Vintage Tablescape Inspirations

Every Christmas I find there is a standout gift or gifts that will be remembered for years to come. They are not remembered because of their size or cost, but mostly because of the feelings they evoke. We remember them vividly because of the setimentality attached. This was one of those years for me.
As those of you who are followers and visitors know, I am new to Tablescaping blogging. My family knows that this long time passion has finally found a means of expression. For Christmas, each one selected a gift that expressed their support. I don't know yet if they secretly planned it this way, but the result was awesome!

Today I am posting four "of my favorite things" - you'll see why! I made a cup of tea, and sat in the only quiet spot in the house to savor my treats - Oh and some homemade cookies too!
The Lenox Teapot, the first of my favs can be seen to the right is from my dear patient Hubby.

What's that sitting to the left you ask?

Well, that would be number two and three of my favorite things!

The first is a relatively new publication

 2007 by the publisher of Southern Lady magazine

 Phyllis Hoffman.

This beautifully photographed book not only has elegant and easily replicated tablescapes, but recipes for those, who like me,  finds themselves making the same things over and over.

There are settings and recipes for every occasion

 all displayed in large colorful detail.

 What Fun!!

I also liked that there were napkin folding tutorials, and guides that included all of the different elements of tablescaping design. A visual "How To" use all of those beautiful things we love and have collected through the years!

Now this third favorite thing really got me going.

 My younger daughter, an avid EBay shopper found this vintage, 1960 publication of Tiffany Table Settings.

 Who knew this was all the rage in 1956!!

 I didn't, but then again I'm usually late to the party. LOL

 Apparently in 1956 Tiffany & Co. selected different ladies of society and corporations to sponsor or create a Table Setting Design using Tiffany china, silver and crystal

 to be displayed in their store.

 The New York Times in turn ran a weekly article devoted to this genre in their Sunday arts section, and featured tables created by the likes of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst.

Be still my heart!

These were just too good not to share!

I did say four of my favorite things didn't I?

 Well, the last is small in size

 but found a big place in my heart.

From my dear, patient Hubby. Thanks love...

I hope you can find one, if not both of these beautiful examples of Tablescaping design

 to add to your library for inspiration. I know I will be! 

 Join me and others who share in the joy of elegant design at

 Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday

click on the link on the sidebar.

As always - Thanks Susan!

Sadly - this is all I can show you

 due to copyright infringement laws.

Christmas all around the Junction

 
   As the big day draws near, I am happy to say that I am ready! Don't be jealous... I am also TIRED!
However, it has all been worth it. I have finished in enough time to enjoy the decorations and take in the joyous atmosphere.
 At home....not at the mall!
I wanted to include in my Christmas postings a few of the little touches that add to my feeling of joy!

Welcome!

Come on in!

I've been decorating all month

anticipating your visit!

Not having a red door, this year

I tried to include a little color in the planters.

My signature red plaid bow

 brightens the wreath

Don't forget to say hi to Santa on the way in!

His little face was so sweet,

I had to bring him home!

 

Once inside -

A Christmas welcome in the foyer

A well deserved close up of my little carolers

 who greet my visitors

Not the real thing,

 but they have been with me for years

The Living room tree sports traditional colors

 and "toys" under the tree

A closeup of the hobby horse

I love the detail on this little guy

The family room tree

in the colors of the overall room

One of my favorite Christmas accents.

 Sadly I've lost a few pieces

 but I put it on display every year

even though I'm missing the other two Wise Men.

Maybe they didn't ask for directions ?

Sorry - I couldn't resist LOL

The mirror in the dining room

dressed for Christmas

Formal dining room tablescape

Buffet in the dining room

Kitchen tablescape

Kitchen Christmas tree

Probably my favorite - 

decorated with

memories

A collection of Nutcrackers

guarding the kitchen

A snowman display in the mudroom

The candle holder on the left was my

first "mommy" gift - I proudly

put it out every year!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas full of the joy and blessings of the season.

 A special thanks to all who have left such sweet comments of appreciation for my efforts and to those who have become followers.

I am truly touched! 

 Thanks for stopping by - as always, I loved our visit! I'm linking to

 Between Naps on the Porch, Seasonal Sundays 

and

 No Minimalist here this week

Thank you both for providing and sustaining these forums!

Click on the links on my sidebar to view the beautiful decorations and tablescapes posted by others on these links.

