Last weekend Ryan & I hosted our annual Christmas party. Ryan’s parents are talented in many ways and also generous and agreed to make our night extra special by cooking and serving our meal. A kid-free night without having to cook and hanging out with our favorite friends? Yes, please!
As an extra bonus, Ryan’s mom {Nonna to the kids} brought her decorating genius with her and made our table fabulous.
We started with a roll of sparkly polka dot wrapping paper, taping it to the table to hold in place. Then she started her magic, using a trailing potted ivy as the base and adding all sorts of silver, green and white vases, candles and flowers to fill.
It really was quite beautiful.
A few tips for decorating your Christmas table:
* wrapping paper, burlap or a long piece of favorite fabric makes a great table runner
* inexpensive chargers {mine are from Target for $1.99 each} make the table look a bit fancier
* sticking to a simple color scheme {green, white, gold & silver here} keeps things cohesive and makes a visual impact
* everyday white china and white cloth napkins work with any table theme – these are great basics to have available
* use unconventional items – jars of apples, a vintage wire basket, a moss covered reindeer – all are unexpected and memorable
* clip from your yard {or christmas tree} for natural greenery {sticks are great, too}
* take apart a mixed bouquet from the market and group like flowers together – or, better yet, cut a bunch of roses or carnations short and pack tightly together for a modern floral arrangement
* vary the height of your containers and group in odd numbers
* add candles and if you have a dimmer on your chandelier, turn down the lights
* and in the words of the Nester, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful
Wishing you a very, very Merry Christmas!
There is nothing like a Nonna! Bella!
Sidenote…I was looking at January’s edition of Better Homes and Gardens and I’m pretty sure that your pear print is on a bookshelf in one of the pictures (page 21). Check it out if you haven’t already.
I know! Isn’t that fun?! I just adore Edie’s house too. So honored to have my artwork in her lovely home.
While readng through my Better Homes & Gardens magazine today, I was so excited to see your artwork (the same I have in my house), featured in the home of one of the main stories in the magazine! Check out the December/January issue! “Mother of Reinvention” – Edie Wadsworth’s house.
So pretty! You two did an amazing job.
I love Robin and her creativity, and especially love her spirit. We’ve known each other for years when we used to work together. She’s the reason I’ve been a regular follower of your blog the last couple years. :) Merry Christmas to you and your family. Sharon
gorgeous!
Merry Christmas Emily!
What a great idea with the wrapping paper! I never would have thought of that. Please please share some details about that amazing ?locker? in your dining room! I haven’t noticed it on the blog before. Is it an early Christmas present? ;)
Wow Emily! It is beautiful! Hope you have a wonderful and merry Christmas!
Lovely! Looks like such fun.
I’d love it if you would share the menu with us too!