Hello sweet friends and happy December! Can you believe we are in the last month of 2020…what a year?!! After a mild November, it is beginning to “feel” a lot like Christmas with temps dipping in the low 20’s and highs in the low 40’s. That might not be too cold where you live, but it is chilly for this Southern girl. An added surprise to bolster the feeling came yesterday afternoon and evening in the form of snow showers! We don’t see snow very often (especially this early in the season), so we all act like children when a few flakes fall.
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
John 1:9
I am so glad you are here and welcome to our annual Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop. I am joining a group of creative table stylists to bring you loads of ideas and inspiration for your holiday tables. A special thank you to Chloe @ Celebrate & Decorate for organizing these fun hops. It is a hot chocolate kind of day, so grab one if you can and join me inside where it is warm and cozy!
Christmas is my favorite time to set a table. The smell of fresh greenery, the twinkle of candlelight, and the collection of Christmas dishes just make me happy!
A centerpiece that is so easy, anyone can do! A box of fresh greenery and a trio of pillar candles…how simple is that!
Be sure to read to the bottom of this post for the links to all of the creative table stylists.
You might see the faux cedar placemats several times this season, I used them here a couple of weeks ago. I paired them with water hyacinth placemats because I am a fan of texture. The Spode Blue Room collection dinner plates were topped with Nikko “happy holidays” soup bowls. The Nikko pattern was my first Christmas dishware. My beloved Mother bought it for me the year it was introduced in 1986. The pattern was discontinued in 2014. The tartan plaid napkins bring the reds, greens, and blues all together!
A classic image of a traditional Victorian Christmas tree is in the center of all the bowls and plates. For at least twenty years, until my Mother passed away, she and my Daddy had Christmas Eve dinner at our house. As the first course, I always served cream of mushroom soup in these bowls. Our menu rarely changed…grilled rib-eyes, twice baked potatoes, and home-made rolls. My parents were married on Christmas Eve, so we enjoyed celebrating their anniversary each year.
Fresh Leyland cypress and pine cones were placed on a ruffled burlap runner. Some vintage ornaments added pops of color!
Noritake “sweet swirl dark blue” iced tea goblets and Pier 1 twig flatware complete each place setting.
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
-Norman Vincent Peale
“The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving.”
-James Cash Penney
You might notice writing on the box, yes it is a Harry & David box from last Christmas. I decided to keep it, I knew it could be used for centerpieces or whatever I might imagine. Using some off white craft paint, I painted and wiped and voila…a great little box!
Leyland cypress also adorns the chandelier. RM cut it two and half weeks ago, and it still looks great and best of all no sap!
Be sure to visit each of the talented ladies below!
Celebrate and Decorate /Blue Interiors /Home is Where the Boat Is /Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Me and My Captain /The Zucchini Sisters /Calypso in the Country /Everyday Living
My Hubbard Home /Debbee’s Buzz /Mantel and Table /Panoply
Living With Thanksgiving /The Little Yellow Corner Store /Life and Linda
Design Morsels /White Arrows Home /The Sweet Sensations
Thank you for your lovely visits and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy-filled week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Pam, I love Nikko, such a happy and classic Christmas pattern! It pairs beautifully with your blue accents of the stemware and dinner plates and I especially love it with plaid. I love your shot with the beautiful bokeh and tree in the background! Brrrr….it’s frosty here too but really cold tomorrow. We are giddy and act like kids too when the occasional snowflake falls…time to snuggle up with a dog and blanket on the sofa and watch a movie with some popcorn and something warm to drink. Happy December to you. ♥
Pam, what a treat this morning to see my favorite blue accented with red and green. I love the tartan plaid and your nostalgic Nikko dishes. The Victorian tree is so sweet as you enjoy each little feature in the plate.
I love how you weave such beautiful texture all over the tablescape. The greenery, sweet gum balls, burlap runner, pinecones, water hyacinth placemats, and the wooden box add such great variety of texture. Add the ambience of candlelight and the wonderful scripture and quotes and my heart is warmed this morning. Thank you.
May peace and joy fill your week.
I love the blue with the red and green!
Hi Pam,
I’ve really enjoyed your tablescapes after finding you on Pinterest! Your scripture references are always a highlight to your posts- what a great ministry!
Your dear daughter in love and her mother have been on my heart (I love that as Christians we don’t have to ever meet to feel connected). I pray they lean on Jesus sweet arms for comfort. I’m so sad for them and your grandchildren.
