It’s about that time of year when we sit and gather with the ones we love. I have so many cherished memories of time spent around the table with family. Whether enjoying a feast or a drink and some games. The table is always where we congregate. It’s a place where stories are shared, and fond words are spoken. It’s a place for laughter, silliness, and competitive banter. It’s a welcoming place, to whomever may join. There is no doubt, the table is the heart of the home.
My table holds a special place in my heart, as I built it from scratch with my dad. From the designing phase, choosing the wood (black walnut) at the sawmill, hours upon hours of sanding, to drilling dowel holes, and finally finishing. This table was handcrafted with love. It brings me a huge sense of pride. And when I have an occasion to dress it up, I jump at the chance!
I know for sure that I am hosting two dinners over the holidays. And they will be completely different. The first is going to be a kid’s party! Since moving, I really want to try to keep the kids bonds strong, and I don’t want Nora thinking she’s missing out because we don’t live in the neighbourhood anymore. I can’t wait to host this! I have so many cute ideas.
Secondly, we will be hosting Christmas dinner with my parents and Al’s family. I am so excited to have our families over and to begin making new memories in this home.
Let’s begin with the kid’s party!
Pompom Garland $19.99 | Gnomes $24.99, $14.99 | Felted Mouse Ornament $19.99 | Bottlebrush Trees - Prices Vary
I know I just talked about how much I love dressing up the table, and here I go covering it with a tablecloth. But, for young kids, I want to protect it - also a tablecloth keeps the mess intact. Creating a fun table for the kiddos is such a welcomed change. Don’t get me wrong, I love designing all the gorgeous on trend content for us adults but switching gears and playing around with bright colours and lots of whimsy sure is cheerful! And I know the kids will be thrilled to sit, snack, and write letters to Santa here.
Frosted Snowflake Pick $5.99 | Pompom garland $19.99 | Bottlebrush trees - prices vary | Gnomes - prices vary
For each place setting, I decided to give the kids a little felted ornament to bring home and hang on their trees. I’ve witnessed lots of kids eyeing these at the store, so I know they will be well received. And they’re cute enough that the parents won’t mind displaying them as well. I just love the skiing bear and little mouse – how adorable?!
Frosted Snowflake Pick $5.99 | Pompom garland $19.99 | Bottlebrush trees - prices vary | Gnomes - prices vary
Felted Ornaments $19.99
For the centerpiece, I used only soft items that aren’t breakable. With glitzy snowflake picks as my base, I filled the middle of the table with an assortment of bottlebrush trees and gnomes. And of course, a loop-di-loop of pompom garland!
Felted Ornaments $19.99
I just can’t wait to fill the air with the sound of children laughing together as they share in the magic of the season.
Now, l let’s get to the adult’s table. This year, with the fireplace in the dining room, I felt like making the table moody with loads of texture and hues of deep green, gold, and black. I am absolutely in love with this look. Plus, this is something that can be used all season, not just for Christmas, which is definitely an added bonus.
Fur Runner $59.99 | Seagrass Placemat $14.99 | 19.5" Glitzy Pine Spray $9.99
Tapered Candlesticks $12.99 (set of 2) | Gold canisters $14.99, $29.99 | Fur runner $59.99 | Flameless flicker candle $9.99
For the base I laid out this gorgeous, fur table runner and topped it with frosted pine picks. Then I placed gold canisters and Christmas trees with staggering heights in the center. I filled the canisters with more picks, but you could easily add in a small poinsettia, pinecones, or Christmas balls instead. Whatever you have on hand. The idea is to not break the bank! For added ambiance I included candles. I love that these candlestick holders are cast iron – nice and heavy so you don’t have to worry about tipping the candles over.
Gold Canisters $14.99, $29.99, $49.99 | 11.5" Cast Iron Candlestick Holders $29.99
For the place settings, instead of napkin rings I used ornaments! I used the string they hang from to wrap around the linen. However, you could also fold the napkin and place the ornament on top.
Gold Star Ornament $7.99 | 19.5" Glitzy Pine Spray $9.99 | 11" Frosted Pine Spray $5.99
I just adore the cozy, moody vibes of this look and cannot wait to host our first Christmas in our new home. A big part of what makes the holidays so magical is all of the love that is given and the memories that are made. I plan to fill this next chapter of our lives to the brim with both. We are so blessed to have a place to call home and loved ones to fill it.
Here’s to a holiday of giving! May our hearts overflow with love & appreciation for the ones who we share it with.
