How to Make A Simple Christmas Tablescape

I usually plan and host several holiday dinners and potlucks during November and December.  Back in my “BC” life (before children), it was no problem to plan a party for thirty. Even with my work schedule, I had time to shop, clean, cook and prepare.  I don’t know if it is because I am older, lazier,  or more tired, but now I want easy decor I can pull together in less than half an hour.  Really, I’m good with fifteen or twenty-minute decor; the shorter, the better.  I’m also thrifty and don’t want to fork out a lot of money for items I only use a few times a year.  My Christmas decor doesn’t seem to fare well either. After the unfortunate accident where someone broke the antlers off of my favorite Rudolph decoration and beheaded Mrs. Santa while they were in storage, I decided to try to use things I already had or purchased for a low cost. These easy Christmas Tablescape ideas are perfect for the season.

Simple-Christmas-Centerpiece

How To Make a Simple Christmas tablescape

I started with a red tablecloth I picked up at the thrift store. I love plain red tablecloths. They go with so many holidays! You could also switch the theme with a green tablecloth and red plates. I added snowflake placemats I found at the dollar store and topped each placemat with a thrifted green plate. In the center of the table, I added my easy five minute Christmas Centerpiece.  Cute wineglasses with snowflakes )also from the thrift store)  and silver forks complete the look.  My kids are big sparkling cider fans and we plan Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve meals with cider as a treat.
Easy-Christmas-Tablescape-

 

I couldn’t find my set of Christmas napkin rings so I made my own.  I used small plastic Christmas ornaments in red or small candy cane ornaments I found at the dollar store. I threaded curling ribbon through the top of the ornament and tied them in place around my napkins. I allowed the ribbon to dangle for some added sparkle.  If you want to personalize your table, I think any small ornaments would work for this.
How-to-Make-Simple-Ornament-Napkin-Rings-

 

The result was a festive tablescape that came together quickly but looked like I had devoted lots of time, effort, and cash.  If you plan to look at the thrift store for table items, here’s a hint.  Drop in year round. You never know when you might find the perfect Christmas item in June.  Also, find pieces that will work all through the year like my red linen tablecloth. I can use it for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July.
Simple-Christmas-Ornaments-2

 

What are your favorite easy holiday entertaining tips?

 

35 Comments

  1. Pingback: Easy DIY Christmas Wreath

  2. Simplicity is key when it comes to decorating, at least that’s how I think! I really like how the tablescape turned out! It’s really pretty.

  3. Very informative! I’m always on Pinterest around the holidays looking for ways to decorate the table in a cute, festive way. Thanks for sharing!

  4. I’m planning a party soon, so your tips come in handy for my decorations.

  5. I love the simplicity! It’s definitely something that I would do. It’s classy and effortless. The colors are awesome as well.

  6. Sometimes you can pick up a red tablecloth at an after Christmas sale. Using the ornaments for napkin ring holders helped the whole table scape come together. Great ideas!

  7. I love this festive holiday tablescape! The snowflake place mats are too adorable.

  8. I love those little doily place settings. I’m like you I don’t want to spend too much. I like simple elegance.

  9. This is a very elegant tablescape. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. The look is really elegant and just right, nothing over the top about it. So subdued and sophisticated.

  10. It turned out very pretty. I love that you don’t have to spend a ton to make it feel festive! I am sure I have a few things around the house already.

  11. It did turn out really nice. I think I’ll fancy things up a bit this year for the table too. 🙂

  12. This looks gorgeous! I love the simple yet festive look!

  13. Jen | Wandering with the Kids

    I love this idea! Simple an elegant! I will definitely try this for Christmas!

  14. I love this festive tablescape. I will have to make some of these napkin rings this weekend. They will be perfect for our holiday party.

  15. What a gorgeous tablescape idea. I’ve never been good at those but I can handle this.

  16. You guys always do such a wonderful job on these. I just love how you’re not over the top, it’s practical!

  17. Oh this is a great idea!!! This is perfect for holiday gatherings.

  18. I love this tablescape! So cute and easy to make! I love to use ornaments to decorate. They are easy enough to create something fun with, and we always have lots hanging around.

  19. kellyhutchinson37920

    I am all about simple, especially during the holidays! This simple Christmas tablescape is perfect for my family!

  20. When it comes to tablescapes, I prefer simple and elegant. I love the way you decorated your table. I’ll be hosting Christmas this year so I better figure out how I will decorate the table!

  21. The table looks lovely. Truthfully for the entertaining we do my tip is to use disposable napkins because it saves time and energy. Your napkin rings would work on those too though.

  22. Love your handmade candycane napkin rings. Homemade touches are the best!

  23. I am so happy to stumble upon this feature. I am actually planning to do my dress my table up this holiday season. I will be using your tips 🙂

  24. How lovely! Your Christmas tablescape turned out so beautiful. One of my favorite things about this time of year is decorating for holidays.

  25. Love the looks you put together and really love that it didn’t break the bank. I usually decorate the Christmas table with extra ornaments just placed on the tablecloth randomly. It makes for great conversation.

  26. That’s so pretty! I was so much better about this before we had kids, but now that they’re getting a bit older I really should get back into the swing of making our table more attractive for holiday meals!

  27. I love your tablescape. Simple and yet very elegant. The napkin holder is unique! I agree with getting a red linen table cloth. The choice of the color red for a table cloth is nice. And like you said, there are many other occasions/holidays when we can reuse it.

  28. These do look like easy Christmas Tablescape ideas! If we were to decorate for hosting a party, I’d refer to your post. Looks affordable too!

  29. That is absolutely gorgeous! I could use someone like you to decorate my house for Christmas. These ideas I am definitely going to steal and do myself.

  30. I love it! This is proof that you don’t have to spend a zillion dollars and do some crazy, elaborate theme to have a wonderful tablescape. So pretty!

  31. I have white plates and red napkins but could still pull off this look with a few changes. Love how simple this is and how you put it together.

  32. That is so pretty! I love that you made such an impact without going overboard. It’s easy to do TOO much. Thanks!

  33. I never set up a table like this. However, when we went to my aunt and uncles for holiday dinners, the table is always set so nice. It really makes you feel special.

  34. This is so pretty! I could do something like this. I love checking out the thrift store too. You just never know what you’ll find.

  35. That is a gorgeous tablescape. I am hosting Christmas dinner for my family this year and need to put something like this together.