Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Christmas Tablescapes From The Past


Come take a walk with me down memory lane to see Christmas tablescapes from last year and beyond.

Christmas 2009.
I mixed and matched the red and green transferware, red and green goblets, red and green toile napkins, tying it all together with red tartan placemats.

Mason's "Fruit Basket" plates.

Mason's "Vista" plates.

The table was set for 14!

One of the first tablescapes I did when I first started blogging was this one. I couldn't wait to link up to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

The table is set for a casual Christmas eve supper at the kitchen table.

Johnson Brothers "Friendly Village" plates.
These plates are vintage, collected over the years from flea markets, estate sales and antique stores.

I called this tablescape from Christmas, 2009 "Joyeux Noel" because the plates have a French Provençal pattern.
Narcissus and french angels from Pierre Deux make the centerpiece. I'm noticing the same vintage Anchor Hocking glasses in every tablescape so far....! Ooooops.

As you can see, I had no idea how to use my camera yet!
Still using a flash....

I read that it's a no-no to use a flash, so here is my attempt without one. Not good!

A few weeks later, another tablescape.
These photos are a definite improvement!


The plates are from Target, designed by Christopher Radko. They are still being produced, however the colors aren't as vivid.
I think they look great with the tartan plaid placemats. I can never get enough of tartan!

Christmas, 2008.
Johnson Brothers "Old Britain Castles" plates.
Same old chargers, same old stemware, same old napkin rings.
New Ralph Lauren needlepoint placemat and Pottery Barn burlap runner!

The centerpiece was rustic with the birch candles, birch vase and live cedar garland.

The dining room has changed a lot since 2008. The wallpaper is now green and the rug has been replaced with seagrass.

Christmas, 2007.
Pretty much the same as 2008, except the centerpiece was quite simple with white hydrangeas in red anduze pots, pine cone garland and no runner.

This year, we are expecting 20 for dinner! So, I'll set a table in the entry like I did here for a party last year.

For Christmas 2010, I'm envisioning tartan plaid! For a whole year, I've hunted for tartan dinner plates. I've managed to find 12. Not sure yet what to combine them with, but here are a few ideas I'm working on:






Oh, the possibilities are endless!

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.
On Friday, I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.
Thank for taking a walk with me down memory lane!

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54 comments:

Karen said...

Loved each & everyone. The red plaid is my favorite. The pinecones on the candle pillar so simple but elegant!!
Enjoyed looking.
~Karen

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I adore all your Christmas tablescapes, you know the tartan plaid stole my heart, and the wonderful deer head, you have some incredibly unique things.. I'm heading your way to take a few of them off your hands..lol
hugs ~lynne~

Acanthus and Acorn said...

I love a table set in a foyer! In order for me to hunt through anything before 2009...I have to check boxes of photos!

You have so many dishes...it's going to look great!

a quiet life said...

i LOVE your pinecone candles, so very pretty, anything in the natural realm delights me.

the grn and red is beautiful, plus your angle napkin rings :)

snowy scenes, paperweights, its all heavenly~

you are like me, looking back at my dr the colors sure change over the years...

Kathysue said...

Delores each and every one of your tablesetting is beautiful.The only thing that has changed is you have become such an amazing photographer!!! Love the direction you are going this year with the tartan. I know I say it over and over but it is so cozy looking in your beautiful home,Hugs Kathysue

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Oh. My. Goodness!!!! You have the most gorgeous home!!! Your table settings are just beautiful!

How fun it was to peer into your home and see what you've done over the years! Fun to look back at our home and see how it (and we) have evolved! ;)

Thanks for sharing!!

Ruth

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Beautiful, Delores! Well, you've certainly got lots of options! My two cents ~ I like the second grouping of plates that you are considering. ; )

Karen said...

Your home couldn't be more perfect for the holidays, the color scheme says Christmas. Love the flowers in the mercury glass vessel, beautiful!

The Inspired Nest said...

Each one us beautiful. I turn green with envy everytime I look at your tablescapes. I LOVE those Ralph Lauren needlepoint placemats. I am into leopard print this year. Please come by and visit me, I am giving away a 8 piece setting of Mikasa's Dahlia pattern.
Lacy

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Wishing you a Merry Christmas 2010! You have so many options with tartan plaid!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Enjoyed seeing all your "Christmas Past" table settings - so pretty!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us.
I am having a time, trying to take pics inside without a flash, with so many gray/dreary days. My Living room faces the North and after numerous tries, don't have a decent picture of my tree.

Anonymous said...

Every single tablescape is beautiful! You have so many pretty dishes and you know how to combine patterns very well. Your home is so lovely.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kathy said...

Delores I have the friendly village too, I would buy it when it would go on sale but I think they have retired it now....I love it at Christmas but my tablescape never looked as nice as yours...I will be stealing some of your ideas if you don't mind, they are so beautiful!

