Simple & Sweet Holiday Table

Finding the motivation to work out regularly has always been challenging for me. So, every year, I train for a half-marathon (or two, if I’m feeling extra inspired), to make sure I’m getting my sweat on at least 4 times a week. With this year’s race, the White Rock Half Marathon, just days away, I am WAY more excited than usual. The hubby and I will both be hitting the road, plus several local friends and one of our favorite Austinite-couples will be joining us. The more the merrier has never been more true than when it comes to slogging through 13+ miles!

So, with a race on Sunday, that can only mean one thing for Saturday night: pre-race pasta dinner! We’ll be hosting dinner at our house, and since it’s a casual affair (read: sweatpants, lots of hydration, and early bedtimes all around), I dressed the table to match. The white table runners and DIY mini-runners stayed in place, along with the tree, pinecone & gold acorn combo serving as a centerpiece. (Learn how to make the gold acorns here).

I finally bit the bullet and bought some green napkins for the table – loving this shade of loden green, which will take me long beyond the Christmas holidays. I’m thinking birds’ nests and eggs, or cherry blossoms, would make a springy pairing for these green napkins. Add a pop of coral and they’ll carry me through the summer! Anyhoo, this set of 6 napkins cost just $9.99 at World Market – a pretty good find, considering how long it takes someone of my sewing ilk to whip up a napkin.

I also snagged these adorable gift tags (soon to be name cards) from World Market for under $4, thanks to a 25% off sale. The mushrooms are my favorite, but these other little fellas are pretty cute, too. Adorable and perfect for a casual pasta dinner. Names TBW (to be written) once I can track down a brown Sharpie.

Another must-have for this little party: water. And lots of it. But you’ll also notice wine glasses made it onto the table as well – a glass of wine is a great antidote for pre-race jitters. Note: this method for managing pre-race anxiety is only recommended for the night before the race!

Yes, that’s a giant tongue you spy in the top left corner of the picture. That’s a reclaimed wood painting we scored from McKinney Trade Days – based on a photo I sent in of everyone’s favorite naughty dog, Steve. Here he is, in his full glory.

In case you’re joining us for dinner on Saturday, and wondering where in the heck you’re going to sit with just 6 chairs around the table, have no fear – there’s plenty of overflow seating in the kitchen!

How do you stay motivated when it comes to working out? Any last-minute pre-race tips you want to share?

PS If you’re looking for some amazing table inspiration for the holidays, take a peek at Centsational Girl‘s holiday table linky party! Swoon.