Affordable Holiday Table Decor

This holiday season snuck up on me. Can’t say that I’m as prepared as my usual list making self. Maybe you find yourself in the same situation. So, when thinking about what I could offer you for this holiday I looked to see what have been the most frequently viewed posts. It’s no surprise that the various table setting and napkin folding posts take top billing. (I’ve included those links below). If you’ve utilized those you might be in need of a few new table decor ideas. Since my holiday season has been beyond busy for a litany of reasons, I don’t have time for super fussy decor. But does that mean my table should be bare? I think not. These ideas are intended to be simple, elegant and affordable. Time’s a wasting, so I’ll stop my yapping. Here we go.

These first two ideas are a bit more home grown, but add a sense of whimsy to a place setting. Typically I do not assign seats with place cards when I entertain. I let people choose where they want to sit. That said, I’ve always felt that having the host choose where guests sit elevates the dining experience. There is a certain sophistication to it. Plus, if the host is truly thinking about table conversation, careful placement encourages people to interact with other guests. For this holiday season, I subscribe to this thinking and will be telling people where to park themselves.

Wanting to keep it simple and organic, as well as something you all could easily re-create, I pulled out my scissors and scrolled through my garden looking for a hearty, long leaf. I cut Rhododendron leaves which were ideal in color, size and sturdiness. I found some decorative paint in my stash and painted the tips and stems gold . You can also use a Sharpie or one of those gold paint pens from an art store, such as Michaels or Target. Then I scripted the names on the leaf. That’s how simple this is.

The next little DYI project is for those of you who don’t have seasonal napkin rings. This one is right out of the creative crafts bucket. You’ll need:

• Toilet Paper Rolls

• Double sided tape, or regular tape rolled to double sided

• Snipped greens from the garden

• Scissors

Next:

• Cut the roll into 3/4” rounds (or whatever thickness you prefer).

• Wrap the tape all the way around the roll, or you can try glue. I just didn’t want the sticky fingers that often times occurs when using glue.

• Trim the greens to small, manageable pieces and place them around the taped part. Add tape or glue to tack down the fronds or if you want to cover more of the roll.

Once you’re done playing, slide your holiday themed napkin through the ring. Then lay the leaf place card against white plates set on a gold charger with a deep green velvet placemat and you’re all set.

Cost: $0 since I had the paint, and the leaves and greens were from my garden, and the roll of toilet paper, well…

Now, onto centerpieces. I like when the table decor allows for guests to see across the table. A low profile centerpiece does just that. Bear in mind that this idea is for those who like to have a permanent centerpiece as it is not meant to be removed for dinner.

Simply place a neutral runner or fabric down the center of the table. This could be brown kraft paper, burlap or muslin. I used two rolls of natural burlap I purchased awhile ago at Michael’s Craft Store. The more earthy toned the better for this theme to keep the feeling of nature. I like to add the candles first in order to have a sense where to place the other decorative elements. From there you just start filling in the spaces using the greenery trying to tuck the end stems under other greens. Add some pine cones to fill in the gaps. I bought this whole bunch of greens which included a Quesnelia flower for $8 at Trader Joe’s. I had the pine cones from my garden. A beautiful, warm centerpiece for $8!

This next one is a variation on the above idea but using actual large leaves or large leaf placemats instead of the natural colored runner. I picked up these placemats years ago when I was hosting private events at Despaña in Soho, NY. I used them a multitude of ways back then, and they are still coming in handy. You can find these in various stores, but of course Amazon has everything under the sun. Thus you’ll be able find a fairly prolific selection of leaf types in the link above. Lay them down the center of the table, and as previous, place the candles first. Since the base is green, I suggest leaning into more white florals and pine cones for this version to create more contrast.

And because I’m a sucker for options, if you like the above two ideas but need them to be removable, then build the centerpiece on long wooden boards, or trays. This way the entire centerpiece can be lifted to create space for food platters.

I created all the centerpieces directly on top of my dining room table without a tablecloth. You can either use placemats for your place settings or lay down a neutral tone cloth first. Your choice.

