Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Christmas Dining — The New Traditional

Tables set with beautiful china, sparkling crystal and gleaming metals are right at home for Christmas dinner! Today I want to share a Christmas table done in a New Traditional style — classic and timeless, mixed with modern clean lines. 

I love all types of design, from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern to global contemporary, with a liberal dose of Sheraton traditional thrown in! New Traditional gives me freedom to mix finishes and periods, with a personal feel that adds excitement.

  
Today I'm joining a group of stylists for a blog hop hosted by Rita of Panoply to share a variety of approaches to designing Christmas tablescapes. If you've come from one of my fellow bloggers, welcome! You'll find all the details for the hop participants at the end of the post.
 

I began with this gorgeous tapestry runner, hand-woven with threads of green, red, blue and metallic gold from Jerusalem's Armenian Quarter. Laid directly on the table, its texture and color really stand out against the beautiful wood. I've used it before in Grateful Harvest.
 

I love the way the finish is applied to the golden chargers. It gives them greater depth, as does their size relative to the white dinner plate. That's topped by salad plates from the set we picked up from Mikasa when the company was closing their outlet stores. The plates' bold design contrasts with the traditional weave pattern of the runner.

 
I assembled a fairly simple centerpiece of faux evergreens, berries and patterned ornaments. Nestled within is a golden pheasant that usually appears in my fall vignettes.

 
Lovely crystal candle holders in both classic columns and modern shapes join hand-cut goblets for excitement around the table!


Metallic sparkle is provided by the gold flatware and the gold threads in both the napkins and the runner. I found the napkins on Etsy and didn't realize until I styled this table that the berries and leaves are larger versions of those found in the runner! The flatware belonged to Greg's mother. I'm not sure I would have purchased it, but I've enjoyed using it.

 
It's been raining the past few days, which always makes it darker than usual in my East-facing dining room. Sorry about the glare from the lights.

  


The buffet is very understated with only a vase of red amaryllises. That fits with the non-fussy approach of the New Traditional style.


I love the sparkle of crystal and gold accents!

  



Merry Christmas!




 
Please visit all these wonderfully creative table stylists. You're sure to find ideas for your Christmas table!

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Evergreen and Gold Christmas Table   
The Painted Apron - Christmas Trucks and Trees   
Red Cottage Chronicles - A White Christmas Tablescape   
Life and Linda - Gnome for the Holidays   
Belle Bleu Interiors - Christmas Blessings   
The Sweet Sensations - Christmas Elegance in Red, White & Silver   
Dinner at Eight - Christmas Dining - The New Traditional   You're here!
Bluesky at Home - Ideas for Red Plaid Christmas Table   
The Bookish Dilettante - Dreaming of a Pink Christmas   
Hyacinths for the Soul - Traditions ~ A Tablescape Blog Hop        
   
 


46 comments:

  1. Love the table setting, Sandra. That plate especially is so holidayish.

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    1. Thanks, Latane! I love how bold the poinsettias are. So glad you stopped by!

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  2. Sandra, you always have plates with bold colors that I find so beautiful and captivating! Your table with all the lovely pieces teaches us to think outside of the box and This New Traditional style gives us the freedom to mix and match, and really use what we have in storage!
    Merry Christmas hugs,
    RR

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    1. Thank you, Rachelle! I love to use gorgeous patterned plates – I think of them as art for the table. It’s not as fun shopping online, so I’ve been challenging myself to look at my table things with fresh eyes. Have a wonderful December! Hugs

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  3. Sandra, the tapestry runner is a beautiful foundation for your New Traditional table. I love the freedom to mix it up a little. The sparkling crystal candle stands and the golden pheasant make a lovely centerpiece. The plate stack is stunning with the poinsettia plate on top. It is a pleasure to blog hop with you and I wish you a most joyous Christmas season!

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    1. Thank you, Pam! I love merging styles into something new, and in this case, it allowed me to use tableware and decor items I've owned for awhile. I loved how it turned out.

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  4. Your table is beautiful, and the first thing that caught my eye was the Armenian table runner. It is so pretty, and I love how it ties everything together on your table! Brava! I also love the crystal, especially the candlesticks. They add beautiful shine, but don't detract from your runner and centerpiece.