May I ask for your advice on how to handle serving dish placement once the table is beautifully decorated. I, too love to set a beautiful table when entertaining and often set it weeks in advance but am always confounded by how to actually place the food on the table – there seems to be little room in the middle and in between plates doesn’t look right. I’ve also tried just serving the food buffet style but what do you do then- have everyone pick up their plates and go to the buffet? I would love to know how you and fellow tablescape fans handle this?
Many thanks!
Yvonda, I am so glad you found me. I am more than thrilled that the scriptures are a highlight for you. It warms my heart to know you have been praying for my family, those prayers are being felt.
This is what works for me as far as far as serving the food. We all gather around the dining room table and stand at the places where we each one will sit. My hubby or son share thanks to our Heavenly Father, then each one picks up their plate. I have the food buffet spread on my kitchen island. This has worked for years and you can enjoy the pretty table and no one has to pass food. My family always returns for seconds. I hope that helps. Wishing you a most joy-filled Christmas season!
Pam, thanks for the serving advice! I usually serve buffet as well with family. Would you also handle it that way if it is a shower or other occasion that includes new guests?
If I have new guests, I sometimes plate the food in the kitchen and serve them once they are seated. I think that makes people feel special to be served.
For a shower, I place the food on the dining table with plates, napkins, punch, etc. and each guest serves themselves and then they can choose to sit in the family room or stand and mingle in the kitchen. I hope that helps Yvonda.
How sweet the sentiment in the fact that Christmas Eve was your parents’ anniversary and your mother bought the Nikko dishes for you. It is those kinds of memories that are pure gold as we continue our traditions in spite of a pandemic. I also spy your mother’s carolers. Your table is a coming home, knowing what to expect in the menu and all the love shown in setting the table for the family tradition. I love your combination of the blue with red and green, an unexpected delight. The ornaments on the table runner with the leyland cypress and cones is perfect (lucky you to have it on your property!). Smart choice in keeping the H&D box and whitewashing it, it looks great, and will serve beyond Christmas in your styling, I’m sure.
Thank you for inviting us to your table, Pam, and Happy December.
So much Christmas, sweet Pam. Christmas is the perfect time to bring our memories to the table. I too always had my family for Christmas Eve dinner. I tried to have a beautiful table and something new and different to offer them at dinner. I cooked my first goose. Was that ever an experience. I learned they are loaded with fat that will smoke up your house if you don’t know what you are doing. Sweet sweet memories. Love the Leyland Cypress on the chandy and must find the placemats.
Pam, your whole room just glows with a peaceful Christmas spirit. Your table is such a classic beauty, with your fabulous China pieces. I love how you carried the blue through your stemware, and the wonderful tartan napkins and even your pretty pillow. Just beautiful. I hope you have a peaceful Christmas season and we all look forward to a new year ❤️ Always such a pleasure to hop with you!!!
Stunning! The blue makes the red and green come even more alive than they already were. I want to feast with you!
Good Morning Pam! As I sit at your table I take in all the beauty. The greenery is fragrant, the Nikko Christmas dishes take me back to my Aunts Christmas table when I was a young, your beautiful wooden box as the centerpiece adds ambiance but those tartan plain napkins grabs my heart. I love tartan plaid!
Happy December dear Pam… and here’s hug too!
Good morning, Pam! Your Christmas table is just beautiful! I love all the beautiful Christmas greens. They just make it feel like Christmas! I imagine the fragrance is wonderful. I loved reading about your sweet Christmas Eve memories with your parents. Those Nikko plates are so pretty, and I know that you must treasure them so. I hope that you holiday season is filled with lots of joy, peace, and blessings, sweet friend!
Good morning, Pam! Your Christmas table is just gorgeous! I love all of the lush Christmas greens. I imagine the fragrance must be delightful! Your candle centerpiece is beautiful and those Nikko bowls are so pretty. I know that you must treasure them so! I enjoyed reading about your Christmas Eve traditions with your parents. Happy December, sweet friend! I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and lots of blessings!
Good morning, dear Pam. Your table is simply gorgeous. I love the blue mixed with the red and green. And your centerpiece is beautiful and is so happy being on stage with such beauty.
On the most special day which begins the glorious month of December, I wish you and yours all the love, peace and joy possible. And many blessings! ❤
Pam, I always love looking at your tables and they are always so “homey” and make me want to pull up a chair and enjoy the beauty and the company.
I did not like plaid as I was growing up… but now I can’t get enough of the tartan plaid. Beautiful!
I am imagining your Nikko bowls filled with cream of mushroom soup. Yum! What a wonderful tradition you had with your parents…that is part of the reason for the season. Family, togetherness and the birth of our Saviour made it all possible.
