You guys know by now that I have a serious blue and white problem. Like, I may need an intervention. I’m on a mission to turn my whole house from black and white to blue and white slowly but surely! You saw that I did blue for my tree this year, and now as I think ahead to tabletop schemes for Christmas, what better than (drumroll please…) BLUE AND WHITE! And if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the color scheme works great for any holiday celebrations! So it’s really win/win!
image via At Home Arkansas
This image (via Southern Living) isn’t particularly Christmas-y but could be if you add in some cedar clippings or miniature topiaries, magnolia leaves and other decorative table accents like ornaments!
And there is no need to spend a fortune on a look like this- I pulled this tablescape together with items only from Walmart.com! It’s a mix of holiday decor and classic tabletop pieces that I’m loving! The layered dishware paired with the French-inspired bistro napkins and wood and marble accents feels just right.
- A burlap tablecloth is a great neutral backdrop for dishware- you can layer a white or patterned runner on top too!
- Gold rimmed dinner plates are super classic and allow you to layer any pattern salad plate on top. I worthy investment!
- This beaded charger is a great antique finish blending silver and gold tones.
- Classic wine glasses and slightly fancier champagne coupes. Essential because wine is everything at the holidays, amiright???
- Preserved boxwood wreaths last forever and are great for hanging on windows, mirrors (as I did in my house) or just the wall!
- These Blue Willow accent plates are so fantastic.
- I LOOOOOOVE these little gold and blue bowls. Great for soup appetizers or nibbles.
- Gold handled flatware.
- Striped burlap ribbon to tie on those boxwood wreaths!
- I adore these bistro napkins so much. They add a casual air to an otherwise formal setting.
- This gold leaf garland would be awesome down the middle of the table with florals and ornaments nestled in.
- Navy taper candles- so much better than plain white :)
- These patterned jars would be great as a pair on the table with flowers and candles in between (or take off the lids and use as vases– I’d fill with magnolia branches!)
- Pop miniature white poinsettias into silver julep cups and place down the center of the table or one at each place setting as a little take away gift!
- This cheese server is awesome- wood in the middle for cutting and cracker trough around the edges.
- Genius wood veneer napkin rings with a spot to write names right on them!
- A wood and marble cake stand to show off your holiday confections.
- These greek key patterned ornaments would look great strewn down the table.
Shop the post quick and easy here:
And if you need a seriously yummy cocktail for a gathering that you can make in a big batch, try this one from Bon Appetit called The New England Express. I made it for Henry’s 1st birthday party (which I need to post about) and everyone loved it. I served it in a big punch bowl and left out a bucket of ice to pop in glasses for serving. It would be perfect to serve in one of these beverage dispensers too to make things really easy! It’s sooooooo good and festive.
Preparation
Thyme syrup
Bring sugar and ⅓ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, add thyme sprigs, and cover. Let stand 10 minutes, then strain into a small jar. Let cool.
DO AHEAD: Syrup can be made 1 month ahead. Cover and chill.
Assembly
Mix thyme syrup, cider, rum, lime juice, and bitters in a pitcher. Divide among rocks glasses filled with ice; top off with club soda. Garnish with thyme sprigs and lime slices.
DO AHEAD: Thyme syrup, cider, rum, lime juice, and bitters can be mixed 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Check back in here on Friday to see what everyone in my office is wishing for this year! Especially you Santa! :)
**This post was sponsored by Walmart. All selections and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting those companies that keep EOS going!
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This post is perfection – including the holiday drink rec!! Hosting a dinner party next weekend and just what I needed!
Wal-Mart and an At Home Arkansas photo- this Arkansas girl loves this post!! Great finds!
That blue and white plate set- I cannot believe how perfect it is!
Xo, Brittany
http://Www.notablob.com
I love this post. It truly shows how a beautiful and elegant design can be pulled together on a more conservative budget. Thanks for sharing. LOVE your blog!
Erin I am a blue and white lover as well and I use it in my home decor and Christmas decor, my base is black and white and this year for Christmas I used navys, cobalts and greens in my decor. If you have time I would love for you to visit my blog and check it out. Goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com
I love your decorations Kathysue. Your color scheme is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing.
I’d encourage you to look into Walmart’s labor practices. I won’t shop there because of the way that they treat their workers. Check this out – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Walmart
Do you own any Apple products, anything made in China, India, or other 3rd world countries? If so then I think you stand on shaky ground holding one company to task for mistakes they’ve made. If we took every company, network, or performer to task for things we disagree with I think we can agree none of us would ever leave the house, watch movies or TV, or listen to any music.
Many companies rely on inexpensive Chinese labor, it is true. American made goods are so much more expensive and relaxed importation standards make this very common practice. However, Walmart’s labor issues go well beyond their use of overseas manufacturing. The article posted above delves not only into their use of Chinese manufacturing, but also low wages, allegations of sexism in their promotion practices, treatment of domestic employees, and their negative effect on local Mom and pop businesses. I am lucky that I live in an area with thriving small businesses and avoiding wal mart is not difficult for me. I live probably 20 minutes from Erin (I think- if I’m correct about the town she lives in). The items she picked are lovely, but I am confused as to why she went with Wal Mart as her source.
agreed. “the walmart effect”
Well put Wendy. I was really surprised to see this post this morning and disappointed that Erin would support/profit from a partnership with Walmart.
I’ve been begging for a blue willow post for forever. This is like an early Christmas gift to me. I only have about 12 place settings with enough service pieces to feed my whole neighborhood. I personally think blue willow goes perfectly with red plaid … and gold … and green. Like leopard, it’s secretly a neutral.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for turning us onto the Greek Key ornaments! They were just what I needed to finish off my holiday tablescape! I ordered them in gold and they came in a flash!! 😊
~ Rieka {www.livinglifestyledblog.com}
If you didn’t mention Walmart, I would’ve never guessed it. Great picks!