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Create a Sparkling Holiday Table With Last Year's Leftovers

October 08, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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No, not food! Learn how to turn last year's gift wrap, ribbon and decor into a gorgeous holiday tablescape that looks brand new.

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Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Beautiful on a Budget

Looking for a frugal way to set up a show-stopping holiday table this year? It's simple. Use leftover decor, wrapping paper and other small items you've already got on hand. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Wrapping Paper Runner

Stuck with piles of leftover wrapping paper? Use it as a table runner! And if you have any holiday fabric on hand, it can make for a great tablecloth.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Ribbon Flair

Use ribbons in place of chargers for an elegant look. Wired ribbon holds its shape and works especially well here.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Ribbon Napkin Rings

Try leftover ribbon tied around napkins, silverware and small twigs or tree trimmings for a natural holiday look.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Filled Apothecary Jars

Use various apothecary jars to hold leftover garland, walnuts, jingle bells or bows. Place the jars on cake stands to give your favorites a boost.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Glass Ornaments

Glass ornaments are perfect because you can fill them with whatever strikes your fancy. Here, we’ve simply trimmed some tinsel garland to add sparkle to the table. Make this DIY tinsel ornament garland.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Ribbon Streamers

Tie leftover ribbons to string and pin to the back of your dining chairs to add color in an unexpected place.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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DIY Snowglobe

Create a winter wonderland in just a few steps! First, set up and glue down your holiday scene on the coaster. Then, pour some confetti into a wineglass to use for snow, top with the coaster and turn over. Discover 10 things to do with your old glassware.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Candy Canes

Place some pretty peppermint sticks in a clear jar or glass to add holiday flair to your Christmas table.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Tree Trimmings

If you have any extra trimmings left from your Christmas tree, use them to add organic texture to your table. Throw in decorative ornaments, such as mercury glass, to add some high-shine class.

Holiday Tablescape

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Small Gifts

If your guests can leave their presents unopened, grab some smaller ones from under the tree to bring new shapes to the table.

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