My Christmas Table...Two Ways

It's Christmas Eve morning!  The excitement level is definitely building in our house as presents are being added under the tree, cookies are being baked and last minute preparations are under way.  I wanted to share with you our Christmas table...two ways.  I have an assortment of Christmas china that I love to use throughout the holidays/winter.  Below is Villeroy & Boch's "Holly". I received four place settings years ago as a gift...at some point I need to add to my collection. 

I used a burlap table runner (fabric from Walmart) and two mini trees that I picked up at the grocery store.  They came with the burlap and rustic wicker baskets, so all I had to add was the red & white ribbon. The large lantern usually hangs in my son's room, a stand-in for a ceiling fixture.  Some wicker balls, mercury glass votives (for sparkle), and some fresh greens finish off the centerpiece. (I didn't use as many fresh branches as I was planning on because they were leaking sap like crazy...so sticky!!)  The placemats and plaid napkins are from Home Goods.

Table #2

If we are home on Christmas Eve, I usually make a huge pot of Italian Oven Chowder, a family favorite.  For that, I bring out my Italian pasta bowls from Crate & Barrel (old).  For this table setting, I placed them on top of my "Memory Lane" Royal Ironstone. This pattern I've been collecting over the years, picking up at antique stores and Ebay.  Next Christmas perhaps I'll decorate my hutch like this...

Country Living

How cute are these stocking flatware holders from Pottery Barn?!

Oops...the second red bell is hiding underneath the stocking!

Now I'm off to make these festive treats! ( found here )

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  I'm going to take a little break from blogging to enjoy the holiday and spend time with my family over Christmas break. But I'll be back soon, with lots of inspiration for creating a beautiful home.

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As always, feel free to leave a comment or ask questions in the comments section below.

Need help creating a home you love? Contact me about our design services.

I'm Dreaming... of a Plaid Christmas.

When it comes to decorating, for most of the year I'm a coastal classic gal...our home is awash in shades of blue and green, weathered wood and sisal rugs.  You'll find starfish or coral in most of our rooms, and glass jars filled with seashells that bring back memories of our favorite days at the beach.  But when the temperature drops, the days get shorter and the holiday season starts, I once again fall in love with plaid.  Tartans to be exact.  Time to pull out the plaid blankets...

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The reds and greens found in so many plaids make them perfect for holiday decorating. 

 Look at these lovely tables...

Williams Sonoma

Make your holiday party extra special with these monogramed napkins and cupcake papers...

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Plaid ribbons are perfect for Christmas wreaths or floral arrangements...

Plaid throw pillows added to your couch or favorite chair will bring a touch of holiday cheer...

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Of course, no one does plaid bedding better than Ralph Lauren.  I've been a fan since my college days.

Here are a few more ways you can incorporate plaids into your decorating...

It's a great time of year to add plaid to your wardrobe as well!

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Mix your plaid with a little leopard...

or another plaid.

And don't forget your furry friend...

This Christmas season, I added a tartan plaid paper to the back of my kitchen hutch.

And I found these placemats and napkins at Home Goods for our holiday table.

Do you decorate with plaid?  

As always, feel free to leave a comment or ask questions in the comments section below.

Photos are from my Pinterest boards unless noted.

Need help creating a home you love? Contact me about our design services.