Christmas Tree Magic

 “A Christmas tree is loved by everyone because it is a source of true happiness.”

Welcome, Everyone, to one of my favorite Blogs of the year. I’m so glad you’re here and hope you will really enjoy exploring these beautiful table settings along with me.

I’m joining a group of very creative ladies as they each present their interpretation of a Christmas tablescape. Rita of Panoply has brought us all together for this wonderful holiday hop and I am so thankful for her dedication and hard work. Rita, you are the best. At the end of this post you will find links to all the other ladies joining us today in this holiday Blog Hop.

Now, sit back with a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy with me these great tablescape ideas. I decided to use trees as my inspiration for this year’s Blog Hop. I also decided to “shop my home” and use what I already had on hand. So I began by pulling out the storage tubs that housed a variety of trees of all shapes, sizes and materials. What could be more perfect for a table setting theme about trees than Spode’s, Christmas Tree, pattern. that’s where the journey began.

“Christmas trees are at the center of Christmas. They are the shimmering light that brings hope to all.”

I laid the foundation for the table with a white, textured tablecloth by Dansk. On top of that I laid a dark green table runner to act as a base and a guideline for the greenery that would come next.

 “Christmas magic is all around, now that the Christmas tree is out.”

Leyland Cypress from the garden became my live runner . It worked out beautifully. Forest green wooden chargers joined the greenery on the table as a base for the china to come.

Memories are lined in the smell of pine.

I’m using the classic “Christmas Tree” pattern by Spode. It’s definitely a traditional pattern and I love using it around the holidays. What’s not to love about an evergreen tree beautifully decorated with presents underneath just waiting to be opened and Santa perching in the top of the tree.

“Christmas Magic is silent. You don’t hear it – you feel it. You know it. You believe it.” Kevin Alan Milne

The Spode is paired with another classic pattern by Fitz & Floyd called “Yuletide Holiday”. This pattern has a gorgeous red and gold border with a gold ribbon wrapped around Christmas greenery. The edge is scalloped and the green border around the Spode china works well to showcase this lovely plate.

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” – Tom Baker

A “Christmas Tree” bread and butter plate completes the stack and a butter knife with the Spode Christmas Tree on the handle is laid across the plate.

“Tree decorating with cats. O Christmas tree, O christmas tree, your Ornaments are history!” – Courtney VanSickle

Here’s a nice close up of the flatware showing the beautiful Spode tree in inset porcelain on the handle of each piece. The pieces are accompanied by a sateen napkin with green bordered scalloped edges and a simple embroidered pine sprig on the napkin. I found the flatware a few years ago at Goodwill. I have 12 place settings with multiple serving pieces that I use throughout December. They are subtle and lovely with holly sprigs etched on the handles.

“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.” – Charlie Brown

The crystal glasses are two of my favorite patterns. The taller wine glass is by Pairpoint, an American maker whose crystal graced the homes of many well known Americans. It is stunning. Next to the very tall wine glass is a balloon glass by Waterford. I love how these pieces look together on the table. They absolutely make guests feel very special when they sit down for dinner.

“Your boughs are green in summer’s glow / And do not fade in winter’s snow / O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree / You stand in verdant beauty” – Ernst Anschuetz

You can see in this picture that pops of red join the evergreen table runner. Pomegranates are placed in a group of three at one end and pick-up the red in the Fitz & Floyd plates. Red candles held in Mikasa, Starburst, candleholders add to the cheeriness of the center runner.

“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin – inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.” – John J. Geddes

Across from the table the hutch is decorated in Christmas trees, too. Faux trees covered in snow, glass trees and silver trees showcase the Spode, “Christmas Tree” china displayed on the shelves. Some live evergreen branches tie in with the table runner.

“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” — Larry Wilde

More evergreen drapes on the chandelier. On the teacart you can see a gathering of silver and blue trees that enhance the blues in the painting on the wall above. My favorite Fitz & Floyd deer stands between the trees in majestic silence. A simple wreath adorns the mirror reflecting other portions of the room.

“Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” — Santa Claus, The Polar Express

As a final touch I added an individual tree to each place setting. I thought it might be too much but I kind of like it. What do you think?

“A cold wind was blowing from the north, and it made the trees rustle like living things.” — George R.R. Martin

Here you can see the whole table and the rest of the dining room. It was such fun putting this table together with you today. I hope you will click on the links below and visit all the ladies who are a part of this Blog Hop. I know you will get some great ideas to use for your own holiday tables. From our home to yours…Happy Holidays

Panoply – A Christmas Home Tablescape

Hyacinths for the Soul – Plaid Tidings

Everyday Living – Repeat the Sounding Joy

Home is Where the Boat Is – It’s a Marshmallow World with Snowmen

My Thrift Store Addiction – Kringle Family Tree Farm Christmas Tablescape

The Bookish Dilettante – Christmas Traditions Tablescape

Red Cottage Chronicles – English Cottage Christmas Tablescape

Pandora’s Box – Dinner on the Old Round Table

From My Carolina Home – Vintage Christmas Tablescape

Thrifting Wonderland – Christmas Tree Magic

Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Christmas Nutcracker Table

Dinner at Eight – Dreaming of a White (and Blue) Christmas

Belle Bleu Interiors – A Joyous Christmas Table

The Cat’s Whiskerz – A Rustic Christmas Tablescape

Life and Linda – Deer Prancing Through the Snow

Me and My Captain – A German Christmas Tablescape

The Painted Apron – The Season of Giving