If you have put off decorating the dining table for Christmas dinner then check out these 4 simple holiday entertaining decor ideas. They will guarantee a festive, elegant look that will take no longer than just a few minutes:
Easy Glitter Candles: A grouping of glittery candles add sparkle and elegance to a table. I suggest grouping the candles on a decorative tray so that it is easily moved from room to room as you entertain.
Supplies: pillar candles, tray, white glue, brush, sea and/or epsom salt.
Instructions: 1/liberally brush white craft glue on side surfaces of pillar candles, 2/roll the glue-covered candle in salt, 3/let dry for 10-20 minutes. Using sea salt will create a glittery, crystalized look while epsom salt will create a snowy, white look to the candle. You can use the left over salt to sprinkle on a plate or tray that holds the candles.
Festive Table Runner: using left-over paper wrap as a table runner is a quick and easy way to make your Christmas dinner table look festive without spending much money. I suggest a heavy-stock paper with a subtle pattern to add durability and give an elegant look.
Supplies: long strip of holiday gift wrap that is 18" longer than your dining table, scissors, tape, hole punch, lightweight holiday ornaments.
Instructions:
- 1. Measure length of gift wrap 18 inches longer than dining table and cut a decorative "V" at each end.
- 2. Bind all edges of the runner with tape; clear tape works great, but coloured binding or duct tape will add a detail to the edge of the paper runner.
- 3. Punch holes in tape and hang a lightweight ornament at each end.
Stunning Centerpiece: this is one of my favorite holiday decor tricks; people are consisstantly impressed with this simple but dramatic idea.
Supplies: basic rose bowl/vase, tall drinking glass, 10-12 feet length of cellophane, scissors, water, candle.
Instructions:
- 1. Place tall drinking glass in rose bowl; making sure that it is not taller than the top of the vase.
- 2. Scrunch cellophane (the type that you get from the florist works best) and place around the glass.
- 3. Pour water around cellophane making sure not to get in the drink glass. Fill to the top. Use the glass to hold a candle or flowers.
Placemat: Simple holiday placemat: This practical place mat is customized for each guest at the table.
Supplies: Cardboard, white glue, gift wrap, ribbon scraps, gift tags, marker.
Instructions:
- 1. Cut thick cardboard to standard placemat size of 12"x17".
- 2. Cover cardboard with gift wrap using white glue.
- 3. Add ribbons in decorative patterns and add a monogramed gift tag as place card. This pretty placemat will keep your wood table free from heat, scratches and spills.
Side Notes:
By changing the colours to silver and gold, you can re-create all these ideas for a New Years celebration table.
All these ideas are safe enough for the kids to help although they should never be left alone when using scissors or in the company of lit candles.
- -Other simple, elegant ideas are: Use a wreath as a centerpiece (filled with seasonal fruit or candles), hang lightweight ornaments from your chandelier using pretty ribbons, tie a large satin ribbon around the back of a dining chair, use small cedar branches, cranberries, tangerines and pine cones as a centerpiece.
