Sunday, December 19, 2010

A Natural Christmas Tablescape

I can tell that I've become acclimated to Missouri winters when I can bundle up, put on a hat and gloves and withstand the chilly cold all in the name of good lighting. :) Of course winter hasn't fully hit yet, so I definitely wanted to get an outdoor tablescape under my belt with my new old table. Really, all tablescapes would be outside if I could! Even with the brown grass and barren backyard, it proved to be a neutral backdrop, for a bright red!

My collection of vintage camp blankets is becoming quite nice, I'm on the hunt for them weekly, this is a nice big one, the label says "leisure blanket", but rightfully I've renamed it as an official "Camp Blanket". I think it's fantastic all the quirky colors that I've found, if you've missed the others, you can find them here and here. This blanket has a great red, black and a funny green-brown palette I thought would look great for Christmas.
I also wanted to use burlap, I mean who doesn't, so I used the placemats I made at each place setting. Chunky white stoneware plates, red flatware, everyday glasses and black napkins.
For each napkin, jute string ties on a rusty jingle bell, I left it loose enough to then put three twigs and some boxwood cuttings in. These are the same twigs I used on the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving tablescape, yep, I'm a twig keeper. I actually keep them in a milk glass vase as a twig bouquet! :)
Very simple.
Bird's eye view:



For the centerpiece, I used my beloved cylinder vases (are you sick of these yet?), and cedar stumps as candleholders. Red berries and pine and burlap garland.

I'm still on the hunt for 7 more mismatched chairs to go around the table, I recently found some on Craigslist, but they sold out from under me, so I'm still looking around. This is an odd chair I have had, and I tied my jingle bell hanger on the back. I think the black looks great with the blanket.
Some of my favorite glassware that you've seen a kagillion times.


And of course because of Daylight savings time, evening shots are becoming more frequent! ;) By the time I get use to it, it will be time to Spring forward!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are inspired! Things might be a little quite this coming week as I try to finalize Christmas happenings! I will be back to wish you all a Merry Christmas and share some hopes and dreams for the New Year! AHhhHhhHhh-I can't believe it's that time already!! See you then!

If you would like to browse through 60 million more photos of this tablescape take a look here at my Photostream




What to see more? Take a look at a great collection I'm included in over {happy, happy, joy, joy} at Houzz:



The DIY Show Off


Joining Susan



80 comments:

  1. Michelle this is incredible. I love that you took the traditional colors of Christmas but because of the elements you used it feels so modern and fresh. Incredible!
    abby

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  2. That is really lovely, Michelle! You are so lucky to have those red berries available to decorate with. I may plant something just to get those! The blanket works great as a tablecloth and you're right, it does look great with the black chairs. Love the sleigh bells you've added to the backs of the chairs ~ what a great look!

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  3. You should have titled this post "Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening"...just wonderful!
    I shall now be an official twig gatherer.
    Debbie

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  4. Truly, truly lovely. Simply & to my way of thinking, PERFECT!

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  5. JUST my style. LOVE it! I used twigs on my tree last year and designed a totally 'natural' theme for $20! This year I used naturals with homemade log candle votives on my mantle. Then made wood chip ornaments. Love burlap, pinecones and twigs. I want your table! LOL It is amazing and stunning.

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  6. Everything is just perfect. Love the bells on the back of the chair.

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  7. Michelle, that table setting belongs in a magazine. You have outdone yourself. Love the bells on the back of the chair.

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  8. I love all the natural elements you included - and your phtotography is amazing! Great job all around. Thanks for the eye candy at this wee hour of the morning.

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  9. Wow, it's the perfect Christmas table! So rustic and wonderful. I love it!

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  10. Oh Michelle - What a stunning tablescape! I love everything about it. And no, I'm not sick of the cylinder vases!

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  11. Your table is stunning. I love the look of nature. It just seems so perfect for this time of year. I hope you and all your family have a very Blessed Christmas. Hugs, Marty

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  12. This is absolutely perfect... Seriously... I am obsessed with it. I love trees and twigs and leaves and anything to do with those things so I would be in Heaven if I could just see this in real life :)

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  13. Where have I been, hiding under a rock?
    Your blog is gorgeous, your projects are amazing and I love the table setting!!!!
    Off to see more!
    XO
    Kristin

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  14. Z przyjemnością będę do Ciebie zaglądać.
    Serdecznie pozdrawiam-
    zapraszam do siebie-aga

    ll be happy you look. We cordially invite you to greet-self-aga

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  15. Love, love, love your handiwork. We have been having a tremendous amount of wind here lately, and only that keeps me from decorating the table on my deck, just to look at it through the sliding glass door.

