The art of tropical tablescaping: Celebrating Christmas and special occasions in Barbados
There's something wonderfully unexpected about celebrating Christmas in Barbados. While the rest of the world is piling on scarves and sipping hot drinks, we're setting festive tables under swaying palms at Seastar House, with warm Caribbean sun lighting up our outdoor stone table.
It's this mix of classic celebration and tropical living that makes tablescaping in Barbados feel so special - and so connected to the slower, more mindful way of hosting that we love.
Setting the foundation: Simple, natural, intentional
Every tablescape starts with intention. What's the mood? What feeling do we want guests to have when they sit down? With a luxury villa surrounded by lush gardens in Barbados, we always try to bring a little of that beauty onto the table.
We use lots of natural textures - rattan placemats, bamboo details, unglazed ceramics. They feel authentic to the island and instantly create a sense of place. Classic white plates keep things simple and let the seasonal touches shine. When you're already dining in the middle of tropical greenery, the table's job is to complement the view, not compete with it.
Christmas table decor for the tropics: Fresh, festive and rooted in nature
A tropical Christmas calls for a bit of imagination. Instead of snowy greens and winter berries, we work with what thrives in Barbados: palm fronds, glossy leaves, hibiscus blooms. Velvet ribbons and candy-striped candles still bring that festive feel - they just get a sun-drenched twist.
It's all about celebrating the season without forcing winter into a place that's very much not winter. And honestly, it ends up being far more magical.
Honouring the coastline
Since we live so close to the sea at Seastar House, coastal touches feel completely natural at the table. Starfish, shells, driftwood and our beloved clamshell centrepiece instantly connect the meal to the island. These pieces also reflect our approach to mindful hosting: choosing items that tell the story of where we are.
Colour, light and atmosphere
Coloured glassware is one of our favourite ways to bring the table to life. Jewel-toned glasses catch the Caribbean sun beautifully during the day, and candles turn everything warm and romantic at night. We avoid making everything too matchy-matchy, as a bit of variation makes the table feel relaxed, lived-in and full of character.
Slow living at the table
For us, tablescaping isn't just decorating - it's creating a space where people naturally slow down. The textures, the flowers, the candlelight, the soft Caribbean breeze… all of it invites guests to linger, chat, toast and really settle in. This is slow living at its best: being present and enjoying the moment.
Celebrations of all kinds
The same principles work for birthdays, anniversaries or everyday dinners at Seastar House. The base stays the same - natural materials, coastal touches, local foliage - and the mood changes with a few simple swaps.
A birthday might bring brighter colours and tropical fruits. An anniversary might call for softer lighting and a more romantic feel. It's all flexible, sustainable and endlessly customisable.
Sourcing with intention
Most of our décor comes from local Barbados markets, antique shops and our own garden. Using what grows here naturally and supporting local makers helps the table feel grounded in the island. Plus, it's far more sustainable than buying new decor for every event.
The ritual of preparation
There's something calming about putting together a tablescape - almost meditative. Arranging foliage, picking out shells, choosing the right glasses… it's a quiet moment of creativity before the fun begins. It sets the tone for the whole evening.
Where design meets connection
The real magic happens once everyone sits down. As the sun sets over the Caribbean and candles flicker, the table becomes this warm, welcoming place where people naturally relax and connect. When the design gently fades into the background and the laughter takes over, you know you've done it right.
Making it your own: A relaxed, creative approach
Whether you're staying at Seastar House or hosting at home, tablescaping should feel playful and personal - never stressful. We actually encourage our guests to explore the house and use whatever inspires them.
We keep a selection of tablecloths, napkins, candles, glassware and coastal treasures so guests can create their own look for their Barbados vacation. Some of the most charming tables we've seen are the ones made from a mix of house pieces, garden finds and shells collected on a morning walk. It's fun, it's creative, and it makes the table feel like yours.
Start with how you want the table to feel - relaxed, festive, romantic, beachy - and build from there. Work with what you have and what surrounds you. At Seastar House, that means palm fronds and hibiscus. At home, it might be autumn leaves, herbs from the garden or spring blossoms.
A few thoughtful elements go much further than a cluttered table. And when you engage all the senses - touch, scent, sound, light - your table becomes an experience rather than just a setting.
Sustainable celebration
By choosing natural materials, using local foliage and reworking the same pieces for different occasions, we celebrate in a way that's both beautiful and mindful. This approach is sustainable, flexible and rooted in place - exactly how we believe hosting should feel.
Whether it's Christmas under Caribbean stars, a birthday dinner with sandy feet, or a simple gathering just because, tropical tablescaping invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment and let the beauty of your surroundings join you at the table.
Ready to host your own tropical celebration? Seastar House is waiting, where luxury meets laid-back island living and every meal becomes a moment to savour.
For more insider tips on experiencing Barbados sustainably, explore our other journal entries, sign up to the Noticeboard or get in touch and let us arrange a unique stay in Barbados. Follow us on Instagram for other island travel ideas and wellness tips.