Green Plaid Rustic Christmas Table

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

Here's a simple table setting idea for a pretty Christmas table that you can put together easily. I was able to put this together pretty quickly, using 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, the antlers, wood, and greens. And 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.

Plaid Rustic Christmas Table

Centerpiece

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. (Want to 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.

Place Setting

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.

And that's it - a rustic Christmas table.

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!