Did you start humming when you saw the title?
In case you missed yesterday’s post, I’ve just started a Themes of Christmas series that will give you theme ideas plus suggestions for carrying them out. If you missed Oh Christmas Tree, you can see it HERE.
While you could certainly use the entire 12 Days of Christmas as a theme (and it’s a great one!), I’m going to stick with Day One of the long-favored song because I’ve used the theme several times… and because I have pics and an easy, fun tutorial to share with you!
A decade ago, I found these wonderful print-it-yourself invitations at Tuesday Morning. Back then, Renaissance Man was a college administrator, and we always hosted a Christmas party for his staff–so I knew these would come in handy.
They were my inspiration.
I let the invitations dictate my colors for the season… and then shopped until I found the perfect cocktail napkins.
If a partridge in a pear tree is the theme, then you’ve obviously got to have a “pear” tree… with a partridge topper. At least that’s how I played it.
These were obviously pre-blogging days, and pic quality is lacking greatly, but I think they’ll still help you get the feel of the tree. What you can’t see very well is the lime green ball ornaments tucked deep into the branches. In person, they gave a nice green sparkle that complemented the shape and texture difference of the pears. You can click all post pics to enlarge them if you want to see more details.
If you’re going to do a theme at Christmas–or anytime–be sure to include little touches throughout your house.
If possible, it’s always a good idea to choose your theme a year in advance so you can pick up items whenever you see them. Be sure to check after Christmas sales, thrift stores (year round), and auctions. If you don’t already know the routine, now’s a good time to learn!
The next time I used this theme was at a Christmas-themed Festival of Tables. The napkins were on clearance at Steinmart, the red goblets were on sale at Speigel’s online, and the gold flatware was ridiculously inexpensive on eBay. Thanks to an unexpected auction box find, I already had the feather-like brass candleholders. Of course, the Fitz and Floyd Partridge in a Pear Tree I found at a going-out-of-business sale was the obvious centerpiece. Tip: Notice how those Dollar Tree beaded napkin rings make the perfect pedestals for the pears.
Here’s another tip: You do not have to pay a fortune to have nice things!
Here are the same basic items used in a different setting in a super simple Christmas Day tablescape. You’ll just have to imagine this table with the red goblets already set. Hey, Favorite Fatigue Wearer… I think this was the first Christmas you spent with us. What year was that? 2004?
The same basic items several years later on another Christmas Day table. This time I wanted a slightly more elegant feel, so I used gold chargers, gold-rimmed goblets, and gold flatware. Isn’t it fun how a few simple changes can give an entirely different look? I know what year this was. It was Little Man’s first Christmas – 2009.
Now for the promised tutorial…
See the two pears in the right picture? They both started out the same. They’re inexpensive papier mache-type pears that came in a box of 12 at Dollar Tree years ago. That’s 12 for $1. Keep your eyes open, people!
All I did was “paint” Elmer’s glue on the pear then sprinkled diamond dust (aka glass glitter) on top. Then I hung the loops over wooden spoons and balanced the spoon handles on mixing bowls until the glue dried. Diamond Dust was purchased at Michael’s; one container goes a long way!
Next I did the same thing with larger plastic pears–also from Dollar Tree. I especially loved the way the large green pears turned out (left pic, above). Notice how you can still see the two-tone yellow/green coloration beneath the glitter.
I was a little concerned about how these would hold up over time, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I store them all in one plastic bin just like you see in the picture–unwrapped, touching each other. It’s been at least 8 years since I made these, and the only problem I’ve had is a couple of hanging loops coming loose. Those can be easily replaced by getting thin metallic cord and “stuffing” the ends into the pear using an ice pick–then adding a little glue (hot glue or Elmer’s) to hold it in place. (Just be sure you don’t get the cord that stretches!)
How would YOU interpret a Partridge in a Pear Tree theme? Have you ever used glass glitter?
Are you using a theme this Christmas? If so, what is it? I’d love to know!
I’m linking up to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.
Beautiful job on the pears!!!!!! They look as good as any one would buy for the price of a kidney at the high-end stores! 🙂 That Dollar Tree….gotta love it!
I’m so glad that you mentioned to those folks who may be new to the decorating scene how off-season shopping is the way to go. That’s so important for keeping expenses down!
Pretty tablescapes!