But not this year! This year I embraced plaid, using a table runner and matching napkins that I purchased last year.
They're a bold plaid, really more of a tartan. They need to be bold, to play off the graphic china that I've used for Christmas Eve for a number of years.
Since the china is rimmed in gold, I placed a gold charger under the plates. I like that the charger's traditional scalloped edge and rough texture are counterpoints to the contemporary graphic plates and plaid linens.
I've used silver flatware and napkin rings, the modern way to mix metals — the warmth of gold and the coolness of silver.
The sparkle of crystal is always welcome at celebrations. Cranberry colored wine glasses that I recently found at an antique mall join clear crystal water goblets rimmed in gold.
For the center of the table I filled two cachepots with Cryptomeria japonica and Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) cuttings from my yard and topped them with faux amaryllis flowers in vibrant red. I think amaryllis are breathtaking, but I can't count on them blooming in time for Christmas. One year they finally exploded in color in mid-February!
I didn't want the obvious choice of poinsettias for the centerpiece, but I did want to incorporate traditional evergreens. More Leyland Cypress is layered with pinecones and pretty red glass tea lights.
On the buffet are two of the reindeer that had a starring role in last year's Christmas Eve Dinner.
We like the tradition of having an elegant dinner before the excitement of opening presents. The menu varies each year, depending on the number of guests we will have — and whether Greg wants to try something new!
It's always delicious!
May you have a very Merry Christmas!
Resources
Plates | Mikasa 'Christmas Eve'
Flatware | Reed and Barton '18th Century'
Cranberry stems | Steuben 'Rose Swirl'
Clear stems | Marquis by Waterford 'Hanover Gold'
OMGoodness, I LOOOOVE your poinsettia plates!!!! God knows I do NOT need any more dishes or I would seriously consider getting these. I am sure your dinner will be wonderful! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I have to admit it was love at first sight when I saw the plates! And they were on sale - it was meant to be! Enjoy all the wonders of Christmas!
DeleteSuch a pretty table and buffet. I love tartan, so you know I love this beautiful table. Your stemware is stunning. Have a wonderful celebration!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laurie. My love for tartan has varied throughout the years, but I've succumbed once again! Merry Christmas!
DeleteVery beautiful! The dishes are so elegant, but the plaid brings them down just a touch, which I love! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks, Jann. I love the different effects you can have by mixing tabletop elements. Thanks for the great party!
DeleteOh my gosh I LOVE those dishes!! I'd love for you to share over at a new party called Let's Party https://themarkandjanshow.com/2017/12/27/lets-party-1/ ... look forward to seeing you there!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan! I'm pretty taken with the dishes - their colors and design just pop! I'll check out your party.
DeleteI love your tablescape and appreciate you sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. You are one of this coming Sunday's features. Happy New Year's
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vanessa, how exciting! I love joining the link party each week.
DeleteHi. I wanted to use a runner on my winter tablescape but was afraid of damaging the mahogany on my table. I see you have something brown under your dishes. Can you tell me what it is and where to get it? Thanks. Gorgeous table.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. For this tablescape I placed the dishes on a gold charger which sat directly on the table. When dinner involves food that may get somewhat sloppy (or includes children), I usually use a tablecloth, and sometimes add a runner. For more formal dinners, we put the serving dishes on the table in the breakfast room for a buffet-style arrangement. If I've used a tablecloth, I'll put the serving dishes on the table, but use decorative trivets to ensure the heat doesn't damage the tabletop. Hope this answers your question.
DeleteI was looking at the table too thinking there was a dark brown mat, which I think is what Laura is referring to, but at closer inspection it is just your beautiful table is two colors!! ?Gorgeous
DeleteThank you! The table is stained with two different colors. The lighter color is closer to mahogany's natural color; the darker color, which is on most of the table, is the shade most often associated with mahogany furniture. The lighter band is about 3 inches wide and goes around the entire perimeter of the table.
DeleteI love your beautiful table and the china is very pretty. The centerpiece is so lovely too.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking how to create my plaid table, as my mom just let me choose something for Christmas now and I did 8 red and black buffalo check placemats.
Hope you come and visit, if you have time.
Have a wonderful Christmas season.
Fabby
Thank you, Fabby for your sweet comments. Isn't it wonderful that our hobby is the perfect answer for Christmas presents! Lol. Always love to visit your lovely blog.
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