I also love this quote you chose…“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
I say “Amen, and thank you Lord”
Pam, Your cedar placemats are so pretty and perfect for this time of year. The arrangement in the repurposed box makes the table feel so cozy. I always repurpose those cute little carriers as they’re so handy when decorating or storing small seasonal items. Your original Christmas dishes pair so well with the blue and white plates as well as recalling many precious memories when using them. We need a cozy, warm environment today as we, too, awoke to the low 20’s this morning! Brrr! Enjoy your day! Clara❤️
Thank you for your sweet comments, Clara. Stay warm and cozy this week ♥️
Pam you have truly captured Christmas with this table! The traditional holiday greens, pine cones, ornaments, candles and festive Christmas tree bowls all say “It’s Christmas, come and enjoy!” I loved reading about your Christmas Eve tradition of celebrating your parents anniversary every year, I know they LOVED that and your menu sounds so perfect and delicious! The 3 pillars in the centerpiece box make such a wonderful centerpiece and there’s nothing prettier than glowing candles. I always love seeing your chandy decked out for the holidays, such a beautiful touch! We are definitely having Christmas type weather this week, stay cozy!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna, you are a sweetheart. I missed you hopping with us. I did enjoy reading your Traveling Totes! Stay warm!
Thank you Pam, yes, crazy cold weather, we had flurries Monday did you?
We did have flurries on into Monday night, yesterday morning our rooftop was white. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Pam, your table looks magical! I love the candlelight shots and your beautiful dishes. You and I both went with a red and blue look this year! Your centerpiece is so elegant and I love all the layers. Gorgeous! Always great hopping with you!
Shelley
Thanks Shelley. I love mixing blue with the reds and greens of Christmas!
Oh, how beautiful! I know you must miss those precious Christmas Eves with your dear parents. SO many memories. May the Lord bless you with a wonderful Christmas season and comfort your heart.
Memories do flood my mind, dear Cheryl. Thank you!
Beautiful in every way possible, Pam. Your Nikko bowls are similar to one of my Christmas dish sets. Very happy! And loads of wonderful memories.
Thank you Jeanie. I so hope you are feeling better!
Beautiful table! The Nikko pattern was my first Christmas dishes also, given to me by my parents, and now passed down to my daughter -in-love. Love the faux cedar placemats! Where did you find those? Always enjoy your blog, especially the Sunday one . Blessings
Thank you Beth. I plan on passing my Nikko to my daughter-in-love. The faux cedar placemats were ordered from Pier 1 after Christmas last year at a greatly reduced price. Blessings and I am so glad you enjoy the Sunday posts.
Pam, how lovely your Nikko pattern plates from your mom look on your festive table. It must have been a special evening to celebrate both Christmas Eve and your parents wedding anniversary together (I’ll bet it was a beautiful wedding too!). We awoke to an inch of snow this morning, and it’s been flurrying all day here in Pittsburgh! So I turned on the live tree and holiday music while I am visiting all the tablescapes on the hop. Really provides a cheerful and festive atmosphere.
Thank you Debbee. Your festive atmosphere sounds perfect to visit all the tablescapes!
Pam, thank you for adding scripture that reminds us of what this holiday is really about!
We’ve already had our first snow in Idaho, but those cool temps that produced snow for you is really very special.
Your table is lovely and all the history you shared makes it even more special. I love the mix of patterns and how you can use (and keep fresh) all of the real greens.
Your house must smell as amazing as it looks!
RR
Thanks Rachelle. Christmas is a most special season at our home and I love that we can cut fresh greenery on our property, it does smell amazing! Blessings and Merry Christmas!
So very pretty Pam. I love everything about this post and oh my, fresh greenery! I bet it smells so good. Playing catchup this week and I want to thank you again for checking on me. Made my day. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Cindy, you were missed. Thank you sweet lady for your lovely comments!
Pam, your table really speaks of the joy of Christmas. I love the memories of sharing Christmas Eve dinner and your parents anniversary. The Nikko plates from your Mother are just beautiful. Love the red and blue together. Just gorgeous and filled with love!
Thank you sweet Dianne. I hope you and Bob are well!
Pam, I love your story and your table. I felt like I was part of your time together with your parents during their wonderful anniversary. They dinner you prepared for them must have been a wonderful delight, including mushroom soup. And especially when it is all served up in such a beautiful dinnerware set and tablescape. I agree that the simple centerpiece box filled with greenery and colored pillar candles really is dazzling, especially when the candles are lit. The simplicity of the centerpiece becomes a glowing classic making guests feel warm and cozy. I love your use of plaid and greenery throughout your table and chandelier. So welcoming. Happy Holidays, Pam.
Thanks so much Marsha. My favorite tables are the one with memories attached. Wishing you a most wonderful Christmas Season!
