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Holiday table inspiration from The Café and around the web. Lots of simple, inexpensive and unique ways to create a beautiful tablescape.
It seems that life is always an adventure! We've been covered with a blanket of white ever since winter storm Diego swept through the southeast last weekend. The storm dumped between 10 and 18 inches on the hills and valleys surrounding us and left us "snow-bound" in our new (to us) North Carolina mountain home for the last 4 days.
We've had plenty of food though (important around here, haha) and a warm, cozy house so it's been a great time to prep for the upcoming holidays. The tree is trimmed, shopping is being done (online) and I've even had time to come up my Christmas dining table for entertaining family and friends.
If you're a regular Café follower you won't be surprised to learn that I'm quite smitten with an attractive presentation and the dining table is no exception. A pretty table sets a tone of welcome for brunch, lunch or dinner get-togethers. But a beautiful table doesn't have to be fancy or budget-breaking. There are many simple, inexpensive ways to create a charming tablescape. To give some inspiration, we're sharing details of our own 2018 holiday dining table along with some beautiful holiday table inspirations from around the web.
Scott and I drove to a Christmas tree farm about 40 minutes from here in early December where were able to pick and have our own tree cut. It was a delightfully unique experience since that was never an option during the 40 years we lived in Raleigh. We decided to keep our mountain tree simple with white lights, red and white ornaments and a position for all to enjoy, near the dining table. A watchful red cardinal tree topper keeps tabs on anyone who lingers under the mistletoe too long!
Our holiday table is set with my favorite placemats. They're wipe-to-clean and never need laundering or ironing. I've found that so many placemats lose their beauty and crisp appearance after one washing - and then there's that darn ironing...
I used navy placemats for this tablescape, but they come in a variety of colors and styles. The pretty red wavy edge chargers add a layer of contrast and festive cheer to our table. And don't be afraid to mix and match dishes for a fun layered look.
Decorating with candy?
Yes! Candy is fun to eat, but it can also be used as a festive decoration on the table. Candy canes are a wonderful way to add a little pizzazz to any holiday table. There are lots of ways to use them, but I like to take two candy canes, face them towards each other and form a pretty holiday heart. Then add a place card on top of each heart for a colorful, personal touch (Coming soon! Personalized place cards will be available here at The Café!).
Bulbs! An easy, elegant way to decorate the table!
Holiday centerpieces can be pretty and economical with the use of seasonal bulbs. Narcissus and amaryllis are both bulbs that grow quickly and result in a beautiful, low maintenance floral splash. They can both be successfully grown in either water or soil.
I used paperwhite narcissus in a planter filled with potting soil and topped with Spanish moss. I'm hoping my bulbs will be in full bloom by Christmas but I love the pretty green shoots too. To add color and a whimsical look to the centerpiece I added red carnations tucked into these waterfilled florist tubes. I simply poke the tubes into the soil between the narcissus bulbs. Voila! A cheerful holiday garden growing right in the center of my table!
If you've never grown seasonal bulbs here are great tutorials for both paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis.
Dress up your chandelier for the holidays too!
One last fun holiday decorating idea from The Café! If you have a chandelier hanging above your dining table, use it as one more opportunity to set a festive mood. I attached a simple garland and finished off the decoration with a group of red clip-on cardinal ornaments. Who knew a chandelier could make such a fun holiday statement?
So that's a little peek into our holiday decor here at The Café. We thought we'd also share some of our favorite pics from around the web for your holiday table inspiration!
Cherished Bliss used a blanket for a table runner. Such a smart idea!
I love the way Sugar and Charm uses fresh greenery in the center of the table. And how fun are the jars of jam at each place setting?
Decorating with seasonal produce like pomegranates makes everything look so festive! From Boxwood Avenue
One Lovely Life decorated her table on a budget and also used fresh produce. Love the way those mandarines look with the green and red!
I love this simple red and white Scandinavian inspired tablescape from Shades of Blue Interiors. The wooden chargers and napkin rings are so versatile!
For something different, but still festive, I love this navy and green plaid with the gold accents! From Citrineliving
Musings on Momentum created a simple yet beautiful tablescape. How pretty are those gold candlesticks? And you could use them all year long.
This snowflake tablescape by Kelley Nan at Gracious Living is gorgeous! The white and metallic accents would be beautiful all winter long.
From Norway, Vibeke Design created a classic Christmas table. I love the red and white striped napkins and the simple, fresh greenery.
Hope this helps give you some fresh holiday table inspiration! We'll be back on Saturday with a new recipe you're going to love having in your entertaining arsenal!
P.S. Wondering what to give a teacher, neighbor, delivery person, etc.? Check out our Delicious Gifts from the Kitchen post. You'll be sure to find something for everyone on your list!
Molly Bettiga says
Lovely. All of these are absolutely lovely. May I ask where your blue and white flowered dishes are from? Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Molly! I actually found those dishes at Homegoods. They don't always have them but from time to time they'll show up 🙂
Sarah says
With such a lovely table, where do you put the food ? !
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Absolutely beautiful, Chris! Don't you love being snowed in? It's easily my favourite part of Winter (though I always make sure my fridge and pantry is full before it hits 🙂
Susan says
So pretty, Chris, and I love the simplicity of your tree. It really suits your new setting 😉 Great ideas!
Kathryn Larson says
Beautiful ideas, but I really love the chandelier......who makes it?
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Kathryn, the chandelier is from Joss and Main: https://www.jossandmain.com/lighting/pdp/wightman-drum-chandelier-j000985610.html?piid=17597086
Liz says
Simple, elegant ideas! Thanks for the inspiration, Chris! I know you'll have a fabulous celebration in your beautiful new home!! xo
Lynda says
Chris.
I absolutely love your Christmas table! The cardinals are adorable. Which brand of navy placemats did you use??
Love the idea of using blue.
Kathleen says
Wow - everything is just beautiful! Giving me some inspiration for sure. Thank you.
shirley says
What a lovely post. You have given me some great ideas.
And yes I am so thankful for what Christ has done for all of us everyday.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Shirley!
Charlotte Moore says
Beautifully decorated!!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Such a beautiful post Chris! Love all the holiday inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing!
Wendy says
Chris, this was simply a delight. When one can resort to delightful ideas that are as charming as they are simple, one's heart and mind has much more room for the real Reason for the Season. What a great gift to all of us. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Wendy! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. And you're right, there's a much more important reason for the season. His name is Jesus and I'm so thankful to be able to celebrate His birth! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Tricia | Saving Room for Dessert says
Now I want to decorate again! All gorgeous ways to celebrate. You are a wonderful decorator Chris - so glad the new house is a happy home!
Chris Scheuer says
I know your house is beautiful and festive Tricia. And I'm certain that there are wonderful aromas constantly wafting from the kitchen and enticing all who enter!