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"Tell Dwell: Holiday Dining Dilemma"

Last week I received a comment that I thought would make for a great Tell Dwell Tuesday post.   Since it's all about holiday decorating this week, this one was right on time.
 
Dear Dwell,
"I need ideas on decorating ROUND dining tables. Both my formal dining and breakfast nook tables are round. I like the idea of using runners (i.e. Pottery Barn's At My Table - November 2012), but just not sure."
 
- Reader in LA
 
 
It's a great question.  Dining tables can always pose difficulty when attempting to create a nice and adequate tablescape.  I'm certainly no expert, but here are a couple of ways I would approach it. 
 
  • I'd opt against a runner on a round table.  I checked my etiquette bible and there was nothing saying you couldn't use a runner on a round, but something about the term "runner" says to me that it should "run" the length of a table.  Instead, I'd create a substantial place setting (i.e. chargers, plates, napkins, salad plates, bowls) to give the table enough interest to forgo the runner.   
Pottery Barn via Simplified Bee
 
  • If you have upholstered seats, add a holiday-esque fabric and bring in the festive look this way.  It's super easy to unscrew the bottoms.  Simply cover with a fabric square and re-screw the seats back down. After the holidays just remove the fabric and it's business as usual.  Then, repeat next year.
Southern Living

  • Centerpieces can be tricky, however the options are limitless.  I love a natural look.  Fresh pine, nuts, simple white pillars and glass hurricanes or candle holders creates a simple yet elegant look.  Remember to vary the heights. 
     
Source

Speaking of tables, I just finished my holiday table (I think) and once again I used an assortment of low-cost items to create an easy and relaxed tablescape.
 
 

The branches were a roadside find.  Actually I went back to the same place I got these and this time sprayed them gold.   Dollar Tree provided inexpensive gold pinecone and acorn ornaments for the branches.  We must talk Dollar Tree later.


You may remember the glass bottles I got a Cline's this summer.  I finally have a reason to use them.  I'm not sure what I want to fill them with yet.  They look great with the Christmas Fiestaware plates I got for my birthday from a friend.


This narrow burlap sack acts as a perfect runner.  I stuffed it with some not-so-cute wrapping paper to add a little movement.   The additon of gold bulbs, poinsettia leaves and a glitter ribbon (all from Dollar Tree) finish it off.


Not bad.  Although, I keep seeing more great ideas so this may change completely. 

 
I guess it's true what they say, "Design is NEVER done".

3 Comments - Click here to join the conversation!:

Alison Chino said... Reply To This Comment

your table is lovely!!

Nadia said... Reply To This Comment

This was my TD. For some reason I was unable to use my name when commenting. Nonetheless, thank you SO much. And I LOVE the burlap runner.

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Thanks Alison and you're welcome Nadia!

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