Coffee Table Creation

Y'all, I am SO excited to do my first design post! I'm no professional here; everything I know I have learned from watching my mom, my grandmother & my aunts take something simple to create something beautiful. From wreaths to table scapes, these ladies know their decor. I feel blessed to have learned from them. I also find inspiration in their homes, Southern Living, Magnolia Home and LOTS of Pinterest. And all of the Southern girls said amen!

I chose to start my blog with this theme because there is nothing I love more than a perfectly decorated coffee table. A mix of function, beauty & personality is the best centerpiece to one of the most used rooms in our home! I like to keep my coffee table fairly simple - a few books, a tray, a candle and some kind of greenery. Something minimal that gives it a touch of character without losing function. The pieces you choose are entirely up to you, but I'd say this is a good place to start.

Books: My current collection is Home Body, The Home Edit and Becoming Us. I chose these because a) I was reading them b) they are all white and c) they are different sizes. In the past, I have also used a cookbook, a journal, magazines and Emily Post's Wedding etiquette. If you like antiques, you could also use an older book. Again- what you choose is up to you and should reflect your style/personality. I came up with a few different design options using some of my favorite books.

Tray: I have found most of my trays at antique stores but will try to find a few options to link. Because I have books that are rectangular, I opted for a circular tray for some contrast, but you could certainly choose any shape you like. The size really depends on how big your table is. You don't want to fill your coffee table with decor; you still want to see the table and have space for cups, coasters etc. I put a candle, a piece of greenery and a knick knack in my coffee table tray. (tip: if you use a candle from Bath and Body Works, you can take the sticker off & it has a better aesthetic) I love to sit with my cup of coffee in the morning, enjoy a seasonal scent and have a pretty background should I decide to take a photo to share on social media. I am a big believer that having greenery brings a space to life. You could trade any of these items for things that are meaningful to you- a quote, word art, a family photo, a bird cage or a figurine you love. You don't want the tray to feel cramped so make sure three some space between items. I like for each item inside the tray to be a different height. I usually puttee bigger item to the back and bring the smaller items forward. Something else to consider is putting books on the tray instead of on the table.

Below are a few photos of the coffee table in my home & links to similar items. My tray and most of the items in it are from antique stores so I couldn't find exact items. I hope you're able to take what I've shared and create a coffee table you love sitting down to. If you do, be sure to share a photo!

Tip: My rule of thumb is to decorate in odd numbers; 3 items on the tray and 3 things stacked