The last, simple but elegant centerpiece is a trio of vases in varying heights of all white flowers. What I love about this design is how the monochromaticity elevates even the most common flower. By utilizing a single color, you create more impact, allowing you to use affordable, inexpensive florals to create something stunning. Sure, red & green are lovely for the holiday season, but they are visually abundant this time of year. Which is why I adore a Winter White theme. For me, it is elegant simplicity. The best part is that you can easily lift these off the table if you need the center space for food platters. Added bonus; when you don’t need them as a centerpiece, you now have three separate floral arrangements to spread throughout your home. I used the large leaf placemats to anchor the entire centerpiece, allowing for the candles to feel more integrated.
I used 4 types of flowers, all purchased at Trader Joe’s for a total of $24. For less than one of those multicolored, mulit-flower bouquets I was able to create a stunning, sophisticated and abundant centerpiece.

• Roses $10

• Carnations $5

• Veronica $5

• Alstroemeria $5

I hope these give you a few more holiday decor ideas for your table this season. Wishing you the happiest and healthy of holiday seasons. As you know, I love hearing from you in the comments. Let me know what you think and if you used any of these or other ideas. Thank you for your loyal readership.

For more table setting & holiday ideas, check out these posts:

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Table Setting - A Multitude of Options

Napkin Folding - A Few Festive Ideas

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant Although this post has a Thanksgiving/Fall feel there are elements that can inspire any holiday table.

Table Settings - A Multitude of Options

I am forever staring at my linen collection contemplating the different combinations I could piece together with what I have on hand. As with my cooking, repeat performances are rare. I love to mix it up. I also like to find unconventional items to use. For instance, I’ve cut the ribbon, strings or ropes from boutique shopping bags and used them as napkin ties. Or I’ve used one of my silk scarves as a table runner. I often find remnant pieces of material that can be overlays or runners. This practice of using what you have is a lesson in buying restraint and making due with what exists. You don’t always have to run to the store for new items in order to finish your table. So, putting that idea to use, if you like some the choices I show below, I encourage you to scour your brain and your home for interesting pieces that could emulate the style. This post is all about the mix and match, focusing on how swapping out a placemat, a plate, a napkin, or even changing how to fold a napkin can make a dramatic difference.

I pulled out a variety of dishes of all shapes and sizes along with cloths, runners and napkins so I could play around.

A napkin sampling: from gray to beige, burgundy and blues and deep green

Placemats: different colors and textures create a completely different mood

Silver and gold chargers, plates and bowls…mix and match

Various materials used for runners or even tablecloths. From the raw and rustic to the chic and elegant.

In order to not drive myself crazy, for demo purposes I only created a single place setting for each style. No need to create an entire tablescape in this instance. The goal is to show the various styles, then you can build around the place setting, repeat for the number of guests and finish the table as we usually do with candles and florals.

Here we go.

Black & Gold

Using a textured black placemat and a black napkin, here are 3 napkin styles for different occasions.

Black Napkin Rosette
Place a a strip of neutral colored material down the center of the table as a table runner. I used a silk remnant I bought at a garage sale. Then add the black placemat, gold charger and white plates. I happen to have a crystal cut glass trimmed in gold to use for water. Use what you have to enhance the theme. Then, swirl the black napkin around to create a rosette and place it inside a small bowl.

You can use my simple swirl method to create the rosette or the fold and roll method (see videos below).

Tied Black Napkin Drape
Using the same set up, but maybe adding a tad more bling by adding a gold rimmed dish, fold the napkin in half, grab it at the center of the fold, let it drape and tie it off with a decorative ribbon.

Black & Gold Candy Cane
Fold the napkin in half and roll it up, then using a ribbon or rope wrap the napkin roll in a candy cane fashion. I like placing it horizontally.

Whites & Grays

In the unconventional items category, this one features a velvet and silk scarf of black and deep red tones with small silver beads for sparkle. Start by laying the scarf down the center of the table as you would any runner.

Whites & Gray Rosette
Use a stack of pure white plates and bowl then tuck a gray linen napkin rosette into the small bowl. (See video below for napkin demo). The white plates sandwiched between the dark colors create a balanced contrast. Add clear, simple glassware.

Whites & Gray Flat Flower
Same set up, this time creating a large flat flower petal to place between the plates. (See video below for napkin demo)

Whites & Silver
Keeping the same white plates and the gray linen napkin rosette style, swap the black runner for a silver one with some sheen. Change the glassware to more elegant crystal and now this place setting has upped its ante.

Soothing Blues & Whites

With Spring sprouting up, and Easter a week away, this next set could easily be used for the upcoming festivities.

