Yesterday, I shared my Christmas kitchen and today, I’m sharing the Christmas dining room. The dining room sits between the living room and the kitchen – kind of like a really wide hallway between the two. While having an open layout is great, it does have its drawbacks. Namely, that because the dining room sits between the other two main living spaces, it really has to tie everything together. It took awhile for inspiration to strike this year, even though this is my favorite room to decorate.
*Update: You can view the Living Room here!
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I bought a plaid tablecloth from Amazon, and layered it with a new red striped runner from World Market. Normally, I only use table runners as I love our white farm table, but I really liked the more traditional look for Christmas. The boxwood wreath that normally hangs on the mantle is now on the wine rack and I added a simple red bow.
For the centerpiece, I used a long metal basket from Hobby Lobby and filled it with some candles and lots of magnolia leaves. I pulled the leaves off the stems (purchased at a local Kroger) and used floral to create little bunches to stick around the candles. The candles were quite high enough so they are actually sitting up on some clear glass votives. Yes, I know this is likely a fire hazard … I don’t actually plan on lighting the candles. The two birch vases from At Home are filled with some fresh holly from the yard.
I used my everyday Nortitake Colorwave China to set the table. You’ll notice that I use this China in most of my table settings. I want to keep this blog real for people, and at the end of the day, most of us don’t have 6+ place settings of multiple sets of China around the house. Even if I could justify having that much, I certainly don’t have the storage for it! I do have some accent plates that I switch out a regular basis. Last summer, I bought some blue glass dinner plates from Tuesday Morning (similar available here), and of course, have my grandma’s China. But, most days, this is what we use.
A great way to make basic plates look new is to use different napkins. Napkins are often more cost-effective and much easier to store than plates. I bought these at Homegoods last year and never used them so was excited to get them out this year! I love the mix of patterns. Since the napkins only came in a set of four, I supplemented at the end chairs some of my red napkins.
In addition to the boxwood wreath, I also added two of the Dollar Tree stocking hangers from last year and some more red ribbon. Milk glass candle sticks and a vase (serving as a candle holder) are in the center.
My favorite vintage highball glasses sit on either side, with more Fitz & Floyd and fresh holly.
And here is our dining room from the spiral staircase on the other side of the living room. Tomorrow, I’ll share what you see from the opposite side in our living room!
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Oh, those highball glasses brought back memories of my father who also served highballs in those glasses!! Your home looks so festive – happy holidays!
Everything is just so well-thought of and I think your simple centerpiece is perfect! Love how you added magnolia leaves to it! Thank you for joining the 12 days of Holiday Homes Link party! hope you can drop by and check out my Christmas tour one of these days as well! Have a Merry Christmas!
I love the dinning room and I love all the places you found your decor – such good stores. I spotted those birch jars from At Home and thought they were so lovely. Those vintage glasses, I have not seen them in such a long time – brings back memories of my family having these growing up. I love the festive look in the dinning room!!