December 19, 2019

Christmas Grenadiers

With Christmas less than a week away, I've decided on a table setting for the dinner we will have Christmas Eve. Celebrating Christmas Eve with a formal dinner is a tradition that my parents started when I was child, and which Greg and I have happily continued. Christmas Eve dinners are merry and cozy, bright with glitter and glam!


Formal, but not stuffy, the table is set with both high and low elements to bring a contemporary twist to traditional entertaining.

I get to use my new Christmas china for the first time! Greg had given me a few pieces last Christmas, and several more for my birthday. He surprised me last week with an early Christmas present so I could set a lovely holiday table for six. 

Nutcrackers were the natural choice for a centerpiece. I searched several craft stores to find ones that were a good height for the table, and had touches of glitter. 

I picture them strutting down the table, urged on by the drummer in blue!

On the plates, grenadiers stand at attention next to Christmas trees lit with candles. The salad plates are encircled by a red band, the dinner plates by one of gold. Both are rimmed with holly garlands. 

Paired napkins in green and white are held by glittery red napkin rings. Offsetting the gold is our wedding silverware. I'm so glad we chose this pattern — I'm still crazy about it!

Weaving through the nutcrackers down the center are several types of faux greenery, berries and pine cones. Gold glittery stars are nestled throughout.

Supporting the crystal stemware are coasters I found when I went looking for ornaments.

I don't often use coasters on the table, but these were too fun to pass up.

He seems to agree!



I've had the napkins and runner for more than 10 years and they've graced many a holiday table. The crystal stems are cherished wedding gifts that we've used regularly.

A simple vignette on the buffet coordinates with the table.

Disparate elements have come together to create a table that's merry and bright!

Thought I'd take a few shots in the morning sun.






May you have a wonderful holiday season!



Table resources
Plates | Bernardaud 'Grenadiers'
Stemware | Waterford Marquis 'Hanover Gold'
Silverware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'



26 comments:

  1. Great minds think alike ! My new post is of a Nutcracker theme too.
    I love them and your china is gorgeous ! Your buffet with your lovely silver tea set is wonderful, so festive. Everything is. I love it all. I'm pinning it.
    Hope you drop by if you have time.
    Merry Christmas dear friend.
    Fabby

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    1. Thank you so much, Fabby! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Nutcrackers are such fun aren't they? I saw so many different ones this year! I love the tea set we found in an antiques store. They dated it to the 1920's. I like the simple lines of it. Have a wonderful Christmas! Hugs

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  2. Sandra, I've been following on your blog in the background for awhile now, but as I've said elsewhere, I'm somewhat shy about commenting. But how nice is it that you get to use your new china - that's so exciting and its sooo pretty. The nutcrackers are perfect (and I love your blue wall!). Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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    1. Thank you, Kim, for your lovely comments! I'm excited to hear that you've been stopping by regularly and I'm grateful you took the time to comment. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

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  3. I love that china! All the nutcrackers "strutting" down the table are so festive. Enjoy your Christmas Eve dinner, and have a very merry Christmas.

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    1. Thank you, Joy! The nutcrackers seemed to have such attitude, lol! Thanks for visiting and may your holidays be merry and bright!

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  4. Cute table with an unusual theme that I haven't seen for a while. Love the plates!

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    1. Thanks, Beth! This is the first year I've used nutcrackers as a theme. I think it's a winner! Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thank you, Maristella! Thanks so much for visiting this year. Merry Christmas!!
      Hugs

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  6. SUCH a lovely table Sandra! You always do beautiful work, and this one is so much fun too! Hope you're having a lovely holiday season this year in spite of everything!

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    1. Thanks, Barbara, what a lovely thing to say! I'm going to do my best to celebrate the holidays! Thanks so much for visiting.

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  7. So elegant and exquisite but with a touch of whimsy. I always loved nutcrackers. They are the perfect symbol of Christmas and reminds everyone of the magic in the holiday. So darling.

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    1. Thanks so much! I have a few nutcrackers for other seasons, but I agree that I always think of Christmas when I see them. I'm glad you stopped by!

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  8. Such a beautiful, elegant nutcracker tablescape!

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    1. Thank you, Marie! I was really pleased with this one. Thanks for visiting!

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  9. I love your Christmas tablescape; it's so pretty!!

    Thanks for linking up and sharing this post with us on our Embracing Home and Family-link up!

    -Cherelle

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    1. Thanks, Cherelle! I've enjoyed coming to your party!

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  10. Sandra,
    Oh , I love your table setting and the display of silver pieces too. Congratulations, You are being featured at Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/12/thursday-favorite-things_10.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

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    1. What a lovely surprise, Bev! Thanks so much!

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  11. Sandra, I too have set a nutcracker theme Christmas table using my collection of nutcrackers in the centerpiece. Oh, but I lack your fabulous plates! They are gorgeous and oh so special. Love the entire tablescape. Pinned!

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    1. Thank you, Debbee! My husband surprised me with the plates -- I'm lucky he indulges my hobby! I must have missed your nutcracker table, but I'm sure it's as splendid as all your other tables.

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    1. Thank you, Maristella! I'm so glad you enjoyed my table! Hugs

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  13. I love the idea of a formal dinner on Christmas Eve, Sandra! What a lovely tradition. Your table setting is beautiful. I love the nutcracker theme. Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Community. Take care.

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    1. April, thank you! Christmas Eve dinner is one of our most prized holiday traditions. We all look forward to it!

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