Green Plaid Rustic Christmas Table

Set a simple Christmas table using a DIY table runner, gathered natural elements, basic use-what-you-have dishes, and easy-to-make name tags.

Hello guys – I just wanted to pop in quickly and share with you a simple table setting idea I used for our Christmas table that you can put together easily, too. It was pretty fast to put together, used what mostly I already had, plus cut greens from the yard and I just love how it turned out!

I’m calling it a green plaid-rustic table because of the runner material (duh), the antlers, wood, and greens, but it’s basically the same steps I use for most table settings:

1. Start with a bottom layer, either a tablecloth or runner.
2. Add a plate, tray, or box for a centerpiece.
3. Fill tray with candles, flowers, greenery and the items.
4. Add a few more candles.
5. Set the table with our dishes, sometimes adding chargers.
6. Include simple name tags.

For this table idea, start with an easy no-sew fringed table runner in a fun plaid. I like the way this subtle plaid goes with the pinkish ‘red’ transferware plates for a lighter take on Christmas’ red-and-green scheme. (Wanna know something about me? I’ve never used red and green to decorate at Christmas – never. My daughter thinks I’m so weird…)

Add a white tray, a couple candles (mine are those timer real-wax faux candles and I love, love them) and then fill in around them with boxwood cuttings and any other greenery you can clip from your yard. If you have antlers, add a few. The finishing touch are a few mini Christmas ornaments. Done in 10 minutes.

Pull out your plates and set the table. I used a set of thrift-store chargers that add great texture, our everyday white dishes topped with the red transferware that I traditionally use at Christmas. Setting the white napkin under the charger is just a fun change from the normal spot.

The name tag is a simple craft paper flag clipped to a sprig of rosemary and a piece of the plaid. The adorable clips were at the Target Dollar Spot (even at $1-3 it’s a dangerous place…). I didn’t even try to make my handwriting something it’s not – perfection is not required!

Setting a few votive candles on wood slices helps extend the centerpiece a bit. Anchor them to the tray with a few more cuttings if you like.

Nothing fancy here – our regular .50 thrift store water goblets, thrifted chargers, vintage plates and yard clippings. The flatware is the only ‘special’ thing – they are our holiday silver plate and bone-handle flatware that has to be hand washed.

I hope the take-away for you is to be inspired to use what you have in slightly different ways, taking a few minutes to add some sweet touches that help your family and guests feel special. It’s amazing to see the look on people’s faces when you set a table for them – it’s more unusual for us these days and it really does make dinner an occasion!

I hope you are enjoying these days before Christmas – thanks for taking the time to visit!