Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Haul Out The Holly Tablescape

It is no secret that we are in the depths of my favorite time of year. Christmas always seems so far away, a distant thought as we are greeting trick or treaters at the door, a remote thought that is there in the back of my mind, yet sneaks up on me like no body's business! I've turned around and BAM, it's 10 days away! So that only gives me one maybe two more chances to inspire you for your holiday tables and parties! Yikes! So if you were with me yesterday, traditional reds and greens have appeared throughout the kitchen and eating area, so I followed suit with a traditional tablescape. Let's start with the centerpiece, for those are my favorite things to do, cylinder vase (used as a candle holder) and the Pottery Barn bowl that you might remember that I found at the Goodwill {score!} take a look at how I used it before: here. A cedar candle ring, that I souped up with holly and berries. I am not usually a candle ring kinda gal, but the cedar was good looking and had just a little dusting of frost, I couldn't resist. Combined together, it can hold it's own in the center of the table.
Vintage stocking hanging on the back of the chairs, with a little cedar and a handmade felt poinsettia. I've gotten a few emails about these so I hope to throw together a tute for this weekend.

Red placemats and napkins with a chevron detail that I've used from The 4th of July to Christmas, they are a great red.





I picked up a new Martha Stewart Christmas dinnerware set (Macy's) for a steal last year after Christmas ($13.00). I decked out the China Hutch but the dinner plates are all I used for this tablescape.
They napkin rings are something else I made, using plastic rings and ribbon, you can't go wrong with plaid! :) I used everyday glassware and flatware.
Little milkglass compotes with shiny beaded ornaments, it would fun to put Christmas cookies or a Christmas cupcake instead! Sadly, those things don't stay around long enough to actually photograph! :)
Here is another centerpiece idea, The Mother Huddle did a similar version with a taper candle, hot glue gun and real candy canes, here I used a 3x9 candle and plastic candy canes, but I really love both versions! This candle had grooves in it already, so putting the canes around was easy. I used a rubber band (I didn't want it permanent) to hold them in place and used ribbon to hide it. I have collected candy canes for years and you can find them anywhere from the Dollar Tree to Target, just about everywhere has an inexpensive version. This is so easy to do and great impact.

I love the red and white together!
I took some shots as the sun was going down (although I like natural light best) but it seems so cozy in the evening.

Lights all the way down...
Thank you for joining me, I hope you are inspired!

Joining Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch







28 comments:

  1. So pretty! Love the red and white and the candy canes with the candle.
    Sherry

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  2. Beautiful, Michelle,
    I love everything about this table. The red and white is so pretty.
    D

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  3. Your table is beautiful-Happy Holidays:@)

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  4. Festive and Christmssy, Michelle. Pretty table.

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  5. Everything looks so pretty. I love the little compotes...the beaded ornament looks beautiful, but I agree a fancy cupcake would be wonderful too. I really like the stockings on the chairs...I never decorate my chairs, I need to try that!

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  6. HI Michelle - love all of your Christmasing!! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  7. Very pretty! Looks like you're all ready to host a fabulous holiday dinner party! :0)

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  8. Michelle, late commenting since I am babysitting my youngest granddaughter. Your table is so cheerful. I love your centerpiece with the cylinder sitting in the snow in that lucky bowl you scored. The candy cane wrapped candle is adorable and love your stockings.

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  9. This table is fun and gorgeous at the same time. I noticed the candles right away, I did that one year and had forgotten about it. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. I love your creative touches, Michelle. The centerpiece and the candles with candy canes are fantastic. And the stockings idea is superb....Christine

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  11. I love those candy cane candles. Your tables were done perfectly! Everything looks just lovely!

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  12. Michelle, I keep looking and finding more beautiful things to look at.. I love the stockings on the chairs, the centerpiece,, yeah that candle ring rocks!!, the center piece, the entire table is wonderful and inviting. Your last shot with the candles.. well that says it all.. Merry Christmas! Thanks for dropping by..

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  13. Lovely! I like both centerpieces -- simple, yet festive and elegant! And what a deal you got on that pretty Christmas china!

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  14. Stunning table. Very festive, elegant and fun.
    hugs ~lynne~

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  15. I love it!!!!! Everything you do is so wonderful. I think I am going to copy the candy canes on the pillar candle. I have everything on hand already. :)

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  16. Oh, your table looks so magical. Just a the right touch of sparkle and that beautiful, homemade poinsettia is so wonderful. I love it.

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  17. Oh your tablescape makes me feel merry and bright!

    Seasons greetings to you and yours.

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  18. Love everything about your tablescape! So cute the candy canes with the candle idea! I'm your new follower :)

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  19. How pretty -- especially by candle glow. I'm loving the traditional Christmas colors this year.

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  20. Great photography, your pictures are beautiful. I love the natural light shots but the evening shots are so romantic. I also love the traditional Christmas colors, a girl after my own heart. Merry Christmas.

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  21. Everything is just perfect! :) Have a blessed night!

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  22. Beautiful festive table...love the candy cane wrapped candles.

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  23. Your tablescape is gorgeous. I love that you've added so many wonderful personal touches to kick the whole look up a notch. Well done! Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  24. Michelle - love, love, love this table. Elegant and whimsical all at the same time, my fave combination. You creative thing you!!!! Merry Christmas!

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  25. I love your decorated candles. Wait... the whole page looks fabulous!

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  26. i love your candy cane wrapped candles. i am writing an Advent Countdown and would like to include that idea. could i include one of your pics in the post? i will link back to you and give you credit.
    please email me at getdownandgetyourhandsdirty at gmail dot com. thanks. here's my blog (Learning is Messy) :http://getdownandgetyourhandsdirty.wordpress.com

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Thank You for taking the time to comment! Because of the insane amount of spam comments, I had to stop anonymous comments-sorry for the inconvenience.
Michelle