepping into a snow-covered countryside kitchen. I love how it layers textures, shiny berries, frosted trees, and that cheerful little snowman with his plaid scarf. The soft sparkle from the white branches and the vintage tins give the whole setup a timeless farmhouse look that feels like Christmas morning nostalgia.
The “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” tag ties everything together beautifully, reminding you what the season is really about. I adore that it looks handmade yet polished, like something passed down from someone who truly loves decorating for the holidays.
Frosted Evergreen Christmas Display
There’s such an elegant calmness to this setup that makes me think of an early morning snowfall before anyone’s footprints touch it.
I love the way the muted greens and frosted pinecones mix with soft whitewashed wood, giving it that cozy cabin feel without being too busy. The little ceramic trees in different shapes are such a beautiful touch. Every detail feels intentionally placed, from the tiny milk can to the “Merry Christmas” sign peeking through the greenery.
Nutcracker Christmas Charm Display
What I love most about this one is the burst of playful color. The bright reds, greens, and touches of plaid instantly remind me of classic Christmas mornings with music, laughter, and wrapping paper everywhere.
The nutcrackers steal the show, standing proud among all the festive pieces, and that big JOY sign brings the whole look together. The little ornaments, books, and berries tucked in between each tier make it feel collected over time, like each piece tells its own story.
Hot Cocoa and Candy Cane Christmas Display
The “Old Fashioned Hot Cocoa” sign sets the tone, and the mix of red, brown, and cream gives that nostalgic café charm. I love the frosted pinecones, the tiny candy canes wrapped in burlap, and those classic wooden blocks spelling out “JOY.”
It’s simple yet cozy, a perfect reminder that sometimes the best decor is the kind that feels lived-in and loved. The details make it so inviting that you can almost smell the cocoa and peppermint.
North Pole Bakery Christmas Display
This setup instantly feels like a visit to Santa’s sweetest workshop. The little gingerbread plush with its happy grin brings so much charm, and the “North Pole Bakery” sign ties the entire theme together perfectly. I love how every layer looks like it belongs in a cozy Christmas bakery.
The tiny cupcakes, peppermint candy, and that miniature ladder that looks like it leads straight to cookie heaven. It’s playful without being cluttered, and the soft hints of greenery keep it fresh and balanced.
Oh Snap Gingerbread Christmas Display
The “Oh Snap” sign brings the perfect touch of humor, and that cheerful gingerbread mug overflowing with candy canes and red sparkle branches is so festive.
I love how every inch is full of sweet little details, from the frosted cupcakes to the tiny houses that look like they came straight out of a Christmas village. It’s playful and bright, the kind of setup that makes you want to grab a cookie and a cup of cocoa right away.
Santa’s Puppy Wonderland Display
If you’ve ever wanted Christmas decor that makes you say “aww” out loud, this one is it.
The moment I saw Santa holding that puppy, I was hooked on the creative twist with the pet theme, the little doghouse, the paw-shaped sign, and that giant red “Welcome to Our Christmas Wonderland” bone all came together so perfectly. Every layer tells a tiny story, from the Mistletoe Market stand to the wagon of playful pups.
Merry Grinchmas Display
The bright green and red pop beautifully against the gold tray, giving the whole thing that bold, playful look that fits the theme perfectly. The “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” sign adds a sweet message that balances the cheeky “Merry Grinchmas” box below.
I am obsessed with how the whipped cream-topped jar ties everything together. It’s whimsical and over-the-top in the best way.
Classic Merry and Bright Christmas Display
I adore the balance of red, green, and white, all tied together with a few glimmers of sparkle that catch the light just right. The little “Jingle All the Way” sign makes me think of carols playing while wrapping gifts late at night, and the “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” block adds that touch of winter coziness.
Every piece feels intentional, from the peppermint accents to the modern tree shapes up top.
Winter Village Glow
Soft light glows through each tiny ceramic house, turning this setup into a peaceful snowy village scene. The layers of fluffy faux snow make the buildings look like they’ve been dusted by a fresh winter storm. What stands out most is how calm it feels, no clutter, just simple details that pull you in.
