Christmas Decor That’s Easy on You AND Your Wallet

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“He may not be the one who puts the presents under the tree, but his spirit works through us each time we give freely without expectation and each time we spread joy, love and light." – Meadow Linn (Photo by: Jesson Mata on Unsplash)
Each Christmas I try to come up with a theme to carry out and I’ve been on a whimsical Christmas roll. With the pandemic having loomed for so long, I found myself longing for simpler times and Christmases past and decided to bring a little vintage into the mix. (Though I must admit I get a chuckle out of what is considered vintage as the older I get, it’s becoming everything from my youth! LOL)
My Christmas cards were of pictures when my kids were little and I pulled pix from when my hubbie and I were youngin’s and added those to the mix. I was really happy with the retro feel and incorporated it into my tablescape.
The concept of using Santa hats seemed like a perfect fit—a nod to the Magic of Christmas. (And yes, of course I still believe in Santa Claus!)

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Linens & Tableware:

Playing on my “Santa” theme, I chose black linens with a black and white checked table runner to make it a little more playful, and black cotton napkins. I found red plates at Dollar Tree (which I’ve also now used for Valentine’s Day and a Fiesta B’day Celebration – Click to see!) and used the red for a pop of color to match the hat.

Christmas Decor “Finds”:

I found ornaments at Dollar Tree that were little wooden plaques with “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” sayings and a pack of ornaments that were “Santa”esque – shiny red with a glitter black belt design that would be perfect at each place setting. Dollar Tree is a great place to “haunt” during the holidays for little items to add to your table for so little money. (Target’s dollar bins, T.J. Maxx as well as Michael’s are other options, especially when you come prepared with your Michael’s 50% off coupon).

Santa Ornaments found at the Dollar Tree
Santa-Themed Festive Tablescape:

Armed with my goodies, it was time to jeuge! I stuffed the Santa hats with tissue paper to give the hats a little structure so they stood up (newspaper would work, too) and placed three of them down the center of the table on top of the table runner. I picked up two bouquets of fresh flowers at Costco (Yes, Costco! I generally like to do my own flowers, but these were darling and I couldn’t beat the price.) I placed these in between the Santa hats.

I used the red plates, black napkins and after adding a gold ribbon to the Santa hat ornaments, placed one on each persons’ place setting when hosting my friends. Votive candles are always my jam for evening events as it adds beautiful lighting to the room. I placed the “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” wooden ornaments along the table by simply leaning them against the vases in varying locations.

Extra Touches:  (They make ALL the difference to make it personalized & special for your guests.)

I color copied old pictures of my husband and my families when we were little at Christmas-time and used my stash of small black frames from old purchases at Dollar Tree and Michael’s to frame (Gold frames are pictured just to show the vintage pix I used). I added the framed pictures around the table and everyone loved the throwback to our old times as kiddos celebrating the holiday adding to my retro Christmas theme.

Little Changes:  (Whole new look…for minimal cost!)

When hosting our family, I swapped out the Santa ornaments for Christmas crackers from TJ Maxx, similar to these at each persons’ place setting and used a couple of the Santa ornaments sporadically down the length of the table for additional flair.

Christmas Crackers used for party favors; Santa ornaments for decor
Santa ornaments used for party favors
Santa Tree - Whimsical & FUN!

More Santa Touches:

You don’t have to go overboard to get your theme across.  Sprinkling touches throughout keep rooms congruent, but it doesn’t have to be “matchy matchy” or your house laden with Santa Claus’ in order for people to get it.  I just added a few additional touches besides my tablescape to keep the theme going.

Santa Tree: 

I have several Christmas trees around the house.  (I mean if one is good, three is better, am I right?)  Near the entry way, I had a small 4’ pre-lit white Christmas tree and added some pom pom garland (similar to this one as mine is no longer available).  I then used a Santa hat as the tree topper and voila!  Easy, inexpensive and festive!  

Bonus:  From the dining room, this tree is in the sightline for my guests so more lights and Santa to pull in the theme as we dine.

Starring Role Placement

Bookcase:

This one is CRAZY simple…I added a Santa hat to my bookcase display which already is donned with Christmas decor.  Ta Da!  I know.  I can hear your eye roll.  But I promise…it’s the little touches that are subtle and slowly build your theme for your guests.  

Wrapping it Up:

Nothing I used is expensive, just used in a creative way. I did use my crystal and sterling from our wedding, but those were gifts from over 30 years ago, so I don’t think they count 🙂 (Btw, pull out those things you’re saving “for good”! They’re meant to be used and enjoyed.)

I also mix it up a little when entertaining friends vs family depending on what I have on hand or what mood I want to have for the evening. But that’s the FUN part! You get to mix and match and play!…and, of course, jeuge!

For more holiday and entertaining ideas, be sure to subscribe to funwithfunsize.com! AND follow me on Instagram @FunwithFun_Size and Pinterest (pin me!). Let me know if you’ve given any of my tips and tricks a try in the comments below.  Happy Ho-Ho-Hoing!

6 thoughts on “Christmas Decor That’s Easy on You AND Your Wallet”

  3. Jan Padilla

    I have been so blessed to have enjoyed a holiday dinner at one of the beautiful tables. Great job Shelley!!

    Reply

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