When I was young, we lived in a city where both sides of my family could gather for the holidays. Thanksgiving dinner was spent with one side and Christmas dinner with the other. Since there could be upwards of 25 people at each, we used disposable plates and flatware.

Nobody in my family had a large set of formal china to serve that many people. In fact, nobody had any formal china. Either they did not see the importance of possessing such things, or they simply could not afford it.

As a young man, I met friends who entertained like professionals. They had beautiful serving dishes and wonderful well-made china. Those dinner parties taught me that the presentation of the food was an element of entertaining I, too, appreciated. Over the years I came to acquire several sets of china. Some were won at auction; others were found at antique stores, estate sales and Goodwill. EBay was a great source, too. Almost all were partial sets, and I took pleasure in the hunt to make them complete.

Over the past two months, I challenged myself to create a Christmas tablescape shopping only at Goodwill, antique, thrift and discount home stores. I had a vision in mind, so it took me some time to find it all. Having stated that, I always have something at the holiday table that was handed down to me by family or friends. It’s how I honor those who are or have been important to me. In this case, I used heirloom silver flatware.

I diligently shopped Goodwill, with great success. The ruby red glass dinner plates are the perfect color for Christmas. The salad plates with gold hand-painted flowers resembling poinsettias cost less than $1 each. The brass Lars Knudsen chargers were a great find! There were two sets of four in their original boxes. I had seen some for sale at the Olympia Goodwill before, but hesitated on buying them. I later found the boxed sets in Aberdeen for a lower price.

The wine and water glasses were found at a discount big-box retailer for about $2.50 per glass.

The candlesticks are a mix of 1980s Lucite, Royal Doulton crystal and brass. They were all found at Goodwill or antique shops. The tabletop décor and that fun string of battery-operated lights were purchased at an area big-box retailer.

The white oval tablecloth could only be found online. Round or rectangular ones may be sourced locally, but not oval! While searching online, I found that most retailers recommend a tablecloth have a 10- to 12-inch drop on each side of the table. My table had that, and it looked great. And, a quality white tablecloth is easily used throughout the year.

The napkins and napkin rings, I already had. It was fun mixing heirloom pieces with the new and modern. It all worked together. Just be true to your own sense of what is beautiful, and the mix will work.

The table was set in the morning, and I must say I enjoyed looking at it throughout the day. It looked its best as the sun was setting, with pink and orange rays striking the tops of the trees outside.

Whether or not you like this style of setting a table, my hope is that you will do something to invite those you love into your home this holiday season. Make your guests feel special, and let them know you appreciate them.

Mitchell Chapman lives in Montesano and enjoys DIY renovations, interior design and home furnishings. He’s been an “armchair” interior designer for more than 25 years. He can be reached at GraysHarborHome@outlook.com.

Mitchell Chapman The author created this tablescape with items purchased primarily from Goodwill and discount home stores.