Simple Festive + Foraged Small Tablescape

minimal, chic and easy to recreate throughout the holiday season

first published 12/21/20; last updated 11/13/24

Simple, small tablescapes are always a favorite of mine. For someone like me, who puts a lot of thought, time and energy into preparing delicious and beautiful food, I appreciate having a table that accents my final dishes rather than distracts and takes away from their presentation and flavors. But even more importantly, I think that by keeping your table decor simple, you allow the focus to be on those who are gathered around the table rather than what is gathered on the table, which, at the end of the day, is really what gathering is all about.

One of the easiest ways to keep your tablescape simple is with lots of nods to nature. Think things like foraged goods, simple greenery, natural elements, rustic materials, from the great outdoors and/or your own backyard (ok, and maybe a grocery store department or two). I did just that for this festive and foraged tablescape and I couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s elevated yet effortless, and easy to recreate with whatever foraged items you have on hand.

Keep scrolling for more photos and a list of exactly what I used. You can also watch how I put the whole table together here on Instagram.

HOW TO CREATE A Simple Festive + Foraged Small Tablescape

ITEMS you need to create thE TABLESCAPE

• BEESWAX TAPER CANDLES

• VINTAGE BRASS CANDLESTICK HOLDERS

  Look for ones with varying heights as that will help to add depth to your tablescape.

• OLIVE BRANCHES

  Living in California, where olive trees are abundant, I am often able to forage for my olive branches, but I’ve also found them at local farmers markets and occasionally Trader Joe’s will have them stocked, as well. You can also check your local flower market and you can even order fresh branches online if foraging locally isn’t an option for you.

• KUMQUATS

  I am quite lucky to have a kumquat tree in my backyard so the kumquats you see in these photos are from that very tree. But, as with the olive branches, you can check your local farmers market for kumquats and I’ve also seen them at Trader Joe’s and local grocery stores. Believe it or not, you can also order them online. However, if kumquats aren’t available to you mandarin oranges (especially with the stem and a few leaves still on) are another great option.

• DRIED ORANGE SLICES

  A very easy DIY but you can also purchase some HERE

• STAR ANISE

• CINNAMON STICKS

• ROUND WOODEN SERVING BOARD

• GLASSES + PLATES

• WOOL COASTERS

• TAUPE LINEN NAPKINS

• SILVERWARE

• LINEN TABLECLOTH

• PLACE CARDS (OPTIONAL)

HOW TO CREATE THE CENTERPIECE //

1. I first put the round wooden board in the center of the table, then add the candles in candlestick holders on top.

2. From there I place olive branches around the board, creating a bit of a free form wreath. I make sure to have a few branches hanging off of the board to add texture and variety and to keep it looking more foraged and natural and less perfect and proper.

3. I finish off the centerpiece by artfully placing kumquats and star anise throughout the olive branches.

HOW TO CREATE THE PLACE SETTINGS //

1. I like to roughly fold the napkins, leaving them a bit unkept for added texture, and to keep the setting looking more natural and less stuffy and rigid.

2. Then place a napkin in the center of each plate.

3. On top of the napkin, I layer a small sprig of olive leaves, a cinnamon stick, a dried orange slice and then top everything off with a few star anise.

4. While I didn’t do it here, you could also tuck a place card, something neutral and understated such as these, alongside the orange slice.

5. Finish each place setting with silverware, glasses and coasters (optional).

SHOP ITEMS TO CREATE YOUR OWN Simple Festive + Foraged Tablescape

ARE YOU Recreating this tablescape?

If you are re-creating this tablescape for your own table this holiday season, please snap a photo and tag me on INSTAGRAM or PINTEREST so I can see. Nothing makes me happier than when I see people being inspired by and using my creations to inspire their own creativity!