LET'S TALK (AND TWEET!) TABLETOPS

I feel like I've been tabletopping like crazy lately. It starts in October with my birthday, then Thanksgiving, of course Christmas, and then there's New Year's... needless to say, it's not always easy to keep fresh ideas coming.

It also gets a bit challenging to use the same pieces in my cupboard over and over in new ways. Which is why I was thrilled when T.J.Maxx/Marshalls offered me the chance to do a little shopping for my Christmas table!

Department store prices for a totally new tabletop would probably get me as far as a set of new dinner dishes. If that. A couple of hours in my local T.J.Maxx, and I came away with a set of four dinner, salad and dessert dishes, new champagne flutes, and a mercury glass vase for the table...

As well as some decor that I could use on the table or buffet. This sequined nutcracker might be my new favorite addition! And let's not forget parting gifts for guests - always a must! The perfect packaging on these hot chocolate tins means all they need is a little ribbon to finish them off...

So here it is - the beginnings of my table inspiration. The Kate Spade dessert plates (on top) sparked my plan for metallics mixed with a pop of Tiffany blue. While I've been gravitating towards gold lately, the silver in the china made me think mercury glass, so I'm hoping to mix the trees into the table too ...

Oh, and did I mention that I snagged a white herringbone tablecloth? Yep. And all of this for under $150. With brand names like Kate Spade and Lenox? You've got to be kidding me. I honestly had no idea that I'd find such quality pieces for so little. (And yes I know I sound like a commercial, but it's true!)

So now it's time to put it all together and I'd love your help! Since we're talking so much tabletop around here, I thought I'd invite you all to a Twitter party tomorrow at 5pm PST / 8pm EST for the chance to win a $100 certificate to do a little of your own shopping at TJ Maxx or Marshalls!

I'd love to hear your ideas on how you'd set up my table using these pieces, your own tabletop challenges and successes this season (bring your photos!), and how you'd use the $100 to give your tabletop an update. (Maybe you need some fancy new flatware, are ready to replace your hand-me-down dishes or could use some festive decor?) Follow me at @casslavalle and use the hashtag #MarshallsTJMaxx. I'll see you on twitter tomorrow!