Happy Almost Christmas, and Happy Tablescape for Two!
Like a lot of you, we’re going to be on our own for Christmas this year. The celebration will probably be a lot quieter, but we can still set a cozy table.
I’m actually really looking forward to a whole day with my wonderful husband. So I’m setting a little table by the fire where we can relax, unwind, and catch up!
Not in the Holiday Spirit?
I don’t know about you, but I was NOT in the holiday spirit this year. We got our tree, but you know how half of last year’s lights never work? Mine actually decided to quit right in the middle of trimming the tree! So I just stopped there.
(La Contessa asked about the tree down in the comments earlier, so I’ve added this photo to show you where I left off. Imagine how much like a candy cane it would’ve looked if I’d continued down this path!)
Also, I knew I wanted to set a special tablescape for two, but had no ideas at all. Until tonight. I’ll share the How-To below in case you want some ideas too!
Find Your Inspiration
Sometimes you just need to discover something that inspires you. I found my inspiration tonight at Trader Joe’s. (Thank goodness for TJ’s!) As I was standing in line to get in, I saw a lovely garland with tiny yellowish cones. I thought it was so beautiful, that I bought it.
I also found some deep red roses, and dusky red mums. (My husband said “red” when I asked him for Christmas decorating input a while back!) So, armed with my garland and flowers, I went home and started in.
The mantel was first, and as soon as I laid the garland, I knew. Instead of the candy-cane-esque red and white I had half-heartedly used on the top of the tree, I’d do gold. SO much warmer and cozier! And with just a few touches of deep red, so much more elegant.
So with the mantel done, I turned my attention to my tablescape for two.
Find a Cozy Spot
We definitely could eat our Christmas dinner at the dining room table, but I thought it would be fun to eat surrounded by our Christmas decorations. And next to a lovely cozy fire.
That did involve a little rearranging. However, it was worth it to have our table in the perfect place.
Actually, I’m really excited to use this particular table. The top is marble, and the base is iron I think. Anyway, it weighs a screaming ton!
But the coolest thing about it, is that my mother designed it! She had it made over 50 years ago for the house I grew up in. There’s a marble coffee table too.
And thanks to my generous brother, I got both of them from my mom’s estate!
Match Your Tablescape for Two to Your Holiday Decor
So after the rearranging and the table moving, I basically used the mantel decorating scheme for the tablescape.
First, I put a length of that pretty garland down the center of the table. It hung gracefully over the sides.
Then a bit of the same sheer gold ribbon as on the mantel.
And finally, just two of the deep dusky red mums. I’m liking the simpler look this year. No shiny ornaments or glitter – just candlelight and crystal.
The Place Setting
For our place setting, it was all gold and white. I know this does not surprise you, but it’s such a classic, elegant look, that I never get tired of it.
The charger is my go-to plain gold.
And the plates are part of a whole set of Haviland I got via my SIL! A friend of hers inherited it, and wanted it to go to a good home.
SIL knew just the home – and I’m so happy to have it! Isn’t it lovely on the table?
This is the same pattern, only pure white, as the teacup I got from SIL for a birthday present one year!
Flatware
I just love this brushed matte flatware! It’s a perfect match with the charger, and lends such a modern minimal touch.
A Tablescape for Two Needs Candlelight and Crystal
And now we come to the shimmery part. There’s just nothing like crystal and candlelight to make a tablescape for two feel special.
I got these crystal wine glasses at a vintage shop, which is unfortunately out of business now.
Even though I’ll have to find a new store, I’m so looking forward to thrifting again soon! In the meantime, you can get some almost identical glasses in the Shopping section below.
The candle holders are vintage too – simple and elegant brass.
And the Final Touch
A little present at each place, because – Christmas!
I hope you’re having fun and enjoying the holidays so far! Thanks so much for being here. I love sharing ideas for wonderful gatherings. Even if it’s as small as a tablescape for two!
Shop The Tablescape for Two Post
Click on the pictures for links to pieces I used for this table. If the exact item isn’t available any more, I chose a similar option.
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Pin the Tablescape for Two for Later
This Post Shared With
- Tablescape Thursday #638 – Hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
- Thursday Favorite Things #469 – Hosted by Shoestring Elegance
- BFF Open House 12.17.20 – Hosted by The Answer is Chocolate
- Friday with Friends #3 – Hosted by My Hubbard Home
- Tuesday Turn About #80 – Hosted by My Wee Abode
- Sundays on Silverado #20 – Hosted by House on Silverado
- Charming Homes & Gardens #38 – Hosted by Shiplap and Shells
- Centerpiece Wednesday 12.23.20 – Hosted by Karin’s Kottage
- Tablescape Thursday 11.24.22 – Hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
- Tablescape Thursday 12.07.23 – Hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
Congratulations Barbara, you are being featured at the next Friday with Friends link party!
I love your table for two setting and having it by the fireplace made it really special. Plus, I think this idea is perfect for Valentine’s day.
