Are you setting a holiday tabletop this year?
If you follow trends, it looks like it will be a terrific Christmas season for sparkle, shine, gold and silver. But if you're looking for a cool vibe, here's an alternative -- purple and sapphire jewel tones.
"Mixing metals such as gold and silver and incorporating rustic elements like twigs, bark-covered containers and antique metal are popular decorating tabletop ideas," says Tamsin Mascetti, owner and interior designer of Tamsin Design Group in Maplewood, Mo.
Mascetti suggests getting away from the traditional red and green hues and adding purple and sapphire jewel tones. "Always start with the holiday basics first: evergreen branches, lights, some kind of metallic and then add your color."
This year, Mascetti has chosen sapphire blue and chartreuse for her fireplace mantel design.
All kinds of great holiday decorating items are available now with metallic, glass beading, glitter and lights. You can bring out the sparkle on your table setting with clear glass vases or bowls. It's a simple and inexpensive way to decorate.
"We designed a holiday tabletop with gold and silver pieces for our display floor," says Anne Carr, manager at Miriam Switching Post, an upscale resale store in Maplewood.
"I guess we were hip on the design." They had an entire room of donated Christmas items in the basement. Volunteers at the store had to be creative as they rummaged through the gently used festive and sparkly items.
They managed to decorate a gold and silver-theme table setting with pieces that complemented one another.
"Fresh flowers always make a table look like you went that extra step to create something special," Mascetti says. Flowers do not need to be expensive or complicated. Use containers you have, from your grandma's antique silver cups to glass vessels or even Mason jars you have around the house.
Here are a few budget-friendly ideas for tabletop decorating.
If you have clear glass pillar candle holders, use them as a centerpiece by placing an ornament upside down into the candle cavity.
If you have marbles around the house, pour them into a narrow glass vessel and add one floral stem to create a small centerpiece.
Use pine cones in different glass vessels to create a natural centerpiece. Spraypaint the cones silver or gold for an elegant style.
Fill a glass bowl with fake snow (available at most craft stores) and add your favorite mini ornaments.
Find some twigs in your yard and spray-paint them gold or silver, or spray them with fake snow for a quick centerpiece.
Holiday lights and inexpensive candles can quickly create a warm and inviting space in the center of the table.
Start with your favorite silver platter or grandma's heirloom piece. Add a Christmas statue, candles and any other fun holiday-theme pieces to create a personalized centerpiece.
Display some of your favorite greeting cards on a tiered platter and place it in the center of your table.
Take a small, square glass candy dish and line the inside with candy canes. Then, cut fresh red carnations down to size and place in the center of the vase.
Buy snowflake stickers (available at most craft stores) and stick them on glass bowls. Then, add your favorite colorful candles.
If you already have a fall floral arrangement on your table, simply add a gold or silver sequined stem for a burst of holiday style.
HomeStyle on 12/20/2014