Merry Tuesday sweet friends! I hope this finds you resting with your feet propped up and enjoying a cup of coffee or hot chocolate! In other words, have you completed your decorating and shopping?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1
I am joining twenty creative table stylists for a Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my talented friend, Rita at Panoply. I have reserved you a spot along the route for A Nutcracker Parade!
Nutcrackers and dishes briefly left the Sunshine Cottage to get lined up for a parade on the dining room table!
Did you notice that this parade looks differently than the parade above? The only change is a nutcracker wrapping paper for a fun and whimsical table to the delight of my granddaughters. Our eight month old grandson isn’t into tablescapes!
Many years ago I purchased my first Steinbach nutcracker. The following year, I purchased another and thus began a small collection. A couple of dear friends added to my collection. Steinbach nutcrackers are handmade in the Ore Mountains of Germany with great attention to detail!
From the time that our oldest granddaughter was 18 months old, she has been fascinated with my nutcracker collection. Her younger sister (EK) has followed in her footsteps. While shopping at Hobby Lobby last year, I discovered this Robert Stanley nutcracker salad plate. Pink just happens to be EM’s favorite color. I found the small pink nutcracker and used it as a stocking stuffer for her. Fortunately, HL had the cup to match! There were three other plates that were available. Using those darling plates and cups last Christmas, we had a fun cookies and chocolate milk party in the Sunshine Cottage!
I was so thrilled when Hobby Lobby had the salad plates again this year. The scalloped edges and gold highlights are so pretty. EK’s favorite color is purple! The carousel plate and cup were added to our collection, as well as a few more! Yikes, did I need more plates? Very hard to resist when they are half price.
Twinkling lights from the mantle and tree provide a beautiful bokeh effect.
The red plate and small nutcracker were assigned to baby brother by big sister!
Faux cedar placemats, gold chargers (not visible here), Happy Holiday dinner plates by Nikko, gold flatware, and festive stemware accompany each place setting. I am frequently asked about the stemware. It was gifted to me by a friend many years ago. There is a sweet memory attached. She and I had driven to Birmingham for a day of shopping and a nice lunch. We had stopped in at Pier 1 when I spotted this fun stemware. I really loved it and almost bought it, but didn’t. A few days later my friend brought me a beautifully wrapped gift. I was so surprised and overwhelmed to find these fabulous glasses inside! Unfortunately, they are no longer available.
Let’s change the table by removing the wrapping paper while everything else remains the same. It has a more traditional and classic look. The center nutcracker is my largest Steinbach!
The artist nutcracker is cute and one of EM’s favorites!
My beloved Mother’s ceramic napkin rings always grace one of my Christmas tables. They hold red napkins and Dum Dums candy canes in blu raspberry, cherry, and watermelon flavors.
The skier evokes fond memories of skiing, yes can you believe it? We made our first Colorado ski trip in 1993 for our twentieth anniversary. We were hooked after that first trip. Or maybe I should say RM was hooked. Many trips followed with our son. He and RM were excellent at the sport, skiing black diamonds. I was mediocre and never ventured off the green slopes. We have made a few trips back over the past few years, but not in ski season, thankfully!
Five nutcrackers, a couple of gold candle stands, fresh cypress, and a set of sparkling trees and wreaths make up the centerpiece runner!
Fresh Leyland cypress and baubles adorn the chandelier!
One last look at the whimsical tablesetting with the nutcracker wrapping paper. Notice the ornament wreath surrounding the larger nutcracker that adds still more pizzazz!
Be sure to visit each of the following links for fabulous tables and inspiration!
