Ideas for Your Christmas Table

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

Southern Living

I'm probably like many of you in that I didn't grow up with exotic tablescapes or decorations in my home. 

Midwest Living

My mom was the ultimate entertainer, but not because she threw glamorous parties or gorgeous family dinners.  She was a minister's wife on an extremely limited budget who never knew who was going to show up at her home or when, but somehow miraculously always managed to have just the right amount of food on the table and everyone always felt welcome and loved.  

allaboutyou.com

I don't know how she did it, but I never remember having to turn anyone away, or it being obvious that she had to really get creative to serve everyone for any given meal.  No fancy tablescapes, but lot's of good food, great conversation and much laughter.  She was, and still is, an amazing example of what true hospitality and entertaining is really all about...

allaboutyou.com

Our Christmas family get togethers have remained simple and uncomplicated in that way over the years, many times because there were so many of us that you couldn't get us all at a table (or even two) anyways! 

Midwest Living

For the last five years or so, though, (has it been longer, girls?)  we've started setting up several long tables in their basement and one of my sisters and some nieces have done a great job of decorating them with just some simple, inexpensive decorations to add a little festive flair. 

Midwest Living

That's what drew me to many of the ideas in this post.

4 of the ideas from Midwest Living's Festive Holiday Tables



They're very pretty but most of them are made up of simple elements that you could use to make your table festive on a budget without putting a ton of time into it.

Midwest Living

This pretty napkin started out plain white, but they added the gold dots with paint.  So pretty...

Style at Home Photo Virginia MacDonald

I also like this unique arrangement for a buffet table using iron shepherds hooks inside tall sturdy vases filled with sand and then accessorized with ornaments and lanterns...



Midwest Living Photo Kim Cornelison


How do you decorate your Christmas table?

Don't forget to enter the $220 CSN Stores Shopping Spree Giveaway!

Chicago's Mecox Gardens - always a favorite

I mentioned the great tablescapes of Ken Chrzastek of Chicago's Mecox Gardens in an earlier post on red. Here's some more red & lots more eye candy from whenI visited this beautifully styled store back in June.

Also - you may have noticed the posts have been a bit sparse. I've been in Seattle and am now in Cape Cod and will have lots of fun things to post about soon. Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Chicago's Mecox Gardens - always a favorite

I mentioned the great tablescapes of Ken Chrzastek of Chicago's Mecox Gardens in an earlier post on red. Here's some more red & lots more eye candy from whenI visited this beautifully styled store back in June.

Also - you may have noticed the posts have been a bit sparse. I've been in Seattle and am now in Cape Cod and will have lots of fun things to post about soon. Hope you're enjoying your summer!

My Friend's Home - Should have been in Domino!

Every time I visited Lori's house, I couldn't help but think it would have been a perfect feature for the "late" Domino magazine. Luckily I had a chance to capture some images before the move. When entering the room your eye is drawn to the center window with the elegant writing desk. Lori made the magnolia swag years ago and it still looks terrific. The color is a bit off in this first image as the Pottery Barn braided jute rug is much lighter in color. (which by the way looks so much like uber expensive apple matting)

The living room used to be painted in this warm golden yellow which now serves as a gorgeous backdrop to her collection of china and shells.

Looking around you will notice little touches here and there. This Indochine chair is dressed with a black satin ribbon.
Have leftover foreign currency? Display it like Lori does - love this.

A painting serves as the summer fireplace screen. Simple white branches accent the mantle.
A view from the front hall into the living room.
An accent chair covered in a Kelly Wearstler fabric.
Beautifully styled shelves in the breakfast room. Notice the flowers tucked in among the plates.

A bit of a peek into the family room with windows and french doors overlooking the garden. There's a great mix of contemporary and traditional pieces in the room. Very casual and relaxed but all done with a great flair. I can't wait to see what she does with her Georgetown home!

My Friend's Home - Should have been in Domino!

Every time I visited Lori's house, I couldn't help but think it would have been a perfect feature for the "late" Domino magazine. Luckily I had a chance to capture some images before the move. When entering the room your eye is drawn to the center window with the elegant writing desk. Lori made the magnolia swag years ago and it still looks terrific. The color is a bit off in this first image as the Pottery Barn braided jute rug is much lighter in color. (which by the way looks so much like uber expensive apple matting)

The living room used to be painted in this warm golden yellow which now serves as a gorgeous backdrop to her collection of china and shells.

Looking around you will notice little touches here and there. This Indochine chair is dressed with a black satin ribbon.
Have leftover foreign currency? Display it like Lori does - love this.

A painting serves as the summer fireplace screen. Simple white branches accent the mantle.
A view from the front hall into the living room.
An accent chair covered in a Kelly Wearstler fabric.
Beautifully styled shelves in the breakfast room. Notice the flowers tucked in among the plates.

A bit of a peek into the family room with windows and french doors overlooking the garden. There's a great mix of contemporary and traditional pieces in the room. Very casual and relaxed but all done with a great flair. I can't wait to see what she does with her Georgetown home!