Do you have any happy childhood memories of gathering around the table during the holidays?
I sure do. Sitting at the kitchen table on Christmas morning with Mama, Daddy, my sister Deb and brother David. Still in our pajamas. Still giddy from the excitement of opening presents.
I can almost smell the baked ham, almost taste the cheesy scrambled eggs and yeast rolls with strawberry preserves. How old was I? What had I just gotten for Christmas? I’ve no idea.
What I do remember is being together around that table. And as was Mama’s practice, that table was set with pretty dishes and something fun as a centerpiece…
When family and friends come together for a meal, the table isn’t what’s important. The centerpiece doesn’t even make my top 5 list of: things to-do to get ready for a dinner party...
But if you have the time and energy, adding a little something to your table might help your friends and family feel special. It’s a way to tell them, I’m glad you’re here…you’re important…you’re loved.
That’s my goal every time someone comes through our front door…to make them feel special. 
Adding a little something for guests to take home is another way to show love. This simple tree silhouette Christmas ornament from the dollar store (2 or 3 of them for $1.00), goes well with the woodland table…and maybe my friends will hang it on their tree and remember our time together.
(the dollar store is a great place to find small favors for dinner guests)
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your table special..use what you have. This table runner is a pashmina style scarf from Target that I got on clearance at the end of last season…
And because I love little woodland creatures, I have lots of them for Christmas decorating. It’s easy and budget friendly to shop your house when coming up with table ideas…
My wood slices are sitting on top of an upside down boot tray from Target! (It’s never been used for boots 🙂 I use it as a tray on our farm table)
But if imagining a theme for your dinner and creating some sort of centerpiece, isn’t something that brings you joy, that’s ok. You can easily pick up a grocery store bouquet of flowers and some candles to add a little love to your table.
Now… if you have time, I’d love to hear about any childhood memories you have of holiday gatherings…
And for more Christmas inspiration, these sweet friends have you covered…
Monday – Mantels
Petticoat Junktion
My Creative Days
Restoration Redoux
Atta Girl Says
Art is Beauty
Cottage at the Crossroads
Housepitality Designs
Shabbyfufu
Tuesday – Tablescapes
Postcards from the Ridge
Town and Country Living
Hunt and Host
Savvy Southern Style
All Things Heart and Home
HighStyle Restyle
This Makes That
Wednesday – Wreaths
Domestically Speaking
Our Southern Home
Mad in Crafts
H2O Bungelow
Sweet Pea
Around The Watts House
Thursday – Thrifty Crafts
Dukes and Duchesses
Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer
Prodigal Pieces
The Interior Frugalista
Cupcakes and Crinoline
Girl in the Garage
This post is part of my Series: All Things Home for the Holidays-let’s find inspiration for what matters most this holiday season…
See the other chapters in this series HERE
I love your woodland table! Those wood slices are so great!!! It has been fun touring with you this week!
Love those birch slices! Your woodland table is beautiful!
We love the woodland theme too Robin…your table looks beautiful!
Your table is so cozy and welcoming. I love the scarf as a table runner and the boot tray too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Robin, I’m loving the plaids this year and they mix so well with your pretty dishes.
Your woodland theme is fabulous! It’s so country cozy!
This is certainly a most beautiful woodland tablescape….I so love the centerpiece you created and what a great idea to use that pretty pashmina as a runner….great idea!!!
You’ve set a beautiful table for your family to enjoy. I love your woodland centerpiece and bet that your grands love it, too. Using a scarf as a table runner is a great idea!
The wood slices are such a pretty element on the table! Beautiful.
I agree, decorating is the least important and should never stress you out or get in the of enjoying a great time with friends and family. Your woodland creatures are adorable and would welcome anyone in a heartbeat!
Robin I love all the natural elements on your tablescape. I’m swooning over your branch cutlery – love – want!
I always, always, always feel so special and welcomed and loved in your home!!!!
And it amazes me that you can decorate this way on a budget! The Dollar Store!
You’re my inspiration, Robin. You always have been. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Love your woodland creatures centerpiece… so fun!
Your centerpiece is adorable! It’s all so warm and homey!
Always love you’re inspiring thoughts, Robin, you’re table is very special,and looks truly amazing, warm and welcoming, but as you so rightly say it’s just how you make people feel, when they gather in you’re home. The thought that has gone into you’re lovely table, makes my heart melt, thinking of other’s, with you’re gift of love. Creating memories of their visit to you’re home. My mother was a great cook she was always making lovely food, she had an old wooden table, I can never remember one decoration on that table, she and my dad had little, but her cooking skills were second to none.
She made the table beautiful with her creativity, in her cooking skills, and Christmas day was, no exception, she never failed to amaze she had 9 children of her own and frequently, took in other people’s children, and fed them too.
The special memory I have is of my mum, inviting a family of three on Christmas day, to dine with us …they had no money, their father had lost his job, so they came and my darling mum, made them welcome, and fed us all, we had the most amazing Christmas with that dear family that year was special. Food was love, our Mother’s gift to us and everyone who came to our home. Xoxox. Dearest Robin you are truly an inspiration.
Angeline, Your mom sounds like an amazing person…she helped rescue Christmas for this family down on their luck. And with 9 children of her own…oh my. What a legacy of love and creativity she left behind my friend – sending love xo
Such a beautifully put together table and I adore that woodland centerpiece! It is all made even more special by the sweet memories that went into putting it together. 🙂
What a beautiful and welcoming table!
Now that’s adorable! Love it!