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Oh my - I just loved walking down memory lane with you. I have seen, and drooled over, most of these - but some I had not seen so it was a real treat. I know one thing - whatever you do and whatever combination you decide upon - it will be just as spectacular as the year's before, and probably even better. I can't wait to see it and will be waiting with anticipation. Thinking of you, Barb

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Nicely done! You just proved that red glassware IS versatile... Love it!

Libby said...

Oh, wow, so many beautiful tablescapes and so many gorgeous dishes! You are blessed. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Susie @ Step inside my home said...

What a great display of present and past tablescapes. I love them all. I did notice the Johnson Bros. "Old Britain Castle" - I love those plates. You have such a complete set! I am still collecting. ~Susie

Jewel Sauls said...

Gorgeous tables all! My husband & I started our own business this year and for our logo we chose a long leaf pine spray and pine cone. I especially love all your tartan and pine cones! And I loved your green goblets which are similar to my red ones - Basically I loved it all!!!

Susan McClaskey said...

All your tablescapes are absolutely gorgeous. I also have the solid green dishes. Love them for the holidays and they're great in the spring and summer too! Actually, they work nicely in the fall too!
Susan

Katy Noelle said...

You are having waaaaaay too much fun! ;) I could give a little story to go with each of the "companies" that you mentioned. This has been a very fun little walk through memories for me, too. Especially, the Johnson Bros. "Friendly Village". Although my mom had inherited beautiful dishes, already, this was the first set that she bought as a starting out pattern for her "good" dishes. Every Christmas and Thanksgiving! sigh. Happy memories!

Love, Katy

A Toile Tale said...

Delores --
Well, you've teased us now!! Can't wait to see the decision. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. I know you will make the perfect choice. Your instincts are so spot on! I'm not familiar with the term "anduze pots". I see what you are referring to, but specifically what are they?
Linda @ A Toile Tale

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Christmas past, Christmas present, not sure if the future could possibly be any more beautiful than these. Warm, homey, gorgeous, unique, the adjectives are endless. I want to be in your home in every shot and experience it first hand. So incredibly lovely. Thank you for the inspiration.

A Southern Rose said...

I love all of your dishes! I collect dishes too. I can't help it. lol My grandmothers were collector's too so I get it honest. I love all of your tablescapes and your home is very beautiful. Everything looks so festive!

NanaDiana said...

Well, being newer to your blog I had not seen any of these before. They are all gorgeous. I picked up those Christopher Radko plates to use for everyday during the Holidays. They quit making them for a while but I see that they are out again. Love all your settings. Hugs-Diana

Sonia said...

Hi Delores!

Oh what a wonderful collection of tablescapes you have created over the years...each is so beautiful and I love your "natural" style. The pine cones and greenery down the center of the table with such elegant dinnerware is a fabulous decorating style and one of my very favorites! I love the burlap runner with the red stripes!!!Your mix and match of plates, patterns and textures is perfect for the holidays. Really hard to pick a favorite setting. Hope your holidays are blessed and filled with special times with your family!

Miss Bloomers

Luncheons at the Junction said...

It's so hard to say which is my favorite... the Green transferware? Hmmm maybe the Ralph Lauren placemats. I can't say, it's all beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Marlis said...

Wow your tables are wonderful. I so love the mason's vista. I have a few pieces myself. Can't wait to see what you chose for this year's table. You certainly have a beautiful gift of being able to combine different dishes. I love those tartan placemats!!!

Alycia Nichols said...

OK...where to start? First, I love the red toile on your dining room walls. Yes, I know you said it has since been replaced, but it sure was beautiful while it lasted. (Sigh!) SO elegant. Fact is, I LOVE your dining room...period. That you can actually seat 14 in there makes my heart sing. That is a grand room! Next, LOVE the green transferware and the tartan dishes. You did a really great job of mixing and matching all around. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Blue Creek Home said...

All of these tables are crazy gorgeous!!! You must have a closet the size of a bedroom to store all of this lovely china!
Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Love your table, love your dishes, love your dining room - would love to see your entire house!

Unknown said...

I think I should have been a table designer in a china shop - I never tire of putting table settings together or looking at them. Don't you love all the colors and textures? You've done a fabulous job. I think I like the last photo with the yellow and green embossed plate added in for a little punch. Can't wait to see your table this year!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Delores,

Love your Mason plates; both colors. Guess that is because I own some Mason in Chartreuse; it is so lovely and different from other bands.
Also the Mary Stuart tartan plaid placemats and plats I love very much!
And... again your lovely paisley tablecloth I caught in a glimpse!

Enjoy the remainder of the week,

Mariette's Back to Basics

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Delores,
your tables are all lovely. I don't know why but I feel that tartan pattern is perfect for Christmas. All tables have a very cozy and warm atmoshere, I love that.
Greetings, Johanna

The Tablescaper said...

I loved your trip down memory lane! So many pretty tables.

