So let’s face it, this year has been tough. For some tougher than others. This Pandemic has changed the way we all do things. But I know we all have tried to adapt and make the best of it. I started off this Pandemic confident, happy, and content. Extra time with my family, more time at home to get some things done. Things that have been on my to-do list for over a year like cleaning my hall closet (don’t judge me, lol). I mean, being home was a win, win, right?! Well once we hit month 8 I started to get a little antsy. When I first started feeling that way I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. It wasn’t that I was getting cabin fever yet, it was that the holidays were around the corner and I was beginning to realize that this holiday season wouldn’t be the same. My in-laws live in Canada and they always come for at least two weeks for Thanksgiving and it settled in that this year that wouldn’t be the case. I felt myself getting down about it so I immediately had to figure out how to lift my spirits.
One thing you should know about me is that I love to decorate. It’s something that was passed down to me from my mother. Making things look beautiful makes me happy. I decorate every year but this year I decided that I was going all out. Since having kids I stopped decorating my table for the holidays. Not to the level I was use to anyway. When you have two children under 4 you realize quickly that nice things tend to get damaged so I usually play it safe. But not this year! I figured I could meet myself in the middle and still decorate but not buy things that were so expensive I would be upset if they got broken.
My goal was to create a beautiful Tablescape for the holidays that would warm my home and bring on some extra cheer and stay under my $250 budget! Here are a few steps to follow to create your own Holiday Tablescape!
1. Pick a Color Scheme.
It’s always a good idea to pick your color scheme first. That way when you’re shopping you already have an idea in mind. If you’re anything like me then you have 1 million ideas in your head at a time. I always have to streamline my thoughts by starting with what colors I want to focus on. I decided to go with black, white, gray, green, gold, and white.
2. Pull out any items you already own that go with this Color Scheme.
I’m always trying to save a coin, ok! After picking a color scheme I thought about what I already have. I immediately thought of a Buffalo Plaid fabric runner with gold accents that I already have and love. It had 3 of the colors that I wanted to use for my tablescape and something about Buffalo Plaid screams Holiday to me. I have linked a beautiful Buffalo Plaid fabric runner that you could use.
3. Look for Dinnerware (and napkins).
This is important because if you aren’t able to find dinnerware that goes with the theme you have in mind then you may need to change a few things. Hopefully you are able to because by this time I’m sure your heart is set on a design that you have planned out in your head or on your Pinterest board(here’s a link to my Pinterest Tablescape Board). I went with these beautiful dinner plates and salad plates that I found at Wal-Mart. The gold trim was the perfect touch of gold for what I was going for. Once my dinnerware is selected I also select my napkins since these all tie in together. So here’s a quick hack. I learned this year that dinner napkins are not something that are always stocked in stores. While getting everything for my tablescape I realized last minute that I had forgotten the napkins and napkin rings. Once I went to 3 different stores I realized that I would just have to get creative. The first thing that came to mind was dish towels. I knew they would be in stock and also that there would be a ton of designs to chose from and I was right! I was able to find some that matched my theme perfectly and they were only $2!
4. Look for Flatware.
Flatware and Dinnerware are staples. They are the pieces that you may use again and again so you want to make sure you love these pieces. The rest of the table can be built around these pieces so I make sure to find these pieces first. This year I wanted to add gold flatware to my table just to spice it up a little. Plus I wanted to have it as an option for future tablescapes. I found the beautiful set here for under $30 for a 20 piece set which is a setting for 4. My table seats 8 so I had to purchase 2 but this is such a great deal for a stainless steel set!
5. Time for Decorations.
Ok, so now that you have the main pieces out of the way it’s time for the fun stuff! When I’m creating a tablescape most times I end up using flowers or plants in some form. This year I wanted to use eucalyptus. I couldn’t find any live eucalyptus last minute so I went with artificial and it gave the exact look I wanted. I added some fern as well just to give the floral runner I was creating a little dimension. Artificial flowers are great for centerpieces because you can save them and use them for other things around the house, new tablescapes, floral arrangements, or to decorate your mantle. The possibilities are endless! Next I try to find any figurines I may want to use. I found the cutest porcelain Christmas trees for $3! Needless to say they were so cute that I can’t find anymore but I’ve linked similar ones that are just $5 and just as cute! Lastly, I always add candles for ambiance. Nothing sets the mood like candles.
6. Don’t forget your Glassware.
I usually save this one for last because it’s pretty easy. If you don’t have water and wine glasses you can use these items are usually easy to find. I found a set of 12 water glasses and a set of 12 wine glasses for under $10 each! This is a simple piece to the tablescape puzzle but very important to say the least. I usually keep my glassware simple since I’m big on centerpieces. I want the focus on the centerpiece so I have to keep the glassware pretty simple.
7. Enjoy your Family and your beautiful Tablescape.
I hope this quick guide to a create a Holiday Tablescape was helpful! The most important thing is that we count our blessing and enjoy all this extra time with family. I definitely don’t take it for granted.