20 Christmas Centerpieces: Ideas for your Dining Room

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1. Wreath Christmas centerpieces:

Place a wreath on your table instead of hanging on the door. Lay it down in the center of the table, and set a few colored tapered candles or one large pillar candle in the center. You can fill the bare spots if any between the wreath and the candles with some red apples, golden pears or fresh cranberries. Visit our wreath site – How To Make a Burlap Wreath to see our holiday wreath inspiration! 

2. Use Christmas Candy for Christmas Centerpieces

You can never go wrong with jars of Christmas candies. They make a tasty and visually appealing centerpiece. Fill jars of various shapes and sizes with different types of colorful Christmas candies. Tie matching bows on the jars for extra detail. Provide your guests with small cellophane bags so that they can fill candy at the end of the bash for a sweet party favor.

3. Poinsettia Holiday Centerpieces

Poinsettias are the most popular flowers during the holidays. They come in various colors and sizes. Place a pot of colorful poinsettias on your party table for a beautiful festive centerpiece. While red and white are the most common, marble poinsettias can also be used.

4. Christmas Gifts Make a Pretty Holiday Centerpiece

Wrapped gifts instantly adorn the center of the table without being heavy on the pocket. Wrap empty boxes of various sizes in Christmas wrapping paper to be used as a centerpiece. Add colorful ribbons around the gift boxes and stack them into a neat arrangement in the center of the table. To double the centerpiece as favors fill the gift boxes with Christmas candies or ornaments.

5. Colorful Christmas Organic Bowl

Fill a glass bowl with a variety of fruits for a modern winter centerpiece. In a tall, clear glass vase put alternating layers of seasonal fruits such as crab apples, pears, fresh cranberries, and more. Make sure to put some cold water to keep the fruits from going brown. If you are throwing a winter party, add some gold glass beads into the same centerpiece to add in some sparkle factor.

15 Christmas Centerpiece Ideas from Blogger Friends

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7. DIY Holiday Flower Arrangement
8. Mini Pinecone Tree Centerpieces
9. Easy Christmas Candle Centerpiece Using Volcanica Candles
10. Silver and gold accents for a glamorous holiday table setting
11. DIY Wine Cork Vases
12. 5 Minute DIY Christmas Luminaries
13. DIY Holiday Ice Bucket Centerpiece
14. Macaron Christmas Tree Vignette
15. How to Make a Birch Log Centerpiece

Set a gorgeous table for your Christmas festivities with these attractive centerpiece ideas. And when the party is over, send them back home with your guests as door prizes or keep them displayed for the rest of the holiday season.

For more Christmas ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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It’s Christmas time once again! Time to enjoy the holidays and the season of joy. This is the time of the year when people are excited to join or throw a party for their friends and loved ones. People from all walks of life have all the reasons to get excited and have some fun during this festive season.

Whether you’ll be hosting a party or not, decorating your home for the holidays is a must. Well, you wouldn’t know who will be coming in a short notice or even surprise you at any time. So, better be ready than be caught in a mess. Here are some creative holiday decorating ideas that you can do as soon as possible:

Christmas Decorations: Creative Ideas for your Interiors

• Hang a homemade DIY citrus fruits wreath

This is really a superb idea. It doesn’t just enhance your front door but also provide the fruity citrus fragrance for your guests. You also have the natural, bright orange and green colors of citrus. This idea will give you a decorative item, natural air freshener and holiday color in one single DIY project.

Image via: Etsy

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• Use antique ornaments for decoration

If you think your dining and coffee table look dull, a table centerpiece should make it attractive. All you need to have are your antique ball ornaments, leaves and a cake stand platter. But you can always use any ball ornaments you have in your drawers. This is so simple. Lay down the leaves on your cake stand platter and then pile your antique ornament balls in random on the cake stand platter. That’s it!

Image via: Front Gate

• Add greenery in your interior

One of the easiest ways to decorate is by adding greenery in your home. This can be done by placing lush greenery drapes in your door and window frames. If you have some extras, you can also have your window sills decorated with greeneries. This will definitely bring a holiday ambiance in your home interior.

Image via: Koromiko

These ideas are so easy and quick to implement. You can simply do it by yourself in your most convenient time. But better hurry, your guests may come knocking at your door in no time.

