For those hosting Christmas lunch, the pressure to wow with an impeccable dining table and centrepiece can be overwhelming.
As a result, many often race to high-end stores and spend a fortune trying to create their dream magazine-worthy setting.
But one thrifty mother has proven that it is possible to transform your entire dining table for just $149.50.
One thrifty mother has proven that it is possible to transform your entire dining table this Christmas for just $149.50
For each setting, Samantha purchased gold cutlery sets (two sets of four) for $19 and placed them beside $5 Gold Charger plates, $3 ‘Irregular’ plates and $3 ‘Irregular’ side plates
Samantha Tolley, from Brisbane, is known for her ability to transform and style any room on an affordable budget and she has now impressed with her simple yet chic Christmas-themed table design.
The 31-year-old Addicted to Bargains founder, shared snaps of her gold-themed table setting for six on her Facebook page and revealed that each item used was purchased from Kmart.
‘I was challenged to set up a dining table for under $150, using Kmart Australia goodies,’ she wrote, adding that the table runner was purchased from Kmart in 2016.
This $5 blackboard was a playful yet on-trend addition to the table, with many planning to use this as a way to present the menu for the day or simply share a fun festive message
For each setting, Samantha purchased gold cutlery sets (two sets of four) for $19 and placed them beside $5 Gold Charger plates, $3 ‘Irregular’ plates and $3 ‘Irregular’ side plates.
She also used $2 napkin rings to hold her napkins, which came in a $2 20 pack.
The glasses were also a bargain at 75 cents each and the water jugs placed on each end of the table cost just $1.50 each.
The glasses were also a bargain at 75 cents each and the water jugs placed on each end of the table cost just $1.50 each
For the decor, Samantha used a small Christmas tree that cost her just $8 and decorated it with three sequined stars – each of them costing a mere $2 each.
She completed the table with a $5 blackboard, two $3 tealight holders and a $5 trivet.
‘I want people to know that styling your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune,’ Samantha told FEMAIL previously.
Australian interiors experts, Heidi Albertiri and Lorena Gaxiola, also spoke to FEMAIL recently and revealed their top tips for creating and decorating a stylist-worthy Christmas table.
Australian interiors experts, Heidi Albertiri and Lorena Gaxiola, also spoke to FEMAIL recently and revealed their top tips for creating and decorating a stylist-worthy Christmas table
Heidi, the lifestyle editor for The Life Style Edit, said it never hurts to freshen up your canvas.
‘I always start to have a bit of a clean out, it’s nice to have a clean canvas to start with and work from there,’ Heidi said.
‘I start by tending to my plants that have been neglected, I freshen up my soft furnishings if they need it, replace cushion covers and clear space for my table and Christmas tree.’
The first thing to think about once the colour scheme has been decided is the tablecloth, followed by glassware, decorative elements and candles.
The first thing to think about once the colour scheme has been decided is the tablecloth, followed by glassware, decorative elements and candles
‘A good linen tablecloth (and yes, tablecloths are back in) is your first port of call,’ she said.
‘While in the US people might decorate with winter motifs like poinsettias and pine trees, in Australia it can look unusual when the sun is shining,’ Lorena said.
‘In this case, I decorate with small, simple, green and floral arrangements – as well as clear ornaments.’
But to truly set your festive spread apart and take your Instagram game to the next level, both experts recommend personalising your table décor.
‘We’ve been really drawn to muted tones this year for Christmas, mustards, naturals and dirty pinks are definitely on our radar this year,’ Heidi explained
To truly set your festive spread apart and take your Instagram game to the next level, both experts recommend personalising your table décor
‘I love making little bunches of herbs for my guests to take home with them and they double as a table setting,’ said Heidi.
‘Personalising the table with objects, colours or items also helps guests to connect and have something to engage with in conversation,’ added Lorena.
‘People love the extra thought that can put the icing on the cake,’ Heidi said.
‘Whether it’s herbs or a muslin bag of cherries or a jar of my homemade rocky road, I always give my guests something to leave with.’
You need to get your hands on some new items to freshen up your table – while you might keep your dinner ware, new napkins and accessories always work
Zara Home has some excellent festive options to help make your table stylist-worthy – such as this gold plate (AUD $21.95) and golden glasses ($9.95-$12.95)
Finally, both experts advocate thinking about the finer details – such as smells and overall festive feels.
‘There is nothing like the smell of a fresh pine tree when you come home,’ Heidi said. ‘Having a Christmas candle burning near the table is also a heavenly idea.’
‘Make it personal, prepare in advance and have your flowers ready, so you can enjoy a Christmas morning with family or friends,’ Heidi said.