Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Let's Dish ~ Christmas in July



Christmas in July

with the 

Cowgirl UP Group.




Just take a look at this list of talented ladies.  


These Texas girls are hosting this event all week.   

Each day is a new idea to get us ready for Christmas.  





 I reached into the archives @ 

HFTS and pulled out some Christmas table settings, 

some here at HFTS and others from friends' tables.

Hope they inspire.



A bowl of fresh fruit and magnolia leaves 

makes a stunning centerpiece.



A beautiful table set with Spode Christmas Tree,

a pattern that was first introduced in 1938.

No doubt it is one of the most recognized of any Christmas china.







Though the borders may differ on Spode's Christmas china, 


the central motif has remained true to the original 1938 design.





Vietri's Rosso Vecchio Dot charger is a perfect pairing,

especially when used with these cheerful winter bird placemats.





Hand painted napkins ringed with 

tiny sleigh bells add a festive touch.




Individual holiday treats to take 

home make each guest feel special.



This holiday table is set with Fitz and Floyd's 

St. Nicholas pattern which was introduced in 1987.




An old world Santa in his sleigh among 

a forest of mercury glass trees and candle holders 

decorates the center of this elegantly set table.




Shiny red glass ornaments hang 

from the brass chandelier above.



Individual small bouquets of red carnations 

studded with rhinestones are party favors for each guest.



Antique figural silver napkin rings from the 

hostess' collection hold Christmas plaid napkins.




Though we don't have Christmas themed china 

here at HFTS, we pull in other elements 

to make our holiday tables festive.   




Here we paired our wedding china, 

Richard Ginori's Palermo Brown, 

with MacKenzie-Childs' Courtly Check 

chargers atop beaded green placemats.




Party favors for this meal were green 

Christmas tree balls ringed with gold glitter garlands.




With place cards attached they also

directed each guest to their place at the table.




Red plaid swags rim these plates by Queen's China.  

To add more Christmas color, I used a stack of chargers:

Zrike chargers in forest green and 

white Ambiance Vintage Garden.




Christmas red tassels ring the linen napkins and 

echo the tassels on the swag borders of the plates.




Petite boxes of spiced pecans do double duty 

as both place cards and individual gifts for guests.




This hostess likes to end a dinner party 

with coffee and dessert in her living room.




Ole St. Nicholas in his sleigh . . .




Delivers sweet treats for all.





Who could resist these late night snacks 

served up on cheerful Mary Engelbreit pottery?



My tip for this week's 


Add whipped cream with bits of peppermint candy

to those holiday cups of hot chocolate.


To view my other Christmas in July post click here.


Party List






on

56 comments:

  1. LynnJuly 24, 2012 at 4:19 AM

    All very pretty settings Sarah! Love your green beaded chargers and G-Mom-B had the Spode plates (with many other pieces), I sure wish I had them today-enjoy:@)

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  2. MaryJuly 24, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    Sarah~ Your settings are so festive and of course the F&F St. Nicholas pattern has a special place in my heart! Those figural napkin rings are stunning~ I have napkin ring envy :) I love your Courtly Check mixed with the green and presenting a beribboned green ornament at each place setting!

    After years in retail with Christmas merchandise shipped in July, I was 'bah humbug' by the time December 1st arrived. I'm happy not to be swapped with unpacking & pricing merchandise right now :)

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  3. On Crooked CreekJuly 24, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    Sarah,
    I adore your festive "Christmas" tablescape! The ornament used as a place card holder is adorable! I, too, prefer to have dessert either in the living room or the family room during the holidays!!!The tip using peppermints and whipped cream atop of hot cocoa seems quite fitting for "Mr. Ed" and I in front of our fireplace! Always inspiring!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  4. Confessions of a Plate AddictJuly 24, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Oh, Sarah! So much wonderful Christmas inspiration! Love the tablescapes! Everything is perfect to the last detail! Thanks so much for sharing it at the Christmas in July Party!...hugs...Debbie

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  5. AnonymousJuly 24, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    :)

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  6. AnonymousJuly 24, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    What a beautiful table Sarah and everything else! Christmas is a wonderful time of year even in July.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  7. SueJuly 24, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    Oh my- now I'm longing for the holidays! LOL I love your Mackenzie Childs chargers, Sarah. All of your table settings are beautiful and so festive. What a fun post to see on such a hot, muggy day here in OH. :-)

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  8. SoniaJuly 24, 2012 at 10:17 AM

    I love all your gorgeous photos! So many lovely ideas....love the natural centerpiece with leaves and fruit! Elegant place settings! Nice to think about the holidays when it's so HOT outside. I'm looking forward to fall already! Beautiful post!
    Miss Bloomers

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  9. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsJuly 24, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful tables....you have such a gorgeous collection of dishes...really love the B/W checked plates of MacKenzie Childs...I so love going to her shop in NYC....Just love your creative touches of the place card settings!

