Traditions are what the holidays are made of, and how memories are created. They are what bond us to our family and friends, and make Christmas a time to be treasured. Traditions can be full of fanfare, but most often, they are small and simple things. I just love all of our holiday traditions (I wrote an entire book about them!), and the memories we have from years past are priceless. So many of our traditions actually take place around our table, and I’m delighted to tell you about a few of them.
Holiday Traditions Around the Table
The kitchen and by extension, our kitchen table is the busiest spot in our home. It’s where we gather–as family, and also when we invite friends over. Delicious meals, baking, addressing Christmas cards as a family, holiday parties, drinking hot cocoa, choosing names for our family book exchange, making gingerbread houses, making & wrapping Christmas presents–this table sees many of our holiday traditions.
It’s a special spot, so I love to decorate it and make it beautiful and cozy. As always, simplicity is my favorite, and my table decor is no different. P.S. See if you can spot an Elf on the Shelf somewhere in this post!
A huge thank you to Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart for partnering with me on this post. As always, 100% of opinions are mine. Affiliate links are included in this post of the products I used for your convenience.
Favorite Holiday Dinnerware
My favorite dinnerware is a clean and classic white set. I found the cutest plates with rustic trees on them, and the salad plates are perfect toppers. Then I bought two sets of each so I would have enough to mix and match throughout the year. They have a vintage and rustic feel, and go perfectly with all the trees I have on the table.
Lanterns are one of go-to choices to decorate a table, and I love this rustic farmhouse lantern I found by Better Homes & Gardens. I chose to add a candle this year, but I’ve also filled them with pine cones, or even Christmas ornaments.
Isn’t this pitcher so lovely? I adore the rim of red around the top, and the tree scene is so classic and gorgeous. I’m leaving it unfilled, but there are so many possibilities!
I simply couldn’t resist this darling vintage salt and pepper shaker set…isn’t it the cutest?
Hot Chocolate Station
One of my kids’ favorite traditions is our Hot Chocolate Station. I’ll admit, we drink a lot of hot cocoa at our house! I created an area right next to the kettle on the kitchen counter, and we all love it. I started with a rectangular galvanized tray, which is the perfect size to hold everything we need. Apothecary jars were filled with hot cocoa mix (we love homemade hot cocoa best, but I can’t keep up with demand!), marshmallows, and candy canes. I found the cutest white mugs, and added a few to the tray as well. It stays up all through the holiday season, and then the rest of the winter. Most evenings you’ll find us around the kitchen table, drinking hot chocolate!
I always love my house to smell good, but that’s even more the case during the Christmas season. I found the yummiest Cinnamon Stick wax melts for this darling sleigh warmer by Better Homes & Gardens, and it’s pretty much going constantly!
Christmas Advent
A Christmas Advent has been part of our countdown to Christmas every year since my oldest was born. We actually have more than one! This year we’re using this super cute numbered cabinet, and I’ll fill each number with Christmas candy to be opened on the designated day. We also have started a Christmas Kindness Countdown Chain, which helps us focus on serving others, and really makes the holidays more meaningful. Last but certainly not least, is our Christmas Book Advent. I wrap 25 of our favorite Christmas books, and then we open and read one every night.
This is going to be a wonderful year! Merry Christmas!
Distressed White Dining Chairs
Tree Pitcher (Heritage Collection)
Vintage House & Car Salt & Pepper Set (Heritage Collection)
Sleigh Warmer (Heritage Collection)
Spicy Cinnamon Stick Wax Melts
Simply Tradition: 70 Fun & Easy Holiday Traditions for Families
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Other ideas you might like…
- 5 Super Cute & Affordable Christmas Gift ideas
- How to Flock a Tree…the Easy Way!
- Christmas Kindness Countdown Chain
- Christmas Book Advent + 25 Favorite Christmas Books
Jen Gregor says
Nov 24, 2018 at 10:28 pmI love your table and everything in this space! Would you mind sharing where you got your garland for the stairs? We are in a new house with stairs this year and I love that look. Also is it real or fake? Thank you!!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Nov 24, 2018 at 10:33 pmThank you so much, Jen! The garlands are real. I get them (and wreaths) every year from the tree farm we go to to cut down our Christmas tree. I do real every year—I just haven’t been able to find fake ones that I love as much! If I find some, I’ll definitely share!!
Congrats on your new house!! xoxo
Jen Gregor says
Nov 25, 2018 at 1:46 amThank you! Hopefully I can find some local real garland and wreaths! Have a wonderful holiday!
Bethany says
Nov 24, 2018 at 11:26 pmBeautiful post, Kierste! Your home is gorgeous + I can feel the coziness and sweet holiday spirit you share seeping right through my MacBook :) It makes me so happy to see all of these fun Christmas traditions. I’m making a Hot Chocolate Stand ASAP!! and I can’t wait to do the Christmas Book Countdown. Please keep these inspiring ideas coming!!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Nov 25, 2018 at 6:11 pmOh my goodness, Bethany, thank you so much!! That totally made my night! :) And you will LOVE the hot chocolate station…and the Christmas Book Countdown—two of our very favorites!! xoxo
Georgia says
Nov 25, 2018 at 9:20 amI always love the simplicity of your decorations. Everything is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Nov 25, 2018 at 6:12 pmThank you so much, Georgia!! I really appreciate that. Merry Christmas!! xoxo
Terry says
Nov 25, 2018 at 10:33 amI love your fireplace! Can you tell me where you got your stockings, they are wonderful! Thank you
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Nov 25, 2018 at 6:10 pmThank you, Terry! I adore the stockings too–I got them from here: http://thevintagebucketcom.ipage.com/store/p36/Grain_Sack_Stocking.html
Glynda says
Nov 25, 2018 at 2:37 pmEverything is wonderful! I was wondering where you purchased the large oval tray? Thank you~
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Nov 25, 2018 at 6:13 pmThank you, Glynda! The tray came from Target! https://rstyle.me/n/dcf64fxze6 (affiliate link)