We don't have a formal dining room. Nope, we turned it into our Piano Room because it's too small to suit us as a dining room.

So our kitchen table is where we eat all our meals...where we entertain guests...formal and informal.

I like to have a centerpiece, but something that's not too fussy. I have kids, after all :)

I had a green check piece of fabric that was just the right size. I didn't hem it...or even iron it, haha. We are pretty casual around here and wrinkles are a part of life :) So are frayed edges!

I took a silver platter from the thrift store and added a footed candy dish from the same store. I filled the candy dish with silver glittered pine cones from Pottery Barn bought on clearance, poked in a few live Christmas tree stems and some ribbon loops. Perfect! The bottom of the tray got a ribbon coil and a couple cardinal ornaments.

Then I added a couple of my handmade trees, elevated on mercury glass candle sconces. My Pleated Drop Cloth tree and my Ruffled Crepe Paper Tree look so elegant on the sconces.

I don't have Christmas plates; I've never been able to find any that I think I'll like long term. I do have a set of Christmas salad plates. They look great mixed with my white ironstone dishes.

Holly water goblets passed down from my husband's grandmother, Grandma Kate, add the perfect extra dash of color to the table.

A couple of candles and it's complete. Simple. Nothing purchased, just borrowed from around my home :)

I love saving money!

Two more days, can you believe it? Two days and the plump, jolly old man will be squeezing down our chimney! Are you ready?