A Well Dressed Table

Holiday Tabletop, originally uploaded by miss.mallory.

I've come to a realization. I don't just love cooking, or baking but I truly love the art of entertaining. I adore all the lovely ideas out there. From runners, to place settings, to mats, cards, lights, dishes, etc. For me it's not just about making good food, it's about creating an unforgettable atmosphere too. Especially when it comes to a special event, like a birthday, baby or bridal shower or holiday. Making a fabulous meal for someone is a wonderful way to show your love or adoration, but creating something just for them, or for an event, in my humble opinion, makes everyone feel warm, welcome and considered. Creating an unforgettable space sets the the tone for an evening. The lovelier the space, the happier the guests and the more memorable the event. Listen to me, go on and on like an excited child!

This is the "table" I created for our cooking clubs holiday dinner. And conveniently, since it's got an underlying christmas/jul/holiday theme I intend to keep it up through Christmas. I'll layout the table in steps below.

1. Bottom Layer: Classic Linen Tablecloth. I've seen this same pattern of linen tablecloth at restoration hardware/pottery barn/martha stewart collection. Many run between $45 and $75. I found this baby at target for $20 in the Fall.

2. Runner: First layer of the runner is a strand of red lights and a fun strand of red tinsel garland (Michaels has some neat red tinsel ball garland for 70% off). On top of that I laid 2 yards of red tulle ($1.29 at JoAnn Fabrics).

3. Placemats: I didn't want to spend $20+ on a set of red or christmas placemats. And then it hit me, an amazing epiphany, why not use wrapping paper? It's cheap, disposable, and comes in many different cool patterns and colors! Viola, $4 later I had enough paper for placemats and a gaggle of presents.

4. Candles: I purchased the red candles with glitter on the bottom for about $2.50 a piece at JoAnns. You can do it yourself though if you've got a few candles lying around by painting the bottoms with egg white or mod podge and rolling in glitter or sugar.

5. For above the table I made red and white poufs of different sizes. These are easy to make (and Martha Steward doesn't offer anything but pink or yellow, plus she charges $20 and all these were made for under $10). For a quick tutorial see my Inspired Wednesday : Be Entertaining post below.

The rest of the stuff on the table are a part of my collection. Rosanna kings road plates and number goblets, roost antler candle holders, antique tea cups (for serving soup, a fun alternative to bowls), vintage pitcher and glasses. Adding your own pieces will create a personal flair.

Holiday Table Closer, originally uploaded by miss.mallory.

Holiday Table Setting, originally uploaded by miss.mallory.

God Jul!
Happy Entertaining!