    Boxwood sticks are amazing. Thinking about making something with burlap, is it too early to begin Thanksgiving 2011 planning? Thanks for bearing the cold to give us such delightful ideas.

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  16. Ah-mazing. So beautiful.. and rich and warm and inviting! Love everything!

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  17. Oh gosh, this looks so inviting! The blanket really sets the stage and all your extras make the whole tablescape super wonderful and cozy!

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  18. I love your taste...warm and elegant.
    Mary Ann

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  19. Very nice! Enjoyed reading your blog this morning!

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  20. That looks wonderful! Naturally pretty! You must be in a warm climate! Here we would be bundled in those pretty blankets!
    Merry Christmas!

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  21. Beautiful! I can't believe how incredible you made this look!!!

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  22. Michelle, you have sure been inspiring to me this past year! I have enjoyed all that you've painted and prettied up. This is quite lovely. I love the setting!
    Brenda

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  23. this whole thing is FAB.U.LOUS! i'm totally into the whole woodsy thing, so i'd sit at this table any day!

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  24. I'm in love with this table scape!! You have inspired me. Thank you.

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  25. Wonderful ideas here!!
    Of course it would be a little hard here with this foot of snow : ))

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  26. I was just telling your sweet sister how very talented you are. You are amazing. And I dont know if there is any other blogger who takes as beautiful of pics as you do. Many of us may be able to put things together, but few of us can photograph them to their best advantage as you can. Just lovely! I heart the cedar stumps, and I bet they smell glorious, too. I might have to start looking for some "camp blankets" too. Hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas.

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  27. Absolutely beautiful tablescape! Love all the natural elements. You are brave to do an outside tablescape at this time of year. Too cold for me :)
    Cindy

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  28. Oh I love this! The plaid and the natural elements are so pretty! Love what you've pulled together for us.

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  29. This is one of my favorites!! I just love all of the natural elements. The stumps are just perfect the way you're using them, and I love the whole sleigh bells theme carried out too.

    Just perfect!! I love it.

    Merry Christmas!

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  30. Hi Michelle,
    Your outdoor tablescape is just perfect! I am inspired every time I visit!
    Have a wonderful holiday!!
    Jane

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  31. Your Christmas tablescape al fresco is marvelous. The punches of black are perfectly chosen. Thank you for sharing your marvelous design. Merry Christmas! Cherry Kay

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  32. Wow! I just found you this am browsing through BNOTP. Your setting is sooo wonderful! I totally love this. There is so much gorgeous inspiration here! I am your newest follower now too!

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  33. Michelle - I so WISH we lived closer!! I LOVE your style and would love to work together with you!! You are an AMAZINGLY talented woman - detailed in every way. THANK YOU ever so much for connecting with me this year and for sharing your talent and inspirations!!

    All the best to you and your family for a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY happy, healthy and safe NEW year!!

    Much love, gratitude and admiration ~
    xo Lynda

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  34. What a beautiful table you have made. I loved all your pieces but especially the photo at dusk. Have a Merry Christmas.

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  35. Delightful! I had to smile at your comment about your cylinder vases. When you have something you like and it works, it does get used over and over, and isn't it fun to see how many new looks you can create with the same thing? Love the outdoor setting. Happy holidays.

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  36. I thought I had stopped by before Michelle..maybe in flickr land?~~~

    Happy Tablescape Thursday and have a Merry Christmas!!

    Blessings to you and your family...love your outdoor setting...

    Hugs,
    Kay Ellen



    /

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  37. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful table! You were well justified in bundling up and braving the cold. Although...is it really that cold there? I'm further north (Kansas City area) and it hasn't been too bad here so far. I think it's been in the single digits only a few days. I guess I'm accustomed to it after all these years living here. I still walk around in a T-shirt and jeans in 40 degree weather! At any rate, I love everything you did with this table. The look is "classically natural"...kind of Ralph Lauren-ish! Just beautiful! Have a Merry (and warm!) Christmas!

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  38. Alycia is right -- it is evocative of Ralph Lauren. I love everything about it!

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  39. I found you through your photos featured on houzz. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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  40. Your table is just beautiful. I love the rustic nature inspired look. The candles looks so warm against the darkening sky.
    Carey

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  41. EXCELLENT WORK YOU ARE BOTH INSPIRATED AND TALENTED. I CANT HELP TO GO AGAIN AND AGAIN TO YOUR BLOGSPOT. BRAVO !!! WELL DONE!!
    OLIVIA FROM GREECE

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  42. Beautiful!! Am I missing what you used for your snow in the glass candle shades? LOVE your whole look!!!!