    Merry Christmas!
    Ricki Jill

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    1. Thanks, Ricki! I love the depth the gold threads give to the woven runner. They catch the light as you move around the table. I love the sparkle of crystal, particularly for celebrations!

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  5. What pretty dishes, Sandra! Your Christmas table setting is charming! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thanks for sharing your festive table at Vintage Charm!

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    2. Thanks, Cecilia! I didn't hesitate a single second when I saw the dishes stacked on a sale table. Only wish I had bought more!

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    3. I always look forward to joining Vintage Charm on Wednesdays!

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  6. Beautiful, elegant and classic Sandra! I love those plates, they make such a dramatic statement and look wonderful with the gold chargers and tapestry table runner. Your crystal stemware and candlesticks are gorgeous! The gold pheasant makes a lovely centerpiece. I hope your holidays are merry and blessed!
    Jenna

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    1. Thanks so much, Jenna! I knew I wanted to use the poinsettia plates and remembered the runner to give them a different feel. Since it's not a 'holiday' runner, it's not kept with the Christmas tableware. Maybe I should from now on!

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  7. Beautiful Sandra! So classic and refined. The centerpiece you've fashioned is just the right touch. Your runner brought such a rich look to the table and the golden accents compliment it perfectly. Always love your tablescapes and I'm so glad you shared it today. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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    1. Thank you so much, Denise! Christmas tables are one of the things we remember from year to year, so I spend more time arranging them. I can still describe the table my great-aunt set each Christmas when I was a child! Enjoy a jolly December!

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  8. Beautiful table Sandra. The runner is so gorgeous. Love the gold! The black plates with the poinsettia are so pretty. The bare wood showing through is charming. The crystal is beautiful The buffet is looking so festive. Always a pleasure to join you. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thanks, Linda! I'm so glad you enjoyed my table. I've been leaning towards more sparkle lately. I've enjoyed the hops and look forward to more! Have a wonderful holiday season!

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  9. What a pretty dining room and your table is so inviting. My favorite element is the simple but elegant centerpiece - well done! Have a wonderful holiday season!

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    1. Thanks, Patti, for your sweet comments! I worked with what I had for the centerpiece, mostly because I was determined to not venture out in the rain!

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  10. Merry Christmas to you, Sandra! How exciting to have personally been to Jerusalem and purchased the lovely Armenian table runner. I enjoyed hearing about your personal style and being excited to bring your pretty things together. Your collection of crystal candlesticks are lovely. At Christmas time I like mixing red and white candles and the sparkle of the crystal. I have a number of crystal candlesticks also.
    Your plate stack adds the perfect ambiance and color.
    Have a wonderful Christmas season.

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie, for your lovely comments! Somehow the sparkle of crystal candlesticks increases the celebratory mood by so much! I have to confess that the Armenian runner was a gift from my husband -- a consolation prize for not being able to go with him on a quick business trip. Hope you enjoy s jolly December!

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  11. Sandra, I adore your Sheraton traditional style underpinnings in your dining room, along with your enthusiasm for many other styles beyond. My taste in style runs a gamut much like yours, and reading your descriptions as you styled your table definitely hits the mark for which you were aiming - classic and timeless. I love the Mikasa salads and the combination of that fabulous runner with the napkins you scored. The crystal and flatware complement a bit of fancier to the simpler, cleaner lines, and I like how what was used for fall also found its place here for early winter. I'm so glad you've participated in this hop, thank you, and I wish you a very merry Christmas season!

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    1. Thanks so much, Rita! I like strong, clean lines, but I also appreciate the artistry in many types of styles. I think that's what attracts me to diverse tablewares -- I can easily change them around! I have really enjoyed being a part of the hop and I'm thrilled to be among a group of such talented stylists. Hope you have a jolly December and a merry Christmas!

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  12. Sandra, your table is beautifully styled, and I particularly enjoyed the story behind your stunning runner. I also am crushing on the pair of golden dear. I have a trio of lighted, animated gold deer in the front yard, with coordinating gold deer heads incorporated into all 11 wreaths across the front of the house. More golden deer stocking holders liven the mantle. I love that they reflect nature, while still looking elegant with sparkle.