For more Christmas decorating ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘International Holiday Celebrations‘ from Nora Noorsirrat. Today, I feature Shelley Harcar who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives you three creative ways to decorate for your Christmas parties this season. See her great ideas for Christmas Party Theme Ideas.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #58

‘Christmas Party Theme Ideas’ – Shelley Harcar

Creating a Christmas party theme may seem a little daunting, but it can be much simpler than you imagine. Of all the times of the year, Christmastime seems to come with the most readily “built in” themes. A very simple way to choose a theme is to take your inspiration from one of the many Christmas Carols which are heard in abundance this time of year. It could be a favorite of yours with a special meaning (I always think of my Mother when I hear “Silver Bells”) or something fun & catchy that fits personality (some folks really do embody “Holly Jolly Christmas). Another great way to choose a theme is to take your cues from the guest list. Entertaining business associates at a formal dinner party would have a totally different feel to it than hosting a casual gathering of friends and their children.

 Christmas Party Theme Ideas

3 Christmas themes to give you versatility

I have designed three different party themes, all in the same room, to show how much of an impact a theme can have on the décor of the room. My “White Christmas” design is set for a more formal party. I chose a refined color palette that gave a sparkle to the gathering place. Simple accessories like silver wreathes and garland, work well with white Christmas trees and sparkling stick trees with all white lights. Whites with metallic colors can look a little cold, so I added a large glowing tree by a cozy fireplace.

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Home for the Holidays Party Theme

My “Home for the Holidays” setting takes its cues from a traditional family Christmas. A large tree with simple decorations grabs attention immediately. The traditional red and green of Christmas plays into this theme very well. The decorations are simple and comfortable, creating a warm and inviting location for family and friends to gather.

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Party Theme

The “Candy Cane Lane” design is a place for children’s party dreams to come true.  A whimsical tree overflowing with candy anchors a room filled with peppermint delights. Red and white peppermints easily create a festive wreath and garlands. A gingerbread village and train will delight children of all ages. Guests to this party immediately know they are here for fun.

Most importantly, remember that guests will take their cues from you. So be relaxed and cheerful. (Hide the breakables and scotch guard the sofa if necessary) The season will pass by quickly, so focus on making memories that will last long after the last bit of tinsel has been swept away.

About Shelley Harcar

I am a lifelong Ohioan and presently live in Stow with my family. I am a graduate of Youngstown State University, where I studied Social Work and Psychology. I am currently employed as a substitute teacher within my local school district. I also do freelance writing. My designing interest began over 20 years ago when I became a floral designer. In addition to making floral designs, we were invited into customer’s homes to assist with holiday and seasonal decorating.

I discovered Olioboard through a friend, and I quickly became caught up in the fun of the Olioboard Fan Room. It is a great escape from everyday life and I find a great deal of satisfaction in taking a blank screen and turning it into something lovely. When I’m not designing, I enjoy watching sports with my son, shopping, writing, and spending time with friends & family. You can read Shelley’s writing here.

For more Christmas ideas on Stagetecture, click here

As Christmas grows near everyone becomes excited about decorating their homes. Holiday decorating gives a home the perfect Christmas mood. If you want to decorate your home for the holidays without using a lot of money, there are many ways to do so. Here are some quick tips.

 Christmas Decorations: Budget-Friendly Tips for your Home

Image by: Audrey Baerle

Reuse Christmas Decorations

Avoid buying new Christmas decorations every year and use the ones you already have. Items that can be reused include stockings, garlands, twinkling lights, and Christmas trees. Ensure they are in good condition before you use them again. Christmas lights are fairly inexpensive and make a big impact. Arrange them on a mantel or a chandelier or use them to add sparkle to your bathroom or bedroom. They can be hazardous when defective so make sure they are working properly before using them.

Shop in Your Backyard

The things that make Christmas extra special are those that are least expensive. Ignore the holiday advertisements that make you feel like you should be spending a million bucks and shop in your yard for simple items like a pile of pine cones. Spray-paint them with a coat of warm gold for added effect. Give your home a holiday smell and a fresh, natural look with boughs of evergreen.

Image by: Elizabeth Insfra

If you have a few candles left over from previous holidays, use a glue gun to turn them into Christmas candles. Place them in empty glass jars from juice or sandwich spreads. You can adorn the jars with holiday-colored water and float tea lights in them or stuff them with metallic steamers or assorted- colored foils. These candles look great in the dining room or living room.

Image via: Pinterest

Be a Smart Holiday Shopper

If you must buy holiday decorations, buy those that can be used for the next 3 to 5 Christmases such as mantels, curtains, table runners, and throw pillow covers. Buy them in advance and not during the festive season as they become more expensive than normal.