I am sorry about that darn tree 🙁
Thanks for participating, and Happy New Year to you.
Rachelle
Rachelle – thank you – I’m honored! I love your Friday with Friends party! Hope your new year has been great so far. See you Friday! 🙂
Your table is beautiful and your fireplace looks so cozy. Featuring this when my party opens. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Oh Carol – how nice of you – thank you for the feature, the compliment, and the wishes! Merry Christmas to you too, and see you over at the BFF Open House in a bit!
Barbara, I LOVE a pretty table for two and this one is perfect! It’s so cozy and sparkly and look like you could be dining in an upscale restaurant! Well done!
I’d love it if you’d share at my link party Sundays on Silverado!
Merry Christmas,
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Thank you so much Niky! I just posted on Sundays on Silverado – such a lot of great inspiration! Thanks for the invite, and Merry Christmas!
Your table is beautiful, elegant and romantic Barbara! I love the white ribbons on your tree, I think it looks gorgeous, did you finish decorating it? I wasn’t in the mood for decorating at first, but I slowly got into it and am loving the cheerful and bright decor, it really raises my spirits! I hop you and your husband have a wonderful holiday week! Merry Christmas!
Hi Jenna – thanks! Yes, I did finish the tree, but I decided on a gold and crystal color scheme instead. Maybe I’ll save the red, silver, and white idea for another year! 🙂 It took me a long time to get in the spirit of things too, but like you say, it does raise my spirits! I hope you and your family have a great holiday week as well!
Barbara, the mantel is beautiful – good eye for that garland in TJs (wish we had them in Canada). It looks great on the cozy table too, which is also lovely. And how cool is it that your mom designed it? I’m completely confident the tree will be just as beautiful too, and glad to hear that its not in the dumpster lol! Hope you have a lovely evening.
Ha – not in the dumpster yet! 🙂 So glad you like the mantel and the table, but too bad you don’t have a TJs! Hope you’re having fun up there anyway, and not getting too snowed in! Happy Friday!
I’m laughing about catching up with your husband. 😂 I feel like we are SOOO caught up I want to catch up with friends. In Person! I’m so glad you are going to give us tips on how to do that safely next year. It’s a beautiful table and you are such a romantic. I need more of that.
I know – isn’t that crazy? So many people are stuck at home together these days, but my husband and I are both still going into the office, and seem to be extra busy. I waved to him in the kitchen on my way through the other day! 🙂 So glad you like the table. Thanks for being here and being such a sweet friend!
Cozy it is for sure! I would love to sit in front of that fireplace and enjoy a meal with a bottle of Rose 🙂 And I’m loving those plates too! Enjoy your table Barbara, your husband must love it too!
Hi! He likes the tables, just not me moving all the furniture around! I do always put it back – just maybe not in the same place. 🙂 So glad you like the table. I’ll be hopping over to Happy Haute Home in a bit to see what beauty you’ve been up to! Happy Week Before Christmas!
Gorgeous! You can never go wrong with crystal and candlelight. The table itself is so beautiful-you are a lucky girl to have such a treasure. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much Renae – I do feel lucky, and I now feel like a grownup because we have an actual coffee table, and don’t have to bring out the piano bench for appetizers anymore! So glad you like the table, and you’re so right about crystal and candlelight! Hope you have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas too!
SO, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TREE…………….OUTSIDE IN A DUMPSTER?!!!
YOUR TABLE IS PERFECT!
I WOULD LIKE TO DO THE SAME THING BUT THERE IS A ROUND TABLE FULL OF STUFF AND A PIGS BED TO MOVE SO NOT HAPPENING!
PIGGY has the spot in front of the fireplace.PLUS, CHRISTMAS IS HIS BIRTHDAY!!!
I found a body pillow with a beautiful ORCHE LINEN COVER FOR HIM!HE LOVES PILLOWS TO MOVE AND ADJUST!
LOVELY DECOR and did you paint your walls?LOVE THEM!
XX
Haha! No the tree is not in the dumpster! 🙂 I tried to put a picture in this comment, but it wouldn’t go. So I’ll add it to the post – if you want to see the tree’s abandoned state, pop back over and take a peek! I do understand about pets getting the best spots. My dog used to squish me flat against the wall so she could have the whole bed!
The wall is alternately cool and annoying. It’s the result of taking off several layers of painted-over wallpaper from the last 100 years. We can’t really decide what to do with it, but I’ll totally show you when we do! Thanks so much for stopping over and for your entertaining comments – I love hearing from you!
OFF TO SEE THAT TREE!
Hahaha! It looks very different now. I’m hoping to get some photos tonight.
I am enthralled by your wonderful descriptions.. . .as well as your execution. So elegant and not difficult for those of us who profit from your vision.
Thank you, and have a lovely dinner by firelight.
Diane you’re so sweet! I’m so glad you like it! I’m planning to build a big fire and hang out there all Christmas! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by – I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday!