Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Traditional Christmas Tablescape

I've set the table today with my first Christmas dishes and linens purchased around 20 years ago. These are the ones that hold sweet memories of Christmas breakfasts when the kids were home.



Actually it's not like I have a huge collection of Christmas dishes, I only have one other set...but I've gotten Christmas dishes for both my daughter and daughter-in-law as well. As much as I craved a set of Holiday china, it was never in the budget. Especially at Christmas time. I still remember being delighted to find a boxed set for four place settings after Christmas at Kmart for $9.99! I was so excited to finally have a set of Christmas dishes!


Over the years I've added to that little boxed set, finding more settings at Goodwill and on eBay. I even found four tumblers to match. I believe that now I have place settings for ten.



A simple centerpiece for today....just a red poinsettia from the grocery store.....


....white candles (I swear they're really straight)....


....holly from my bushes in my vintage flower ring.


I still love these little dishes....


....they're nothing very fancy, just a Gibson holiday set...


....from a long time ago.



Now, I know another little trick that I could have actually afforded years before I purchased my little set. This may be a Spode pattern that you're familiar with.....



....but when you remove the clear glass top plate.....


....this "china" is actually a set of paper plates purchased at Marshall's (8 for $2.99) --- they have them right now at the one near me.....just a little thrifty tip.....but, back to my tablescape.



Centerpiece overview.


Tabletop overview.



I've layered two tablecloths together.



This top one came from Walmart years and years ago.


And just a few years later I found this holly tablecloth that was a good match. I believe I've used these every Christmas since I purchased them. They're both a little faded....but I'm still using them.



One more shot of my "traditional" Christmas china before....



.....I light the candles.....




.....and wish you a Most Merry Christmas with those you love gathered around your table.

Be sure to visit Susan our tabletop hostess at "Between Naps on the Porch" to see all the dish delights posted this week for Tablescape Thursday.See ya!
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45 comments:

  1. MaryDecember 13, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    I like the holly berry ones. Very pretty table.

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  2. Bunny JeanDecember 13, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Hi Martha!

    I can't believe that you have added to that starter set of dishes and now have a set for 10, and glasses too!

    That vintage candle holder/vase is pretty special too!

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party!

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  3. Marie RaynerDecember 14, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Martha, I always love your tablescapes. So pretty and elegant! You have such wonderful taste and put everything together so beautifully! xxoo

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  4. Braxton and YanceyDecember 14, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    My only holiday tableware was purchased at cvs for $10.00 several years ago. I have to admit that I kinda love it!
    I like that you actually have two trees....so pretty.

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  5. TriciaDecember 14, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    What wonderful memories your tablescape holds! I really love the holly in the ring -- I plan to copy that idea with some from my bushes!

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  6. MarigeneDecember 14, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Beautiful Christmas table, Martha. I really like the holly/berries china...and the gorgeous vintage table linens. Beautiful poinsettia...I have no luck with them, they die within a day of bringing them into the house!

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  7. UnknownDecember 14, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Thanks so much for your visit. I love your china. It reminds me of the set I bought two weeks ago at my daughter's consignment sale. I got 6 three place settings for $19.50. I posted about them a few days ago if you want to see. This is the first set of Christmas dishes I have bought and I'm almost 60 years old. I was super excited to get them.

    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
    Kathy

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  8. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Martha! Oh, I love your pretty table. Your dishes are lovely and how neat you were able to find more places settings and even glasses! :) Your centerpiece is gorgeous! I don't think I've ever seen anything like this! You always set such a wonderful table.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  9. MarlisDecember 14, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Oh Martha, your china is so pretty. I've always wanted this set (even when I was a young bride), but never got. Your centerpiece is lovely lovely lovely.. the red poinsettia is a perfect pop of color. Great layers tablecloths too. I love how many memories come about when we use the most cherished items! Merry Christmas, xo marlis

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  10. JocelynDecember 14, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    I love your Christmas dishes! They are so charming. And your poinsettia linens and plant are so festive!

    Jocelyn@
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  11. MaryDecember 14, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    There is nothing more Christmas-y than holly, poinsettias & candles! Your tablecloth is perfect with your holly & berry dishes!

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  12. Pat@Back Porch MusingsDecember 14, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Beautiful table, Martha!!

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  13. Tea in TexasDecember 14, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    I love the story about your Christmas china. This is such a pretty table. The two tablecloths look wonderful together. The chintz one is my favorite. I am admiring your idea to place the poinsettia in the middle of your vintage ring. Really enjoyed seeing your table! Merry Christmas and Happy Tablescaping! Pam

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  14. Phyllis @Around the HouseDecember 14, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Love the beautiful dishes, so festive and the design.....love them...you have done a stunning job on the tablescape, thanks for sharing....

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  15. Liz@A Dish Here, A Glass ThereDecember 14, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Hi Martha!
    Awh, I know what you mean about the sentiment of the dishes from when the kids were home! I'm in the same boat. My first Nikko Christmas Time dishes are tucked away. I used to put them right in the cupboard and use them for a month each year. I love your dishes and what a smart cookie you are with the paper plate under the clear dish! Your layered tablecloths look great-isn'tit fun getting them lined up just right!! Have a Very Merry Christmas!

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  16. JacquelineDecember 14, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Your china is lovely. So fun to hear the memories - tradition is wonderful isn't it? You had me totally fooled with the "Spode". Perfect for kids. The layered linen look is fabulous. Everything is just perfect!

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  17. Alycia NicholsDecember 14, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    You clever, clever girl!!! That "Spode china" had me completely fooled!!! Great idea! I love it that you've been able to build your set of Christmas dishes. Tenacity at its finest! You have a lot of patience which is what I have been working on, too. When I shop TJ Maxx or Marshalls/Home Goods or Tuesday Morning, there is almost never enough of what I want/need. I have to wait it out or run all over town in search of the numbers I need. Patience is truly a virtue, and in this case it has gotten you a nice little stash of very pretty Christmas dishes! Now this I must know...how is it that your holly looks so beautiful??? Mine is all weird. I fuss over those doggone bushes year in and year out, but it hardly ever produces any berries. Do they start to produce fewer after a certain number of years? It's frustrating!!! Your holly looks picture perfect! Great table, Miss Martha. Hope all is well out your way and that the season is being good to you!

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  18. AlediaDecember 14, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Just lovely....I love the layered tablecloths!
    Good for you on those dishes!!

    Merry Christmas!
    Aledia~

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  19. LuluDecember 15, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    One doesn't need a collection of Christmas dishes. Getting out the ones you've had for years is like having an old friend and bring back many a memory. Your table looks just right.

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  20. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Beautiful Christmas Dishes!! On my someday list!

    XO,
    Aimee from ItsOverflowing

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  21. From the KitchenDecember 15, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Beautiful!! I try to use our Christmas china the whole month of December. Hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas and very best wishes for the new years.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  22. bjDecember 15, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Well, Mizz Mid-Alantic...your table is just stunning. I love the dishes you love, too. Very pretty.
    I don't have a set of Christmas dishes at all. I have some smaller Christmas plates that I pair with solid red ones from Walmart and it works well for me.
    Love your paper plate tip...very smart.:))
    xoxo bj

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  23. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaDecember 15, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    How AMAZINGLY clever you are. That Spode paper plate lookalike thing is pure genius. I'm going to remember that. Happy Holidays!

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  24. GinaDecember 15, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    This is so pretty with the holly berries & poinsettias! As silly as it may sound, I've never thought of cutting from my holly bush outside. Thanks for that idea!

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  25. RobinDecember 15, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I'm sure those dishes bring back great memories and it's so nice you keep using them. Your paper plate trick worked on me! I miss having a holly bush. You are lucky to have one.

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  26. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    What a pretty poinsettia table!!! So lovely.