The above tips will help you to get the best look for less. They are simple, easy to follow, and will transform your home into a haven.

For more Christmas decorations tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Creative Christmas Outdoor Lighting Ideas’ from Jonn Nuter. Today, I feature Nora Noorsirrat who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps celebrate all of the glorious international celebrations to bring in the holiday with family and friends.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #57

‘International Holiday Celebrations’ – Nora Noorsirrat

The holiday season is here and it is the time when family and friends travel home for the holidays to be with their loved ones. However, if you are not going home for the holidays due to work why not host an international holiday celebration instead with your international friends and colleagues at your home or the office.

International Holiday Celebrations

Decoration Ideas

Hosting an international holiday celebration is fun but a lot of attention has to be given towards your guests’ culture and religious background. Choose neutral and non-religious items like flags from each country or colors to symbolize the country. Use symbolic colors like blue and red for USA, green for Ireland and red for China. Use flowers and plants that you can identify their country of origin for example, bamboo and orchids are from Asia while grapes and tulips are from Europe.

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Go Casual

Traditionally, friends and family gather and chat around dining table. Why not create a different atmosphere by going for a casual dining style by using low coffee table and sofa chairs to create a casual lounge atmosphere. Your guests will be comfortable to move around and mingle.

Create cozy corners

Create a décor that your guests can identify with their country.  If your guests are from Italy, Greece and UK, create a European style atmosphere with Italian chairs, a union jack bench, greek sculpture or winding grape vines. If they are from Japan, Korea or China, hang red drapes for drama, hang lanterns, provide seats using rattan chairs and create side table with oriental chest. Comfort is always when you feel at home.

Creative gift wrap

Everybody loves gifts and a celebration would not be the same without exchanging gifts. Make it fun with creative gift wrapping or try something new with the art of Japanese ‘tsutsumi’ style that uses cloth and paper. Your guests will not only appreciate the gift but they will learn more about the country and its culture.

Serve international food

Food is where the heart is no matter where you are. Serve international food like sushi or timsum from Asia or Mediterranean couscous for a change. Prepare recipe cards and give out to your friends for them to try back home. The next time there is another gathering, your friends will be able to prepare the various international food! The more we eat together, the more we appreciate and love others – and the world will be a better place to live! Cheers!

“Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it” – Confucius

About Nora

I was a professional in the education industry for the last 15 years and recently decided to follow my passion in interior design and décor. I started my own collection of decorative cushions and linens using ethnic fabrics and I enjoy designing boards at Olioboard. Most of my inspiration comes from my Asian heritage, the environment of the tropical forest and the materials it produces like teak, bamboo and jute.

To see more of my work, you may check my portfolio at Olioboard  – username noorsirrat – or look up my blog  The Rumah Boutique at www.noorsirrat.blogspot.sg.

For more Olioboard Inspiration on Stagetecture, click here.

Christmas Decorations: Creative Acorn Ideas

Table Décor

Acorns have such beautiful and unique shape that they would add the perfect twist to your holiday table settings.  Try adding some acorns to your napkin rings.  Just purchase regular napkin rings and take a hot glue gun, and begin to hot glue acorns all around the ring.  Once the ring has been covered then set it down to dry.  Take the dry ring and place around one of your decorative napkins and lay it on the table with rest of the table setting and also for spark add some scattered acorns around the table with maple leaves.

Image via: AG Report 365

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Candle centerpiece idea

Or perhaps you wish to not have so many acorns resemble your lawn then a simple centerpiece will do.  Take a glass vase, jar or metal vase and fill the bottom with acorns and place a candle right in the center of the vase and place it on the dining table or where you would like for it to show.  Or you can fill the vase or jar up to the brim with acorns and top it off with a flower or maple leaves and pine needles.

Image via: Digs Digs

Jewelry gift ideas

They don’t just have to be used for interior holiday décor.  How about adding acorns to your holiday fashion accessory décor?  Take those wonderfully created acorns and turn them into earring, necklaces, or pendant broaches for you and the women in your family to enjoy.  Visit your local craft store, to find out ways to change up the look of the acorn to an accessory for your tastes.

Image via:  One Ten Zero Seven

Delicious Acorn Dessert

Of course an ever popular way nuts have been used for the holidays in our homes is with the desserts.  So let’s not take away from this tradition but add on to it.  For this idea you should probably purchase artificial acorns or create acorns with cookies and candy only because you and your guest will eat what they are going on and you probably don’t want to eat what has been lying on your lawn.  But decorate any cake with some artificial or candied acorns and follow up the nutty dessert with more nutty treats such as peanut clusters or pecan pie.