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  43. Thank you to everyone!!

    Bevy, I used artifical snow that is usually used with "christmas villages"...it comes by the bag and is sold at craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael's.

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  44. Where have you been all of my "Log Home life"!! I love your style.I am a new fan of your site.Thanks for all that you have shown,and I look forward to so much more.Lisa j

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  45. So lovely. That camp blanket is darling and just perfect for your rustic Christmas table.

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  46. Stunning tablescape! I love the creative way you've incorporated the camp blanket & all the different textures. This is my first visit to your gorgeous blog ~ I will have a read through some posts & look forward to stopping by again ♥
    Happy Thanksgiving.

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  47. I just love the black/red plaid, and the black napkins make it stunning!! love it!

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  48. Very pretty table! Very creative ideas using the blanket along with the other natural items.

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  49. You knock my socks off every time I stop by! Your tables are serious showstoppers (and something for the rest of us to aspire to!).

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  50. Michelle, you never cease to amaze me! Your pictures and tablescape are absolutely gorgeous! This seriously belongs in a magazine!

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  51. This is so gorgeous! One of the best I've seen. I love that you took it outdoors and used natural elements and plaid. You are talented and creative! Blessings, Pamela

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  52. Gorgeous! Looks right out of a Ralph Lauren ad.

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  53. This is so beautiful!! I would love to have you share this at my Shabby Shares link party over at Rustic Crafts ~ http://rustic-crafts.com/?p=3603

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  54. Congratulations Michelle! Your table was my favorite :-)!

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  55. This is completely magazine worthy...the table the photos everything was just done perfectly Michelle. You nailed it but good!!! I am inspired beyond belief. Congratulations on your winning tablescape! You soooo deserve it!!!

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  56. Just saw this on CG! Congrats. It's lovely. Your photos are amazing too.

    xo,
    cristin

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  57. So ultra elegante! What an inviting tablescape! Congratulations on your win!

    Cheers,
    Jill

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  58. Found you via Postcards & Pretties...you are an amazing talent! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  59. Found ths on Pinterest and am SO glad did! I will be your newest follower. And I invite you to come on ove and visit me:) I have to ask you where you find your blankets????? I have been SEARCHING for a plaid blanket for AGES!!! Your table is wonderful. We are moving so for the past 3 months I have been in "decorating Purgatory":):) XO, inky

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  60. Hi Pinky, thank you, I found this blanket second hand. Take a look at Etsy, search for vintage blankets, you'll find lots and lots. Good luck moving!

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  61. Beautiful! What is the white filler in the candle holders?

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  62. Beautiful! What is the white filler in the candle holders?

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  63. I am just finding your blog on pinterest. I love the nature atmosphere feeling, makes me want to take a walk in the woods to find ME some decorations.

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  64. Janell, it is artifical snow, but epsom salt can be used as well.

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  65. This is gorgeous! I love tartan and burlap together. I've mentioned this prettiness on my blog :)

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  66. Absolutely perfect! I used the wood and hurricane globes in last year's tablescape, but it was fairly mundane compared to this. I love every part and plan to incorporate some of this into my tablescape this year. As a fellow Missourian and new blogger, I am so excited to become a follower and student of all you do.

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  67. I love the simple touch you put into your work.Love using things that are everyday items that we all could put to good use.

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  68. That was a very beautiful and details christmas centerpiece. i have a pinterest board featuring Christmas table decorations and I'd like to add some of your photos for centerpieces.

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  69. The tartan plaid really sets the tone... and loving the chairs!

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  70. The tartan plaid really sets the tone... and loving the chairs!

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  71. I have two words for this table setting: Sweet and perfection! I love those green, berries and bell. I like the checked table cover too. Nice one!

    Happy Holidays!
    Marilyn
    Christmas table decorations

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  72. Oh my, this is the most amazing and beautiful C'mas-winter tablescape; it so reminds me of Ralph Lauren awesome ideas with tartan throws.
    FABULOUS!
    FABBY

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  73. what did you use as the filler for the candles please. So very pretty table

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    Replies
    1. As I recall, it was nothing exotic; it was just the normal variety of artificial snowflakes that are sold seasonally at most department stores.

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  74. This is beyond awesome I must say! I so love the rustic touch on your tablescape... as if you could just spend the holiday there, sip hot cocoa and relax... I'd love to pin some of these on my christmas table decorations Pinterest board if you won't mind. Cheers!

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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