With Christmas less than two weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about your Holiday Tablescape.  If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I take my tablescapes very seriously.  I start planning them months in advance; I’ve also been known to set the table weeks before Christmas and then not let anyone touch it until the magical day arrives.

While perhaps a little crazy ;-), planning so far in advance allows me to slowly pull together pieces to create the perfect setting.  Because I have so much fun designing tables, this year I thought I would offer you three very different tablescape inspirations to help you create a beautiful table to host family and friends.

When designing a table I always have a jumping off point, one piece that sets the tone for the entire table.  It could be a plate, a napkin, or a decorative item.  This year the inspiration for each table came from a trip to Marshalls.

In my first table, the inspiration was the bold paisley napkin I spotted.  I just loved the traditional pattern in Christmas colours and couldn’t wait to design a table around it.  Next came the vibrant green charger which pairs perfectly with the simple black and gold rimmed dishes from HomeSense and keeps the table from looking too gaudy.  My gold flatware, some red and green accessories and you have a colorfully traditional table that is playful yet sophisticated.

My next table was inspired by this beautiful red salad plate.  I love using unexpected pieces in my holiday decor and I thought a black and white tablescape with this plate as the star would be stunning.  The plate felt a little whimsical so that I carried that in to the centerpiece with feathered accents.  Simple flatware, sparkly votive candle holders and a silver napkin create a chic and enchanted table.

This last table is my favorite.  It was inspired by the Merry Christmas wood carving I spotted at Marshalls.  I decided to use it as the centerpiece embedded in overlapping greenery running down the center of the table.  The driftwood charger was a great find and really pulled the wood element into each place setting.  Gold flatware, simple white dishes and plaid napkins bring this rustically elegant table to life.

Which is your favorite setting?  I’d love to know in the comments below.

I have a confession, I kinda lied, there is actually a fourth tablescape, the one I’ll be hosting friends with, click here to see it!