A Classic Christmas | Rustic Table Setting and Wreath

All I want for Christmas is a simple table setting. One that is rustic and classic, with the only shimmer that of candlelight. And a real wreath as a backdrop. And I don’t want it to cost anything…or very little. Is that too much to ask, Santa?

By: Liesbeth

Off I went to make my own Christmas dreams come true. My table is close to a window, where I wanted to incorporate a real wreath this year – essentially making it a core part of the table setting due to location. We were organizing a wreath-decorating session at my moms group which inspired the wooden monogrammed sign that became the focal point of the wreath. See further below on how to make the sign and the rest of the wreath.

The table itself is simple. Based on white (the tablecloth and some of the table ware) and nature (wooden charger plates, tons of pinecones, natural colored cotton napkins, a few tiny Christmas trees), the other elements are transparent (glass candle holders, glass table wear). The only color that is in the setting is very subtle, with red berries sprinkled throughout the little trees.

The wreath follows the same principle, incorporating only natural elements (pine cones, cinnamon sticks, poppy pods which I dried from the garden this fall) and burlap petals, with the only colour accent being the red berries. Like I said, I did not buy anything for this. I simply looked around in the house to see what I had. Something like poppy pods are very specific, so I would not recommend you go out looking for those. Just incorporate any natural elements in earth tones. The pine cones and the cinnamon sticks are even enough.

HOW TO MAKE THE SIGN FOR THE WREATH

I found the little wooden sign at an art store (above grounds art supplies) for $2.19 and the rustic rope at Dolarama for $1.25. the art frame was untreated blank wood so I stained it to make it more rustic. For this is used some left-over patio furniture stain.

I drilled 2 small holes in the top of the frame and attached the rope.

Aboveground Art Supplies also sells letter stencils ($5 for the whole set which can be re-used) which are fantastic for this type of project. Note: I also saw very similar letter stencils at Dollarama (you get the whole alphabet in a package for a few dollars). Any paint will do for this stencil. I used a very basic red acrylic paint. Any craft, dollar or home improvement store will sell this kind of paint. I added a bit of black to my red paint as I wanted my red to be a bit less bright and more rustic.

HOW TO MAKE THE WREATH

I bought the green wreath as is as part of a fundraiser. You can buy these everywhere this time a year (corner stores, Wallmart, flower shops). I decided on an arrangement with 5 clusters…it is a nice number to spread around the wreath. I laid out everything on the wreath prior to attaching, just to make sure I liked my clusters and the overall arrangement.

I then attached metal wire to all my elements. This is the non-fun part of the wreath-making but I found it better to do it all in one go and get this out of the way versus attaching metal wire ad hoc as you go along. It’s less tricky to get wire on a pine cone then you might think. Just encircle the pine cone on the bottom end with the wire..gentle pushing the wire in between the pine cone “pedals” so they are out of sight when viewed from the top when you are done.

I attached the slippery little cinnamon sticks to the back of a pine cone but found out later that it was just as easy to stick them in by themselves after hanging the wreath on the wall. When the clusters are up, it is really easy to just slip the sticks in between the pine cones and they hold perfectly.

The burlap petals were a trial and error happening. Lucky you to get the final shortcut from me. Cut your burlap in a square, about 5 x 5 inches. Fold once into a triangle. Then take the 2 corners that are most far apart and fold together. You will see a petal happening in front of your eyes. You will be holding a bunch of burlap corners in your hand now. Tightly bind together at the base with metal wire and voila…your petal is ready. Do not worry about the stuff that is sticking out. You will hide that in between the greenery of your wreath or beneath a pinecone.

When all your elements have wire on them, simply start with one cluster. Stick all elements in place, sticking the metal wire straight through the greenery to the back, one by one.

When you are happy with how the cluster of elements look from the front, grab all the wires in the back and twist them around, safely securing them.

Repeat with all your clusters.

I hung my wreath using a very understated brown ribbon. This was in line with my natural, simple theme and I did not want to have a large attention-drawing red ribbon. I am sure that would look good too, it’s just not my vision. I also wanted to keep any focal point with the wooden monogrammed sign versus a bow or ribbon.