Getting Ahead of the Holidays, One Week at a Time

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Summer may be winding down, but the holidays always have a way of sneaking up on you. Now is a good time to take stock of what you already have on hand for entertaining and figure out what you may need before the season gets busy. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, so it's a practical place to start, but the tips and ideas here work just as well as a template for any gathering from now through New Year's Day. We'll focus on two design directions: coastal contemporary and coastal traditional.

Take inventory: Pull out your linens: tablecloths, runners, and napkins — check for stains and tears, and take a count of what you have versus how many you'll need for your guest list. Do the same with candles, candle holders, and any serving pieces: platters, chargers, bowls — that get used for a gathering, and check your silverware for any pieces that need polishing. Making a running list now means less scrambling later and a clearer picture of what to shop for.

Pick a direction:  Having a rough theme or color palette in mind before you start shopping makes the whole process easier. A coastal contemporary table might lean toward natural linen and simple stoneware, while a coastal traditional table leans toward blue and white china and antique brass. Either way, think about lighting too, whether that's candles, votives, or cordless lamps, since it sets the mood as much as anything else on the table. Deciding on a direction now means less second guessing later, and the right pieces are more obvious to spot when you know what you're looking for.  

Coastal Contemporary

This tablescape stays relaxed and pared back, with natural textures and soft, easy lighting that make the whole table feel effortless rather than fussy.

Coastal Traditional

This tablescape leans classic, with blue and white china and touches of vintage silver bringing a more refined, heirloom feel to the same coastal palette.

Here are a few Breezy Blue Home favorites to help create either look.

                                      Pictured by row, top to bottom, left to right:

• Pooky Cordless Lamp
  
  
• Striped Linen Napkins
  
  
• Natural Woven Chargers
  
  
• Linen Tablecloths
  
  
• Oyster Shell Napkin Ring
  
  
• Blue Crystal Stemware
  
  
• Bamboo Handled Flatware
  
  
• Hand Blown Water Glasses
  
  
• Linen Table Runner

A little planning  and preparation now means more time to enjoy the season ahead, so your holidays with family and friends can feel relaxed, stress free, and full of joy.

Stay breezy 🌊

Love coastal style? Follow Breezy Blue Home on Pinterest for more beach cottage inspiration. And for more of my favorite finds, shop my  Amazon storefront.