Hey friends—big news: this year we finally have a real dining room to use for Christmas Eve dinner. It might not sound dramatic, but after a long stretch of projects and unpacking, having a proper place to gather feels like a small miracle. It’s also a reminder to keep perspective—having food and a table to share is the real blessing.
This week Lory from Designthusiasm is hosting another round of the Styled + Set Holiday Entertaining Blog Tours, so there’s plenty of beautiful inspiration linked at the end of the original post if you’re planning to host a holiday gathering. If you arrived from Julie Blanner’s lovely home—welcome.
We’re hosting 15 people for Christmas Eve, which has kept us running around doing last-minute fixes, painting, and all the usual fixer-upper work. I paused all that to put together a small version of the tablescape I’ll use for the full dinner—something I could assemble quickly, affordably, and that still feels special.
You wouldn’t guess there are still half-unpacked boxes in the next room by looking at this table. A sparkling red-and-green tablescape can do wonders for your mood when the rest of the house is still a work in progress.
How to create a beautiful Christmas tablescape on a budget
1. Start with what you already own and stick to classic pieces.
I assembled this entire table using items from my own collection. Keeping classic, versatile pieces—what I like to call a home decor capsule wardrobe—means you can create many looks with fewer items. Mercury glass is a favorite for winter because it reflects candlelight beautifully and adds warmth without feeling dated. Silver and brass candlesticks are also timeless and easy to find at thrift stores or consignment shops.
I found these silver taper holders at a thrift shop a few years ago for just a couple dollars each, and they still work perfectly. The mercury glass votives I used were a sale find.
2. Avoid kitschy or overly themed items.
Choose linens and accents with simple patterns or solid colors that can be used throughout the year. I picked up a red-striped table runner and matching napkins on sale last season; their simple stripes work for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even summer patriotic looks. Steer clear of items plastered with holiday words or obvious motifs—versatile pieces save storage space and give you more styling options.
3. Make items work twice—or more.
Only two new items were added this year: a simple mercury glass vase and a bowl of jingle bells. The bells ended up doubling as charming place-card holders when I popped one onto a plate while arranging candles. They can also be scattered down the runner, added to a coffee table bowl, or strung through garland—small accessories go a long way when you reuse them in different rooms and seasons.
4. Use produce and backyard greenery for freshness and texture.
Fresh rosemary sprigs, cranberries, and simple clippings from the yard make a tablescape feel seasonal and fresh without spending much. Rosemary is a fragrant, edible addition that doubles as a little wreath-like accent on each plate. Using kitchen or garden ingredients reduces cost and smells wonderful.
5. Save and repurpose tree trimmings.
Tree trimmings are great for DIY garlands and centerpiece greenery. I bought a small bundle of mixed greens that was easy to tuck into a vase, and we also asked our tree lot for leftover trimmings, which they often give away. Those clippings will become garland and additional greenery for other spaces in the house.
We also picked a live tree at our local farmer’s market and set it up in the corner of the dining room. I’ll share more photos and updates as the space comes together—there’s still a chandelier to replace and some wall decor to add, but it’s coming along.
Sources and items used
- Wall color: Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
- Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Red striped linen runner and napkins (versatile for other seasons)
- Mercury glass pillar and votive holders
- Mercury glass vase
- Wood charger plates (durable and year-round)
- Jingle bell bowl filler (also used as place-card holders)
- Gold flatware
- White porcelain dinnerware
- Slipcovered dining chairs
- Dining table (a budget-friendly find)
- White curtain panels and curtain rods
- Bleached jute rug
There’s still more to do in the dining room makeover, but creating this tablescape was an easy, affordable way to make the space feel welcoming and festive. I’ll keep sharing updates as we finish the room and prepare for the holiday dinner.