The little evergreen trees scattered around bring depth and make it look like a real winter wonderland.
Candy Cane Cocoa Bar Display
This display has all the energy of a holiday café, filled with peppermint stripes, pinecones, and wooden textures that balance sweet and rustic vibes. The “Candy Canes, Marshmallows, Hot Cocoa” block ties the entire theme together perfectly.
Every layer feels cozy and festive without going overboard, from the gingham accents to the pops of shiny red ornaments. The soft greenery tucked around the base keeps it grounded while still feeling full of cheer.
Gingerbread Wonderland
Colorful lights, candy-striped details, and smiling gingerbread faces bring pure holiday joy to this display. The red wagon filled with trees and the “Believe” block set the most cheerful tone, surrounded by peppermint swirls and frosted houses.
Every detail feels magical, almost like you’ve stepped into a Christmas bakery run by gingerbread people. The pops of green from the faux leaves break up all that sweetness beautifully, adding a touch of freshness.
Fresh Cut Christmas Tree Farm

A little nostalgia comes to life in this rustic Christmas tree farm setup. The weathered white tray gives everything a vintage charm, while the snowy bottlebrush trees make it feel like a chilly December morning.
The tiny farmhouse with its red wreath is picture-perfect, especially paired with that bright red truck carrying a tree in the back.
Chilly Snowflake Charm
The tiny snowmen, bundled birds, and that little red snowball bucket give it such a heartwarming touch. The blue and white palette feels fresh and crisp, perfectly balanced by the cozy details like scarves and knit hats. The “Take Time to Chase Snowflakes” stack pulls it all together, reminding you to slow down and enjoy the season’s simple joys.
Merry & Bright Christmas
Nothing says holiday cheer like this striking mix of red, white, and greenery all layered to perfection. The farmhouse-style mugs with festive sayings feel classic yet modern, while the pops of red berries and snowy pine sprigs add so much life.
The tiny truck, sleigh, and reindeer make it feel like Christmas morning in miniature. What stands out most is how full and balanced it looks as each tier tells its own story but connects beautifully.
Whimsical Nutcracker & Gnome
The bright green gnome hat with colorful pom-poms adds such a fun touch against the deep red of the wooden car and Merry Christmas blocks. Every tier feels alive with detail, from the nutcracker standing proud to the tiny train that looks ready to circle the base. Pinecones, twinkle lights, and mini bottlebrush trees soften all the bold tones beautifully.
It’s joyful, slightly nostalgic, and perfectly captures that mix of tradition and whimsy that makes Christmas decorating so much fun.
Gingerbread Baking Fun
Warm, whimsical, and full of Christmas kitchen charm, this setup feels like stepping into a cozy bakery on Christmas Eve. The gingerbread couple at the top looks so cheerful, surrounded by tiny cupcakes, candy canes, and cocoa mugs.
The soft white tray brings a lovely contrast to all the bold reds and browns, while touches of greenery and beaded garlands make it feel polished but still playful. The “We Whisk You a Merry Christmas” sign nearby ties it all together perfectly. It’s sweet without being overdone and adds just the right amount of holiday joy to any counter space.
Winter Woodland Elegance
The wooden trees, frosted greenery, and white snowflakes create a balanced, natural look that’s both calming and festive. The flickering candles add a quiet glow that pulls everything together, giving it that peaceful winter evening charm.
Each piece feels intentional, from the pinecones to the wooden accents, creating a look that’s simple yet deeply cozy.
Classic Christmas Countdown
A charming nod to the heart of the holiday season, this setup captures the anticipation of Christmas Day perfectly. The bold “Dec 25” block sets the tone right away, while the mix of greenery, red berries, and beaded garland brings a timeless festive touch.
The tiny holly teacup and candy cane tucked beside the miniature fireplace scene make the whole piece feel cozy and personal.
Decorating a Christmas tiered tray isn’t just about stacking pretty pieces; it’s about creating tiny stories that reflect the heart of the season. Whether you lean toward gingerbread charm, snowy whites, or rustic farmhouse textures, each design can bring its own kind of magic to your space.
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