A Partridge in a Pear Tree

I only do one holiday at a time, so I had to scramble to put together a table for a late night dessert this week. Most of our Christmas decorations are still stored away, but luckily I could easily get to Christmas china and linens.

Because we would serve both coffee and our signature holiday champagne cocktail, I chose the All the Days of Christmas set.

  

We have collected all twelve of the salad plates, each with a different pattern. We have four mugs with the seven swans a'swimming design.

"A Partridge in a Pear Tree"

 

"Two Turtle Doves"

"Three French Hens"

"Four Calling Birds"

"Twelve Drummers Drumming"

"Eight Maids Milking" and "Three French Hens"

I have had the plaid tablecloth since the mid '80s -- everything old is new again! Since it is rectangular, it doesn't quite cover the round table, and the wood top is showing in a couple of the pictures.

I paired the tablecloth with red napkins. Gold colored napkin rings that I bought years ago and heavy brass candlesticks play off the gold thread in the tablecloth and on the rims of the china.

The centerpiece is a simple grouping of faux pine branches and pine cones, vintage candlesticks and ceramic reindeer. I added red ribbons to echo those on the plates.

I love the details on the reindeer -- I think they're realistic, yet fanciful.

On a chilly rainy day, the red and green tablescape felt comforting. With a scrumptious dessert, flavored coffee and Greg's signature champagne, I believe our guests will feel "tidings of comfort and joy."

 

Thank you for coming to dinner at eight!


Resources
Plates, mugs, coffee pot, sugar creamer| Royal Gallery 'All the Days of Christmas'
Flatware | Oneida 'Juilliard'
Wine glasses | Marquis by Waterford
Deer | Fitz and Floyd 'Regal Holiday'