I too love plaid and have had my eye out. I had some salad ones from Target in my basket but there weren't enough. I'd love to know where you finally got yours.

It would be wonderful to have you link to Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Thanks so much for this trip down memory lane! I just LOOOOVE your new tartan plaid PLATES!!!!!!!!! And, I love them paired with the leopard print!!!!!!!!! I am a leopard print lover of ANYTHING! Beautiful tables, each one. XO, Pinky

Anonymous said...

Delores: What a great post: wonderful to see the table/settings through the years! Yes, the photography is critical, and oh that flash! We've all made that mistake, I am sure, and learned from it too!
Can't wait to see the final table this year; we no longer have a real dining room (have made it over into a study/office) so I have many new challenges ahead!

Linda in AZ * said...

* Perfectly WONNNNDERFUL tablesettings/vignettes, dear Delores, and PERRRRFECT timing (for ME, at least!), as I have about 85 coming for a pre-Christmas cocktail/dinner party here tomorrow night... Am pretttty much "there" by now (it's been a long few weeks, tho!), but am ALWAYS on the lookout for something "new n' fun n' charming" to provides smiles & thrills to welcome our guests, so of course, I was thrilled that you posted today!!! You ALWAYS put a smile on my face as well as greaaat inspiration to my mind!!!

* EVERYTHING is D*I*V*I*N*E~~~ (and you know what? I suspect you were planning which china to use before your "debut"~ as in "WHEN were even BORN, m' deah!!!!). Sooo pretty... sooo creative... sooo charming and so FUN!!!

Big hugs,
Linda *

Barbara said...

Oh, I enjoyed looking at all these pretty tables! I am so envious of your big table. We can squeeze 12 if at least two are very little ones. Thanks for such wonderful inspiration!

Table Escapes said...

Oh my goodness Delores....this is a great post...You could have split it out & done 5 instead...thanks for sharing so much...Love you mix of patterns & textures and colors. Were you always this creative?? Are you born with a creative gene or is it possible to learn it??
Thanks so much for your lovely blog entry...Sharon

Calypso In The Country said...

I absolutely love your dining room and your blog is so beautiful! You have such style. Thanks for sharing!

Debby S. said...

What a feast for my eyes! Your tables are Amazing! You combine patterns so well. Things i wouldnt even dream of! All of your 2010 possibilites are perfect. I just love the last one. I will be back for more fabulousness!!!!!!

Debby S. said...

What a feast for my eyes! Your tables are Amazing! You combine patterns so well. Things i wouldnt even dream of! All of your 2010 possibilites are perfect. I just love the last one. I will be back for more fabulousness!!!!!!

Lori Lucas said...

YOur tables get more beautiful each time you do them. I too love tartan plaid and have done my dining room in it this year for Christmas. I began looking for plates too, but I did not start until November. I swear I KNOW I saw them before I decided I MUST have them! Can't wait to see what you post. Lori L

Bill said...

They're all absolutely gorgeous, Delores! It IS fun to look back at our early posts, isn't it? If nothing else, I think most of us have learned to take better pictures with digital cameras. But it's the creative expression, the sharing, and the cameraderie with kindred spirits that really makes blogging such a joy, isn't it?

Hope you have a lovely weekend!
-bill

Komali Nunna said...

Thanks for trip to memory lane. I am envious of your china collection.I love each and every one of them. Looking foreword to your next post.

Scribbler said...

Thanks for the retrospective! Isn't it funny to see how we get better at this, the photos and the scapes both! I am in serious envy mode over your tartan dinner plates.

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Each and every table is simply beautiful Delores! I love the red and green mix and match and the table set in the foyer. That's such a pretty view of your home.

Nancy

Allison Shops said...

All of your table setting are so pretty! I can't pick a favorite!

Have you seen Atticmag's new website? Hope to see you there soon.

Allison
Atticmag

Chubby Chieque said...

My goodness... I nearly fainted to see your beautiful bunch of dishes. Ahhh... can I come over, grab & run with all your precious ones?

TY for reminding how you had in your table.

Happy TS...
/chie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Delores, what fun to see all of your wonderful Christmas settings in one post! Each and every table was beautiful, and even though you used some of the same elements, the scapes changed enough to give it a whole new look. You have given me some inspiration for using my tartan bordered plates. Thank you. laurie

It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life said...

You have the most AMAZING collection I have ever seen! I love to look at all your post!

Entertaining Women said...

So many options, so little time! Each and every setting is spectacular. Thank you for sharing your charming designs. Cherry Kay

Sarah said...

Delores, thanks for the look back at these beautiful tables. Your assortment of dishes makes my heart sing. I'd truly love to add a set of tartan plates. Who makes the dinner plates you show? Thanks for sharing all the inspiration. ~ sarah

Pamela Joan said...

Don't know where you found the tartan plaid plates but I've been looking for a year as well! Lucky you! Your tables capes is gorgeous. You make me want to sit there-it is so cozy and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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