Image via:  Blogspot- Millie Morgan Media

You don’t have to go far to get inspiration for your holiday décor.  Acorns are right outside your door and can add so much for you holiday décor.  So go ahead and look at the ideas above and find other ideas you can use acorns for your holiday décor.  Go and be inspired this holiday season!

For more Christmas decorations on Stagetecture, click here.

Everyone loves the holidays, but would prefer Christmas decorations that are easy and no-fuss, right? “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” – That’s a line from a popular song about Christmas. Well, there’s no question that Christmas is one of the most anticipated celebration of the year by many people. People are all smiles exchanging gifts, reunions and family gatherings.

Christmas Decorations: Quick & Simple Ideas to Try

Image via: Pinterest

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This Christmas, hosting a party can be so exciting especially if your loved ones and friends are coming. But of course, Christmas celebration won’t be the same without them. Now that you’re hosting the party at home, it is very important that you plan ahead for this event. Your home should be ready to welcome your guests and impress them every step of the way. Don’t worry, there are quick and simple decorating ideas for Christmas. Here are some of a few ideas that you can implement:

• Add color to your front door

Your front door is your first line of offense to impress your guests. You can simply do this by hanging a Christmas wreath on your door with matching Christmas lights beside the panel door. This will definitely greet your guest in a shining and splendid way.

• Display Christmas Lanterns

Christmas lanterns are popular because of their unique beauty and style. They bring out the elegance you desired for your home, especially on the dull corners. You can have lanterns on your window sills, coffee table and patio. Also, it is best if you will consider flameless candles so you don’t have to worry about replacements.

Image via: Pinterest

• Hang your vintage ornaments

If you have classic collections or any Christmas decors long time ago in your closet, it’s now the right time to showcase their unfading beauty. Vintage ornaments will never bring you down. They are great items that you can use to enhance the looks of your interior and exterior design.

Image via: Pinterest

Bear in mind that your beautiful smile and heartwarming welcome to your guests complete the whole set up. Have a great time and make your Christmas the most wonderful time of the year.

For more holiday decorating ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Throwing a Christmas party? Meticulous planning is crucial. Whether you want to throw the party in your office or home, make it one your guests will remember by following these simple tips.

Make a Guest List

Send invitations to your guests by email and mail. Online invitations make it easy for you to keep track of your guest list. However, some guests may not be as tech savvy as others so you can invite them by mail. The paper and email invites must match the theme of the party and coordinate well with each other. Holiday schedules fill up fast so make sure you send the invitations three weeks before the date of the party.

How to Throw the Perfect Christmas Party

Image via: Hostess with the Mostess

Choose a Theme

When choosing a theme or a color scheme, remember that simplicity is key. Go with a scheme that will run through, from the table runner and napkins to the flowers and tree decorations. Choose one main color and pair it with a neutral one. Avoid putting decorations everywhere and create 2 to 3 focal points. Natural features you can highlight include the fireplace, Christmas tree, and food table. Hang a wreath on the door and tie it with a generous bow. If you have a front garden or a drive, illuminate it with garden torch candles. Complete the look by hanging a bunch of mistletoe using ribbon.

Image by: Save on Crafts

Arrange Furniture for Mingling

Create space between furniture to ensure guests easily move from one area to another. Add leaves to dining tables to create additional space for dinner parties. For buffet and beverage parties, clear coffee tables, accent tables, and sideboards. Ensure there is ample seating for all your guests and group chairs together to create different conversation areas. Get rid of clutter to give the room a neat and organized look.

Image by: Debbie Orcutt

Create space between furniture to ensure guests easily move from one area to another. Add leaves to dining tables to create additional space for dinner parties. For buffet and beverage parties, clear coffee tables, accent tables, and sideboards. Ensure there is ample seating for all your guests and group chairs together to create different conversation areas. Get rid of clutter to give the room a neat and organized look.

Image via: 100 Layer Cakelet

Stock The Bar

Make sure you have enough drinks when throwing a Christmas party. Calculate how many bottles to buy and add a few extra. Also remember to buy non-alcoholic drinks for guests who don’t take alcohol. Carbonated mineral water is a good choice as it can be mixed with cranberry juice or pomegranate. Make a festive punch or a signature cocktail for the night and fill the bar with base spirits, mixers, and wines.

