Creating a Magical Christmas Tablescape

Creating a beautifully decorated table for Christmas adds a festive touch to your holiday celebrations and sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve a stunning and festive Christmas table:

Discloser: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I have or that I would purchase myself.

1. Choose a Theme: Decide on a theme that reflects the ambiance you want to create. Classic red and green, winter wonderland with silver and white, or a rustic theme with natural elements are popular choices. Consistency in colors and decorations will tie the whole table together. Draw inspiration from the patterns and colors in the dishes you plan to use. Here are some options if you are in the market for new dishes. This is a great thing to invest in as you will use them for many years to come.

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2. Use a Festive Tablecloth or Runner: Set the foundation for your table with a beautiful tablecloth or a festive runner. Consider textures like velvet or metallic accents to add an extra layer of elegance. Don’t be afraid to use a pattern, like plaid, even if your dishes have a pattern on them! Just be consistent with the color palette and/or theme.

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3. Highlight with Centerpieces: Create a striking centerpiece that serves as the focal point. A vase with seasonal flowers, a bowl of ornaments, a collection of candles, evergreen and berry picks or light up glass trees can add height and visual interest. Incorporate elements like pinecones, holly, or evergreen branches for a touch of nature.

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4. Layer with Charger Plates and Dinnerware: Layering adds dimension to your table setting. Place charger plates beneath dinner plates instantly create an elegant look. Mix and match dinnerware with complementary colors and textures for added visual appeal.

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5. Elevate with Napkin Treatments: Fold napkins creatively or use decorative napkin rings to add flair. Tuck in a sprig of greenery or a small ornament to tie in with the theme. Consider using cloth napkins for an extra touch of sophistication.

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6. Glimmering Glassware and Cutlery: Choose glassware and cutlery that complement your theme. Crystal or metallic accents can add a touch of glamour. Beautiful glassware makes a table setting look and feel extra special. Don’t forget water glasses and wine glasses.

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7. Personalized Place Cards: Add a personal touch by including place cards. Get creative with DIY options or choose stylish pre-made cards. It not only helps with seating but also adds a thoughtful detail to each setting.

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8. Candlelight Magic: Candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use candlesticks, votives, or pillar candles in varying heights to add a soft, flickering glow.

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9. Garnish with Edible Decorations: Incorporate edible elements into your table decor. Small bowls of nuts, citrus fruits, or candy canes can serve as both decor and a festive treat for your guests. Also, adding dried oranges, star anise, and pomegranates can be a wonderful addition to your tablescape.

10. Adorn each chair with a small wreath. Tie a small 6-12 inch wreath to the back of each chair with a festive ribbon that coordinates with your color scheme. This will give your entire table a stylish and elegant look.

Remember, the key is to create a table setting that reflects your personal style and the festive atmosphere you want to convey. With these tips, your Christmas table is sure to be a visual feast for your family and guests alike.

Amazon Christmas Decor - Table Decor

10 Tips for Decorating a Stunning Thanksgiving Table

10 Tips for Decorating a Stunning Thanksgiving Table

Discloser: This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I have or that I would purchase myself.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. One of the most delightful aspects of this holiday is setting a beautiful table to gather around and create lasting memories. Whether you're hosting a large Thanksgiving feast or an intimate gathering, decorating your table can set the tone for a memorable celebration. In this blog post, we'll share ten tips to help you create a stunning Thanksgiving table that will leave your guests in awe.

1. Choose a Theme:

Selecting a theme for your Thanksgiving table decor can help guide your choices and create a cohesive look. Classic autumn themes like "Harvest," "Rustic," or "Vintage" are popular choices. You can also get creative and mix and match themes to suit your personal style. I also like to create a theme based on the pattern in the dishes you are using, if there is a pattern. This is a great place to start for inspiration. And definitely browse around Pinterest for even more ideas.

2. Start with a Solid Foundation:

A well-chosen tablecloth or table runner can serve as the foundation for your table decor. Consider earthy colors like deep red, burnt orange, or forest green to set the mood for a cozy Thanksgiving atmosphere. If your dishes have a pattern, pull one of the colors from them to use in your table cloth and/or runner. But don’t be afraid to incorporate colors from your dishes that aren’t traditional Thanksgiving colors! Make it special and unique to you. Here are a few that I love:

3. Incorporate Natural Elements:

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements like leaves, pumpkins, pinecones, and acorns into your table decor. Use them as table centerpieces, place card holders, or scatter them on the table for an organic touch. Don’t be afraid to explore your yard but its also perfectly fine to buy decorative items as well like these:

4. Create a Stunning Centerpiece:

A captivating centerpiece can be the focal point of your Thanksgiving table. Consider using a cornucopia, a floral arrangement in autumnal colors, or a combination of candles and greenery to create an eye-catching centerpiece. This is a great way to make your table feel extra special and also a way to tie in several colors from your theme. I like to visit Trader Joes and Whole Foods for beautiful, seasonal blooms and create my own arrangements. But faux florals and greens work great as well.

5. Personalize Place Settings:

Add a personal touch to your table by creating unique place settings for each guest. Consider using place cards or even small pumpkins with name tags tied to them. This adds a thoughtful and personal element to your table. Get creative! The sky is the limit on this one!