Everyday Living – A Nutcracker Parade
Debbee’s Buzz – Bringing Home the Christmas Tree Holiday Table
Pandora’s Box – “I can’t decide…”
Hyacinths for the Soul – Traditions ~ A Tablescape Blog Hop
Living with Thanksgiving – Merry and Bright
Tablescapes at Twenty-One – Winter Sports
Home is Where the Boat Is – Merry Little Christmas Village
Panoply – Forest Fantasy Holiday Tablescape
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Evergreen and Gold Christmas Table
My Thrift Store Addiction – Nature-Inspired Christmas Table and Jadeite Cocoa Bar
The Painted Apron – Christmas Trucks and Trees
Me and My Captain – Silver and Gold Christmas Table 2021
Red Cottage Chronicles – A White Christmas Tablescape
Life and Linda – Gnome for the Holidays
Belle Bleu Interiors – Christmas Blessings
My Hubbard Home – Tartan Christmas Tidings Tablescape | Holiday Entertaining
The Sweet Sensations – Christmas Elegance in Red, White & Silver
Dinner at Eight – Christmas Dining – The New Traditional
Bluesky at Home – Ideas for Red Plaid Christmas Table
Zucchini Sisters – Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece and Tablescape
The Bookish Dilettante – Dreaming of a Pink Christmas
When I told EM, I would be removing the tablesetting she was disappointed. But once she found out the nutcrackers and plates were returning to the Sunshine Cottage, she was happy! I am planning another party for the girls and baby brother will be attending this year. I don’t think he will be eating cookies, but he is such a happy baby, he won’t care! EK was much too busy playing to be interrupted for a photo with her sister.
Thank you so much for your visits and gracious comments. Wishing you a most joyful week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
How festive and fun your nutcracker parade tablescape is Pam! I love the whimsy and addition of the wrapping paper and I can imagine how enthralled your grand girls must be with the colorful patterns and your collection. I never spied those nutcracker plates at HL last year or this year, and can see why you couldn’t resist them. Love the lights from your tree twinkling in the background and beautiful bokeh they provide. As always it’s a treat to join you at the table. Happy Tuesday hopping with you. ♥
Thanks so much, Mary! This was a fun table to set!
Wow! What a fantastic table! Just recently I’ve developed an interest in nutcrackers and purchased my first one, a Christian Ulbright. He’s dressed like the Gingerbread King. I love him. Your large nutcracker is beautiful! What or who is he supposed to be? Those dishes were the perfect find! Love the details on your table, and your granddaughter is so beautiful! Thank you for taking us on such a delightful trip.
Thank you so much, Maria. I know your nutcracker is fabulous! Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
Pam, being the host of this blog hop and having your title had me really looking forward and anticipating your theme! I love Nutcrackers, and you may remember I have a history with them from a dance perspective. I also scored a set of 4 of those salads last year in black rims, but your explosion of color delights me to no end. I think my tastes may change a bit as my baby J grows. It’s so fun to hear how your girls get excited over the tabkescape details. The mix of your collection is so varied and so fun, I’m sure oi I love the bauble wreath and wrapping paper additions too, all geared toward making spirits bright. The parade with your large Steinbach as grand Marshall are something I bet even baby W will enjoy as he grows. Your mother’s ceramic tree napkin rings are so special!
Pam, thank you for gracing us with your table talent and scriptural highlights. You are so appreciated!
Rita, you are appreciated for being a wonderful hostess. You will be amazed the things you will do as baby J grows. Probably things you would have never imagined. It does keep you young thinking. EM is in her first year of ballet and she was in a little program this afternoon. I almost got teary eyed watching her. I was never into dance, mine was all music! My DIL had years of dance and was quite accomplished. EM really wants to take gymnastics. We shall see.
Your photos are expertly taken to capture the light and whimsey of your festive table. How delightful your theme is with nutcrackers as your centerpiece. The nutcracker plates were perfect! I know you were excited to find them and your gifted colorful goblets add the perfect touch!
Hearing about the excitement of the girls is fun and that you can share this with them will be more and more fun for you as they get older.
Sit back and relax now and enjoy the Christmas season.
Thanks so much, Bonnie. It was really a fun one to do!
Pam, so enjoyed your nutcracker parade table and beautiful photography! I also have a small nutcracker collection that began as a child, when my father brought me one home from a business trip to Germany. Two more were added when hubby and I went to what was then West Germany our first year married. Mine are more the “traditional” general style. When my parents downsized I inherited more. I’ve named each using one of my husband or my German ancestor surnames. My adult sons adore them and argue over who will eventually get each lol! A couple of years ago I styled a nutcracker table, that I already planned to update this year Thanks for the inspiration! Loved reading about your grandkids. What a great, clever idea to use the paper as a runner — I think I prefer the table that way. So lovely yet whimsical!
