The holidays are always a perfect time for dressing up the table. I like to work with what I have and change things up and also try different ideas. I enjoy adding little touches to dress the table for holidays and special occasions. I find that I don't always have to run out and buy something new for every occasion, I just add little bits now and then, and mix items old and new, to get the look that I want.
~ My Thanksgiving tablescape ~
There is just something about a lace tablecloth that appeals to me. I've had this one for years and I feel it dresses up my glass-top table nicely and softly. I like the look of it, and the lace paper doilies placed under the glass plates seemed just perfect. You can find the paper doilies about everywhere for just a couple dollars. My placemats were a markdown at Bed Bath & Beyond and work well with the bronze color in the dining room. The beautiful little bowls with the gold design and gold rims were given to me by my Mom and are sweet, treasured pieces. I have just a few plates and other pieces that match them.
My centerpiece was an arrangement I made a while back, I simply just add and take away to dress it up for different occasions. I added some fall flowers and pine cones, along with the organza ribbon bows. I love my gold tableware, purchased years ago. I do insist on hand washing all the pieces, but they look as good as the day I first got them! I love anything cut-glass or crystal, like the glasses and the candle sconces, I've had them all for years. The more that sparkles the better if you ask me! A cloth napkin is always a nice touch. They are also a good way to add color or coordinate with your dishes, or they can add to a holiday theme if they have a pretty print. I look for new ones on discount all the time, and I've even made my own from pretty dishtowels too.
I found the acrylic place card holders a few years ago in the wedding area of hobby lobby, it was a package of eight of them, and later found the acrylic napkin ring/bud vases there too. They were both about the average cost of a dollar per each piece, as I recall. They go very well with other elements in the room, the cut glass and crystal pieces, and another one being my chandelier.
I like to do different things with the little napkin ring/bud vases by using something that applies to the season or holiday. Here I used two fall leaves and a small bit of dried corn husk, along with a pine cone I added wire to so it would have a stem to stick down in with the leaves and corn husk. It kind of reminded me of a turkey when I finished it, even though that was not my plan, but it worked well for Thanksgiving!
A close-up of the place card holder and the napkin ring/bud vase.
This angle is a better view of the napkin ring/bud vase. A napkin can be placed in the opening there, or not. I chose not to put the napkin in there this time and only used it for the bud vase.
I'm always saying, "you don't necessarily have to buy all new things for different seasonal and holiday decor, and they don't have to be expensive either." I have collected most items over the years, and one of the best times to get new items is after the holiday sales. I've found many things in the discount bins, and also find great deals on second hand items from thrift stores. You just need to have a look around and have a plan of what you have, and what you like, or need the most! It really doesn't have to be expensive to be nice or beautiful looking. Work with what you have first, then add little extras along the way! Make it fun, and enjoy the adventure!
