If you don’t have a lot of extra time or cash but you love your home to be welcoming to friends and family, then my holiday decorating hacks are for you.

First, get a cream colored tablecloth that fits your table. Make sure it’s machine-washable and pretty basic. It’s going to be the basis for all your holiday and special occasion dinners. Mine is about 15 years old, was used for many occasions, and still looks fine. Layer a runner or two on top for interest and color. If you don’t have time to buy one, use a scarf or a throw. My gold threaded runner is an old kobe’ sash from a Kimono. I added gold placemats just because I had them and think they are pretty.

Stop in a store like ours or visit an estate sale and pick up a set of plates. You don’t need a whole set (all those teacups…). But get at least 8 or 10 dinner plates that you can use for any special occasion. It won’t cost you much and look at the impact they make on our table.

The centerpiece is the most fun. Re-use items and be creative with color. I already had a gorgeous hand-blown cobalt blue glass bowl, so I used it. I then bought 2 yards of live garland at Kirkwood Farmer’s Market for about $24.00 and added random ornaments, pinecones, and holly berries. (Winterberries are $7.99 a bunch at Trader Joe’s.) You can find inexpensive candleholders at our store, or really anywhere you look. Maybe granny left you some – get those out now!

Here’s the best thing: You now have all the elements (minus garland) you need for next year, so you can now wow your framily every single year. Happy Holidays, friends!