With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought I’d share some essential {and easy} decorating tips that you can use all year long, as well as show you my current Thanksgiving dining room decor.  I love a decorated and festive dining room table, and have such a welcoming and warming feeling when I pass by a beautifully decorated one.  Below, you will see pictures of my current decorations, including links to most of the items in the pics.  Because some of the items are either old or from a small boutique, I do not have links to all of the items, but have tried my best to find similar ones.  Enjoy!

Table: Z Gallerie // China: Waterford // Placemat: Pier One // Wine Glasses: Lenox // Flatware: Reed & Barton // China Cabinet: Home Goods // Knives: Zwilling // Cross: Waterford // Thankful Platter: Pier One // Ice Bucket and Glasses: Waterford // Wine Opener: Frontgate // Wine Rack: World Market // Dog Wine Rack: Wayfair // Fall Faux Flowers: Pier One

5 Tips for Decorating/Hosting

1. Use neutral colors as your base, and then add pops of color or decor to match the season.  My plain wooden table is a perfect example – I can add any color and/or texture and it looks great.  I decorate using fall colors, Christmas colors, spring/Easter colors, patriotic colors during the summer – all with the same base.
2. Food can definitely be used as decoration – haven’t we all seen a beautiful cheese tray and thought, WOW!  And try to include some greenery on the tray – it really makes it stand out!  You can find an example in this post.
3. You don’t always have to go out and buy new things – recycle what you have for different seasons.  For example, the mini pumpkins on my place settings were previously used at a party I hosted for the kids to play tic-tac-toe.  Also, I pulled the candle sticks off of my bedroom dresser because I thought they would look better on the table with this style of decor.  Throw a blanket over the back of a chair to give it new life (texture, color, etc.)
4. Always keep cheese (brie, goat, gouda, cheddar – whatever you fancy) and some crackers on hand in case you have a pop in visitor.  Also, cream cheese with a raspberry chipotle spread is a super quick and easy go to when you need a last minute app.  Also a good idea – especially during the holidays – to keep some bubbly on hand, along with wine that can easily be opened and poured within a few minutes of arrival.
5. Rearrange your furniture from time to time.  If you aren’t happy with it, move it around!  You’ll be amazed at how little changes can improve the atmosphere of your room.  You might move a chair from one corner to another, move a lamp to a different spot, rearrange the pillows, etc.  Whatever it may be, if you feel you are in a rut and can’t figure it out, start moving things around – I promise, you might be tired and your husband is annoyed with you, but it will be super beneficial to the overall appearance of your room!

Bonus Tip

At the end of the day, this is your party you are hosting, so ENJOY it!  I have hosted my fair share of parties over the years, and let me tell you, it doesn’t always have to be stressful – you should enjoy the time it takes you to decorate or prep the food (especially with a cocktail or glass of bubbly!)  Put on some music and have fun with it!

Now who’s ready to host a party?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Cheers – MP