Classy Checkerboard
No runner necessary, just a rich blue placemat. Use a silver charger and white plates with a long rectangular napkin fold placed vertically to create contrasting visual lines. If you have glassware that can add to the blue notes, great. If not, opt for simple glassware.

Checkerboard Roll
Keeping the same set up, this time make a chubby little roll with the napkin and place at the top of the place setting.

Circles & Squares
Swap out the white salad plate for a deeper blue square plate, swirl the checkerboard napkin into the rosette to be featured in the center small bowl. If you don’t have a square blue plate, maybe you have a plate with florals that could compliment the blues. Think Springtime.

Pointed Blues & Gray
Swap out the white salad plate for a deeper blue square plate and mimic the angles with a long triangle folded gray linen napkin.

The Regal Velvets

Burgundy & Gold
Velvet makes anything more elegant. Deep hues like burgundy and hunter green continue that royal feel. A simple napkin roll adorned with a gold napkin ring, paired together with gold and crystal glassware all amp up the elegance factor.

Silver & Gold Grounded in Green
Swapping the gold charger for a silver one makes both the plate and the placemat pop. Replacing the burgundy placemat with a green one to match the napkin then using a ribbon that repeats the silver tone in candy cane wrap method completes the look. This silver and gold with green approach is elegant with a touch of contemporary.

Silver & Gold

This series is all about mixing silver and gold pieces together.

Sparkle & Drape
Silver shimmer runner with silver charger and gold plates. Gold glassware and a neutral beige napkin delicately draped to the side. I love this place setting. It’s elegant with sparkle and would make a lovely Easter table setting that is a tad off the usual trend.

Sparkle & Abstract
A simple switch of the same napkin creates a different mood. Lay the napkin in an abstract puddle on the center of the plate. (See video below on easy it is to create this effect.)

Elegant Daytime
Swapping out the silver runner for a white sheer fabric lightens the feel. Place the salad plate to the left and a gray linen napkin tucked in a large water goblet. Still elegant but more daytime feel.

Gray Triangle
Keeping the same set up as previous but folding the linen napkin in a large triangle then tucked between charger and dinner plate.

Gold Take Charge
Swap the silver charger for a gold one and create a rosette with a deep rich burgundy napkin.

Gold Take Hold
Using the gold charger and runner with golden hues, add a gray/silver napkin in a fluted fold under the salad plate

Freshen Up with Yellow
Brighten the whole setting up with a burst of yellow. A simple long rectangular fold is all that is needed to bring on the freshness. This is another lovely Easter setting.

The Floating Table
I have several pieces of remnant materials that I use either as a runner, a tablecloth or an overlay. For my birthday this year, JuanCarlos said he would make me a special dinner. And since it was a special birthday, I wanted to create a pretty table. I used my silver and gold theme to create an elegant table for two. But as I said, it was a special celebration, so he and my sister, Alyssa, surprised me with a dinner party that included some of my family. See how easy a table for two transformed into a table for 8. This is a perfect example of how to take an idea and expand it out.

And what would a celebration be if not for the food, glorious food. I snapped a few photos of the meal. All my favorites things, with some of my favorite people. And yes, I made my own gluten free carrot cake adorned with candied carrot shards.

I know this might have been a lot of options to digest, but really they were variations of a similar theme. The goal was to demonstrate how changing a charger or a napkin or even the placement of the items can alter the look and feel. I hope these gave you some ideas and jumping off point to decorate your next table-scape.

For more table setting and napkin ideas, don’t forget to review some older posts:

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Creamsicle Table scape

Easter Ideas - A Refresher Course

An African Flare Table Setting

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

Here we are again, right back at the holiday season. Time sure does blow by quickly. But it’s a guarantee that the holidays show up on schedule with all the trimmings, ie: hectic, hustle and bustle with a side order of stress. So since you might be experiencing some of these as you plan your menu, make shopping lists, tidy the house, pull out the turkey platters and hopefully breathe deeply, I thought I might help out in another area; table settings. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that has very particular food servings. Typically guests want, in fact, they almost demand, the usual suspects. With that in mind, it seemed to me that posting yet another recipe variation on mashed or sweet potatoes wouldn’t be all that helpful. Most people straight up crave those heavy, carb laden dishes aka sleep inducers. So I say, go ahead and make what you know and what they love. Seriously, it’s one less thing to think about, go with tradition.

