10 Thoughtful (and Thrifty) Christmas Table Touches
If you're after some affordable decorative touches to add to your Christmas table this year, here are some great ideas to inspire you
Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends and enjoying great food, drinks and the chance to let our loved ones know what they mean to us. The Christmas table is generally the heart of the celebration, and decorating it is a fabulous way of setting the tone and making everyone feel appreciated and welcome. With a little imagination and some spare change, these thoughtful touches and ideas will give you some festive inspiration for this year’s table.
2. Place names
Another cute idea for place names (and a fun talking point to boot) is to fasten name tags to festive themed items and place these on the dinner plates with guests’ names attached. Select a theme and use thoughtful items from around your home. For example, pine branches, rosemary, a pomegranate, tree decorations, eucalyptus fronds, baubles… the list is endless. Use twine or mini-pegs to fasten.
Another cute idea for place names (and a fun talking point to boot) is to fasten name tags to festive themed items and place these on the dinner plates with guests’ names attached. Select a theme and use thoughtful items from around your home. For example, pine branches, rosemary, a pomegranate, tree decorations, eucalyptus fronds, baubles… the list is endless. Use twine or mini-pegs to fasten.
3. Gift bags
We are well accustomed to the Christmas cracker or bon-bon in Australia, and they usually are filled with useless jokes and a few plastic throw-aways.
Put your own twist on the fun and create little gift bags for your guests instead. You can pick up affordable bags such as these in craft stores and two-dollar shops; choose complementary colours and patterns to your chosen theme and fill with festive favours.
BONUS TIP: To add to the fun, choose a selection of favours that vary in price – it will be a fun ice-breaker to see who gets what.
We are well accustomed to the Christmas cracker or bon-bon in Australia, and they usually are filled with useless jokes and a few plastic throw-aways.
Put your own twist on the fun and create little gift bags for your guests instead. You can pick up affordable bags such as these in craft stores and two-dollar shops; choose complementary colours and patterns to your chosen theme and fill with festive favours.
BONUS TIP: To add to the fun, choose a selection of favours that vary in price – it will be a fun ice-breaker to see who gets what.
4. Christmas cookies
I love baking and this is a great Christmas tradition to get the little ones involved in. In preparation for your dinner party or Christmas gathering, pre-bake and decorate some cookies for your guests to place on their plate or in your gift bag (see above). Have carols or a festive movie on in the background. That is how memories are made.
12 Christmas holiday traditions to start now
I love baking and this is a great Christmas tradition to get the little ones involved in. In preparation for your dinner party or Christmas gathering, pre-bake and decorate some cookies for your guests to place on their plate or in your gift bag (see above). Have carols or a festive movie on in the background. That is how memories are made.
12 Christmas holiday traditions to start now
5. Pine cones
The humble pine cone can be both festive and functional. Simply place a hand-written card in the groove in between the leaves to create a sweet place setting. The beauty of pine cones is that they work in both traditional and contemporary Christmas colour schemes, adding texture and a more rustic effect.
The humble pine cone can be both festive and functional. Simply place a hand-written card in the groove in between the leaves to create a sweet place setting. The beauty of pine cones is that they work in both traditional and contemporary Christmas colour schemes, adding texture and a more rustic effect.
6. Candles
It may be an obvious one but make sure you use candles on your Christmas table this year. Nestle them among fresh flora and greenery – there’s something magical about the ambient glow and the twinkling of a candle that helps create an inviting atmosphere day or night. Display tapered designs in candelabras or light a bounty of tea lights in pretty holders.
It may be an obvious one but make sure you use candles on your Christmas table this year. Nestle them among fresh flora and greenery – there’s something magical about the ambient glow and the twinkling of a candle that helps create an inviting atmosphere day or night. Display tapered designs in candelabras or light a bounty of tea lights in pretty holders.
7. Baubles
Another great way to add shimmer and sparkle to your Christmas centrepiece is to nestle some brilliant baubles in your arrangement; here I’ve tucked them into a leafy display of fragrant greenery.
BONUS TIP: A thoughtful idea would be to have your guests take one home to trim their own tree with.
Another great way to add shimmer and sparkle to your Christmas centrepiece is to nestle some brilliant baubles in your arrangement; here I’ve tucked them into a leafy display of fragrant greenery.
BONUS TIP: A thoughtful idea would be to have your guests take one home to trim their own tree with.
8. Gift tree
An alternative to a long Christmas centrepiece, and an idea for smaller tables, is to create your own focal point using natural branches found out the back. This idea takes advantage of the space above the table, rather than along it. Hang decorations from the branches – these can even be handmade by you or your children, and make thoughtful presents for family.
An alternative to a long Christmas centrepiece, and an idea for smaller tables, is to create your own focal point using natural branches found out the back. This idea takes advantage of the space above the table, rather than along it. Hang decorations from the branches – these can even be handmade by you or your children, and make thoughtful presents for family.
9. Napkin decorations
A simple idea to dress up your place settings or napkins is to use tree ornaments and let each guest keep them as a memento. Select something especially for each guest, or use a glitter glue pen and write each guest’s name on for a personal touch. Clear baubles work well for this idea so each name is easily visible.
A simple idea to dress up your place settings or napkins is to use tree ornaments and let each guest keep them as a memento. Select something especially for each guest, or use a glitter glue pen and write each guest’s name on for a personal touch. Clear baubles work well for this idea so each name is easily visible.
10. Christmas cards
Better with words? Place your guests’ Christmas cards at each place setting with a heartfelt note that’ll leave them feeling warm and fuzzy even before dinner is served.
TELL US
What thoughtful touches are lining your Christmas table this year?
MORE
10 Christmas Trees of a Different Kind
Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
10 Reasons to Love an Australian Christmas
Better with words? Place your guests’ Christmas cards at each place setting with a heartfelt note that’ll leave them feeling warm and fuzzy even before dinner is served.
TELL US
What thoughtful touches are lining your Christmas table this year?
MORE
10 Christmas Trees of a Different Kind
Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
10 Reasons to Love an Australian Christmas
If you’re a stationery fan like me, you would have noticed all the beautiful gift tags (including the letter-pressed or hand-stamped varieties) that are available. Tying these to your napkins with twine or ribbon is a personal little touch you can easily re-create with spare change. You can even write a little note to your guests on the reverse side. Add a sprig of rosemary, a cinnamon stick or a candy cane. Et voila! Instant napkin styling that’ll make your guests smile.
How to style an ‘Australiana’ Christmas table