CHRISTMAS TEA: A Tablescape Event

Fifteen days ’til Christmas…

but who’s counting?

 

Since you’re stopping by My Place during these busy days of holiday happenings, I’m honored—and very glad to “see” you!

 

The last time we were together, I promised you some tablescapes, so let’s get right to them…

 

Last Saturday our church hosted a Christmas Tea for women in our community. We were reaching beyond ourselves—beyond our own church members—and, if you visit here often, you know that gets my vote!  This is a new church for us, so it was my first time to tablescape with this particular group of ladies. Fun!

 

I’ve put together a collage for each table with lots of close-ups—and just a few “first impression”comments. That’s one thing I love about tablescape events… the first impressions!

 

Enjoy!

 

02-Rustic Xmas

I called this table Christmas Basics for several reasons, not the least of which is the “basic” reason for the Christmas Tea: FRIENDSHIP—and this tablescape included a Recipe for Friendship. It also featured “back to basics” decorating ideas: greenery, pine cones, berries, fruits. And the cute “We can build a snowman” dishes? I have a set of those, too… and it’s a basic go-to at our house during the holiday (and Winter!) season.

 

08-Victorian Xmas

 

This Victorian Christmas tablescape certainly says “festive,” doesn’t it? Gorgeous china, fine linens, candlelight—and little touches of greenery, gold berries, and rosebuds—make for a lavish and welcoming holiday table.

 

07-Holiday Favorites

 

Yes, it’s the same china as the last table, but here’s a totally different look! I’m guessing this tablescaper used some of her Holiday Favorites: Christmas tablecloth, pretty dishes, and always-favorite little snowmen. Look at the gorgeous detail on that teapot!

 

06-Aviary Christmas

 

Chickadees and cardinals are favorite Winter motifs for many of us, and this tablescaper apparently is “one of us!” Her Aviary Christmas table beautifully tucks feathered figurines into a traditional red-and-green” tablescape.

 

04-Whimsy Santa

 

Here’s some more red-and-green, but this time tradition gives way to Whimsy Santa and his glittery antics. Isn’t this a fun collection? I can imagine “going rustic” with these great Santas, too!

 

05-American Traditional Xmas

 

This tablescaper proves that a beautiful Christmas table can be traditional without using an “over the top” red-and-green color scheme and “Christmas” dishes. Pretty china, gorgeous crystal, pretty holiday-motif linens, and a traditional poinsettia-and-ornaments centerpiece make for a beloved American Christmas table. How many of you “got” it? (The crystal pattern is Fostoria’s “American”)

 

03-Traditional Silver Xmas

Here’s another classic tablescape that pairs pretty holiday linens with non-holiday dishes. The addition of the delicate Christmas angel figurines is a nice touch! It’s always good to be reminded of Christmas Hope.

 

Reindeer Christmas

 

There’s a lot of shine and reflection going on in this Reindeer Christmas tablescape, so look closely! Notice how all of the great elements of “movement”—the leaping reindeer, octagonal china, and triangular napkin rings—work nicely with the Christmas linens. If you think that leaping reindeer centerpiece looks familiar, it does! I have one, too.

 

09-Twelve Days Xmas

 

Talk about an all-time Christmas favorite… Twelve Days of Christmas is always a hit, and it certainly was here! I love the way this tablescaper didn’t shy away from the blues in the dishes. Instead, she totally claimed them—and used that gorgeous blue-and-white teapot.

 

10-Partridge Pear Tree

 

Finally…

My own table took the Twelve Days theme and focused on Day One: a Partridge in a Pear Tree. Attempting to strike a balance between casual and elegant, I mixed two Lenox china patterns and a Fitz and Floyd partridge with striped cotton napkins and an informal handpainted partridge platter. If you followed my Themes of Christmas series last year, you know this has been a favorite theme of mine for years!

 

If you enjoyed seeing the handiwork of these tablescapers, I hope you’ll leave a comment and tell them!

Did you get some new ideas?

 

By the way, if this happens to be your first visit to My Place to Yours, I hope it won’t be your last! Playing in the dishes is a favorite pastime around here, so why don’t you sign up to receive future posts via email. (Don’t worry… I’ll never share your email address with anyone—and you can unsubscribe anytime if you change your mind.)

 

I’m joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Comments

  1. So festive and lovely, Susan! It sounds like a wonderful event.

  2. All of the tablescapes are so beautiful and perfectly designed. I honestly don’t know which one to choose as a fav. Althought I am quite partial to birds, cardinals in particular, I have to say that each tablescape is artistic, festive, and beautiful, so I don’t need to pick one. Oh. I have a thing for snowmen, too.

  3. Beautiful settings….you can tell that a lot of thought and planning went into these tables – must have been fun to see them all! Enjoy the holidays!

  4. This was a treat! Thank you for posting all the beautiful tablescapes!

  5. What a great way to reach out to other women in the community! These tables are beautiful and I bet you have a new tradition at your church! I know I’d want to come every year!
    Shelia
    House of Highlands

  6. What a blessing this tea must have been for so many women. I seem drawn to the Victorian Christmas setting.

    I wanted to thank you for your friendship. My wish is that your holiday season is filled with peace, love and joy. May you and yours be blessed with health and happiness in the new year.