I took an afternoon and set up my table the way I want it for Christmas Day ‘a practice run’ so to speak. I now have everything tucked away and organized so that on the Big Day I will be able to pull it all out and set it up without even having to think (much). I know I’m going to have a lot of other things needing my attention and this will be a huge help. So, here it is . . .
My Christmas theme this year is a little bit country, a little bit woodland, and a little bit elegant. We are hosting Christmas at the lake and I want to set a nice table. It started with a new set of dishes. Pure white Denby aptly named ‘White’. I purchased this set in October at Home Sense for less than a third of it’s original price. I didn’t know exactly why I was buying them but I simply could not walk away. When is a white set of dishes not perfect? I used my red cotton tablecloth (kind of wrinkly and rustic) with matching serviettes. I used thick twine to wrap the napkins and added a little painted pine cone. I had painted them many, many years ago to string along our banister – am I ever glad I saved them! It was also serendipitous that I found candles that look like pine cones (Home Sense). I used a roll of green burlap and I love the rustic beauty it adds when used instead of placemats. I cleaned and rubbed the water glasses and silverware until they were sparkling. I was pretty happy with my creation when I suddenly decided I should have a bit of fresh greenery on the table. What to do? I’m half an hour from town and it’s freezing and snowing outside. Hmmmm, I went and got my garden shears, took a walk around the yard and snipped a few branches from our fir trees. I said thank you to my trees and told them they had just contributed the final perfect touch for our upcoming Christmas celebrations. I’m so looking forward to Christmas with my family.
My mother would be in 7th heaven viewing this table — she is such a perfectionist when it comes to her Christmas decorating.
She had hip surgery last month, so she won’t be hosting the holiday this year —
I just had the best time looking through you blog! You have a beautiful home and blog. I’m your newest follower. Come on by for a visit sometime!
Can you come do a dry run at MY house? :). I LOVE the crispness of your white china…such a classic. And the burlap I”m seeing lots of places this year. I bought a couple rolls of burlap ribbon I’m planning on using SOMEHWERE…not sure yet. I buy things when I see it and I like it…stash it away…then at the perfect time the opportunity presents itself. I love that you are sharing your decorating, I’m going to nominate you for HGTV’s next design star! :)
Kathy
I’m impressed with both your sense of style AND by how you think ahead!
Oh I wish I had time to do something like this! BUT, I will try my best. You have inspired!
Wow, this is a fantastic Christmas Table !
Your decoration is wonderful and the colors are so harmonic. Great, great, great !
i do like the burlap and pine!
It looks delightful Barb! Simple, beautiful and charming.
I love the idea of a “dry run,” and your table is just gorgeous Barb!
oh my, is my invitation in the mail? ha! I want to eat Christmas dinner at YOUR house!!! it’s beautiful. I think one of the reasons I love it so much is the simplicity of it – with just enough color. it’s warm, inviting, and understated. two thumbs up and more Barb. thanks for the tour. you’re going to be really glad you did this dry run come Christmas day! I admire your preparedness. happy weekend to you.
Gorgeous Christmas table – gave me some inspiration!
A charming table setting for the coming celebrations.
Beautifully captured through your lens.
we did too..cut greenery from our fir trees:)
all so pretty and festive.
love the vase with red checked ribbon
xo
What beautiful & elegant ideas! I love your big candle trees… in fact, I’m drooling here! Lovely table!
Your table looked very lovely and it all went beautiful together. Pat
I love your tablescape…so simple and elegant…love it so much…I am a new follower
You are one talented lady. Your holiday decorations and this tablescape are beautiful. I am a new follower, too!
Your tablescape is just gorgeous! A mix of all things perfect! Thanks for the inspiration,
Gen
http://cabinfeveredgem.blogspot.com
Wow, love it! I also linked up with Faded Charm and I am so glad I found your blog! I am going to come back again for more. I am your newest follower!
Maria
http://www.rustyhinge.blogspot.com
Rustic meets refined looks perfect to me. I love the contrasts, the colours (I did red in my dining room too this year), the pinecones on the serviettes, and most of all those gorgeous candles. I’ll have to stop by Homesense and have a look for them.
Beautiful…I love the rustic touches. And white dishes never go out of style and can be paired up with anything! Love your centerpiece and the pinecone napkin rings! This is really lovely!
XO,
Jane
Love your style! I did white dishes with pops of red too. I just love the rustic simple touches. I would love for you to visit The Corson Cottage and share this at our {Home for the Holidays} link party. Every Friday in December ~ Carrie
Love your table setting, and the burlap.. very festive.. Merry Christmas
Wow! Your table and your photos are gorgeous! I would love to sit down to a holiday dinner at this table. Simple and beautiful – just the way it should be!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I adore your beautiful table. I love the white christmas tree cones they are the perfect touch. I will follow on my way out because I just know I am going to love revisiting your special place. I hope you will find the time to come visit me and do the same, if you will. Cheers SpecialK XoXo
I just wanted to let you know i love your Holiday table, that i have added your tutorial to my blog
My blog
http://ourlittlenestonthelake.blogspot.com/
and you are featured on this link
http://ourlittlenestonthelake.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-set-table-for-family-holiday.html
happy holidays
LOVE it – simple but festive. Can’t go wrong with white plates and that burlap adds such warmth. Love the twine around the napkins too. Following along.
Kelly
It’s casually elegant! I love it! Your lake home looks gorgeous and in keeping with natural surrounding elements. I’m a new follower! I love your blog!
I think I would just sit there and stare at the table all day, it’s so pretty. I love everything about it. Great inspiration. I wish I was at home for Christmas so I can try it on my table. Following your beautiful blog.
Looks like a magazine table! Love it!
I’m joining 8 bloggers in hosting Blogging Around the Christmas Tree Party and today’s feature is Christmas Scapes at my place! I’d love to have you join up, the party is just beginning!
http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2011/12/christmas-blog-link-party-christmas.html
XO, Aimee from ItsOverflowing.com
Just beautiful!
You already know I love this so much!!! I’m excited to be following you for future inspiration!!
Thanks for linking up to my party!
XO, Aimee from ItsOverflowing.com
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this is stunning, yikes I feel like a slacker! I’d love it if you would add them to my What We Wore and Made link party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/search/label/WWWMW
Layering at its best!!
Thanks for linking to the Simply Christmas inspiration Party at Shabby Art Boutique.
Festive hugs ~ Kerryanne
This is super cute! I found your blog at Funky Junk Interiors. I love your blog. I am a new follower! I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog. I love it. Love this post!!! Reminds me of my mom! Thanks for sharing
I really love your “rustic meets refined” theme! Burlap is a favorite of mine and it looks so great layered on your table in that unique pattern. The candles are so cute, too!
Visiting from Stone Gable :)
Tammy
ourneckofthewoods.net