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Last Minute Holiday Tablescape Ideas

Today, we’re sharing last minute holiday tablescape ideas!

Inching Toward Christmas

Can you believe it’s less than two weeks until Christmas? It’s kind of crazy to even think about.

I know this is a busy time of the year for everyone. It is for us too!

Most people I know are in two camps.  They’re either completely finished with their to do list and enjoying a cup of egg nog by the fire or they’re braving the malls after work trying to find the perfect present.

Which camp are you in?

Taking Time to Enjoy the Holiday Season

We’ll be celebrating Christmas with my family early this year. So, we’ve had to very diligent to make sure everything was ordered and shipped in time.

Despite all the hustle and bustle, I’ve been trying to steal little moments here and there to fully enjoy the holiday season.

If you haven’t taken the time to give yourself a little slow down, you totally should. Even if it’s just for an afternoon or two!

A Favorite Family Tradition 

One of my favorite holiday traditions is gathering around the table with my family at Christmas. There are times when we gather for breakfast and other times we gather for dinner.

Given that we travel every holiday season, each year is different and yet something about it is always the same.

We always tell the same funny stories although they admittedly “grow” with embellishments each year.

It’s the only time of the year my Dad and brothers in law agree to wear the paper crown inside the Christmas Crackers. I secretly love it when my Dad gets a pink crown becasue he has the personality of Patton ha ha.

My mom always sets a beautiful table and makes a meal fit for a small village.

Every year she acts like “its no big deal” when I’m sure her feet and back are aching from standing in the kitchen for hours.  We all know it is a big deal though and her efforts are always appreciated.

Last Minute Holiday Tablescape Ideas

If you’re hosting family and friends at your house, here are a few last minute holiday tablescape ideas and tips that are simple to recreate…

If you can only afford one set of dishes this year, buy them in white.  White dishes are super easy to use in every season.

You can dress them up or dress them down and pair them with any color. As well as create a last minute holiday tablescape idea that’s formal or informal.

Layer the Table with Fabric, Tablecloths, Or Blankets

Once you’re ready to start decorating the table, start by layering the table with a tablecloth, blanket, throw or a piece of fabric.

You’ll want to choose a color that is consistent with the rest of the color palette in your home or the color you’re using for the holidays.

Find or Create a Centerpiece You Love

We love collecting vintage silver pieces, ironstone and brown and white transferware too.  In fact,  You can find those pieces featured in hutches or vingettes all over the house.

Storage is at a premium in our island cottage. So, we make sure each piece we bring home can be used in multiple ways, like seasonal centerpieces.

You can create a simple centerpiece like this one with blush or cream colored roses in just a few minutes.

The bonus is that it’s so neutral you can you can leave on the table long after you’ve packed up the rest of your Christmas decorations.

In addition, vintage silver, ironstone and brown and white transferware  can usually be found at estate sales, charity shops, thrift stores and antique malls. So, keep your eyes open when you’re out shopping even if it’s off season.

Add a Bit of Nature with Garland, Greenery, Herbs, Plants, Flowers, Picks or Pinecones

Seasonal items like fruits, berries, herbs, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, star anise, bay leaves,  flowers, floral picks, garlands and greenery can help you easily create a greenery table runner.

This will not only dress up the table with bits of nature, it will also help to add in layers of texture.

You can find typically find these picks at your local craft supply store, but you have to get them early.

They sell out nearly every year in early November – that’s how real they look and feel!

Complement Your Tablescape with a Beautiful Place Setting

Depending on the type of meal you’re having you might need a charger, dinner plate, salad plate, and a soup bowl.  Of course, you’ll also need drinking glasses, napkins and silverware.

We use this combination of gray charger + white dinner plate with a decorative edge all year long! Then we layer with a seasonal salad plate or soup bowl.

I borrowed these green plates from my Mom because she has the best stuff.  The Mount Vernon monogrammed plates and the gold trimmed plates were found at a local thrift store.

You can learn how to make the super easy DIY holiday inspired napkin ring here.

Last Minute Holiday Tablescape Ideas to Keep in Mind

I hope these tips last minute holiday tablescape ideas have helped!

Keep in mind you don’t have to put a lot of pressure on yourself to create something magazine worthy!  It doesn’t have to take a long time to make your home feel special just a bit of effort.

Honestly, the people that are gathering around your Christmas table in the breakfast nook, the dining room or even on a farmhouse table outside just want to make some fun memories with you.

So, take the pressure off right now and commit to fully enjoying the holidays – you won’t be disappointed!

For a closer look at the tablescapes listed above, check out these posts:

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo

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7 Comments

  1. Thanks so much ladies! I always say, go with white…it’s a classic…and you can’t go wrong with classics 🙂 Hugs for a happy day, CoCo

  2. All your ideas are fabulous and each table is gorgeous. I especially love that table runner made out of greens! I know what you men about the good faux picks being all sold out so early!Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen

    1. Thank you bunches, Kathleen! I used to try and make it work with a few picks and garlands here and there but then I realized that an abundance of greenery really does make everything feel super festive. We try to add a few bits to our collection every year and reuse as much as we can. Believe it or not Veterans Day is a big shopping day for the holidays because most stores start pushing all the sales then. We were able to score several things at 70% off which was really nice so make sure you put it on your calendar for next year so you can be on the look out 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo

    1. Thank you bunches, Katie. I hope your week has been a fantastic one! Hugs, CoCo

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