My goal for this Thanksgiving post is to give you tables-cape options; from the casual to the more elegant. These may be less traditional but festive all the same. And when I say options, brace yourself. I have taken that word to its ultimate meaning, providing a multitude of variations. Another objective for this mind bending table option extravaganza is to use basic items that you might already have, and combine them with inexpensive florals that won’t break the bank. Sure, more heavily Thanksgiving themed tablecloths can be used, but the idea here was to use a neutral palette and add pops of color to create a more subtle holiday vibe. Some of these ideas can easily be used any time during the year by simply swapping out the orange tones for other more seasonal colors. So, let’s just see how you can play with your tableware, since playing with your food is gauche.
(Also, I figure you might like some of the items I used, so I included a few resource links at the end that have similar items.)

First things first, florals. Since the meal can break the bank, I didn’t want the centerpiece to be sacrificed for budget reasons, so all the florals I chose are actually just fillers. That’s right, I only bought fillers which are the least expensive. I picked each one up at Trader Joe’s for $2.99 each. I will show you the various ways you can use these, so you can decide which works best for the way you want to style your table this holiday. In some cases it will only cost you $2.99. Other combinations incorporated several bunches but none of the arrangements I created cost more than $15. Now that is some frugal finagling. Here’s the floral line up.

Various greens

The simplicity of baby’s breathe

Pops of color

Ok, before proceeding hold onto your hats. There is going to be a ton of photos to demonstrate the various options. As I was writing this piece and pulling together all the elements I knew it needed to be orderly, so to make it manageable I broke up the various options into sections. If you already know that you want something more elegant, maybe jump down to that section. If you want to see all the various, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.

• Casual Table Settings with options

• Centerpiece options

• Simple Elegance Table Setting with options

• True Elegance Table Setting with Options

(Truth be told, it was overwhelming for me to decide what to share and what to leave on the cutting room floor. I tried to limit the amount but still show the variations and then grouped them. I hope I’ve made it easier for you to digest all this. Including a new way of displaying imagery through slideshow boxes. This seemed the perfect way to display it all. (Would certainly love to hear your feedback on this way of showing photos.)

Simple & Casual Table

Let’s say you are having a less formal Thanksgiving dinner, but still want to make it feel special.

Option #1 - No Tablecloth | Autumn Colored Plaid Napkins | Burlap Table Runner
The simple use of white plates and bowls right on the table keeps this setting more casual. Balancing the spoon on the bowl makes it fun and whimsical. Giving a nod to the season, the plaid, autumn colored napkins continues the laid back feel while the burlap runner adds a rustic tone and gives a landing spot for centerpieces and candles. I used dark metal candlesticks to blend with the theme.

Option #2: White Tablecloth | Orange Napkins | Floral Runner
Still casual with the ante upped a tad. Use a white or cream tablecloth and the same white dishes. Swap out the plaid napkins for plain orange ones to give an instant pop of color. No formal runner here, just the eucalyptus leaves as a base for one main centerpiece.

Centerpieces for Casual Table

These two casual settings can take on a different tone simply by the centerpiece choice. Here are a few options.

Option #1 - Florals featuring Orange Tones
Since the table settings are more understated, the centerpiece can make a color statement. A variety of green and orange floral fillers can be arranged differently depending on the vases you have or the look you want to achieve. The larger arrangement was actually the most “expensive” of all the options. It used 5 filler florals each costing $2.99 for a total of $15. Impressive.

If you prefer a more low profile approach, choose smaller individual vases and spread them out in the middle of the table. Note the difference in style simply by switching out the vases but still using the same florals. As well the change of feeling from using the burlap runner vs. the eucalyptus leaves. The addition of pine cones also adds a nod to autumn.

Option #2 - Fruit Centerpiece
Don’t want to fuss with flowers, use seasonal fruit to create a colorful centerpiece. By arranging the fruit on a tray, basket or round platter it makes for easy removal if you need the table space. If you don’t have anything or simply don’t need to move it, you can also just arrange it right on the table. Add pine cones, nuts and votive candles to finish off the look. Choose fruits that would like to serve, then this becomes the dessert platter. Now that is cost savings; Pretty, functional AND edible! Here are a few options for fruit.

Wood Tray Base

My parents brought this back from their Mexican honeymoon 58 years ago. It’s my pride and joy.

Use eucalyptus leaves and stalks to line the bottom.

