Christmas table decor and some easy DIYs

Day One

I'm kicking off Creating Christmas with an overview of my Christmas table decor and some super quick diy ideas you can use in creating a Christmas table setting. These will also lend themselves to other holidays.

It all started with a table runner. I could not find a cheap inexpensive white one anywhere. I bought one from the Target Christmas Noel collection but it was not the proper length for my table. I wanted at least six inches of overhang on each end and it just didn't quite do it. I wanted white because I'm using some non-traditional colors this year. So what's a girl to do? Make your own! And when you're in a hurry? Make a "no sew" table runner.

I remembered that I had some white material in my stash that I purchased at the thrift store. It has a pretty floral pattern on it. My fabric piece was not long enough to make a runner that would hang over the ends so I made one that fit the center of the table.

How to:

Cut your fabric the length and width you want it plus one or two inches. Fold over the long sides one inch or so to the back side and press with your iron. Make sure you have it even all the way down. Slide Stitch Witch or iron on hem table into the fold and iron on following the instructions for your product. Now fold each short end, but fold the corners as if you are wrapping a package. Place another strip of stitch witch or hem tape in folds and iron on. Don't run the tape all the way to the ends on the length or width. Leave the little bit blank for easier folding. Ta da! You're done. Place in center of table and start creating your tablescape.

Now for some easy napkin rings. Notice the gumdrop tree in the center of my table? It was the inspiration for the whole table theme. I'll share more details and the whole tablescape tomorrow. For now I'll just say that the colors for my napkin rings were chosen to play off the gum drop tree and theme. I picked some 6mm faceted beads in traditional and non-traditional colors for the rings.

Here's how to make your own:

Start with these materials:

Get some wire. I don't recall what gauge wire I have, but any sturdy but flexible wire will do. You'll also need some cutters, round nose pliers, and beads.

I used about 10 1/2 inches of wire for each ring, so I could do a double wrap on the napkins. Take your pliers and make a loop in the end of the wire.

String beads on and make another loop at the other end when you get your desired beads on. This will hold the beads on- no glue needed.

Twist around your napkin  and enjoy your jeweled rings!

Check back tomorrow for full details on creating a tablescape.

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