Merry and Bright Holiday Home: Celebrate

*Edit* This is part Two for the Merry and Bright Tour. Make sure to also check out Parts One and Three.

Hi friends! Today, I’m joining the Merry and Bright Holiday Home bloggers and sharing some of our holiday entertaining tips as well as some other special holiday touches throughout our homes. If you’re here from Marsha’s blog, welcome and I’m so glad you’re here! Wasn’t Marsha’s home just gorgeous?

RUSTIC GLAM TABLESCAPE

For today’s post, I wanted to share two ways I decorated my dining table. I went with one formal and one casual tablescape. Keep in mind, the first setting is formal to me but may be casual to someone else! I guess it’s all relative. One consistent theme you’ll find in my decorating style is that no matter the occasion, I always like to infuse a comfortable and inviting environment.  I also love incorporating every day items that you’d likely find around the house because it lets me be creative with what I already own.  It’s also easy on the budget.

Eclectic country with a glam streak is what I am!  I started with country themed layers by using a navy colored bed sheet with a plaid piece of fabric laid diagonally on top. I know it’s crazy but it’s what I had and I really wanted a solid color. I’m not one to shy away from using bed sheets or curtains as table covers.

Now on to some formal glam!  I used gold chargers and my fine wedding china for that formal touch. I know some people say that it’s not worth registering for fine china but I love mine and use them every chance I get! If you put china on your registry, I would recommend going with a very simple, classic design that will be just as beautiful and stylish 40 years down the road. Crystal and wine glasses that I also received as wedding gifts round out each place setting.

I placed grainsack napkins that were a gift to me between the salad and dinner plate to add texture and color to the china setting.

I kept the table decor simple with some natural elements. Faux mini trees (around $3 from Walmart), baby’s breath in DIY mason jars, a pair of antler candlesticks and pieces of driftwood decorate the center of the table. A jeweled fruit on top of each plate adds a little pop of Christmas color.

I also added some fresh rosemary and magnolia leaves in little vases around the table. The fresh and faux greenery really add Christmas cheer! I utilize short centerpiece designs on the table so my guests can see each other and talk across the table.

I love how my office can turn into a dining room whenever I need.

It’s rustic and classic with a touch of glam.

I’m sure you could easily recreate something like this with things you already have. If you don’t have wedding china, just use plain white plates and glasses. Cut some trimmings from outside and place them in vases or mason jars like I did here. Baby’s breath is inexpensive but still brings a freshness to the table.

NATURE INSPIRED TABLESCAPE

For the casual table, I decided to go with a simple yet non-traditional play on the pine tree. By using a mixture of pinecones, magnolia leaves, rosemary and the faux mini trees you get varying shapes and sizes that closely resemble pine tree elements. My sister bought the grainsack runner for me from World Market and I love it. I used blue and white plates and tall blue glasses.

Here’s a fun tip for napkins. A few months ago, my good friend gave me a huge basket full of muslin fabric. I didn’t know what I was going to do with them until I hosted a baby shower for my friend. I decided to use them as napkins! I used shears to cut them and no sewing was necessary. I opted not to iron them because they are softer and add a more casual vibe. Ok, maybe it’s also the fact that I hate ironing!

Funny story: Last weekend, while we were leaving my friend Unchong’s house, I saw her two big magnolia trees. I asked if I could pick some branches and her and Craig just laughed as they watched me take trimmings in the dark. I realize I am a total weirdo and I’m okay with that. #stayweird

Anyone can recreate this table setting. Just go outside and take some clippings off your branches. Can’t you just smell the fresh cut pine boughs…umm, I mean rosemary?

I recommend wiping down the leaves because they can be dusty. My big kids helped me by using some baby wipes. After wiping, they are super shiny and so pretty!

I can’t wait to have my extended family arrive so we can celebrate!

I hope you found these ideas helpful if you’re in charge of hosting this year. We have a few birthdays right around Christmas time and we’ll be hosting a lot of guests so we’ll definitely be utilizing this room. We’re not really formal people but I’m hoping to eat in here at least a few times with our families and make new memories.

If you want to know what I did with the leftover magnolia leaves, there’s my DIY wreath! If you missed my home tour last week, you can check it out here.

I’m the last of the blog hop today as it started with the sweet, Shelly at Confetti Style. You don’t want to miss all the other blogger’s posts today. Next Wednesday, we’ll be back for the last time to share a Holiday recap as well as some other tips like gift wrapping! Thank you so much for stopping by!