Video Tutorial

Hosting Christmas lunch or dinner for the first time and not sure how to decorate and set your table?

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’m showing you how to add inexpensive décor and materials to create a simple, easy and budget-friendly table setting.

1.Lay down a table runner

2. Add garland to the center

3. Stagger candlesticks

4. Add small artificial trees

5. Pick placemats that contrast the table

6. Add a water glass and wine glass

7. Place a cloth napkin on your dinner plate

8. Set a small natural decor item on the napkin

9. Add silverware

10. Video Tutorial

1. lay down a table runner

I bought this table runner from HomeGoods this year and it was only $14!

I picked it out because it has a neutral color scheme. A lot of Christmas decorations are red and green so I wanted a simple color scheme so that the decor on top would be the focus.

The table runner acts as a backdrop to the decorations that you place on top of it, so I would pick your table runner first.

TIP: If you plan on adding a variety of decorations on top of the table runner, I would stick to a simple and monochromatic looking table runner. If you think that you will just have one anchor piece on the table, go for the intricate and busy table runner!

2. add garland to the center

I found this Christmas garland at Hobby Lobby. This premade garland is acting as my centerpiece.

When you buy Christmas decor before Thanksgiving, it is 50% off so this garland was originally $70 but I got it for $35.

(I also looked at Sam’s Club for a tabletop garland and they are more expensive.)

My logic was that to buy the garland, all of the ornaments and pinecones, I would spend the same amount of money to DIY a look alike.

3. stagger tall candlesticks

Not required, but the candlesticks add height to the table without obstructing the view.

Also, candles create an intimate mood when lit and I think that Christmas with family and friends is the perfect occasion to light candles.

If you have allergies or are sensitive to smells, then don’t light the candles but you can still use them for decorations.

I found these glass holders at a thrift store and the candlesticks at Hobby Lobby for 50% off.

4. add small trees

Texture and height. That’s how I think of tablescaping.

For the centerpiece, we have the table-length garland and for height we have candles.

You don’t have to add a lot of decor to decorate your table but it’s good to add one contrasting texture.

These little artificial snowy white Christmas trees were 50% off at Michaels. Originally, $6.00 for a pack of two but I got them for $3.

Tucked into the garland on alternating sides, these little white trees add contrast to the green garland.

5. Pick placemats that contrast the table

I already had these white placemats because they were a gift from my mom.

They have tiny lines of silver but you really can’t tell unless you are staring straight at them.

I chose white placemats to contrast the dining table and match the table runner.

You can choose any color that you would like! I think white is always classic so I know that I won’t get sick of it in a few years.

Also, if you have a lot of little children, maybe stay away from white and choose a color that hides stains well. Our family is all adults so we won’t have too many spills (hopefully).

6. add a water cup (and wine glass)

For a formal table setting, the water glass goes on the right upper quadrant of the table setting closest to the guest. To the right of the water cup goes a white wine glass or a red wine glass.

This wine glass is the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass Modo Stemware Collection White Wine Glass. You can find them on Amazon.

The short water glasses are also from Amazon. They are called Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass Modo Collection Water/All Purpose Wine Glass.

I have dropped both of these glasses and surprisingly they haven’t shattered yet.

7. Place a cloth napkin on your dinner plate

8. Set a small natural decor item on the napkin

I found this berry twig in the wreath-making section at Michaels.

You can use anything as decor on the plate! Just make sure that it is smaller than the silverware.

9. Add silverware

The fork goes on the left side and the knife on the right side of the dinner plate.

Make sure that your knife edge is pointing towards the plate and not towards another guest.

10. Merry christmas!

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