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    1. Thanks, Debbee! Your gold deer, both animated and within the wreaths, sound spectacular. I'd love to see them!

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  13. I am giving that runner a standing O!!!!! THAT is BEAUTIFUL!!! It reminds me of a sari or a fabric from the Roman Empire. It is SMASHING!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you let it speak for itself without another fabric (tablecloth) beneath it. It stands on its own 2 feet against the richness of the wood grain with no problems whatsoever. Just gorgeous! Your choice of crystal works so well with it. Hand in glove!

    Your dining room is beautiful. I especially love the color. Very bold, yet it doesn't scream. It has great presence without being loud. Just lovely!

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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    1. Thank you, Alycia! I wish I could photograph how the gold threads in the runner catch the light, whether sunlight or candlelight. But all my photos brought out the blues, greens and reds more. I love that it's one of a kind. My house is painted in colors -- I love the way they make me feel. Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  14. Sandra, what a beautiful table! Your tapestry runner is stunning and I love the plate stack with those Mikasa salad plates - they are so striking! And all the crystal just takes everything up to another level. Just lovely.

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    1. Thanks, Kim, for your sweet comments! I like how differently bold the runner and the plates are. And I just love the sparkle of crystal.

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  15. What a beautiful tapestry runner and foundation for your table! Your poinsettia salad plates are so striking! The sparkling crystal and gold elements from your chargers, flatware, deer and pheasant are beautiful. Wishing you a Merry December and Christmas!

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    1. Thank you, Mary! I was pleased to find that I had things that went so well with both the runner and salad plates. Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  16. Sandra, your holiday table is absolutely beautiful! The table runner is gorgeous and serves as the perfect anchor. I always love seeing your pretty dining room. It is such a lovely spot to enjoy a dinner with family and loved ones. I hope that you have a most happy and blessed Christmas Season!

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    1. Thanks so much, Shannon, for your lovely comments! I truly enjoy having friends and family around my dining table. May you have a very Merry Christmas!

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  17. Such beautiful dinner plates and I too am fond of oversized chargers. Your collection of candlesticks are lovely and the handcut goblets are so unique. Everything here is so stylish and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thanks, Sandra! I was really entranced by all the sparkle I was able to achieve, especially when the candles were lit! I love to use chargers -- both pretty and practical. Hope you're having a jolly December!

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  18. Your table is absolutely gorgeous, Sandra!!! I love the goblets and water glasses... Crystal is so pretty for setting a lovely table. <3 So happy to add your post to this week's features at Share Your Style #329... <3 Oh, and you have a beautiful mahogany table!! I am looking...

    Warm Christmas hugs,
    Barb :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Barb, for your sweet comments and the feature! I love crystal in all shapes, sizes and colors, and would happily use it daily.

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  19. Sandra, what a lovely traditional tablescape. The dishwater and placesettings are so classic. Love the combination of colors. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thank you, Carol! I've always thought that traditional tablescapes go hand-in-hand with Christmas and Thanksgiving tables, since both holidays have so many lovely traditions. Merry Christmas!

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  20. Just beautiful Sandra! I love the sparkle from the gold accents and the crystal stemware. The runner is so pretty and unique. It makes the perfect base for the table. My mom had a set of china years ago that was similar to your Mikasa salad plates. I love the poinsettia motif! It was fun hopping with you. Merry Christmas! Rebecca (Zucchini Sisters)

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    1. Thank you, Rebecca! I can't resist the sparkle from crystal and metallic accents at Christmas! I love to use poinsettias throughout my home at Christmas. Love their vibrant colors! Happy Holidays!

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  21. Gorgeous Sandra! That tapestry table runner is a stunner! The tall candlesticks remind of icicles! I love your centrepiece with the golden pheasant tucked into the festive greenery. The gold chargers are the perfect base for your gorgeous plates! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas season!

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    1. Thanks so much, Maureen! I had a great beginning with the table runner - it has so much depth in person. I'm so glad you stopped by!

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