    Thank you for your kind words to my blog.
    Cynthia

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  27. TessDecember 15, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    I LOVE this table...I can't believe you have REAL holly growing at your house!!! It's so beautiful and I LOVE your Christmas china because this is the Christmas china I have (could never afford my dream-Lenox Holiday). Holly & berries are my favorite theme for Christmas. Your table is wonderful and so inviting!

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  28. xinexDecember 15, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Beautiful traditional Christmas tablescape, Martha! Merry Christmas!...Christine

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  29. MarthaDecember 15, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I like your Christmas china -- it's always nice to have and it's a beautiful pattern -- very simple and classic.

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  30. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)December 15, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Martha, love, love, love your Christmas table setting. Love the candlelight pics and overhead shot. Beautiful china...so neat you've been able to collect 10 place settings over the years. Don't you love it when you come across something you collect when shopping...it's like winning a mini-lottery. Merry Christmas to you...appreciate your friendship this past year. Looking forward to 2012! :)

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  31. Nellie's Cozy PlaceDecember 15, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Martha,
    A very lovely table, love those christmas dishes.
    I have always loved holly. that was a great idea about the paper plates with the glass plates over them. You sure could have fooled me.

    Hope you have a very Merry Christmas hon,
    blessings abundant, Nellie

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  32. Theresa @ Take A Sentimental JourneyDecember 15, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    I love the paper plate trick. I remember seeing paper plates on another blog.Can't remember where is was though.Everything was always paper on that blog,it was awesome.You would never have known it was paper.
    And I love your christmas dishes !! Thanks for stopping by.

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  33. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Very pretty. Love the ivy plates.

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  34. *Chic Provence*December 16, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    Hi Martha,

    What a pretty Christmas table, I love the holly and white tablecloth! and I wish there was a closer picture of your sideboard...looks like a wonderful collection of Santas? You are ready for the festivities!

    Merry Christmas!

    a bientôt!

    Kit

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  35. Linda @ Life and LindaDecember 16, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Hi Martha, Your table is lovely. The Gibson plates are so pretty. Beautiful tablecloth too!
    It looks like you are ready for the holidays. loving the Santas. Thanks for visiting..

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  36. podsoDecember 16, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    I can't believe those are paper plates! Great idea. I like your two tablecloths together! Lovely!

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  37. DebbieDecember 17, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    I think it's lovely, especially with the layered tablecloths. And I love your thrifty "Spode" plates too.

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  38. All The Pretty DishesDecember 17, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Your Christmas tablescape is lovely. I think the dishes are beautiful. I love when dishes have memories attached. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Merry Christmas!

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  39. STILLMAGNOLIADecember 18, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    I have service for 8 of those very same dishes...plus two bowls, 2 platters, the sugar and creamer, and salt and pepper shakers. I wish I had a set of those cool glasses. I use mine with red shiny charger. I almost got rid of them this year....but saw your last tablescape and decided not too....glad I didn't now. Thanks for cheering me up with your lovely table.

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  40. Bargain Decorating with LaurieDecember 19, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    So pretty Martha. I love that ring of holly and pretty candle holders around the base of the poinsettia. I think that china pattern is so sweet, and I've never seen the matching glassware. How great that you found that. Love the candlelit pictures. Have a wonderful Christmas! laurie

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  41. Confessions of a Plate AddictDecember 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    How pretty and festive, Martha! Love the plates and those wonderful napkin folds! Merry Christmas!...hugs...Debbie

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  42. Entertaining WomenDecember 19, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    I love that you've passed the joy of Christmas dishes on to your girls...and I like that you've been able to find so many of your own pattern, started so many years ago. Lovely tablescape...thank you for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  43. AnonymousDecember 21, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Lovely table and I love your Christmas dishes. Merry Christmas! Pat

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  44. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)December 21, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    I loved seeing all of your past tablescapes. What treasures you have in all those dishes and being able to add to them..Happy Holidays
    hugs ~lynne~

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  45. AnonymousDecember 22, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    That is quite a collection of Christmas decor. Thanks for sharing all of this. Hope you have a fantastic holiday!
    xo E + J

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