Tonya Cool is a bit of a jane-of-all-trades around Williamson. She and her husband, Shawn, run a Facebook page, DIY Designs by Shawn and Tonya, where they share their many DIY creations, and she works full time as the owner of Reflections Salon & Spa. When she’s not working at the salon or on a new DIY project, though, she’s also known for her decorating skills. Here’s a few tips from Tonya on setting a Christmas-themed table.
Inspiration Outside Your Door
“My most favorite tablescapes are created from things I gather outside,” Tonya says. Many of her best designs feature real-life branches, plants, wood, and pine cones among the more conventional decor. “I am a firm believer that everything you need to create a stunning and inviting table is right outside your door.”
She typically adds burlap, lanterns, and candles to most of her table settings, describing burlap as “super affordable, and helps make any tablescape beautiful.” When it comes to setting up her indoor table settings at home, she typically changes things up every year, “to make them feel new again”, she says.
If you’re doing more than one table setting, she suggests changing them up. “For my kitchen, I like a more casual table, and for my dining table, I like an elegant design!” If you’re looking for a great finishing touch, poinsettias are her holiday season go-to. She says, “They do the trick every time!”
Above all else, don’t be afraid to put in the effort and get creative. “For me, taking the extra time is worth it to make a special setting for the ones I love. Christmas is the perfect time to get creative!”
All photos provided by Tonya Cool