When starting holiday decorating, I always like to start with the areas that give the most “bang for the buck” like the coffee table.  It’s a confined space in which a display will really stand out.  Festive coffee tables are always fun to create!  Make yours the talk of the house this year with the old florist adage “A pillar, a thriller, a spiller and a filler”:

Tip 1: A Pillar

Well-designed coffee tables always benefit from a variety of heights.  And there are lots of great ways to give a little elevation to your look!  Vases, candlesticks, tall nutcrackers, finials or even pine boughs can add height and draw the eye upwards.  PRO TIP: Don’t forget risers!  Books and cake stands work great, and during the holiday season I like to use festive printed boxes

Tip 2: A Thriller

This is your “wow” item, so the sky is the limit!  I love using unconventional items to attract attention in my holiday displays.  Your thriller could be brighter, shinier or more glittery than everything else; it just needs to stand out!  PRO TIP: This is a great way to display that one item that you love, but doesn’t seem to fit anywhere else.  And, if your wow item is too small (like a cherished Christmas ornament) you can put it on a pedestal or in a glass cloche to make it seem larger.

Tip 3: A Spiller

In a festive coffee table display, I like to think of the spiller as what is on the table itself.  Trays are excellent for this, or in a nod to the season, you can use a wreath or garland.  Last year I used a cozy scarf, and I just loved how it looked.  PRO TIP: If your coffee table sees use during the holiday season, putting your display on a large tray will make it a snap to move everything to a side table until the coffee table is available again.

Tip 4: A Filler

Fillers are what “fills” all those little gaps to make a complete display!  I love candles, ornaments, greenery, and decorative balls.  Little fairy lights are always a great choice, too!  PRO TIP: When crafting a festive coffee table look, always try to replicate the decor in the room so it will fit in.  It doesn’t have to match, but it should be cohesive.

Putting it Together:

Here is a very simple coffee table formula – I’ve used this one many times for centerpieces, coffee tables and small vignettes.  It always works!

Pillar: A tall glass cylinder vase filled with baubles (bright or soft to match your decor).  You could also use a mini evergreen tree.

Thriller: A “wow” piece to match your decor, such as a large feather owl, a shiny red sleigh, or a gold nutcracker.

Spiller: A lambskin topped with a greenery wreath, or a large tray.

Filler: Finish it off with candles, fairy lights, Christmas ornaments and small reindeer, then tuck in little bits of evergreen.