Nothing conjures up warm holiday memories like the thought of sitting around a table with your nearest and dearest, eating carbs like there’s no tomorrow, and basking in the glow of the time when everyone is gathered and happy.
No bickering. No misbehaving.
Sure, their mouths are crammed full of food. But who cares?
The WHY doesn’t matter. Just that we get those moments to tide us over during the 439 days of January that are right around the corner.
We NEED these magical holiday meals.
And we're not gonna get them standing around the kitchen island, using a magazine for a placemat, eating out of a bag. Or a tube.
Or even the sacred Pizza Box.
Nope. We need dishes. Lighting. Ambience.
It’s a beautiful candlelit table that evokes oohs and aahs from everyone—even Aunt Carol—as they find their handmade name card, and gaze upon the work-of-art that is your holiday table.
You may have burnt the roast, or forgotten the marshmallows to top the casserole (please don’t), but everyone is happy.
You’ve set the stage.
Tablescapes are a thing. A canvas for the holiday decorator/artist inside of you.
The table itself doesn’t matter (hello, tablecloths?), just what you and your imagination do with it.
Here’s some tips for blowing their minds, without blowing your budget:
First—Inspiration! Maybe it’s already swimming in your noggin. If not, find it! If you have not discovered Pinterest, do it. And, you’re welcome.
All the imagination, craftiness, DIY, show-stopping charm in the universe is somewhere on that website.
But you don’t need a website! A favorite flower, color scheme, or your grandma’s runner might be the starting point.
And use what you got! Why buy when you can re-purpose what you already have?
Next- collect your materials. From the backyard, attic, craft store...wherever.
Starting with the basics- tablecloth, placemats...then the dishes, glasses, and cutlery(kind of necessary), and finally the décor. Candles, ornaments, flowers, branches, whatever!
Last—imagine your event. Size. Number of people. Ages of guests.
Will the food fit on the table? No? Gussy up a card table to tie in with the big table!
What-the-what?
You’re a pro, now!
Whatever your theme or inspiration, if it sparks that joy in you, it will be glorious. It will not fix the pot roast.
That’s on you.
But sit back for a moment, listen to the happy chewing, the “mmmmm”s, the sounds of your people, just being together.
You did that.
Now go ahead carb-load like waistbands aren’t a thing.
You’ve got 439 days next month to burn it off.
