Styling a New England Coastal Christmas Eve Table with Johnson Brothers Dream Town

Yep, me again. Still undecided about my holiday tablescape. Yes, I KNOW that I have plenty of time, but I'm a planner, and are any of you aware that in less than two weeks it will be September? SEPTEMBER!!! But I digress.

  Last week I ruminated on what I might do for a table setting with a New England-style Christmas Eve dinner planned. I had been dreaming up the perfect table that would capture the serene, timeless charm of a New England coastal vibe. 

After much deliberation and wonderful input from all of you, I initially leaned toward “Balsam Lane” by Lenox for its sea-toned greens and Christmasy pine trees. My turquoise chargers and stemware seemed like the perfect fit to bring that coastal elegance to life. But then! A new contender changed everything: the Johnson Brothers Dream Town pattern. This discontinued gem, with its idyllic English village scenes, soft blues, and tiny pops of red, feels like fate. It’s not just a pattern, it’s a story that perfectly blends the New England aesthetic with holiday nostalgia.

For those unfamiliar, Dream Town, introduced around 1956, features charming village vignettes with thatched roofs, poplar trees, and hand-painted accents in soft blues and earthy tones. It’s a pattern that evokes a simpler time, reminiscent of cozy coastal hamlets along the New England shore. Its soft blue hues mirror the winter sea, while the red chimneys and evergreen accents nod to the holiday season. The transferware design, with its intricate village scenes, feels like a snapshot of a quaint coastal town blanketed in snow, ergo the perfect blend of nostalgia and elegance. Pairing these plates with my turquoise chargers and stemware will amplify the coastal vibe while keeping the table festive and warm. While it’s discontinued and not exactly budget-friendly, I’m considering hunting down some salad plates to create a unique, layered look for my Christmas Eve table. Do I need more dinnerware? Certainly not! Am I willing to sacrifice some cabinet space and a few bucks for this lovely New England ambiance? You just know that I am!

I’d love to hear from those who own this set—how have you styled it? And for those who are as enchanted by Dream Town as I am, let’s dream up how we’d bring this pattern to life.

Here’s how I envision styling a Christmas Eve table with Johnson Brothers Dream Town salad plates to create a cohesive New England coastal look:

Layer with Turquoise Chargers: Place Dream Town salad plates atop dinner plates in the Blanc Amelie pattern from Maison Versailles, on top of turquoise chargers to enhance the oceanic tones. The chargers’ bold color will frame the intricate village scenes, creating a striking contrast that feels both modern and timeless.

Natural Textures for Coastal Charm: Use a burlap or linen table runner in a neutral tone like ivory or taupe to evoke sandy beaches, OR a fishing net like I used here! Add woven placemats or rattan chargers for texture, mimicking the rugged beauty of the New England coast.Create a centerpiece with driftwood, white candles, and sprigs of faux balsam or pine, or this nautical-look rope-covered hurricane that I used here.

 

Intersperse small glass buoys or seashells to tie in the coastal theme – or sea glass! –and add a few mercury glass ornaments like these or these for a subtle holiday sparkle. 

Photo: Amazon

 

Photo: Amazon

Pair the table with turquoise stemware to echo the chargers and complement the plates’ blue tones. 

Incorporate brushed nickel or hammered silver flatware to reflect the cool, crisp feel of a winter seaside. For a touch of warmth, consider adding gold napkin rings shaped like starfish or shells.

 I could opt for napkins in a soft gray or pale blue, tied with twine or a nautical rope knot for a rustic coastal touch. Scatter a few pinecones painted in soft blues to bridge the holiday and seaside elements.

 Use hurricane lanterns with white candles or string lights wrapped around greenery to create a cozy, inviting glow reminiscent of a lighthouse guiding ships home.

 For those who own Dream Town, how have you styled it? Have you used it for holiday gatherings or everyday dining? I’ve seen some stunning examples online, like a vintage hutch display where Dream Town plates were layered with brass candlesticks and wooden accents for a rustic yet elegant look. Others have paired it with colorful glassware for a vibrant, eclectic tablescape. If you’re lusting after this pattern like I am, how would you style it? Would you lean into the coastal vibe with nautical touches, or perhaps mix it with other Johnson Brothers patterns like Autumn’s Delight for a seasonal twist?The Johnson Brothers Dream Town pattern has captured my heart for this Christmas Eve table. Its blend of New England charm, coastal colors, and holiday nostalgia feels like the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just discovering this pattern, I’d love to hear your thoughts and styling ideas. Let’s create a tablescape that brings the magic of a New England winter to life!

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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday