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Well, it has finally started to cool down here in Arizona. As I’ve mentioned before, we don’t really have FALL here, but the nights cool down, there’s a little more of a breeze and the sunlight softens. That’s how I know it’s about time to take inventory of the holiday décor situation. I really love decorating for the holidays but let’s be honest, holiday décor is expensive, time consuming and a space hog when it comes to storage. That is why I’ve made a goal this year to implement decorations that can pull double duty; two holidays of decor for a one-time project. I think the perfect area to start is with one of my favorite decorations, the holiday tablescape.

 

NOUN
tablescape (plural tablescapes)
1. An artistic arrangement of articles on a table.

 

In my family, Thanksgiving and Christmas were the two most celebrated meals of the year (and New Years, but that’s a different post). That’s when all the ‘good’ china and silverware came out; a tablecloth and cloth napkins too. People didn’t just eat and run. They lingered and talked and laughed; enjoying each others’ company and the festive surroundings. There’s just something so endearing about a lovely set table and I think that’s why I enjoy tablescapes as much as I do.

 

This post is all about the inspiration for my 2 for 1 Holiday Tablescape – an idea board of sorts to fine-tune the look I’m going for and organize what I need to make it happen. That means figuring out a theme, the size/scale of the project, the color palette and then, of course, all the little details. So let’s get started.

 

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THEME

The most important part of choosing a ‘look’ or theme for my tablescape is that I don’t want it to say FALL or CHRISTMAS. Because I’m going to display the tablescape from November through December, it has to work well across both holidays. For that reason, I’m nixing the ‘traditional’ items like fall leaves and gourds or reindeer and pine boughs. Additionally, I’m staying away from typical color combos for those holidays like rust/gold and red/green.

I like the idea of utilizing botanicals and natural materials like linen and wood to create a woodland feel; something that has interesting nooks and multiple points of interest so no matter where you sit, there is something beautiful to see. Here’s two great Pinterest examples of using a log to tuck in bits of nature and interest.

Love it!

 

 

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SIZE & SCALE

 

Before I proceed, I need good idea of the size and scale of my tablescape so that I know how much materials I need.  I know I don’t want just a center piece because we have quite a long dining table. I’m envisioning it meandering through the center of the table; taking up only a 6-10″ of  width. Look at the wonderful natural flow of this Pinterest tablescape below; maybe something like that. All the lose moss is a bit too messy for me though so I’m going to have to explore ways to contain it. Love those little mason jar terrariums though!!

 

 

 

From past experience I’ve learned not to use anything too big or tall as it makes conversation across the table difficult. Conversely though, I don’t want the tablescape to be flat and low. Some tall graceful orchids might just do the trick as well as a few candle holders. I think these wood pillar candle holders from Target would embrace the natural theme and be easy to dress up with some linen or jute cord.

 

 

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COLOR PALETTE

 

As I mentioned earlier, I’d like to stay away from the traditional fall and Christmas colors. I love the bright freshness of fern green and it pairs so remarkably with the natural elements of wood and linen.

I think I’ll pair it with soft white – like in baby’s breath and then have festive pops of color like those found in this gorgeous bouquet from Hooray Magazine. Of course there will have to be a few strands of battery operated tiny lights for warmth and ambiance.

 

 

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THE DETAILS

Of course, a tablescape is not all faff and show though. It has to have all the elements needed for people to dine like napkins, silverware, placements and glassware. That is actually where much of the fun and creativity will come in.

I saw these fabulous stands made from old silverware at the Portland Saturday Market. I would have loved to purchase a setting from this artist and use them to hold place cards but at $12 a pop and a table for 10 –  way over my budget.

 

 

At Tuesday Mornings and found these little copper desert forks. They only have 3 prongs so I’ll have to get a bit creative but I think they will work great as little place card holders. I also love the hammered copper; should coordinate nicely with all the other elements.

 

 

Also in the picture are some fabulous Smith & Hawken linen napkins and fantastically real-looking faux ferns; both from Target. I’d love to do some embroidery on the napkins and just look at all these ideas for unique napkin rings!

These DIY bunny napkin rings from Craftberry Bush are delightful and the simple ribbon and cardboard napkin holder from On Sutton Place looks super easy.

 

 

I also love these wine cork rings from Worthing Court Blog. I think I’m going to have to make these regardless to go with my Wine Cork Place Holders…right!?

 

 

 

Last but not least – because certainly the beauty is in the details, I’d love to add some brass woodland creatures meandering through the tablescape. These little brass deer would be perfect! I think I might need to give the ornament aisle a spin… now the wheels are a turnin!

 

 

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Well, now I’m feeling so  inspired to get started on my 2 for 1 Holiday Tablescape. The first project? I think I’m going to give those dessert fork place holders a whirl and then move on to the napkins. Look for those two projects next week on Part Two of this post.

Have an amazing week/weekend and as always, 

 

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