Thank you, Debbee. I think I remember your nutcracker table. I have been to Germany a couple of times, but I didn’t buy a single nutcracker.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
I’m with EM on the artist nutcracker but they are all just darling. What a happy, cheerful table — you could make up wonderful stories at dinner about them (the add-a-part of the story as it goes around the table!). I love the bauble wreath(?) in the center with the nutcracker within. It’s all so festive but mostly all such fun! I love this!
Thank you, Jeanie. That is a great idea about making up stories around the table!
How absolutely fun! I love this tablescape.
Thank you, Penny!
What a fabulous find on those salad plates! Your nutcrackers are so whimsical. Such a sweet memory of your friend surprising you with those goblets, they are so colorful and fun!
Thank you, Carole. It was a fun table to pull together!
Pam, I am enchanted by your beautiful Nutcracker table. Love that your plates nutcrackers, and stemware have good memories attached to them. The Chandelier is gorgeous, and the pine chargers are cute. You are the best grandmother, and the children are collecting special memories of sweet holidays spent together!
Merry Christmas
hugs
RR
Thank you, Rachelle. I love being a grandmother and enjoy every minute with them. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
Oh, wow, first of all what a lovely chandelier!! Your nutcracker collection is gorgeous and they are the star of the show on your table! What I really noticed first was the gorgeous stemmed glass – they are so festive! Both settings are so inviting bit I do favor the plain white tablecloth because each element is so easy to see. Enjoy the season!
Thanks so much, Patti. It was a fun table to put together! Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
Oh Pam, Who doesn’t love nutcrackers and the memories they conjure up of sugar plum fairies and magical dancing ballerinas. Your collection is amazing and for HL to have the salad plates to match them was the perfect find. I love whimsey and so glad you showed the table both ways. I, like most have a small collection of all sizes of nutcrackers and my pink one is my favorite too right along with EM. Love the pic of her clutching hers…how special are our grands??? God Bless your lovely family.
Kari
Kari, it was so much fun to put this all together. The girls eyes were wide in wonder. That made it all worthwhile! Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
Just.. outstanding and oozes Merry Christmas “one & all.” KUDOS! franki
Thanks so much, Franki. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
How much fun this all is Pam! The nutcrackers are all wonderful and I especially love the plates you found and designated to each grand by their favorite color, that makes them extra special! Using the nutcracker wrapping paper as a tablecloth is such a cute idea! The stemware is beautiful, especially the way it was gifted to you. I also love the tree in your dining room, that adds so much warmth. EM looks like she is filled with wonder in that sweet photo. I know your family will have a blessed Christmas this year!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. Seeing the girls so excited made it so much fun!
Oh Pam! I don’t even know where to begin!! As a child I was so frightened of nutcrackers. Thankfully I grew out of that and they are one of my favourite things at Christmas! My husband bought me a 3′ nutcracker last year and I was over the moon! I love both versions of your table, but especially the one with the wrapping paper! What a lovely gift your friend surprised you with those as those glasses are stunning. The plates are adorable and I can see why the littles love them. Your chandelier looks amazing too! Such a pleasure joining you on the hop today, and now I am off to look up Steinbach nutcrackers and maybe buy myself a little pre-Christmas gift 🙂
Thank you Maureen for your sweet comments. Yes, buy yourself a Steinbach! Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
Pam, like Rita, the Nutcracker ballet holds a special place in my heart, so I was also anticipating your tablescape–you did not disappoint! What a charming and colorful collection of nutcrackers and salad plates, and you have styled them beautifully! Merry Christmas to you!
Thanks so much, Cecilia. it was fun setting up the table! Merry Christmas!
Pam, your table will is gorgeous and brings a smile to my face thinking of your granddaughters enjoying it so much. I love how you changed the table from a classic nutcracker theme, to a bright child’s delight with the wrapping paper. Your attention to the details shine through. I especially love your chandelier and your stemware, it all makes for a magical Christmas table. I can only imagine the joy of your party in Sunshine Cottage!!! Wishing you and your family a glorious Christmas!
Thank you so much, Ann. It brought me so much joy to set up the table. Merry week to you!
