Merry Christmas: A Holiday Tablescape for Under $50

One of my very favorite parts about Christmas is gathering with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A few years ago, we started spending Christmas Day at my grandparents’ house. As a result, my parents and I started a new Christmas Eve tradition of having a festive dinner in our dining room.

I will take any and every chance to style a table, and I knew I wanted to do something special this year. Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, I see so many gorgeous holiday tables. Although I wanted to create something just as pretty, I had a rule: my entire design needed to be under $50. And I did it! Woo! The trick: use what you have and jump at the chance to do a few very quick DIY projects.

I opted to use my mom’s china, silverware, and glasses, as well as vintage linens from my grandparents. I added three glittered vases that I made over the summer (under $10), DIY gold polka dot votive candles holders ($3 – I already had a gold foil pen, but they’re $8 at Jo Ann Fabrics), red roses (two dozen – $20), and a DIY hanging bow chandelier installment ($5.50). My parents and I always sip on Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider while we eat, but I mixed things up by adding three apple pieces to each glass. So good!

A peek at my family’s Christmas Eve tablescape:

All photos by Carly is Inspired

DIY Hanging Bow Chandelier Installment: 

Materials: 24 sticky back present bows (for a 6 rung chandelier), scotch tape, 1-2 spools of thin ribbon

Instructions: Plan out your design beforehand because it will make the process of tying your bows on your chandelier much quicker. Also, group your bows together. I used two bows for every piece of ribbon and created a “ball”. Using your ribbon, measure where you would like your longer bows to hang. Then cut six pieces of ribbon accordingly (each of my longer bows required a 12″ piece of ribbon). Thread the ribbon through one of open areas of one of the bows. Then peel away the paper on the back of the bow. Roll an extra piece of scotch tape to add to the back, then press the back onto another like colored bow to create the ball. Hang by tying the ribbon into a bow on your chandelier. Measure where you would like your shorter bows to hang. Then cut six pieces of ribbon accordingly (each of my shorter bows required a 6″ piece of ribbon). Repeat the attachment and tying process, except opt for knots rather than bows when affixing your shorter bows to your chandelier. Enjoy!

DIY Gold Polka Dot Votive Candle Holders:

Materials: 6 glass votive candle holders, 1 gold foil (or Gold Metallic Sharpie) paint pen, 6 votive candles or tea lights (I used tea lights

Instructions: Make sure your holders are clean and free of dust and dirt. Test your paint pen on a sheet of paper before you use it on your holder. Draw small circles onto your holders and color them in to create your polka dot pattern. Add candles, light, and enjoy!

Classic red and green with a dash of gold and a few pops of glitter help to create my vintage glam inspired Christmas Eve table design. What are your holiday plans? 

To all who celebrate: Merry Christmas!!

P.S: The votive candle holders and hanging bows are both perfect for gatherings all year long! Just swap out the red and green for colors that match your palette. : )