Enjoy!



The White Luncheon

Before all of the color infused decor of the Christmas Season took hold, I did an all white tablescape.
It was a visually relaxing moment, almost like a snow day when you are forced to stay put, light a fire and just be still.

I have visions of a hot hearty soup with

 warm from the oven crusty bread

I decided not to use a tablecloth or placemats

adding to the simplicity of the setting

The flatware is my everyday.

The chargers are my old favorites.

With all white, you are drawn to the texture

rather than the color and pattern.

The little pine cone salt and pepper shakers

add just a little more texture

to stimulate the eye

The little birds under glass are ceramic

however the nest is a real 

 found in my garden at the end of the season

I think they like to be photographed

without the glass dome -

you can see them better here

Another angle allowing a better view of the details

A final view  

Chargers - Home Essentials Madison Collection

Dinnerplate and Soup Bowl - Better Homes and Gardens

Salad Plate and Mugs - Mikasa Gourmet Basics

Soup Tureen - Maxcera Cara Blanca Medallion

Thanks for stopping by!

I will be linking to

 Cuisine Kathleen

Between Naps on the Porch

 and Seasonal Sundays.

Click on the links on the sidebar to view 

other beautiful tablescapes.

Special thanks to those hosting!

Christmas Dinner at the Junction

The trees are trimmed, the wreaths are hung, and the stockings have been filled. Last, but certainly not the least, it is time to set the diningroom table for the Christmas feast.

The colors I've chosen this year are primarily

 green, gold and white

My Christmas china was collected years ago

and was available at Caldor

I think I have every piece they made!

The stemware is Longchamps mixed with

my old standby green cut glass by Anchor

The beautiful crystal water pitcher

 was a gift from

my Mother In Law

Each place setting has a gold beaded charger

  Christmas China dinner and salad plate

 accented with the green glass

 Anchor salad plate and soup bowl

 All topped off with a Lenox napkin

A close up of the setting, sans the napkin

I still love the subtle pattern of this china

after all these years

Here you can see some of the centerpiece

The papier mache deer are surrounded by

faux everygreen and crystal fruits

Lastly, the buffet is set for dessert

 yum!

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch

and Seasonal Sundays

 Stop by to see other beautiful Holiday tablescapes!

Thanks ladies for hosting these fun events.

Christmas in the Junction

Merry Christmas!
It is by far my favorite time of the year. Between decorating and shopping, I always try to find a little time to remember the Reason for the Season. I reflect over the past year, counting my blessings one by one.

Christmas here in the Junction has a flavor all it's own. The college students return to their home towns, and we get to enjoy our little town all to ourselves. There is the tree lighting to attend (why does it always rain???), carols to sing and homes to drive by that look magical dressed in their wreaths and lights. I never tire of this and do it every year.
 Indoors, everyone is busy bringing the festive atmosphere to every nook and cranny of their home - and I'm no different!  This year however,  is a little different. This year I am not only opening my doors to family and long time friends - this year I am blogging my Christmas decorations with a new community of friends - my  fellow tablescapers.

Thanks to you all for your positive comments and for sharing your creativity with me. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and of course all the very best for the New Year.


Christmas Luncheon

I am starting in the kitchen this year, because it has my favorite tree of all! This tree is adorned with the ornaments with the most memories.
All of the "first" ornaments - such as,  first Christmas together, baby girls first Christmas, Grandsons first and so on. It also has all of  the precious ornaments made by my children. Priceless! Each year when I unwrap them, it's like a walk through the past. Sweet memories.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree....

This year I decided to place a few pieces of the

Christmas Village in the hutch

Let's not forget the tablescape!

Red, Green and Plaid is a running theme this year

for the kitchen -

lucky me I have these colors year round!

Johnson Brothers Victorian Christmas salad plates

with their white background

add relief

to the colorful setting

This little Scottie dinner plate is

just precious 

The red water goblets are new to my table

however the green anchor cut glass wine

glasses are an old favorite

I mix some Spode with some Target finds,

 and even some

consignment store 'treasures'

Because this is where we will have Christmas breakfast

it is grandbaby friendly

One last little corner

Merry Christmas Everyone!

  

I'm linking to Seasonal Sundays and Between Naps on the Porch - join me and others as we celebrate the the joy of the season