This Christmas, I chose to not decorate the majority of my home in the traditional colors of red and green, but opted for blues and whites with a Southern flair in my dining room and family room. It is no secret that I love the color blue, vintage pieces and mixing patterns! Some of my favorite things inspired this seasonal tablescape which served as a setting for Christmas Eve dinner and now transitions into a beautiful table for meals this winter.
A few months ago, I found some blue ticking stripe wrapping paper at Marshall’s. It was one of the things that got the ‘wheels turning’ and inspired me to create a Southern inspired tablescape in blue and white patterns. Inspiration can really hit anywhere!
When the kids were little, wrapping paper was an easy and inexpensive way to decorate the table for birthday parties. It adds a fun pattern or pop of color to the table, is easy to find in any theme, and is quick to clean up by rolling up the paper plates and cake crumbs in one big swoop. Wrapping paper comes in so many fun patterns, so why not use it?
To set the table:
Cut and lay the wrapping paper the length of the table.
– I cut it about two inches short of the end of the table, but you can go the length of the table and tape down if needed… You can also use a table runner or linen tablecloth.
Add place mats and chargers.
– I found these buffalo check place mats at Hobby Lobby. I used my galvanized chargers to contrast and add a rustic vibe! These are from Crate and Barrel, but I have seen them at Pier 1, Pottery Barn, and Hobby Lobby in different styles.
Add dishes.
– I tri-folded cloth napkins and placed them between the charger and plate. When the dishes are to pretty to cover, I tend to place the napkin this way. I used my scalloped edge white dinner plates, then layered vintage blue and white plates on top. For glasses, I used mason jars tied with blue and white twine placed in the center of the plates.
Create a centerpiece.
– Due to the narrowness of my table, I chose to use simple mason jars filled with magnolia stems and candles down the middle of my table. To add interest, I vary the height of the jars on small ceramic pedestals and wrap them in ticking stripe fabric. I also added antlers, sprigs of soft greenery, and white candles to create a warm and cozy glow.
I used two different sets of antique blue and white transferware made in England. I recently came across a website called blueandwhite.com that helps locate and identify a variety of makers and patterns of transferware and vintage china.
When mixing patterns, remember to use different sizes of prints – a large check contrasts well with small stripes. Different sizes of the same print mix well too!
I tucked a few stems of mixed greenery between the jars, but you can also use fresh clippings from your yard or pine garland for a more wintry style. Magnolia blooms add a southern touch and hide the ends of the faux greenery on the other side of the table.
I tucked pinecones into the magnolia blooms to add contrast and a fresh, natural look. You can hot glue pinecones onto small bare branches or kabob sticks for floral arrangements in the fall or winter. Pinecones just remind me of the latter seasons.
I tied wooden ornaments onto some of the tall candles with blue and white checkered ribbon. It makes me think of the southern sayin’ “Bless your heart…”
Wooden beads and found antlers add to the rustic charm of this tablescape. To some, it may be weird to decorate with animal horns, but in Texas, its just something we do. These antlers are all found from white tail deer who shed their antlers on my parents’ ranch.
You can also purchase the magnolia blooms from The Findery too. I like these florals, because they are made from pliable foam. They have a really neat texture and can be configured beautifully, used individually or placed in greenery.
I have recently been reading about ‘hygge,’ which is a Danish idea of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like gathering with family and friends around the dinner table and making your home cozy with candles and comfy throws. It is about simplicity but not at the cost of purging everything you love. It is an idea that I am really drawn towards.
It is about comfort, and loving yourself, so it is like a hug or a feeling of home. I just love the warm glow and cozy feel created from twinkle lights and candlelight. Totally, hygge!
Do you see my almost naked flocked Christmas tree in the corner? I leave my Christmas decor up until the kids return to school after the new year! It gives me more time to enjoy the family being home during the holidays, and we love the cozy feel!
Ticking stripe ribbon is simply draped across the tree to dress it up and create cohesiveness in the dining room.
I decorated my sideboard with a nativity scene made from paper mâché figures and an old crate. My chalkboard is created with a mix of chalk and Paper Riot wall decals.
I strung a checkered banner stitched with the word ‘gather’ across my blue hutch. It is a simple reminder for my family to come together.
Snowflake decals made by Paper Riot are available at Target and are placed on the glass. Decals are an easy way to make any space a little more festive.
Enjoy some more photos of my Southern inspired winter tablescape!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and happy new year! Thanks for stopping by the Cuter Tudor. Be sure to follow on Instagram and Facebook where I share my home daily!
