Candy Coated Christmas Tablescape

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Quite seriously here, my friends, Christmas and everything that the holiday time brings is the bomb dot com. Decorating, spending time with friends and family, decorating, baking, wrapping gifts, and did I mention decorating? It’s kind of my fave.

Normally I’m a traditionalist and will only buy decorations if they fall into the color scheme of red, green, white and silver. This year, however, I’m changing my ways completely! Growing up one of my favorite traditions was to go see The Nutcracker every year. As a kid I was absolutely in awe when the Sugar Plum Fairy would whisk Clara and her Nutcracker Prince away to the Land of Sweets. Literally the best.

Drawing inspiration from that, I’ve decided to change my color scheme to “candy colors”. I started incorporating it first into my dining room as part of this week’s Dare to DIY – Dare to Entertain. Check it out below!

I picked up a package of Styrofoam balls at Hobby Lobby and cut them in half. These already had a “texture” to them that resembled gumdrops so I was pleased. Take two and cut them in half with a serrated knife. Then taking some acrylic paint (I used pastel colors), paint all over. I found using a stippling technique is best as it will really get into the porous material. Let dry.

While those are drying, take 18 gauge wire and cut into four 5″ – 6″ pieces. Use needle nose pliers to bend the end in, creating a small circle. Continue wrapping the wire around, about 3 times. Take the remaining wire and bend at a 90° angle so it sits straight.

Once your gumdrops are dry, stick the wire holder in the middle. Take a small piece of cardstock and divide into four equal parts. Cut and write the name of your guests.

My best friend’s mom didn’t want these small Styrofoam trees and she knew I’d be able to do something with them. Thanks Stephanie! Start by hot gluing the end of some ruffle ribbon towards the bottom of the tree. Begin wrapping the ribbon around the tree, gluing where you feel necessary. Once you get to the top, cut a 1″ piece of ribbon and glue to the tip of the tree.

All done! Now all I need is to have my friends over for dinner. To finish my tablescape, while at Hobby Lobby, I picked up four silver chargers and that pink, sparkly, prickly tree. Oh, I also picked up supplies to make Ninja an Indian headdress for Thanksgiving. As you can see, it was the highlight of her life.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Go check out the Dare to DIY link party and the super talented ladies that are hosting!

. Michelle . Rachel . Katja . Kim .

Planning a get together and want something unique to serve? Come back later this week and get my all time favorite candy recipe that uses holiday dinner leftovers!