I knew that the Williams Sonoma Black Watch plaid tablecloth would lend a relaxed and welcoming tone to the table.
I had been keeping an eye on the California Gold poinsettias at a local nursery. I couldn't resist them, and they were pretty much the inspiration for my design. Aren't they wonderful?!
My choices kept reminding me of a homey table that might appeal to an Anglophile...
...so I headed straight for the cabinets that housed the antique English Oak bowl and biscuit jars. I relish the opportunity each time that I use the antique Barley Twist candlesticks.
I even went against type (for me) and chose a caramel colored candle.
Now I was pretty pleased with my slightly different take on our Christmas Eve tablescape. Five year old Beatrice Emaline, on the other hand, proffered her own opinion, "What in the world was Mo thinking. Did we really want to have a second Thanksgiving table?" It tickled me that she cared and knew enough to have an opinion. I'll obviously need to coordinate plans more closely with her next year! Lord, I adore that little girl. I'm gaga over my three grandsons, too, but they show little interest in tablescaping. If I set the table with an assortment of football, soccer, basketball, and baseball equipment, they'd be right in there from start to finish. That's the way it should be. They've mainly been concerned about the food on the table. It's all good!
Let's look at the place settings...
I love these Pier One Copper chargers. To me they say, "Pull up a chair, relax, and enjoy a good meal and some excellent conversation. Stay awhile!"
Remember that not all chargers and dinner plates are "married". To avoid a spinning dinner plate as my guest attempts to cut food, I use 8 1/2 - 9" doilies to anchor the dinner plate. You may be lucky enough to have piles of wonderful old doilies from your grandmama. You can also acquire some nice and inexpensive doilies via eBay. The ones that I use most often are 8", new, and available in ecru or white, in sets of 6 for $13.00 - $15.00 and up.
I am mad for this Hartley Greens Leeds reticulated creamware dinner plate.
The Williams Sonoma "Flax" hemstitch linen napkin is one of my all time favorites. This is the napkin that I want to have enough to use for a luncheon or dinner with 10 round tables.
Waterford Simply Lilac is easily paired with the Tiffin Elyse wine.
The antique Fraley & Clark molded knife and fork are easily paired with the L'Argent Sophia gold teaspoon. Remember! Never soak flatware that is made with assembled pieces. Long term, the adhesive that holds them together will eventually become brittle and the pieces will fall apart. Bummer!
The place setting is complete. Will you be comfortable seated here?
The menu for tonight: Beef Tenderloin, Simple Salad, Green Beans, Crescent Rolls, Coconut Cream, Key Lime, and Chocolate Bourbon Pies for dessert.
You've pretty much seen the table from all angles. No place cards tonight. Where would you like to be seated?
Our celebration of the most important birthday party of the year was energetic, relaxed, joyous, and relation building. I don't know what more I could ask. I pray that you had a blessed fulfilling Christmas and New Year! I'm so looking forward to learn God's plan for me during 2018. Praise and Glory to Him and unending thanks for the gift of His precious Son, Jesus, Lover of our ragged souls.
This week I'm joining:
Inspire Me Tuesday with Marty @ A Stroll Through Life
The Scoop with Confessions of a Plate Addict
It's A Party @ DIY By Design