Inside the Chapman home a competition is brewing… no, it’s not the traditional sports game or fight for the last bite of grandma’s stuffing. No, this heated competition is for the holiday table queen! It’s fierce, it’s competitive and most of all, it’s REAL!
Elizabeth Chapman’s annual table decorating contest started a few years ago as a way to help out the hostess with 20+ guests. I mean who really has that many dishes, flatware, table cloths and centerpieces to accommodate so many guests? Thus, the competition was born. It was decided that each “hostess” or table sponsor would set and decorate her own table. This way, each person would only have to clean up after six to eight individuals versus the whole family. Plus it’s a great way to show off your creativity and decorating capabilities.
Since it’s a competition, besides bragging rights there is actually a prize on the line. However, to make it fair and avoid family feuds, voting needed to be done by friends. This is where Elizabeth’s blog comes into play. She has her readers vote on the tables to decide which one wins for the holiday. As you can see from the photos, for Thanksgiving in 2009 there were three beautifully decorated tables striving to be queen.
Elizabeth is really on to something! This is a terrific way to motivate guests coming into your home to take part in the holiday decorating as well as alleviate a little stress on you! And who doesn’t love a little healthy competition?
The process is pretty easy; get a head count prior to the holiday to determine how many tables you’ll need. Establish who wants to be “hostesses” or table sponsors responsible for decorating, then watch the creativity flow! You can go with a theme for your table, such as winter wonderland, Christmas tree with ornaments and tinsel or holiday songs (such as 12 days of Christmas with one pear, two fake doves, five rings, etc.). Then let the trash talk begin! Suitable phrases include “you’re going down Chapman!” or “hope Santa brings you a box of Kleenex to wipe up them tears after you lose!” Stuff like that! All in good fun and helps get the juices flowing.
As it did with Elizabeth’s family, this idea can really grow into a holiday tradition. Wishing you much success with your table decorating festivities this year!
Content and photos were used with the permissions of Elizabeth Chapman, eMyselfandI.com creator.
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