“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth”
John 1:14
As many of you who celebrate a birthday during December know, it is often hard to give the birthday the attention it deserves! The day can be minimized and often overlooked as the year long anticipation of Christmas draws near! Our son, Seth was born on December 11th, and for several years I would wait until we had his birthday party before I decorated for Christmas! I also noticed something I had never paid attention to prior to his December birth-people often wrapped birthday presents with Christmas wrap. That would never happen for a July birthday! In other words, we really tried hard to keep his birthday and Christmas separate. But now as he turns twenty-nine, his birthday dinner is a Christmas setting- and he doesn’t care as long as I prepare some of his favorite foods! The menu he always requests: manicotti with lots of Italian sausage and bechamel sauce. Hope you enjoy Seth’s birthday (Christmas) tablescape!
And while we are talking about Seth’s birthday, be sure to check back on Thursday for Butch’s post!
It is a breathtaking sunrise on the first Sunday of December. The sun cast the most beautiful light on the raspberry walls of our dining room!
The table is set with a natural and rustic theme, since we are celebrating Seth’s birthday!
I didn’t use a tablecloth, but allowed the warmth of the cherry table to set the tone of this tablescape. The placemats are red and green plaid with a metallic gold thread running through the pattern. I have had them so long, I can’t remember where they are from!
The Nikko “Happy Holidays” pattern is my oldest Christmas china, and I still love to use it! I often use the rattan chargers for texture.
I totally love the pair of antler candle stands that Seth made me-aren’t they perfect for the table?! I found the “Christmas Lodge” snack plates by 222 Fifth last week at TJ Maxx and used them as a bread and butter plate. They really work in the theme!
Freshly cut pine!
The center of the table was an assortment of rustic elements: small birds nestled in the pine, pine cones scattered, a pair of tall birds! I used tartan plaid napkins found at TJ Maxx with ornaments from Wal-Mart as napkin rings!
I used 4 decorative cones filled with pine
Picture ornaments from Wal-Mart used as place card holders-very inexpensive idea!
The sunlight provides a spotlight on one of three rustic candle lanterns on the table, purchased at TJ Maxx this season!
Ruby red stemware found years ago at a department store
The mint julep cups are often used for greenery or flowers…today they are filled with short-needle pine!
Morning view of the large Nativity sitting in the dining room bay window.
Since we were celebrating Seth’s birthday, I made his favorite…red velvet!
Candles are lit and it’s time to celebrate Seth!
“Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled!”
-Charles Wesley
Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , By Stephanie Lynn, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined, Three Mango Seeds, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, Knick of Time, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict,Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse, My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup
Very pretty! I have Christmastime dishes by Nikko. The tree is the same as yours but the plate shape is different. I also, use my rattan chargers often. What a lovely table for your son’s birthday celebration! I follow you on Instagram where I am Bella & Bambino. I think we probably have a lot in common. Have a wonderful day and thanks for the inspiration to make mealtimes so special!
Hello Karen! It is so nice to have you as a new friend. My Mother had the same dishes as you and I gave them to my sister in law after my Mother passed away! Thank you for following. We have only been blogging for 4 months. I am still in learning mode but it is enjoyable and rewarding to meet so many wonderful people. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas! Blessings, Pam
I’m thinking Seth is a very blessed young man whose mother makes her family’s world so beautiful at Christmas and EVERY day!
Thank you, Suzanne for reading and your sweet words! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Happy birthday Seth…. I would have love going through my screen to taste that beautiful red velvet cake…..great post….we can almost feel the sunlight of that day!
France
France, how thrilled that we have met through the blogging world. I am following your blog and you are so creative and talented!❤️
Thank you so much Pam….for following…and for your so thoughtful and warming words….I believe passion is leading to talent….we can feel in any of your post how passionate you are….?
Beautiful!
Thank you Beverly and Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful setting! You have found the perfect way to blend a Christmas setting into a birthday setting for your son! I am sure that he feels the love that went into his celebration! This is lovely!
Thank you Shenita! We had a great celebration! Blessings, Pam
WHat a stunning table!!!
Thank you, Christine! Blessings, Pam
My birthday is Dec 11! I have found that people go the extra mile for December birthdays because they kind of feel sorry for you! Your table is gorgeous, and I was thinking that since it’s my birthday too, maybe I could join you…Manicotti and red velvet cake sound perfect! Love your wood boxes in the centerpiece~
Jenna
Jenna, so sweet of you to comment and happy belated birthday to you. We would have loved for you to join us and we would have celebrated you! Merry Christmas!! Pam
This is such a wonderful table! You’ve mixed patterns and textures so well. It is warm and welcoming and really sings, “Merry Christmas!”. I love your attention to detail. I’m sure your son and all at the table will enjoy their surroundings for such a special celebration. Well done! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
Thank you, Rosie for reading and commenting! Such encouraging words! Blessings, Pam
Love the richness of this table.
Thank you so much, Susan and have a Merry Christmas!
I totallyunderstand about a December birthday. Our oldest daughter was born on Christmas Day. Often people forget to even say Happy Birthday until the day is about over. One thing I have always done is never combine her Christmas and Birthday presents as one. When she was little we often had a party between Christmas and New Years. One thing she rarely gets is a Birthday cake. We aren’t big cake lovers and we always make a lot of candy for Christmas. Your table is gorgeous! Love all of the plaid! Gotta love T.J. Maxx. Have a Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing with our Creative Christmas party.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks, Jann. As always thank you for your party. I always enjoy! Merry Christmas, Pam
Hi Pam!
I found you while posting my tablescape on Between Naps on the Porch! Your tablescape is beautiful! It reminds me a lot of mine this year – I too, decided to go for a more natural look. I love the antler stands that your husband made for you! They are perfect for your setting…and how neat are the WalMart frames that you’ve used as place cards – every detail is just perfectly thought out! Two thumbs up from House of Highlands!
Shelia
Shelia, your comments are so encouraging. I am so glad you visited. Please come back! Checking out House of Highlands now!! Merry Christmas, Pam
How beautiful! We have lots of Dec birthdays in our family, too! Always fun! Happy holidays!
Thank you so much for reading and your comments!! Merry Christmas, Pam
Thanks, Jann! As always, thank you for your party! I always enjoy! Merry Christmas, Pam