If you just dropped by from Britany Makes, and you saw all her inspiring eye candy, welcome! If you want to check it out, be sure to drop by.
We’re honored to be a part of the White Buffalo Styling Co. Home tours. It’s super fun to see what people do in their homes for the holidays, isn’t it?
We loved sharing our home last week through the Holiday Housewalk Tour, but today, we wanted to share our holiday table for a bit of a different angle.
When I was little, one of my very favorite things was my mom setting the table for a holiday event. I loved the fine linens and my special Bunnykins plate. It was a big deal. For some reason, when I got older, setting the table freaked me out. Was I putting the silverware in the right place? Is this glass at the correct angle? Where does the napkin go? I was getting caught up in all that legalistic rigamarole of setting the table right and forgetting the point of it all. For the love of Moses, life is too short to freak over napkin placement.
While my predecessors’ style (for generations before me) was oh-so-charming, this isn’t anyone’s table but my own. And I really don’t think my great great great grandmother is coming back to judge me. Eventually I had to let go of what I thought the “rules” were, and now I have a blast creating a totally new tablescape whenever I feel like it. In our family, it’s still a favorite tradition. And our kids love it, just like I once did.
So here’s a few tips I have for a simple Christmas tablescape. Keeping it “doable”.
• Forget the paralyzing rules – Just like the rest of ‘the rules‘ I’ve broken in my home, being a tried and true southerner, I tend to hold fast to the ‘rules’ for setting a table. Those are great guidelines to remember, but I’m pretty sure Martha won’t show up at your home with a gigantic tisk-tisk, if you don’t follow through with them. Don’t let it paralyze your creative juices when it comes to setting your table for the holidays. We never even registered for fine china when we got married (GASP!) but have some favorite collections, instead. I take pride in the fact that our home is fun for our children. So why should my table feel stodgy?
So if you want to keep your silverware in a section on the buffet line, thrown in a Ball Jar do it. If you want to mix your grandmother’s china with a Walmart line, do it. Our family has fun so our table will feel that way, also.
• Layer it – You don’t have to break out the fine linens. I always “cheat” by keeping fabrics on hand, and they make the most interesting combinations. Start with a basic “tablecloth” (you don’t even have to hem it, if you’re not a seamstress – that selvage edge can be oh so charming, and no one has ever noticed at my house) Add a runner. Don’t have a runner? Use a cool blanket or vintage sheets and fold it cleverly. Throw in some cloth napkins (or some random pieces of fabric for a fun accent color) and you have the makings for a charming, fun table with lots of contrast and interest. Think beyond the norm, and create a table your family will love.
• Mix it up – Make it fresh and and light with different plates and combos of collections. I keep a few different patterns of nicer plates in basic neutrals, along with simple fun pops of color in materials like melamine. It makes for a great mix of unexpected combos, and once you add a few over time, the possibilities are endless and fresh every time.
• Consider the not-so-traditional – A pretty table doesn’t have to be pricey. Shop your home for items you’ve never considered for your table before. You’ll be amazed at what a fresh life they bring once you abandon those ‘rules’. Combine the not-so-traditional for place settings, from various paper patterns, to feathers, and perishable items like apples or something else used in a fresh way.
Lanterns are given a new life sitting atop our tablescape, and ornaments in different combinations make a new statement on our table this year in a rustic bowl. It’s a great contrast with the modern, clean look and creates a one of a kind feel.
• Have fun – perhaps the most important rule of all. When I look back at my life, I just don’t care about the pretty decorations or the holiday set up. But I will remember what it was like for my children to enjoy themselves and create memories, just for them. Because if we’re forgetting to have fun with it all, what’s the point to any of it? {We even created a fun fondue table just for them this year. They literally ate it up. See what I did there?} All puns aside, we’re having a blast and keeping it simple this year. I think that’s what it’s always all about.
Thanks guys, for stopping by today. I hope this helped inspire if you’re feeling in a rut, or have the holiday blahs about that ever-dreaded table and the proper way to do things. Maybe I’m the only weirdo who stresses over such things. At least I’ve found some freedom. ;}
Head on over to This That and Life for the next stop!
And if you’d like to see the rest of our home decked out for the holidays, be sure to check it out here! Thanks for stopping by, let us know if you have any questions, and have an inspired day!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I love the colorful ideas for holiday table settings.
So pretty!
Lindsay at The White Buffalo Styling Co. says
So beautiful and fun, Ashley! I love everything, especially those ornaments in the wood bowl in the center. Thanks for joining us!
Dawna says
I love the old bowl with the decorative ornaments in it! The colors are beautiful….I enjoy setting a table for the holidays! Yours looks perfect! Love all the layering!
Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says
Great ideas Ashley! I never worry about utensil placement etc. I just put it where it looks best!! I’m sure someone has a problem with that but I don’t really care. 😉
Jamie says
What great ideas! I love your Christmas tours. So fun being on the tour with you today. Sharing on my FB page today 😉
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home says
What a fun and festive table! My mom always does the prettiest tablescapes, and I’m a total slacker in that area. You’ve inspired me to step up my game and have fun with it 🙂
sarah m. dorsey says
So pretty!! I love your use of color and pattern!
Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says
Ashley…I absolutely just adore your home. It is so fun, cherry, festive and so full of love! Loving your table setting, too and how fun is it that you are carrying on the tradition of helping set the table for your kiddos. I’m sure they will grow up loving it just the way you did, too! 😉 xo! Jesse
Kennesha says
LOVE this table setting and the non-traditional style! Thanks so much for sharing and see you over at my place tomorrow! This is such an awesome holiday tour! Happy Wednesday!
Bethany @ Dwellings By DeVore says
love all the bright fun colors!
Summer Hogan says
Your style amazes me every time! So simple but such impact and I love that you always keep the kiddos in mind. I the place settings with the simple stars are perfect!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
So festive and colorful! I’m with you – table rules don’t work for me, but letting go of that really brought some happiness to it when we’re entertaining or just trying to make a family dinner at home extra special.