“Think outside the box,” is the advice that Replacements, Ltd. design specialist Dubravka Vujinovic always gives to anyone who wants to spruce up holiday decorations, but doesn’t have a lot of money.

Do you have serving pieces in the china cabinet gathering dust? Those could be the start of the perfect centerpiece. “A great idea that’s also really easy is to fill a soup tureen or large serving bowl with flowers, greenery, or colorful holiday ornaments to complement your napkins or china,” Dubravka said. “You can do something similar with your sugar bowl, or even fill water goblets or tumblers with greenery to use at each place setting.”

“Many people fall into the trap of thinking they need to rush out and buy an entire holiday pattern,” Dubravka said, “when just adding festive salad or accent plates can actually give your table an entire new seasonal look. Many dinnerware manufacturers complement their year-round patterns with coordinating holiday accent plates.”

Dubravka’s “Quick Tips”

• Mix old and new china patterns, or combine your formal dinnerware with more casual pieces. For instance, use a colorful earthenware dinner plate from the Homer Laughlin Fiesta collection as a charger to add more “pop” to a delicate china pattern.
• Ornaments aren’t just for holiday trees. Decorate each place setting with ornaments. This bright infusion of color will not only add sparkle to your table, you can give them to your guests as keepsakes from your special evening.
• Fill silver bowls with water and float candles for evening entertaining. Instead of flowers, fill clear vases with cranberries, lemons or greenery in water.
• Look outdoors. Use seasonal greenery, including holly, running cedar, magnolia leaves, and pine cones on the table to add color and contrast.

Dubravka’s most important tip? “Relax, have fun with your decorations, and enjoy your friends and family this holiday!”

Click here to view our Events Archive!