A dining space is a cozy place to be together around the table. It is a place to linger, share stories, celebrate, and eat delicious meals. This year, more than ever we are embracing being home and being cozy. If you saw Jose & I went Live on Instagram for the first time last night sharing the Magic of Home & how we create a cozy Christmas tablescape. If you missed our IG Live you can watch it here! It was so fun hanging out with all of you and answering your questions. I wanted to be sure you could get a closer look at the table here on the blog & a recap of my tips! If you are interested in any of the items featured in this post, head over to Ashley HomeStore & shop them here.
1. Make your dining experience special.
By moving furniture it can make you feel like you are dining somewhere new. Set your dining table in your living room near your Christmas tree or mantle. Don’t be afraid to move things around to make the space perfect for entertaining while keeping everyone comfortable and cozy. If you can’t move your table, try bringing more festive items around your dining area!
2. Use greenery and garland to add texture and color.
Whenever I use garland my secret tip is to mix together both real and faux, this creates a fuller garland that is custom to your home! A great tip is to never take garland at face value. Play around with it until it is at its desired look & fluffiness. If you have time, explore your backyard or a local nature preserve and grab some interesting pieces to add in right from nature.
3. Keep it simple.
Tablescapes can get really complex if you want them to but since we are using this table regularly I want to keep it simple. It is super easy for us to move out of the way if needed and leaves plenty of room for eating or playing games! A simple wreath centerpiece or gather some greenery mixed with candles should do the trick. A simple centerpiece welcomes conversation to the table, as you don’t need to be reaching your neck around pillars to converse.
5. Add lighting…
…or even turn the lights off! Use the dim light of the Christmas tree, fireplace, and/or other special lighting to create mood lighting. Here I used all faux candles to create an ambiance, without needing to worry about flames during dinner. If you prefer real candles light a special candle that has a distinct scent, so that you always correlate that scent with your memory.
6. Add layers.
Whether it be in a cozy rug, tablecloth, or linen napkins, adding layers through fabric can instantly make a room feel warmer. Layering is one of my favorite tips for creating a space that is cozy! All of the different textures come together to make your space feel more lived in and comfy. I also added a bunch of layers into our mantel to create a full cozy Christmas look. Here I have two garlands layered together plus bead garland, fa la la garland, and string lights!
7. Add Something Special.
Whether it be a fun game to enhance conversation or a couple disposable cameras to document the time. Play your favorite music dimly in the background. Who knows, everyone might break out in singing a song! Jose & I love our vintage book board games we’ve gotten and have been playing those regularly. Our favorite board games are monopoly, sequence, and life!
I hope this helps you spark creativity when thinking about your Christmas table. With so many of us staying home for Christmas I wanted to share some inspiration for making your holiday meal special for your family! If you need more ideas for your Christmas tablescape, I have so many great posts from years past here. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today & every day it means the world to me!