Just wonderful! So cozy and inviting! Thank you for such inspiration. Hugs!
Thank you sweet friend!
Pam, another elegant table. The box centerpiece is lovely with the three candles all lit up. Sometimes simple is perfect. I love the dressed chandy and also the evergreen placemats. The blue goblets are beautiful. How special to remember your parent’s anniversary every Christmas eve. The Spode Blue dinner plates topped with the Nikko bowls is lovely. I adore all of the candlelight. Always a pleasure to blog hop along with you. Happy Holidays.
Thank you Linda!
Hello Dear Pam,
Visiting all of you talented and creative stylists this week to wish you the happiest of Christmas Days.
Your home and table are as lovely as you!
Jemma
Thanks so much for dropping in. You are always welcome!
Even with all the challenges of 2020, December has gotten here very quickly. When I have settled back in in Houston, maybe I’ll think about Christmas but it will be in a very understated way. Your table makes me think I would like to get some greenery for both the look and the fragrance.
Enjoy the Christmas season, Linda!
Do I hear any “me too’s” when I note I mourn the passing of Pier 1? What a treasure trove it was
especially at holiday enhancing time. This table takes first prize for elegant simplicity and mood.
It adds to all the visual and sensory memories of what a Christmas Eve dinner could impart… It
must have been a very special Family time of closeness celebrating that wedding Anniversary.
Love it when you add Family lore to your table settings and give them such a personal distinction
Blessed sharing…
Thank you Mary. You are a sweetheart!
Pam, you always do such a lovely job, I feel like I would always be comfortable dining at your table. Such sweet memories you have. That menu sounds so wonderful! We didn’t have an anniversary on Christmas eve, but my mother’s birthday is the 24th, so we always had a birthday cake on Christmas eve. Those placemats are so wonderful and versatile. They are a set I missed while Pier 1 was still open. I know they are trying to stay alive online, but I sure miss browsing, don’t you? Fresh greens are the best, adding that lovely fragrance to your home. I always love a plaid at Christmastime!! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!
Chloe, thank you so much for your sweet comments. I would be thrilled to have you dine in the garden or dining room.
I too echo the sentiments of Pier 1’s passing, the twig flatware is so nice and suitable for so many occasions. Your centerpiece is elegantly simple and makes a great impact. I love the rustic and classy vibe of your theme and the cypress on the chandelier is an extra treat for the eyes. Wishing you a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas!
Thanks Sandra. We lost our Tuesday Morning, I could always find great things in their store.
Oh I Love the closeup of the candles with the lights in the background Pam! You have such a beautiful eye for the details. And your photography is so lovely! Thanks for another round of gorgeous inspiration – it’s so fun sharing the Christmas Tablescape hop with you!
Thank you for your sweet visit, Barbara!
A fantastic table, Pam! So pretty. I adore the Victorian decoration on the plates, doesn’t get any sweeter.
Amalia
xo
Thanks so much Amalia!
I love how you layered the plates, the blue and the Christmas tree plate with the plaid napkins. They look great together. Also love your simple wood box centerpiece with the pine and candles. It’s the perfect Christmas table. It was so fun to hop with you.
Thanks so much Andrea!
What a beautiful combination of colors…I love the blue with the tartan plaid for Christmas theme!
What a lovely table, Pam! I love the plaid napkins with the blue Spode plates and the Nikko soup bowls. Cream of mushroom soup is one of my favorites, and your Christmas Eve meal sounds so good! I’ve been eyeing that fabulous twig flatware set for some time. I’m hoping Santa will bring me a set this year! That was clever to reuse the Harry and David box for your centerpiece. I just love all of the different textures on your table, too. It was a pleasure to hop with you again. Happy holidays!
Thank you for your sweet comments, Rebecca. I hope you get the twig flatware!
I love the look of your Christmas table with the tartan plaid combined with blue…even on the Christmas pillow, perfect for your dining room. It is inspiring to see nontraditional colors such a blue used along with all the textures. The table is lovely.
Thanks so much Karen!
Such a cozy table, perfect for Christmas Eve! Growing up we always celebrated Christmas on the evening before.That way we could have both grandmothers with us and they were free to visit their other children’s families the next day. We still maintain that tradition! Happy December, Pam
Pam,
Everything is so beautiful. I loved the candles nestled inside the wooden box. Look for your feature on Wednesday’s Charming Homes & Garden Link Party.
You set the most gorgeous tables, Pam! Love the rich colors, all the texture, and your beautiful photography; hats off to you! I have those cedar placemats, too, and love them; use them throughout the year!
Thanks so much Lora. You are so sweet with your comments!