Joyous Christmas Tablescape

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Tablescape inspiration can come from the strangest places. The inspiration for this table came from none other than Melissa’s Produce. Considering the lack of produce used here, this may give you pause for thought. The truth is, in addition to their quality produce, they also offer a wide variety of beautiful gift baskets. A couple of years ago the red sleigh basket that I used as the centerpiece was among their offerings, this one fill​​ed with beautiful apples. I thought it would make a lovely addition to this year’s table alongside my mother’s Santa carrying a tree.

I filled the basket with bits of greenery in which I interwove tiny battery powered lights. I then added a couple of wrapped gifts using fabulous wrapping paper that I got this year and I’m crazy about! It was pure serendipity that it matched the napkins, also a purchase this year from Pottery Barn.

The Christmas tree candle holders were my mother’s at one time. I am totally in love with these, and used sturdy colonial candles in them.

The greenery placemats are from Pier 1, a number of years ago, as are the plaid plates on top of them. Every time I use these, I get lots of comments. The salad plates on top are called “Christmas Tunes" and are from 222 Fifth.

The cranberry stemware that works so well here, giving the table a jewel-toned glow, is a product of Avon from years ago; the flatware was my mother’s as well.

Napkins, as mentioned above, are from Pottery Barn. I cannot emphasize enough the fabulous quality of their napkins. They are heavy duty, wash beautifully, and always keep their shape. Sadly, I have forgotten the source of the pine cone napkin rings.

Yet another lovely addition to this table are the miniature baskets (my mother’s as well -- she used to set a stunning table), that I filled with mint-filled chocolate Penguins that my little granddaughter was selling as a part of a fundraiser for Brownie troop.

Make your Christmas dining merry and bright!

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

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European Tour Table Setting

It's been quite a while since I was last out of the country. Truth be told, I don't miss it. I have visited a lot of different countries over the years. In some cases, as a part of a grant or fellowship received by my husband, so not only did I visit the country, but lived and worked there, like a local. I feel very fortunate to have seen and done all that I have, but these days, I am pretty content to stay at home for a while, basking in my avoidance of the TSA.

That does not mean that I don't love setting a table with an international flair. I love maps, I love plates that feature text and postage, and picture a destination that I have visited. So when I found these at Pier One I could not resist buying them. I knew they would go beautifully with the chocolate brown plates that I had been given for my birthday last year, and would stack nicely with those black polka-dot-edged Christmas (yep!) plates that seem to enhance almost every table setting, and that I have used here, and here, and here, and here, and actually for Christmas here. What I didn't know is that they would be nicely complemented by the salmon rimmed chargers that I have had since I was in college.

I am in love with this table setting. The plates represent London, Paris, Rome, and New York.

The wine glasses with the Eiffel Tower are among my favorites and are made in France by La Rocher. I love their glassware!

The map candles are from Pottery Barn, I believe. I have had them forever, and used them for the first time

here.

The antique crystal candlesticks were a Christmas gift from my husband, years ago, purchased at a favorite local antiques shop that, sadly, closed its doors years ago. Despite their very elegant and formal look, they go nicely here.

The birdcage is a consignment store purchase. It spends a lot of time in the center of this table because I love it so, but here it sort of reminds me of the Taj Mahal, particularly with those tall taper candles on either side.

This post is linked to:

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