Two Thrifty Christmas Tablescapes

If you follow me, you know how much I love playing with my dishes and setting the table. I've been spending the past few weeks drooling over all the beautiful Christmas china on so many tables. I've also read some of the comments from some who have said that they didn't have any Christmas dishes because it wasn't in the budget and one who really touched my heart who said she lost all her holiday dishes in a house fire. Well about 20-25 years ago I had two sets of dishes. One everyday and my good china -- neither set were Christmas coordinating colors. And I had some serious Christmas china envy. My house was very tiny and my budget was tight. If only I knew then what I know now....I could have had Christmas "china" all along -- for next to nothing! I'll show you a couple of VERY thrifty Christmas tablescapes. Welcome to the 1st table.



My simple centerpiece is a glass globe with a red candle in it. The greenery here is faux, but in reality, I could walk out my door and get most of this for real free in my own yard. Ivy, cedar, boxwood, pine, holly -- just whatever you can find.



Here's your place. I started with a plain green tablecloth - one I've had for about 25 years or so. It's a polyester blend and washes and wears great. Very inexpensive.



The paper napkins I found at Marshalls - a package of 16 for $2.99. The flatware came from Target a couple of years ago for $1 a piece.



And now for my "china".



This is one of my favorite Christmas patterns by Spode.



And when I remove the clear glass plate....



...you can see my "china" is really paper! I got a package of 8 plates for $3.99 at Kohl's. I got my plain glass plates at GoodWill, but I've seen them at Walmart too. Again, very inexpensive.



If I could only invest in one holiday linen -- it would be cloth napkins -- they're the most afordable -- I got these 4 from Tuesday Morning for $7.99. I've put them in everyday Libby water goblets -- $1 each. A gift tag tied to the candycane would make a cute placecard.



Add something from your Christmas collection into the greenery. I collect Santas -- but vintage Christmas balls or cute ornaments would work well ...whatever you have.



This one is part of a salt & pepper set from Hallmark a few years ago.



This one came from the dollar store years ago.



I put one figurine at each place.



Wouldn't cardinals be pretty?



I really like the tree pattern on the dishes with my dining room Christmas tree.



Now for a totally different look.



This one is a casual colonial look. The red checked tablecloth came from Walmart last year -- I think they may still carry this.



A place setting for you. I think this would be cute for a Christmas brunch or breakfast -- or maybe even for a kid's table.



I used the same paper napkins from Marshalls and my treble clef flatware. I got this from eBay this year. Just showing you that everyday flatware can still look fun and festive.



A closer look at the centerpiece -- part real, part faux. Again, a green wreath, pineapple in the globe, surrounded by lemons and pomegranates with a bit of holly thrown in. This works with lots of fruits....apples, oranges, limes -- whatever you have on hand. Then you can eat it!



These little pewter covered soup bowls came from eBay a couple of years ago. Does pewter remind you of the 70's? Most of mine is from that time period. I still like it.


I found these paper plates (under glass) at Marshalls this year - 8 for $2.99.



I love the little colonial people ....



...spelling out .....


...the Christmas greetings....


....all around the plates.



This Williamsburg stamping lets us know that the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has authenticated this pattern as being a true colonial period pattern.



I used the same Christmas napkins.



This time in some matching pewter mugs. Cider anyone?



Overview of the table.




closer view of the centerpiece.




I hope you've seen a few ideas that can inspire you to set a pretty holiday table without breaking the bank or blowing your budget.

Wishing you all a most delightful Christmas with tables surrounded with that which is truly precious....family and friends, no matter how you set your table!

Be sure to visit Susan of "Between Naps On The Porch" for Holiday table inspirations and more!

See ya!