All Aboard the Christmas Express: A Nostalgic Holiday Tablescape

 

Each December, my dining room transforms into a festive celebration of family memories, cherished collections, and a touch of holiday whimsy. This year’s Christmas table is no exception—layered with beloved pieces gathered over decades, inherited treasures from my mother, and one unforgettable statement centerpiece. I always begin with the foundation: a versatile gingham tablecloth I purchased years ago from Décor Steals. You may remember seeing it last month—its classic pattern is wonderfully adaptable, providing just the right mix of charm and neutrality for any holiday theme I choose. 

The Fitz and Floyd Santa mugs were among my very first holiday tableware purchases back in the 1970s. Their rosy cheeks and old-world charm still delight me after all these years. I even have the matching pitcher, another sentimental favorite that joins the table each Christmas season. 

At each place setting, the layers tell a story of their own. The greenery-and-berry placemats from Pier 1, acquired many years ago, still bring a warm woodland touch. On top of them sit the red dinner plates from Pier 1’s classic Spice Collection, edged with that wonderful nubby texture I’ve always loved. 

 

The green charger plates, made in Italy, once belonged to my mother and now hold a place of honor on my table. Above them rests one of my most treasured seasonal patterns: the “Saint Nick” plates by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, created exclusively for Williams-Sonoma in 2003. The joyful, nostalgic Santa illustration always brings a smile. 

Bright red stemware from Villeroy & Boch adds a robust pop of holiday color. And beside each plate sits a tiny ceramic holly-leaf bowl—a tradition passed down from my mother. She placed one at each setting every Christmas brunch, always with a single truffle tucked inside. We could hardly wait to see what flavor awaited us each year. These bowls date back to 1986, made by Pia Bone China, and holding them still brings back the warmth of those family mornings. 

 

The napkin rings—also inherited from my mother—were made in the Philippines and add a simple, elegant touch. The flatware is one of the few newer additions to my holiday table: the “Versailles” pattern by KEAWELL, with its delicate, ornamental design that feels effortlessly festive.

 

But the true star of this tablescape is the centerpiece: a sparkling silver tin train stretching a full three feet long. I found it years ago at Josephine’s Tea Room and Gift Shop in Godfrey, Illinois—a charming spot where irresistible décor meets delicious lunches. I spotted the train instantly and knew it needed to come home with me, even though I had no immediate plan for it. Its bright sparkly silver finish, oversized engine, and whimsical track with a gentle hump make it impossible to ignore. 

 

Nearby, a stately Santa figure stands watch—one of the Carolers from Byers’ Choice. I inherited my mother’s entire collection, and this particular Santa always feels right at home next to the gleaming Christmas train. 

 

Snowflake candle holders from Crate & Barrel bring a cozy winter glow (though I use battery-operated tealights these days, complete with a remote -- truly one of the best inventions for holiday decorating). I can tuck them anywhere I please without worrying about open flames. 

 

And, because I can never resist a good pillow, a new find from World Market made its way into the room this year. Did I need another Christmas pillow? Absolutely not. Did I have to have it? Without question.

 Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop.

 

Click on the links below for more Christmas table inspiration from my blogging friends:

 Panoply - O Christmas Tree Tablescape

Home is Where the Boat Is - Cardinal Christmas with Plaid and Checks

Hyacinths for the Soul - Cozy, Comfy Christmas

Everyday Living - A Victorian Christmas Tablescape

Life and Linda - All Aboard the Polar Express

The Cats Whiskerz - A Christmas Tablescape in Gold, White and Mint

Belle Bleu Interiors - Christmas Traditions

Pandora's Box - A Holiday Breakfast for Two Special Boys

My Thrift Store Addiction - Secret Garden Whimsical Christmas Tablescape

Olla-Podrida - All Aboard the Christmas Express: A Nostalgic Holiday Tablescape

Red Cottage Chronicles - Ralph Lauren Inspired Tablescape

Me and My Captain - Christmas 2025 The Reason for the Season

The Little Yellow Corner Store - A Pretty Poinsettia Tablescape

Dinner at Eight - A Playful Tablesetting for Christmas

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Oh, Come All Ye Plaid Lovers

Mantel and Table - A Cozy Christmas Tablescape: Simple Ideas for a Beautiful Holiday

Thrifting Wonderland - Vintage Christmas Tablescapes with Thrifted Finds

The Bookish Dilettante - Simple Evergreen Christmas Tablescape

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Christmas at the Lake Tablescape

This is a table that came about quite by accident. I was clearing things off of the large table in the dining room, placing some of the pieces on my table for two in the conservatory. Before I knew it, I had a nice table setting coming together, so I just went with it.

 The canoe once belonged to my mother. She had a very rustic, woodsy guest bedroom that I always loved. When I had to clear out her and dad‘s house, I took everything from that room, but up until now wasn’t entirely sure how to use it all. I had brought the canoe up from the belly of the beast and just set it on the table in the conservatory and loved the way it looked. I decided I was going to go with a rustic, in the woods, by the lake kind of vibe.

The placemats are among my favorites and are from Pier One. If I’m ever struggling to get in the Christmas spirit, these placemats always do the trick.

They are topped with tin chargers on which I have placed both an earth tone stoneware dinner plate, and black stoneware salad plate, each from different collections. On top of the plates are super cute little sauce pitchers that I am absolutely in love with. They work well at breakfast for syrup, or at dinner for barbecue sauce, mustard sauce, or horseradish sauce, depending upon your entrée.

The napkins and the twig reindeer (one of a set of three) are from Pottery Barn. I’d like the casual, knotted look that forms a half circle around a green-stemmed dessert dish that I inherited from longtime family friend, Betty. To replicate the bells in the placemats, I chose larger bell ornaments, and I love the look. Each guest can go home with one as a remembrance of the gathering.

The coffee mugs are new this year and I think they work well here. The champagne flutes I have been using for a variety of different cocktails, so I couldn’t resist putting them on this table to give it a bit of sparkle.

The flatware, one of my favorite sets, is from Cabela’s.

 The rustic tea lights (aren’t they adorable?) are bits of hollowed out bark. They are perfect for this table! In the photos you’ll notice that I used real tea lights. I think I would use faux tea lights if I planned to have them burning for any length of time. I wouldn’t want to catch the wood bases on fire.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this table as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Pretty much everything on this table came from Amazon. Click on the highlighted names of the various pieces to take you directly to the listing.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday