Traditional Tabletop Ideas

freshome1

I adore a well dressed Christmas tabletop. I imagine that people have been dressing their tables for this festive occasion for centuries. This Victorian era table made me smile.

victoriana

I have been collecting images to inspire my own holiday table and I thought I would share a few of my favorite ideas and how you can recreate them in your own home.

idealhomemagazine

The table below not only could be recreated as a low cost alternative, but most of the elements can be found at any supermarket~ baby’s breath, fruit, bread and wine. I would probably nestle a lovely red ornament within the nest of baby’s breath.

freshhome

A few cream colored candles and a walk through a wooded area to collect a few pine cones and branches and you could easily recreate the following stunning looks. 

freshome

I love the glass containers filled with pinecones surrounded by faux snow.

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The addition of red napkins to an otherwise neutral palette of pine and cream is festive punch of color.

myhomeideas

Here is another neutral table with a cheery pop of green placemats.

freshhome3

Any of the four above tabletops would look lovely with name cards made from twigs ala Martha Stewart or perhaps try cinnamon sticks for a heavenly scented table.

saidaonline

For a traditional country look try a red and white gingham runner, simple white candles, and a few sprigs of holly. 

housetohome.co.uk

Many people choose a table laid out buffet style as it works well.  Although the image below is a small space, I adore how the mantle is integrated into the overall feel of the buffet by the addition of large silver platters.

freshome2

Pewter, glass and the sheerest of tablecloths showcase this design. You could create a similar look with an inexpensive sheer curtain.

iroonie

Even if you live in a one room apartment, you can create a luscious tablescape on a coffee table.

zeospot

Though buffet style tables are generally more relaxed in feel, they can still be festive. This pyramid of rolled napkins showcases this idea beautifully.

countryliving3

Love truly lives in the details and you can personalize your space with the addition of a lovely centerpiece.

niken.net

Ever simple, ever stunning.

christmaslightsource

The everyday chandelier gets dressed for the season in a style reminiscent of a advent wreath.

Any glass jar can be elevated with a design etched onto the glass. Etching supplies are available at most craft and hobby stores.

housemagz

I often dress the backs of my chairs. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

christmaslovetoknow

Simply sweet stockings.

countryliving

Grandma Jingles just sent me a small box filled with antique Christmas post cards. I might recreate this look with a scalloped cardboard cake board, ribbon and photocopied images of her precious gems.

countryliving1

I generally save holiday crackers for my New Years Eve table, but they are truly a happy touch.

thelastdetail

sqaukfox

For many people the idea of having to sit at the children’s table is horrendous. I myself would be happy to sit in any one of these sweet seats. Of course I do “pine” for my very own Ghost Chair.  Ba da bump.

fh2

Since I had such an enthusiastic response for for my non traditional Thanksgiving table, next Wednesday I will be showcasing Christmas tabletops that include, brown, purple and other outrageous palettes.

Do you favor a more traditional look for your table?

Laura

For tabletop looks using vintage and antique linens please visit the Metis Linens blog.

Linking to:

Between Naps on the Porch

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