Gold Charger & Glass Cake Plate
If you don’t have long tray or you don’t have a long table, choose a smaller platter. I chose a gold charger, but you can really use any platter as long as it is sturdy to hold all the fruit. Place the eucalyptus leaves down (trim if necessary) then arrange and pile up the fruit. Add pine cones and grass stalks. You can even add nuts in their shells. For additional height, place the entire platter on a cake plate. Then you can tuck your candles slightly underneath. The lift creates a more dramatic feel.

Directly on the Table
If you don’t have a platter because they are all being used to serve the mountains of food you are preparing, go ahead and create the centerpiece directly on the table, placing candles in and around. Please note that this version means leaving it there the entire time until you are ready to eat the fruit for desset.

Don’t have a long tray. Use a round charger plate.

Want to give it height, place it on a cake plate.

Table of Simple Elegance

Option #1: White Tablecloth | Silver Chargers | White Napkins
Again, using some of the basic elements from the casual setting and adding touches of elegance. Start with the white or cream tablecloth. Still using white plates, but changing out the soup bowl for a salad plate and turning diamond shaped adds the whimsy. Grounding the place setting with a silver charger takes this to a more refined level as does adding a water glass. The silver keeps it bright but still not full on formal, as do the simple white napkins tied with raffia.

In keeping with the white theme, the scattered placement of various vases filled with white baby’s breathe creates a simple elegance of singular focus, with the eucalyptus leaves centering it all.

Option #2: White Tablecloth | Silver Charger | Black Placemats & Napkins
Want a little edge? Add sharp contrast with black placemats and napkins. This version is the same as above with those two small changes. Turning the placemat vertically instead of horizontally lends more of a modern touch. A simple roll of the napkin also plays into the contemporary, sleek feel. The white baby’s breathe with candlelight takes it to a romantic elegant space.

Option #3: White Tablecloth | Silver Charger | Orange Pops of Color
If those white and black options seem to stark and not enough holiday bling, then bring back the orange accents. Toss down the runner and add the orange napkins back in but this time bunch them up and place them on the plate. Continue the festive feel with the orange and green florals, this time arranged in a wider, lower glass vase, and now you have a touch of elegance with a splash of color. And don’t forget candles. Bang!

Option #4: No Charger Plates - No Problem
Using the casual orange napkin place setting, add a bright orange runner to the center of the table and watch how that simple addition ratchets up the elegance factor.

The varying height vintage vases filled with baby’s breathe pop off the bright, high contrast runner. But if are not a fan of baby’s breathe and want something a bit more organic, Go Green. The austere use of only filler greens feels like nature itself and a different kind of breathe: one of fresh air.

True Elegance

Option #1: White & Gold | Orange Runner | Cream Napkin
Bringing in gold adds an elegance all its own. Gold equals regal, so simply adding the gold charger takes the same cream colored tablecloth setting to another level. Since the orange runner makes the color statement, keeping the napkins soft and neutral brings true elegance. The simple roll or tuck into the glass makes the napkin not too fussy. You can also simply wrap the rolled napkin with organza, ribbon or twine. For other napkin option, go back and check my post Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options.

Option #2: White & Gold | Orange Runner | Gold Glassware & Napkin Rings
If gold adds elegance, then why not add more gold elements. This version piles on the golden accents with the addition of vintage yellow gold glassware and golden silk napkin rings. Swapping the dark metal candlesticks for vintage glass ones brings in sparkle. (Don’t worry if you don’t have vintage, try outlet type stores for bargains, like Marshall’s.
Depending on how much of a statement you want your centerpiece to make, below are three options. Note: I snuck in hydrangeas which were no cost at all since these were cut from our garden as they turned from white to their lovely autumn hues.

I know, I know this was a ton to process. Believe me when I say I know since I had dozens upon dozens of photos from which to choose to demonstrate the many possibilities of using the same basic elements. Sure each one could have been a single blog post, and maybe easier to digest. But this way you can visually see how small changes can dramatically alter the look and feel of your table. My suggestion is to first decide the style you want, Casual or Elegant. Then go back directly to those options and re-review that section. Or if you are like me and absolutely love all the variety, have at it and keep looking and scrolling and tapping to your hearts content. Nothing would make me happier.

I do hope that I have helped and given you inspiration.
Happy table dressing. May your guests appreciate all the efforts you put forth.

Resources

White Napkins with Orange Trim
Stone Colored Napkins
Plaid Napkins
Charger Plates
Table Runner
Glasses