6. Mix and Match Tableware:

Don't feel pressured to use matching tableware. Mixing and matching plates, glasses, and silverware can add visual interest and character to your table. Vintage or eclectic pieces can give your table a charming, lived-in look. Although it isn’t necessary to have nice dinnerware to host Thanksgiving, it really does elevate the meal and make it feel extra special and indulgent. And you don’t have to spend a fortune by investing in fine China. Checkout Goodwill stores, Facebook market place, and other thrift and consignment stores. You can also find beautiful dishes at Home Goods, Walmart, Amazon, etc.

7. Play with Textures:

Texture can add depth and warmth to your table decor. Use cloth napkins, textured placemats, and seasonal elements like burlap or twine to add a tactile dimension to your table setting. This brings more interest to the table and can really elevate the look of the tablescape.

8. Illuminate with Candles:

Candles are an excellent way to create a warm and inviting ambiance on your Thanksgiving table. Choose pillar candles, tea lights, or candlesticks in fall colors, and place them strategically on your table for a soft, cozy glow.

Tip: Make sure to get unscented candles. When you’re eating at the table, you will want to smell the delicious feast and not a fall scented candle! Also, if you have small children or would prefer a flameless candle, Amazon has some great ones! Check them out below with the remote.

9. Don't Overcrowd:

While it's fun to decorate your Thanksgiving table, remember not to overcrowd it. Leave enough space for serving dishes, glasses, and, most importantly, for your guests to enjoy their meal comfortably.

10. Set up early:

Its a great idea to start your table set up in advance, even weeks in advance! This will give you time to play around with your decor and make any changes to place settings that are necessary. And allows you some extra days to enjoy your work! Not to mention, its one less things you need to worry about with all your other Thanksgiving prep!

Decorating a Thanksgiving table is a delightful way to set the stage for a memorable holiday gathering. By following these ten tips and infusing your personal style and creativity, you can create a stunning Thanksgiving table that not only looks beautiful but also makes your guests feel truly appreciated and thankful. Happy decorating, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Grandmillennial Decor

Have you heard about the Grandmillennial decor trend? It’s like traditional granny-chic with a modern touch. Think of chintz and toile, wicker, your grandmother’s china, skirted furniture, and scalloped lampshades. Keep it feeling modern by using bright whites and crisp colors, pops of gold, and a mix of vintage and new accessories. What do you think? Love it or leave it?

Tips for Styling a Bookcase

When it comes to decorating shelves and bookcases, it can be overwhelming! Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Use items of various sizes, shapes, and textures. This helps to give a more layered look and create interest.

2. Pick a dominant color (or two) and balance that color throughout. Similar colors/textures should create a visual triangle.

3. Only use things that you love. Not everything has to be sentimental but selecting items that make you happy makes it much more personal. This also helps to edit out any unnecessary clutter.

4. Anchor bottom shelves with large items such as baskets. I love to use baskets because its a great place for easy access storage.

5. Add natural elements such as plants, driftwood, and seagrass baskets. This brings a cozy and welcoming feel to a space.

Still not sure what to put on your shelves? Here are some suggestions: plants, vases, ginger jars, hardcover books, coral, driftwood, artwork, framed photos, bowls, bead garlands, sculptures, figures, small clocks, decorative boxes, trays, candles, candle pillars, glass cloches.

Multipurpose Playroom/Classroom

Just like many parents right now, we are getting ready to begin the school year remotely. It’s a little daunting and definitely stressful entering this time of year with so many questions and unknowns. But I tried my best to create a space that the kids would enjoy using and would function well for their needs. Although I never imagined the kids playroom ever becoming their classroom, we are rolling with the punches and making the most of it.

Thankfully, a few weeks before the quarantine happened in March I had bought this great double desk from Ikea. The intention was to use it for LEGOs and crafts but it turned out to be essential for school work as well. Having a desk this size with storage is a game changer.

This is the first room you see when you walk through our front door (not that we have many visitors these days!) so I didn’t want it to scream PLAYROOM! It’s technically the formal living room but do people with kids actually use formal living rooms?? By keeping everything nice and neutral, the kids can grow into the space and use it for a long time.

This seating area kind of happened accidentally. We have these La-z-boy recliners that my grandparents gave us. They’ve never quite matched anything in our house but are in great condition (and my husband loves them). When we moved to our new house they wouldn’t fit anywhere except in this room. Ironically, this has turned out to be our absolute favorite spot. Eventually I want to get swivel chairs so we can easily turn them around to enjoy that big, beautiful window. But my husband and I love enjoying coffee here on the weekends or just relaxing somewhere besides in front of the TV.

I searched forever for a large shelving unit for this wall but everything I found that I liked was around $1500 which was more than I wanted to spend. Instead, I got these 3 separate shelves and pushed them together. The kids love having their LEGO creations on display and I love that there’s a place to put them!

Our pup’s favorite spot too!

Desk-Ikea

Lamps (desk and floor lamp)-Target

End Table (Hearth and Hand)-Target

Rug-Overstock

Poufs-Amazon

“Work Hard and Be Nice to People” print-Etsy

Faux Fiddle Leaf Tree-QVC

Desk Chairs-Target

Shelves-Target