Traditional Red Christmas Tablescape

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Christmas tablescape, antique mirror, wood bead chandelier, red ribbon, boxwood wreath

I literally can’t believe the words that I’m typing! You know I’m the queen of white, neutral, and minimal. But for some reason, this time I went in the exact opposite direction – toward color, layers and opulence – for this Christmas tablescape.

The Vision

I think I was inspired by the traditional red buffalo check plaid theme I did for Juliet’s room (read that post here). And then I came across these plates on the Pottery Barn website and I had a vision of red and white, with lots of greenery.

I have to admit that this is the first time I’ve done such an elaborate tablescape. I even pulled out my nice Lenox crystal for the occasion. The gold silverware is a new addition. I’ve been wanting to get a gold plated set but always thought that it would be an expensive investment.

I found this set on Amazon. From what I understand, the gold plating should last as long as I don’t use corrosive or citrusy detergent to wash it. The silverware is supposed to be dishwasher safe but I will probably end up handwashing and drying them to prevent spots. It won’t be our everyday set – just for special occasions and tablescapes. I’m totally ok with that given how little money I spent on it.

The Elements

Once I had my main elements figured out – red, gold, and green – I started repeating them throughout the tablescape and the room. I picked up two different chargers from Pier 1 Imports – I know, so over the top for me. But I was committed to making my vision come to life. The gold charger repeated the gold from the silverware and pulled the gold from the mirror.

The wreath that hangs on the mirror as well as the mini wreaths on the chairs are real preserved boxwood. Initially I had the faux pine stems you see in the vases spread as a garland along the table. It just didn’t look right that way. I wanted a luscious and natural centerpiece. So I picked up some cedar sprays from the grocery store to layer on the centerpieces. I used cake stands with soup bowls on them to keep the cedar stems in place. Then I added real pomegranate and pears and topped with more greenery to disguise the bowls.

One of the advantages of having these Chippendale chairs is that I can easily hang wreaths from the back. Last year I struggled with the upholstered chairs I had. I used pins and they kept falling.

I also want to make the point that having all white walls with white furniture doesn’t have to be boring. It’s just a blank canvas for creativity to explode. This very red setup can be transformed quickly and inexpensively by just changing a set of plates and linens.