There are only 10 days until Christmas and it’s time to start getting your house ready for dinner guests. I always find that its best to start with setting the table and planning your meal so you aren’t rushing last minute. If you have a formal dining room that goes unused most days (like ours) then setting the table is something you can accomplish that is out of the way until Christmas comes.
1. Select a tablecloth. I chose this tablecloth for a few reasons, it was insanely cheap and it comes in multiple sizes. We have a long dining room table so I piece two tablecloths together to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on one. Yes, you can see the seam down the middle, but once your table is set you won’t notice it. If it really bothers you, you can place a runner over it.
2. Add a base for decorations down the middle of your table. I found the glitter garland above on sale, but it was super messy.
My decorating assistant stuck her nose in the bag and got glitter all over her face haha. I knew I had to do something before I laid it on the table. I took it out in the yard and hair sprayed it to prevent glitter from falling everywhere in the dining room.
3. Place chargers (or your dinner plates) for spacing purposes, candlesticks, and a focal point on the table. We received these antler candlesticks and chargers as wedding gifts. Both items are so versatile and can be used on almost any table. The reindeer came from an estate sale for $2. I can’t resist a good deal.
4. Steam your tablecloth. You have probably been wondering why I would lay out a tablecloth that is so wrinkly. I don’t think anyone hates ironing and steaming as much as I do, so I lay out my “base items” in their spots and then steam the tablecloth.
It saves a ton of time wrangling with big tablecloths that usually end up wrinkling again by the time you actually get them on the table. We do have a heat protector underneath the tablecloth, so DON’T do this unless you have one. If you have a nice wood table, definitely invest in a protectant pad to prevent heat and water damage. They aren’t very expensive and protect your investment in your dining room set.
5. Layer plates and add napkins with silverware. I love layering plates as a way to instantly elevate the table. I used our wedding china dinner plates and Christmas salad plates to bring some cheer to everyone’s place. I chose very simple wedding china, white with a silver rim, so I could easily mix and match with other china sets. Note that the Santa plates have a gold rim, don’t be afraid to mix metals.
6. Add in your drinking glasses, place cards, and finishing touches to your table. I found these adorable nutcracker place card holders for $1 each, such a steal. I arranged a few resin Christmas trees and ornaments down the middle of the table. Ornaments are an easy way to add more decor without breaking the bank.
I made the place cards with a few supplies from the craft store, gift tags, festive stickers, and a gold pen.
I put together these tablescape decorations, including tablecloths and napkins, for under $100. If you want to add a little extra to your dining room decor, you can add garland, Christmas trees, and other festive items to other furniture in the dining room, like a buffet or china cabinet. I also added a small tree to the dining room.
Have fun decorating your tables! I’ll be sharing some super easy holiday inspired appetizers to serve before your Christmas dinner later this week.
