Christmas Eve Morning

The table is set for tomorrow's Christmas Dinner. There will be 14 of us this year and trying to fit everyone was a challenge. I decided to forego the Christmas plates and use my transferware instead, varying the green and red.

My Welsh cupboard looking very Christmasy with the Mason's Vista, majolica and Paperwhites

The morning light is so beautiful that I decided a take a few more pictures around the house. My sunroom with the view of the redwood outside.

Pinecone urn in the entry. I'm hoping the poinsettias last one more day!

The Christmas tree in the entry.

The mini Christmas tree on the family room credenza decorated with family photographs.

In the living room, behind the sofa is this victorian urn, inherited from my mother-in-law, filled with paperwhites.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a healthy, happy 2010.

Friendly Village Tablescape

This is the School House. No, it's not a print, but rather a plate from the Friendly Village pattern. Johnson Bros. introduced this pattern in 1953. I found the entire set, including the soup tureen at a flea market years ago. I bought them for resale for $100, but I couldn't part with them.

I know these dishes are being produced again as I've seen them at discount stores. Mine, though are at least 50 years old. You can tell by the backstamp which says Made in England.

The dishes evoke a winter scene which lends itself to Christmas, Thanksgiving and winter table settings. I always have fun playing with these dishes. All the pieces have a different scene!

The soup bowl has a covered bridge scene in winter.

The beautiful soup tureen with it's many scenes from the Friendly Village.

Wine anyone? I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Come and see all the different tablescapes.

Chargers: A store in Tahoe City

Dishes: The Friendly Village, Johnson Bros., vintage

Stemware: Boopie by Anchor Hocking, vintage

Napkins: French flea market

Placemats: Target

Joyeux Noel Dinner Party

The table is set for a very French Holiday Dinner Party. My angels from Pierre Deux were the inspiration for the tablescape, along with dishes I bought in France years ago.

The dishes are from Genevieve Lethu in the "Manon" pattern. They have the traditional French Provençal pattern around the rim in a lovely red, gold and French blue. Unfortunately, they are no longer available.

The napkins compliment the dish pattern nicely. I love the angel napkin rings too that echo the two centerpiece angels. They are all playing a musical instrument!

The angel in her traditional provencal fabric dress playing the harp.

I love this one playing the guitar. I think she compliments the dishes and red stemware nicely.

The paperwhites add a nice touch to the natural tablescape of burlap, pinecones and reed chargers.

Bon appetit mon ami! Joyeux Noel!

China: Genevieve Lethu, "Manon"

Centerpiece Angels: Pierre Deux

Red water glasses: Vintage Anchor Hocking, "Boopie"

Red wine hocks: Marshalls

Napkin rings: Vintage from Italy

Napkins: TJ Maxx

Chargers: TJ Maxx

Tablescape Thursday Lite

The night before Thanksgiving everyone is home and preparing for tomorrow. The table is set in the dining room and Aaron and Ashley are in the kitchen cooking things ahead of time. So this is Tablescape Thursday Lite! I set the table in the kitchen for Wednesday night's dinner. Nothing too exciting as all my energy went to the main table!

The plate is vintage Mason's "Fruit Basket" found in antique stores and Replacements Ltd.

Charger and salad plate is Bordallo Pinheiro majolica found at various stores over the years.

The stemware is called Boopie from Anchor Hocking, vintage found in antique stores or eBay.

The knife is Laguiole from France, currently available at TJ Maxx, as well as the napkins.

Placemat from Target!

Happy Thanksgiving!