Such a magical table. I think we all love. Nutcrackers. They make me think of dancing ballerinas and Christmas. The plates are gorgeous. I absolutely love the pink one. I can see why EM loves pink. Your candy is decorated beautifully. The wrapping paper is so fun and colorful. I used wrapping paper too. Love the stemware. A beautiful table to sit down and enjoy. Always a pleasure to join you. Happy holidays.
Thank you, Linda. Yes, they also make me think of ballerinas and Christmas. Yes, I noticed the wrapping paper on your gorgeous table. Merry week to you!
Oh Pam, each of the tables you presented are outstanding. I can only imagine the time and effort put into presenting them to your followers. I can just imagine the memories your grandchildren have of the love and attention you give them. I also have sweet memories of your response to my thoughts on your posting. I also found the faux cedar place mates and I’m using them on the breakfast room table. EM and her love of pink and EK and her love of purple and your thought to get each a plate and cup to have and use in the sunshine cottage is so sweet it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you sweet Pam!
Alice, your sweet comments brought tears to my eyes. I wish I could meet you, we would have a wonderful time talking. Your comments always warm my heart and encourage me. I just know that your breakfast room table looks so pretty with the placemats. Wishing you a merry week my friend ♥️
The next time you are in Colorado, specifically Boulder, I would love to take you to lunch. Merry Christmas🎄
That sounds like great fun!
Pam, your table is just over the top. Your collection of nutcrackers make for a beautiful table. I may have to make a little trip to HL. Those plates speak my name. I am always amazed how you do so much and with such expertise and beauty. EM looks gorgeous. Thank you for the beauty and love.
Thanks so much Dianne. You are always so kind with your comments ♥️
Pam, your nutcracker collection is stellar. The way you have used them on this table makes a very festive presentation. Love all the details. I recognize the darling plates. I found some in that series after Christmas last year. Mine are are dinners with just the pretty borders.
If you don’t mind, please correct my link. It’s has an error message. Thanks! Fun to be on this hop with you!
Thank you, Sarah. I haven’t seen the dinner plates, just the salads. I went back a couple of days later and they were all gone. Merry week to you!
Pam, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at your Nutcracker Parade. They are all so wonderful. It is odd how our tastes change. For so many years, I did not care for nutcrackers. Then all of a sudden, I decided I liked them and now have a few. Your table is stunning and your plates are so pretty. I know you and the ‘little ones’ will have yourselves a merry time in the Sunshine Cottage.
Wishing all of you a glorious season!
Thanks so much my friend. I felt the same, was not into nutcrackers and then all of a sudden I liked them. It was so much fun doing this table!
Pam, your table is the very cutest! I love nutcracker collections, and your nutcrackers are so cute, especially the artist one! He’s after my own heart! And I love the tablecloth, of course. Adorable table…it really puts me in the spirit of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Ricki Jill
Thanks so much, Ricki Jill. I had fun doing this table ♥️
What a super idea to add wrapping paper to the center for extra color and razzamatazz!!! It totally works!The differences between the 2 tablescapes – one with the paper, one without – are subtle yet quite visible. I really enjoyed looking at all your different nutcrackers. I LOVE the skier!!! His little pom-pom hat is COOL!!!!! That’s so unusual for a nutcracker…which is probably why I adore it! I have just this year decided I like nutcrackers. They scared me so much before! I’ve made my peace with them now, though, and they are, in fact, the running theme throughout our Christmas home this year. I JUST saw those plates again at Hobby Lobby this morning when I was out doing shopping I shouldn’t have been doing.😉 I considered them, but they only had 2.😥 I have LONG admired that stemware and schemed on how to steal it right off my computer screen! It would go with a billion different dishes!!!!!!!
Thank you, I think nutcrackers are so much fun. I am so glad you decided you like them. Wishing you a merry, merry week ♥️
Thanks so much. This was so fun to do and my girls loved it. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season♥️
Nutcrackers always delight don’t they…I passed my Nutcracker collection on to my oldest daughter. After seeing you decorate your table so beautifully with your collection-I think I need mine back! Every detail is whimsical, fun and darling. You always treat us to such delightful seasonal tablescapes!
We always attend the Nutcracker and we will again this year too.
Flying to Texas to watch our 11 year old ballerina perform as the Nutcracker this weekend.
