I have always loved planning for parties. Organizing the menu, the playlist, and the theme was one of my favorite things to do growing up. Even when I was very young, I would plan “parties” that took place in my bedroom, complete with made-up party games, music and drinks (Dixie-cups filled with water from the bathroom sink.) I would invite my parents and my sister and all my stuffed animals, and they would all put on a charade, acting like it was the event of the year.  As I grew older, my love for planning continued to grow, even as my love for attending parties faded.

I was so blessed to grow up with my mom. Our house was always brilliantly decorated for every holiday in a way that was beautiful but still ‘homey.’ I was so in awe of her inventiveness and her eye for combining simple silk-flowers with other house-hold items and dollar store signs. To this day, I get so much inspiration from her, and her superior hosting skills. I like to think, just as we have similar personalities, we also have similar aesthetic.

When it comes to setting my holiday table, I prefer rich jewel tones. Many people lean toward wintry blues, whites, and silvers or the even more popular farmhouse faded whites and muted greens and gray; but for me, Christmas is all about tradition and nostalgia, and my table reflects that. I like to start with a neutral base. Our table has a light brown tablecloth on it from Walmart. I like this tablecloth for two reasons. First, although the color is brown, it is not one dimensional. It has some gold to it which catches the light, which was a pleasant surprise! (I won’t lie, I had low expectations as it came from Walmart! Sorry WallyWorld!) The second reason I like this tablecloth is because it only cost me about $10.00. If I was to get a similar tablecloth from a home decor store, like Pier 1, it would be three to four times that price! On top of our base, we added neutral placemats which are also from Walmart. These are a chocolatey brown color, but again, have a metallic finish which works well with the gold in the tablecloth. These were about $10.00 for a 4-pack ($2.50 each.)

Next, we add in our plates and flat-ware. The plates and utensils that are pictured are our ‘every-day’ serving-ware. We did not put fancy China on our wedding registry, honestly because it seemed like such a waste! We like our every-day plates, and find that they go with almost everything! (During the times that it does clash, we have plain white square plates from Walmart.) Our current dishes we received as a gift for our wedding. They can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond and are called Noritake® Colorwave Coupe in the color Graphite. (Currently, you can get the four piece place setting for $27.99.) Our flat-ware is also from our wedding registry at Bed Bath and Beyond. They are Artisanal Kitchen Supply® Edge 20-Piece Flatware Place Setting in Satin and are currently $49.99. To finish off the place setting, the glasses on the table are from Bed Bath and Beyond, as well and are Bormioli Rocco Dailyware Bodega Glasses (set of 16) currently priced at $29.99. Be aware that diningware could change with the menu. For example, if you are planning to serve salad make sure you set the table with salad-forks (if you’re all about proper etiquette.) This is the same for glassware, if you are serving wine or special cocktails, be sure you have appropriate glasses (;

Finally, the really fun part! Since the base of this table is very neutral, it is very flexible. It’s the little details that you add to it to change it up that makes it special for your theme or special occasion! For this specific table, I added in red tartan fabric napkins from Marshalls. Marshalls and HomeGoods are in my opinion, the best places to find adorable and affordable quality home decor! For a set of 4, these cost me $6.99, that’s about $1.75 per napkin! I also found a bag of 10 metal cookie-cutters when I was at Marshalls for $8.00. For a cute and unique holiday touch, I placed one on top of each napkin. Not only is this pretty and simple, it is a thoughtful nod to many peoples holiday traditions and memories! (Even if they were not the ones making the cookies, I can guarantee they have memories of eating them!) These cookie-cutters are also great because your guest will have a little something to take home after their visit.

For the center piece, I had a small faux potted fir tree I got years ago from IKEA. If you wanted to recreate this look, you can find faux baby fir trees at Walmart or even the dollar store during the winter months. (You can also use a real baby fir!) I will say, if you are entertaining this tree is a little tall. You could exchange this for a shorter tree, or a simple center piece of fresh holiday flowers. You can also make your own center piece by arranging a display of candles and cranberries or holly. If you are still looking for inspiration, here are 28 Best DIY Christmas Center Pieces, you can do yourself!

Be sure to iron or steam your tablecloth! (oops)

I hope this post gives you some ideas for your holiday table! Like this post if you want to continue to see easy table-scapes and home decorating tips! Share your favorite table decorating tips in the comments! Do you decorate your table for holidays?

XOXO, Cait B.

Adorable little bag that the cookie-cutters were package in!