Last Minute New Year’s Eve Tablescape Ideas

We’re sharing a few last-minute New Year’s Eve tablescape ideas to help make setting a festive holiday table easy peasy!

Over the past few years, we’ve kept it pretty relaxed for New Year’s Eve.  The days between Christmas and New Year festivities seem to fly by and like many of you, we’re frequently pressed for time.

Inevitably though, as December 31 draws closer, we start getting nostalgic over what has been and excited about all the adventures yet to come.

Last year, we went to the craft supply store at the last minute and were blown away by the limited selection. 

I’m not even playing when I tell you they had a total of 2 gold bead New Year’s necklaces in the ENTIRE store. 

It was also the year my bestie S said, “I wonder what people do when they wait ‘til the last minute to celebrate New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? Do you think they use Christmas decorations or what?”

Creating a Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Tablescape with Ease

I don’t think she meant to inspire this post but that’s exactly what she did. 

All the way home, I kept thinking about the people that were just coming back home from Christmas vacation and the ones already at home trying to decide if the New Year was even worth decorating for. 

Maybe you’re one of those people, we were too!

I woke up the next morning and decided to gather everything I needed to create a last-minute New Year’s Eve tablescape and surprisingly it was much easier than I thought. 

If you’ve waited to decorate for whatever reason, no worries, there’s still time to make everything festive.

Here’s a look at how to create a Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Tablescape…

Start with supplies you already have on hand at home like a favorite place setting, stemmed glasses, and a simple centerpiece – no gold beads or party hats required ?

Make it as festive or as low key as you want!

Choose Your Color Palette & Gather Your Supplies First

Think about what color ornaments you already have on hand and choose a color palette that will make for an easy festive New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day tablescape.

We chose to mix metallics with slate grays, champagne gold, and blush ornaments.

Layer Your Table with a Neutral Tablecloth or Table Runner

Layering your tablescape with a neutral tablecloth or table runner will save you so much time. Especially, if you’re pulling everything together at the last minute. 

I quickly made this table runner out of a white vintage curtain by folding it in thirds and leaving the crochet edge out. 

Add Mood Lighting with Candles

We’ve had these silver candlesticks for years!

They’re super easy to use on any tablescape no matter what the season.  You can usually find gold or champagne-colored candlesticks on sale around the holidays. 

Create a Simple Centerpiece

Create a super simple centerpiece by putting flowers or greenery, real or faux in a pretty vessel, and call it good to go!

Layer in Greenery

Once you have your centerpiece and candles in place, start layering greenery all the way down your last-minute New Year’s Eve tablescape. 

You can use a garland of greenery, a ready-made swag, or even greenery stems.

Add in Sparkly Ornaments

Whenever I think about celebrating something as important as a birthday, the holidays, or New Year’s Eve, I think about anything with glitter or sparkle.

I totally get that glitter might not be your thing so if that’s the case consider adding mercury glass, copper, or crystal to your tablescape.

Finally, Add Your Place Setting

Your place setting can literally be as fancy or as low key as you want it to be, it’s your last-minute New Year’s Eve tablescape. 

So, if you decide to break out the fancy china or use a set of paper plates you picked up at the dollar store do whatever you have the most time for, and don’t sweat the rest.

To create the napkin ring, I used pieces of the gold garland we found on sale and wrapped it around the same thrifted napkins I used on a Christmas tablescape.

I found the clock faces at Renningers last year for a few dollars each.

You can also find free printable clock faces online and print them out on your home computer too though. 

When it comes to preparing a meal for New Year’s Eve, again, keep it as simple as possible.

Stock a self-serve bar cart in advance. Make 2-3 signature dishes, then supplement the rest of the meal with items from the bakery, restaurant, or deli, including dessert.

It’s hard to believe we’re getting ready to welcome a new year but it’s such an exciting time for a fresh start.

No matter how you’re celebrating this festive occasion, we hope these tips for an easy last-minute New Year’s Eve Tablescape have helped!  

Let us know how you plan to ring in the New Year!

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

Many blessings,

CoCo