Merry Christmas Pam!
Thank you my friend for your sweet comments. Enjoy the trip to Texas to see your ballerina♥️
Pam, this table is absolutely precious! You have quite an impressive nutcracker collection. It makes for a perfect Christmas table, and I bet those grandbabies love it. I love the sweet nutcracker plates. I may have to make a trip to HL to see if they have any left. Like EM, I am fond of the pink one. Happy Tuesday, sweet friend!
Thanks so much, Shannon. It was really fun to set up ♥️
Oh, Pam! How do I choose which one is my favorite when I love them ALL! I especially love EM, the one she is holding, and her plate (and all others too). I’ve always admired nutcrackers. Your collection is so special. Thank you for always being a ray of sunshine! Love and hugs.
Thank you dear one…your sweet words warm my heart ♥️
It’s my pleasure. I’m so glad. ❤️💚🥰💕
I think this table has now become my favorite! It’s festive! It’s Fun! It’s fabulous! I loved the addition of wrapping paper!
Well done! Absolutely gorgeous!
Merry Tuesday!
Oh you are a sweetheart, Nancy. It is definitely EM’s favorite!
Oh Pam I am enjoying this tablescape! The nutcrackers lead the way! Those striped stemware are one of my favorites of yours and I love those dishes! The nutcrackers make a whimsical statement and I like the table both ways. Happy Holidays!
Thanks so much, Liz. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season!
Pam, what a super cute idea to use nutcrackers as your tablescape theme. I can see way your granddaughter loves it. It’s such a colorful setting for a Christmas meal. Using wrapping paper is a very creative idea. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Carol. It was fun!
Love all of it!
Thanks my sweet friend ♥️
Had to come see you’re full table, so many smiles, love seeing your nutcrackers, wild about the artist… so many fond memories, thanks!
Thank you, Jain. I am so glad it brought back memories!
Oh Pam, this is so gorgeous! I remember seeing pictures of Em when she was a toddler, where has the time gone? Without or without the wrapping paper overlay this table is filled with so many pieces to linger over. Obviously the Nutcrackers are the stars and what a variety! Those plates are so pretty and I know a few adults that would enjoy dining at this table, myself included. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and blessings for a healthy and Happy New Year!
Thank you Sandra. Children grow too quickly. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Pam your Nutcracker theme is beautiful and whimsy and fun. Using wrapping paper is so creative. Such a great idea. It is all so pretty.
Thank you, Kris! It was fun putting it together.
Stunning table!!! How adorable!
Thank you, Maristella!
Pam, I love nutcrackers at Christmas! Your collection is fabulous and expertly incorporated into your table setting. The plates are adorable and would also delight my daughter. I especially love the kid friendly version of the table with nutcracker wrapping paper. It’s so colorful and fun! The chandelier looks lovely decorated with fresh greenery. It’s always fun to hop with you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Rebecca for your sweet comments! Merry Christmas ✨
Beautiful table Pam and I love your nutcracker collection – with or without the nutcracker runner! Its not hard to see why the grandgirls love it too. The salad plates are adorable and I agree, they would be hard to resist especially at half price. Its all a delicious explosion of color so tastefully done! I hope you enjoy your Sunshine Cottage party with the girls and wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season!
Thanks so much, Kim. It is definitely an explosion of color. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season!
The touches of whimsy on this table are my cup of tea and the color is an added bonus. The young ones must love this table.
The littles love it!
What a fun and festive tablescape! The artist nutcracker is my favorite, too.
Thank you Michelle!
How fun, I really like the whimsical table setting and I’m sure the girls love it with all the nutcrackers.
Thank you, Karen. The girls love it!
Such fun Pam! ☺️
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you, and blessings ♥️
Aw, that is such a sweet photo of EM at the end! So precious! It is wonderful how you invest so much time and love into your dear grandchildren. They will never forget!
Thank you my friend. Wishing you and yours a joyous Christmas season!
Pam, Both of your nutcracker tables are so cute and festive. I adore the whimsical one as it is so colorful! I love your striped glasses, they’re a favorite! Your faux cedar placemats add such nice texture. You have a nice collection of nutcrackers and the plates are a perfect addition. Merry Christmas! Clara ❤️