Hello everyone! Somehow Thanksgiving is already here (tomorrow in fact!) and the winter holidays are just around the corner. While this holiday season is certainly going to be different than years past, I’m finding that doing things like decorating and setting a pretty table are helping me to locate my seasonal cheer. If your thing, especially in 2020, is to break out the paper plates and order a pizza, I say power to you. But if you’re like me and enjoy getting into the holiday spirit by decorating, here are five simple pointers for creating an easy and affordable tablescape for your upcoming holiday meals.
1.) Pick a color palette.
I would recommend starting with a neutral base (in this tablescape, the light wood tone of the table, the rattan chargers, and the cream color of the plates and candles) and then layering in 1-2 other colors through florals, plates, glasses, napkins, runners, and chargers. Bringing in simple greens – like this faux eucalyptus garland– is great choice if you want to maintain a neutral, natural feel while adding some depth and detail. I also generally like to bring in a metallic (often brass/gold because it’s my favorite) which you can see in the beaded chargers and candle holders in this shot. Napkins and statement-making flatware can be another great way to do this.
2.) Layer plates and chargers.
What’s better than one charger? TWO chargers. And what’s better than two chargers? Two chargers for UNDER $10! You can find these smaller brushed gold chargers (as well as similar sets in silver and rose gold depending on the look you are going for) at Michael’s and these bigger, gold beaded chargers on Amazon.
I LOVE adding a fun salad or dessert plate on top of a simpler, neutral plate as you can see in this shot. The pheasant plate is an antique I inherited from my great grandmother but here are a few others available online that I love.
Dagny Dessert Plate – I can imagine these pretty plates on a spring table.
Astrid Dessert Plate – I would love to do an earthy, New Years Eve table with these.
Hayami Side Plate – The black and white of these plates paired with mixed metals would be beautiful in any season.
3.) Bring in seasonal greens/organic elements.
I love bringing in natural elements, be it greens, flowers, or even gourds depending on the season. In this outdoor fall tablescape, I added potted autumnal herbs layered with white pumpkins to create a simple, makeshift centerpiece.
4.) Play with height to create visual interest.
Adding different levels to a tablescape through objects of varying heights creates a sophisticated, visually interesting look. One of the easiest (and most classic) ways to do this is through candlesticks. I have a thing for collecting vintage and thrifted candle holders (which may be the most cost effective way to achieve this), but here are a few beautiful options you can have delivered right to your door.
Antiqued Brass Candlesticks/ Antiqued Brass Candlesticks
Matte Black Candlesticks /Matte Black Candlesticks
5.) Bring in personal/meaningful details.
All of my favorite tablescapes I’ve created have been the ones in which I’ve used treasured family heirlooms. These plates belonged to my great grandmother and provide a beautiful and neutral base to build around. Whether it’s plates, flatware, glasses, napkin rings, or even a vase, bringing in cherished, one-of-a-kind pieces is a wonderful way to build a unique and meaningful table.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season, and many tasty meals (and pretty tables!) this year.
Thanks for stopping by,
