If you want a handmade farmhouse table in your home for Christmas, you need to plan ahead. Our workshop gets extremely busy in the run-up to the festive period, and production slots fill up fast.
Why timing matters for Christmas furniture orders
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for furniture makers across the UK. Families want new tables in place for festive gatherings, and demand for dining tables, benches and seating rises sharply from October onwards.
At Kellow Woodcraft, every farmhouse table is made to order in our Wiltshire workshop. That means each piece goes through a full build process: timber selection, cutting, joinery, finishing and final inspection before dispatch.
To give yourself the best chance of having your table delivered before Christmas, we recommend placing your order as early as possible, ideally by early to mid-November at the latest.
As a guide, orders for Christmas delivery can usually be placed up to around 30th November, but this depends entirely on how busy the workshop is and how many commissions are already in the queue. The closer we get to December, the less flexibility we have.
If you miss the window, you risk either delayed delivery or having to make do with temporary furniture over the festive period.
The risk of waiting too long
Many customers assume they can order a table in early December and have it delivered before Christmas. In reality, this is often too late for handmade furniture.
Unlike mass-produced items, bespoke tables cannot be rushed without compromising quality. Joinery needs time to cure, finishes need to set properly, and each piece must pass inspection before dispatch.
When the workshop is at full capacity, adding more orders means longer lead times for everyone. We would rather be honest up front than promise dates we cannot meet.
If you have a hard deadline, such as a family event, house move or Christmas gathering, tell us when you enquire so we can advise realistically about feasibility.
Benefits of ordering early
Ordering your table by early to mid-November gives you several advantages beyond just securing a delivery date.
You have more time to consider sizes, widths, leg options and finishes without feeling rushed. This often leads to a better final choice that suits your home long-term, not just for Christmas.
Early orders also go into the production queue with more certainty around build dates, which reduces stress as the festive period approaches.
And if any issues arise — such as access problems or finish queries — there is more buffer time to resolve them before your table is delivered.
Choosing the right table for festive hosting
Christmas often means extra guests, more food on the table and longer mealtimes. That is a good moment to think carefully about size, width and seating capacity.
If you regularly host family for Christmas, a 6ft, 7ft or 8ft farmhouse table often works better than a smaller 4ft or 5ft option, giving you more space for dishes, centre pieces and extra chairs.
A 4ft-wide table creates a more generous surface for serving platters and decorations, while a 3ft width is better if your room is narrower or you need to maintain walkways.
Many customers also add benches, which can tuck under the table when not in use and provide flexible extra seating for big meals. This is especially useful when grandparents, cousins or friends join for the day.
For smaller households or first homes, a 4–5ft table may be perfectly adequate for everyday use and still cope with occasional Christmas guests if you plan seating carefully.
Finishes that suit the festive season
Christmas is one of those times when the dining table really becomes the centre of the home, so the finish matters more than ever.
Lighter oiled tops such as Natural Clear, Light Oak or English keep the room feeling bright in darker winter months, while darker finishes like Walnut or Dark Oak add warmth and contrast.
Painted bases in Farrow & Ball colours let you tie the table into your kitchen or dining room décor, whether you prefer soft neutrals or deeper seasonal shades.
If you are hosting, mid-tone finishes such as Antique or Light Oak can be more forgiving with minor marks and spills during busy festive weeks. They also blend more easily if touched up later.
What happens after you order
Once you place your order, we confirm your specification, dimensions, finish and delivery details. Your table then goes into the production queue with a scheduled build and finish date.
We aim to keep communication clear throughout, especially in the busy Christmas period, so you know where your piece is in the process.
Tables are delivered kerb-side as standard, with free UK delivery on most mainland orders. If you have tight access, stairs or specific delivery requirements, tell us early so we can plan accordingly.
The earlier you order, the more control we have over timing and the less stress there is for you as Christmas approaches.
“The best time to order your Christmas table is before you feel you need to.”
Frequently asked questions
When is the latest I can order for Christmas delivery?
As a guide, orders can usually be placed up to around 30th November, but this depends on workshop capacity. Earlier is always safer, ideally by early to mid-November.
Can you guarantee delivery before Christmas?
We do everything we can, but we cannot guarantee specific dates once the workshop is at full capacity. Early orders give us the best chance to meet your deadline.
How long does a farmhouse table take to make?
Standard lead time is typically 4–6 weeks, but this can extend in the run-up to Christmas depending on demand.
Can I choose my own size and finish?
Yes. All tables are made to order with your chosen length, width, leg size, finish and optional drawers.
Do you deliver in December?
Yes, but delivery slots fill quickly. If you need December delivery, mention this when you enquire so we can advise on feasibility.
What if I miss the Christmas order window?
You can still order, but delivery may slip into January. We will be transparent about realistic dates so you can decide whether to proceed or wait.
Explore related pages
- Browse farmhouse tables
- Main farmhouse table product
- 7ft farmhouse tables
- Visit the shop
- Learn about the workshop
- Check Christmas availability
Useful external references for timber sourcing and responsible forestry: FSC and PEFC.
Louise Kellow
Craftsman at the Kellow Woodcraft workshop in Wiltshire, building bespoke solid timber furniture for over 20 years.