When I posted a about “When Santa’s Broke – Creating a Magical Christmas, When You Have No Money” I could never have dreamed how much traffic that single post would generate. It has been amazing. The best part is all the comments from readers sharing their Christmas stories and tip!
The most frequent comment / request I have received has centered around our Christmas morning breakfast table. I thought it would be fun to share some quick and inexpensive Christmas table options. Each of the following tables cost less than $10.00 to throw together. I used decorations we already own paired with some new finds.
Before I get to the Christmas tables I want to show you what my dining room looks like normally. If you were to stop by my house this is what my dining room would look like. It is small – but functional! I am sharing it to show you that it does not matter how large or fancy your room is – you can create something magical!
My first makeover had a country Christmas theme to it.
For this I used a old Christmas tree skirt scrunched up in the middle of the table. I tossed some tree decorations on the tree skirt, along with some white bowls (filled with candies) and a cake stand with a golden start on it.
By using some string / twine / ribbon to attach a jingle bell to an everyday napkin it makes it “special”
The addition of .99 milk bottles (found at Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store) with a simple red straw and a donut hole placed on the top – the whole experience is magical for kids!
My Second table was centered around tinsel.
Silver tinsel covering the table with tree decorations, candy canes, and .97 paper plates (placed on top of the white plates – I found these at Wal-Mart) makes it so fun for kids. I also filled little acrylic shot glasses with fake snow and placed a candy on top.
The third table was my favorite. It was my favorite because it pulls at my heart strings. These Christmas houses were hand painted by my grandfather. I can vividly picture him sitting in the living room painting these. I absolutely treasure them!
I set up my village in the center of the table. I also placed a house on each dinner plate. I used Christmas napkins as a place-mat, and then a second napkin to separate the dinner plate from the paper plate.
Now onto my top tips for creating your very own tablescapes!
Remember who you are decorating for!
These tables are for kids. You do not want fancy – you want fun! Don’t go for formal go for color. Forget about perfection and try to elicit excitement.
I did not decorate these tables the way I would if my Husband and I were having his co-workers over for a Christmas celebration. I decorated for my boys! I went with what would make the day special for them!
Use what you have!
You do not have to go out and buy a bunch of new decorations! Use what you have. Take ornaments from your tree. Use pinterest to look up fun ways to fold napkins, or decorations you can create by just folding wrapping paper!
All of my tables cost less than $10.00! I could have totally gotten away with just using decorations I had on hand.
Plan Ahead!
The details of your table and surrounding area can make or break the entire space!! Plan ahead, and decide what you want to accomplish – and what you have that can get you there. Adding the little jungle bells to the napkins, throwing a donut on top of the milk jug. Tiny bows, and fake snow. All those little things add up to make a very exciting table!
Make sure you are following my Christmas on a Budget Pinterest board. I am pinning awesome ideas that can really spruce up your space for little to no money!
Additional Tips
- Use wrapping paper to wrap picture frames already on the wall
- Hang wreaths on the inside of the window
- Use wrapping paper to make ring garland!
- Ask friends and family if they have any decorations they are not using this year – see if you could borrow them
- Display food on platters. It makes it feel so much more special
- Google Christmas Themed napkin folding. Pick one! *I love the elf shoe!*
- Place a small gift at each place setting. I actually bought little musical flutes (.97 for 5 of them at Wal-Mart) that I will place on he table this year~
I’d love to hear your tips!!!
Bridgett says
Oh my goodness! You are amazing! Thank you!