Throwing a Christmas party can be plenty of fun. Make yours an event that will linger on people’s minds for all the right reasons.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Wreaths

Image via: Sarah Lipoff

Cork Wreath

If you have a stash of wine cork that you have been saving up for a great DIY idea, then it is time to put them into use. Create a Christmas wreath out of your collection of corks. The organic grain and natural texture bring out the beauty of the cork in a wreath that is handmade at home. Corks will add a touch of nature to your entryway décor. Creating a cork wreath is quite simple. Use a foam wreath base and hot glue your corks all around. Decorate with a sparkly ribbon or stick some dry flowers and berries.

Image via: Foodarin

Paper Wreath

As a child I could spend hours absorbed in the wonderful art of paper folding. It is easy and often a stress relieving activity. Put your old newspapers, craft papers and pages from old books to use and create a Christmas wreath out of paper. You will need four strips of paper approximately 24 cms in length and 1 cm in width to create 16 point German paper stars. Join these stars together to create a circular wreath and decorate with a broad ribbon.

Image via: Handmade Talks Blog

Watch this video to learn how to make German paper stars

Link to video: Origami German Paper Stars

Wreath made from cans

Image via: Starling Ink – Etsy

We have a new wreath tutorial site – How to Make a Burlap Wreath.com

Pine cone wreaths

A wreath made with pinecones is another great eco- friendly option to explore. Collecting pinecones is a fun activity for the kids and they will enjoy putting them together into a beautiful wreath. Use your creativity and inspiration from the internet to put together a beautiful piece. Spray paint the pinecones with gold or silver or sprinkle some glitter. You can also add twigs and acorns in the middle to give it a different texture and color variation.

Image via: Evergreen Memories

With so many eco-friendly options to explore, you can create a new wreath every day for the 12 days of Christmas or pair up with your kids, neighbors or family member and each of you make a beautiful wreath. There is no limit to the creativity!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

A gorgeous garland offers phenomenal allure for your holiday decoration. The garlands can add an extra festive touch at almost everywhere of your home – mantels, doorways, windows, and banisters. Garlands are so versatile that you can choose them as the key elements of your Christmas decorations. Check out these classic garland ideas with modern twists.

How to Make the Best Christmas Garlands

Image via: BHG

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Adorn Your Banister

Evergreens are a classic element that suits any type of holiday decoration. So, using them to make a garland is a great chance to accent your décor. A long string of garland made of intertwined evergreens will look great on your banister.

You can also choose tiny grouping of pinecones glued on the banister. Add complementary texture and color to them by adding ribbons, artificial flowers, socks-shaped accessories, etc. The combination of pinecones and mixed berry can make a wonderful banister garland to complement a rustic Christmas decoration.

Image via: Decorating by Day

A Delicate Garland around Bathroom Mirrors

Are you thinking of adorning the mirror of your bathroom with a garland? A simple ‘bay leaf and pomegranate garland’ can be your option. The combination of fresh bay leaves and deep purple-red pomegranates will add a festive yet graceful touch to your home.

Take dried pomegranates and fresh bay leaves and put them together by using twine, rotary tool, floral wire, and big craft needle. You can use this garland over mantle and banister too. These delicate garlands will last for a long time and add a lively holiday touch to your surroundings.

Image via: Pinterest

Embellish the Walls

Strings made of foodstuffs can cover your walls this Christmas. It is quite traditional to ornament Christmas trees with foodstuffs, which symbolize plenty. You can make these strands with dried fruits and popcorns. With needle and thread, string them together around a repeating pattern.

Magnolia garlands will also be suitable to adorn your walls. Use metallic silver and gold spray to transform the magnolia swag into a shining holiday showpiece. If you decide to use these strings in other places except the walls, complement them by placing votives and colorful vases near them.

Decorate the Mantel

The mantel is a key place to decorate during this holiday season and nothing except a garland can be more suitable for this place. You can create the holiday color scheme by gathering different accent items together with the garland.

Hang a simple garland above the mantel. Give a seasonal spark by making one with laurel and silver balls. You can make the garland more festive by adding holiday greeting cards with clothespins. Place a number of glass jars full with colorful holiday candy on the mantel and put unadorned green weaves around them. Pinecones can also be put inside those jars instead of candies.

Image via: BHG

Garlands can be of various types. They can be a single, long string of evergreens or different types of small pieces sorted together. So, decide which type will be suitable for which place of your home and decorate accordingly. What are your favorite Christmas garlands to adorn your home with?

For more holiday decorating ideas on Stagetecture, click here.