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In this post: See how to put together a simple & classic Christmas tablescape in just a few minutes and on a budget. Pair family heirlooms with budget-friendly items for your own signature look!
If you’ve followed this blog for very long, you know that everything I do tends to be simple and as budget-friendly as possible. There is, of course, the occasional splurge, but I don’t see the point in spending a lot of money on a look you can get for less. This simple & classic Christmas tablescape is the perfect example of that. It’s a festive and welcoming table, with pops of red, fresh greens, and a little bit of bling.
As always, I’m honored to part of the Styled & Set Holiday Entertaining Blog Tour. We’re sharing entertaining & tablescape ideas for the Christmas season. If you’ve come here from Lory’s blog, Designthusiasm, a warm welcome to you.
*Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
Now…let’s talk about this table.
Festive Linens
Linens make every tablescape warm and welcoming. They soften the hard edges of the table and chairs. They establish the color palette. They are, in my opinion, something you absolutely need on your table.
The two main places to use linens are as a table runner/tablecloth and napkins. This is the place where you can have fun and use something that reflects your personal style. When I saw these wreath napkins, I knew in an instant that I was going to buy them. I know they are something I can only use at Christmas, but they weren’t expensive, so I didn’t feel the least bit guilty. It was pure luck that the plaid on the napkins almost matches the plaid on the centerpiece bucket. The neutral background of the napkins ties in the neutral table runner. I love it when that happens!
Edible Favor (with a little something extra!)
An edible favor is always a hit with family and friends, especially when there is something extra included as well. The little loaf pans are a steal at just $2 and are available at Michaels. Fill them with Cranberry Citrus Bread and add a piece of striped ribbon. When it’s time to send them home with your guests, give them a cellophane bag and tie it off with the ribbon. So simple and your guests will definitely feel special.
*These little loaf pans measure 3.5 in. x 5 in. x 2.25 in. One batch of Cranberry Citrus bread filled four loaf pans perfectly.
Christmas Dinnerware
Christmas china comes in all styles and price ranges…and it’s so fun to have. It makes me smile every year when it’s time to pull my Lenox Holiday dishes out of storage. It took years and years to collect the whole set. My husband gave me a place setting every year for Christmas until the set was complete. I remember wondering if I would ever have enough so I could actually use it! That did finally happen and now it’s an important part of our Christmas family dinners. It’s just one more thing to make Christmas feel special.
Fresh Greens Centerpiece
Nothing says Christmas like fresh evergreens. The smell alone is all you need to get in the Christmas spirit. I picked up a few bunches of holly and juniper from a local nursery. I clipped more branches from my own bushes and then combined everything in a plaid bucket. I know it won’t last until Christmas, but as the greens fade, they will be easy to replace. I plan to keep this arrangement going until the big day!
A Little Bit of Bling
Every table needs a bit of shine and reflection. An easy way to add it is with metal candlesticks and clear crystal. Scatter the candlesticks so they light the whole table…place a clear glass or goblet at each place setting…then stand back and enjoy the sparkle.
Simple & Classic Christmas Tablescape Shopping Sources
table runner | placemats | napkins | dinnerware | flatware | tree candles | red plaid bucket (no longer available) | red plaid bucket (similar) | chandelier | fabric on chairs | mini loaf pans | red striped ribbon | 5 x 11 cellophane bags |
As I sit here writing this, there is snow gently falling outside. The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving is behind us, and we can fully embrace the Christmas season without trying to juggle two things at once. It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas around here, and I will be sharing it all with you very soon.
Now it’s time to send you along to the other blogs for more inspiration, and be sure not to miss Shabbyfufu. Janet has the warmest, French country style that is just lovely. Enjoy!
MONDAY’s posts:
The Happy Housie | Dimples and Tangles | So Much Better With Age | Town and Country Living | Taryn Whiteaker
TUESDAY’s posts:
Designthusiasm | On Sutton Place | Shabbyfufu | Craftberry Bush | StoneGable
WEDNESDAY’s posts:
Life on Virginia Street | Maison de Cinq | CitrineLiving | My Soulful Home | Setting for Four
THURSDAY’s posts:
Ella Claire | Sand & Sisal | French Country Cottage | Zevy Joy | Maison de Pax | Styled with Lace
Such a beautiful and classic table! Love it…and the napkins are right on!
I love your idea to add a mini holiday loaf treat to each placesetting Ann! Love those holiday napkins too! xo Heather
I LOVE this tree pillow cover!! And the great thing is that it can be kept out all winter season. Thank – you so very much for sharing.
I love your site! I had never signed up for a site like this. Lots of ideas and printables. Thank you. I also signed up for another one, but it seems to be geared toward selling more than anything.
Thank you so much for joining us Marilyn! I’m happy you are here. Merry Christmas, Ann
I do love your simple, yet elegant style! Not fussy, but very special!
This is a beautiful Christmas table; warm, welcoming and festive. I was smiling when you talked bout the lucky coincidence that the napkin pattern matches the pail pattern. I actually think it’s an indicator of your wonderful sense of style. Plus the napkins work perfectly with your Lenox Christmas china!
Hi Kristine…this is such a lovely comment. Thank you so much…and don’t ever underestimate how a kind word can make a difference. This made my day. Happy Holidays!
I love your table setting, Ann. Those napkins are so adorable!
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you so much for the table setting! I too have Lenox’s Holiday china and always looking for new ways to use it!
Ann I love all that you do! Such a beautiful seasonal tablescape, love the tree pine cones! I always enjoy all of your post! Have a blessed week!
This is one of my favorite table settings 🎄🎄
So lovely, Ann! This table is the very picture of simple elegance!! I love the linens you’ve used and the spare pops of color. And the loaf pans are awesome!
Would you believe I just obtained a service of Christmas china at an estate sale? Makes me happy. I could even share some with a dear friend.
Also purchased the towels/napkins from Target. You make everything beautiful!
Lovely table,I especially like the centerpiece of greens and the beautiful Lenox china completes the look.
I love your festive table-setting! That red and white ceramic bucket filled with greens is absolutely charming. I am a huge fan of your tasteful blog and was especially pleased to see a return to a decorating post.
Hi Karen… thank you! I have a small, older home and a limited budget. I do the very best I can at providing new decor ideas but like most of us, sometimes other things take priority. Rest assured there are more Christmas decor posts coming!
Very pretty! Those little loaf pans with the fun red striped ribbon caught my eye on another blog and I just had to come take a closer look! Such a great idea. And the whole table looks festive and inviting
What a beautiful and festive tablescape! I have Lenox Holiday as well-but you have arranged it in such a unique way. I adore your blog-every post is full of tasteful and inspiring ideas!
Hi Ann, I love it all. Thanks for sourcing your table because my eyes zeroed in on the placemats. How do they hold up? i just picture red wine or pasta sauce (from a jar)! xo laura in Colorado
Hi Laura! So far they have held up fine. Nothing has been spilled yet! If it happens, I plan to wash them with soap and water. I’ve washed wicker many times and it usually dries very nicely. Happy Holidays!
Ann, love the simplicity of your tablescape. I have the same Lenox Christmas China and love putting it out every year. I know what you mean about collecting over the years. When I occasionally find pieces at the antique mall or an estate sale, I grab it. Love the napkins and your pretty and natural centerpiece.
I am in the Christmas mode and seeing your post just put me in overdrive! I love the season from Sept. 1 thru Christmas. Excited! Thanks for such beautiful inspiration!
I love the touches of red and that flower bucket is perfect for the holiday season!