Creating a beautiful holiday table doesn’t have to mean a trip to the store for new décor. Instead, consider using what you already have—whether it’s flowers, vintage finds, or everyday household items—to craft a memorable, sustainable, and festive setting. Here are three expert-recommended ways to set a gorgeous table this holiday season using items you own or can easily source.
1. Deck Your Table with Flowers and Greenery
Natural elements like fresh flowers, succulents, and greenery bring a sense of seasonal warmth and can easily transform your table. Floral designer Willow Crossley suggests using short vessels, which make it easier for guests to see one another while still providing a festive touch. “I like to fill low vessels with single blooms like ranunculus or anemones, interspersed with forced-bulb flowers like paperwhites and amaryllis,” she says.
Crossley often places edible items like tiny oranges or pomegranates on cake stands for a Roman-inspired feast, letting guests nibble between courses. Similarly, Anna Weaver, owner of Proper Topper, suggests weaving succulents, air plants, and dried flowers down the table for a low-maintenance yet elegant display. “A bit of shiny mercury glass or tinsel adds a touch of holiday magic,” she notes.
For those on a budget, consider visiting a flower wholesaler or buying bulk flowers from places like Costco, which often have better prices than traditional floral shops.
2. Set a Sustainable Table
The trend of buying specialized holiday décor can quickly lead to waste, but sustainability experts recommend using what you already have to create a meaningful and eco-friendly tablescape. Laura Fenton, author of The Little Book of Living Small, advocates for utilizing natural elements like autumn leaves, which can be transformed into place cards with a metallic marker. In December, consider sourcing spare branches from your local tree lot and arranging them down the center of the table.
For added flair, repurpose everyday items—family china, glassware, or even jam jars to hold flowers. “You don’t need to buy disposable items for one-off occasions,” says Baltimore-based interior designer Laura Hodges, emphasizing the importance of reusing what you own. If you’re short on tableware, borrowing from friends or renting from a local provider can be a cost-effective and sustainable option.
3. Embrace a Vintage Tablescape
Vintage décor brings character and history to your holiday table, and it’s often more affordable than new items. Anna Weaver, a vintage dealer, recommends mixing eras for a visually interesting look. For her holiday table, she used mid-century modern plates, antique brass candlesticks, and a 19th-century textile as a tablecloth. “A table is like a room—it needs layers to feel complete,” says Weaver.
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online platforms like EstateSales.net are treasure troves for unique finds. When hunting for vintage items, Weaver advises looking for sets of dinnerware to avoid a mismatched table. You can also focus on a single color, such as green or yellow, for a cohesive look. Vintage glassware, particularly 1930s Depression glass, can be a striking addition to any holiday table.
Don’t forget vintage linens and ornaments. Older napkins often have more charm and character than their modern counterparts, and they tend to be better quality at a lower price. “Buy as many as you can in white, and mix them up for a charming effect,” says Hodges. For a nostalgic touch, add a few vintage holiday ornaments like Shiny Brites or repurpose old postcards as place cards.
By reimagining what you already own, you can create a stunning, sustainable, and personalized holiday table that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re incorporating fresh greenery, repurposing vintage pieces, or making use of simple, everyday items, these tips will help you craft a memorable and festive dining experience this season.
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