How to Decorate a Country Christmas Table

Decorate a down-home Christmas dinner table in country style. Here's an easy blueprint. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set the table with dishes that are either very plain - perhaps solid cream - or of a homespun style that will complement your country accessories.

2

Purchase a centerpiece or create your own from items such as a teddy bear, straw angel or rustic Santa posing in a basket of pinecones; sweet gumballs; small red apples (real or artificial); walnuts; red and green balls of yarn; or round peppermint candies. An alternative could be a grouping of varied-height pillar candles (all in one color such as cream, red or green), each wrapped with a few coils of raffia or twine and looped into a bow.

3

Design place card holders that relate to your centerpiece. Some examples are a walnut with a card hot-glued on; a tiny straw angel, stuffed teddy bear or Santa with the card on its lap; or a short pillar or votive candle with the card tied on with raffia or twine. (See Related eHows for other place card ideas.)

4

Use a solid-color tablecloth - or perhaps a red-and-white checkered one, if it won't be too busy - in concert with your other table accessories. If you wish to use a contrasting runner, consider a burlap of a contrasting color such as natural tan for extra texture on your table (don't forget to fray the edges for a rustic look).

5

Select napkins of a solid color, or perhaps of checks or peppermint-stripes, that harmonize with the cloth. Another option is the traditional bandana kerchief used as a napkin.

6

Roll up the napkins and tie them with raffia, twine or a grosgrain ribbon.