Creating a Cozy Christmas
I love entertaining, especially during the holidays. Having our home filled with our family and friends makes me the happiest.
This year, Kyle and I decided to invest in something we wanted for years, additional seating for our dining room table. We had a clear vision that we wanted a bench for seating so we could seat multiple people on the one side of our table. We had been looking for awhile for something that would work and never found anything that was quite right, so we decided to make it. Like most of my DIYs, before getting started I did some searching on Pinterest for inspiration.
Home Hardware was able to help me out with everything I needed for this project. Their staff made sure I had the right type of wood, paint and safety supplies to get started on my project.
Here’s how we built the oversized bench for our dining room.
Lumber (I used pressure treated wood)
4×4 cut to 16 1/2″ (legs) x 4
2×8 cut to 49 1/2″ (long bench top) x 2
2×8 cut to 14 1/2″ (short bench top ends) x 2
2×4 cut to 54 1/2″ (long apron) x 2
2×4 cut to 5″ (short apron) x 2
2×4 cut to 12″ (support) x 2
Tools and Supplies
miter saw
circular saw
kreg jig
tape measure
drill
sander
wood filler
2” kreg jig screws
3” wood screws
paint or stain and sealant
How To
We started by notching all four legs. Then we used 3” wood screws to attach the support to the legs. The edge of the support board should be flush with the outside of the legs. We then added the short apron in between the legs using pocket holes and 2” kreg jig screws. We continued by doing this same process to the other legs.
We then attached both long aprons to the legs using a pocket hole and 2” screws. The apron should be flush with the top of the legs.
For the seat, we wanted something that was wide and comfortable to sit on. We did this by connecting the two long boards by drilling pocket holes every 10” on the long side of one board and connecting the other board with 2” screws. We then attached the short ends using four pocket holes and 2” screws.
Then we drilled pocket holes along the inside of the apron every 10” and attached the bench top to the frame using 2” screws.
To complete the bench, we used wood filler on the legs to smooth out any imperfections or gaps. Once dried we used our sander to give it a smooth finish.
Then onto painting. We decided to use a BeautiTone Cabinet & Furniture Paint with a pearl finish in the colour white to match our already existing chairs and the bottom of our table. We did a few coats of paint and finished with a Varathane Crystal Clear non-yellowing sealant for paint longevity. Don’t forget to add some felt pads to the bottom of the legs to protect your floors. I think the finished look is super polished and pairs great with our existing furniture.
Of course holiday decor was also a priority for me. This year I decided to keep things fairly neutral and earthy. With that in mind, Kyle and I put together some tree centerpieces. They were super easy to create and I love how they turned out.
Here’s how we made the tree decor.
Lumber
1x4
Tools and Supplies
miter saw
wood glue
12” clamps
paint or stain of your choice
tape measure
How To
We started out by measuring the different lengths of wood needed and cutting them on a 31.6 degree angle. For the first board, measure 9 ¾” from the longest point and do another 31.6 degree angle cut. For the second layer do the same but at a 7 ¾” distance. And for the third layer do the same but at a 35 degree angle with a distance of 4 ¾” between sides. We also cut a rectangle back piece for each tree as a stand. Once all of the pieces were cut, we moved onto glue.
We glued the 3 pieces of the tree together and clamped them. Once those were dry, we glued and clamped the piece on the back. Be sure to wipe away any excess glue.
Once the trees were put together we sanded the edges slightly to clean them up a bit. We finished the trees with a coat of stain on each. We used Miniwax stains in the shades Dark Walnut, Weathered Oak and Classic Gray from Home Hardware.
I’m so happy with the final look and can’t wait to host our guests in our newly styled space!