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  10. AnonymousJuly 24, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    Sarah, I love the glitter and sparkle of your Christmas tables. Just beautiful!! I can feel my Christmas Spirit raising its head. :)

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  11. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasJuly 24, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    Sarah,
    This post was chock full of all beautiful things that sing Christmas!!
    My favorites were the tea sets!!
    Thanks for sharing! So much eye candy!! I am going back for a second look!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  12. Sally Annie MagundyJuly 24, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    Thank you so much for visiting and leaving such a dear and sweet comment.

    I so enjoyed both of your Christmas posts! The ME book is a favorite of mine too, so fun and inspiring. And I love all of your decor, so festive and welcoming. I have the Spode Christmas china too - my collection given to me by my mother over many years. :)

    Happy Christmas in July!
    Sally

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  13. Anita at Cedar Hill July 24, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    OH it's all so lovely and you are using my favorite Christmas dishes (I have a set too!) Beautiful, love all of the details.

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  14. Linda @ A La CarteJuly 24, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    You have inspired me! Love how so many different kinds of dishes can say Christmas~ Love your B&W checked charger plates! hugs, Linda

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  15. BabsJuly 24, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Sarah, You've got me ready for snow with all your great ideas! Love the use of fresh fruit with magnolia and holly and what a great tip to use crushed peppermint on the whipped cream. Yum!
    Babs

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  16. Barbara F.July 24, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Each photo is pure delight. You have very lovely china, Sarah. I am in love with your Richard Ginori Palermo. xo

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  17. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenJuly 24, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    Oh Sarah, I love all the table settings you shared. I'll have to remember some of these great ideas. Your Courtly Check is stunning for so many settings as black and white is such a great backdrop for other colors. I always love seeing Debbie's at Mountains Breaths, too.

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  18. UnknownJuly 25, 2012 at 6:50 AM

    Your post for Christmas in July is glorious. I love all the beautiful things. I have been busy designing Christmas fabrics. It's never to early to think about Christmas.

    Karen

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  19. Creations By CindyJuly 25, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Just beautiful! I love the pretty ornaments in the glasses. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  20. xinexJuly 25, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    What a refreshing tablescape in the midst of all these heat! I love all the Christmas elements on the table and even the food. Thanks for your bday greetings to my mom, Sarah! I am finally home!...Christine

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  21. DiannJuly 25, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Sarah, all of your tablescapes are inspiring! They are always so beautiful. I enjoyed looking at these stunning past tablescapes!

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  22. AnonymousJuly 25, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    How much fun is this? Sarah, you always do the prettiest and best stuff! xo

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  23. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJuly 25, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Beautiful post, Sarah. I am coveting the Father Christmas in the sled. laurie

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  24. Tammy @ A Walk in the CountrysideJuly 25, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    All of your tablescapes are gorgeous!

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  25. Little Susie Home MakerJuly 25, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    What a beautiful table scape. Look at those red gingham plates!!!!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  26. Pat@Back Porch MusingsJuly 25, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    It is so nice seeing Christmas in July, Sarah!

    Your post is gorgeous!

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  27. AlediaJuly 25, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Beautiful!! I love the pink bird place mats...so many wonderful settings!!

    You are so very talented! Have a wonderful night!

    (hugs)
    Aledia @ Plum Perfect

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  28. MarlisJuly 25, 2012 at 7:13 PM

    Such pretty places you chose to show us! I guess I didn't realize that the Spode had been around that long. Might need to hold on to mine after all. Your pretty tables are so fabulous even with not one piece of Christmas china. I love doing that too. Be blessed, xo marlis

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  29. Entertaining WomenJuly 25, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    So much inspiration to be found here. I love the hand painted napkins and the settings with the hot pink touches. Didi you know that the Spode Christmas Tree pattern is the all time best selling of all china patterns...not just Christmas patterns...All patterns! Thanks for inviting us for speak. Cherry Kay

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  30. ChristieJuly 26, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    Sarah, It is ALL so beautiful! My favorite? The red swag dishes..love, love, love! I hope you are having a wonderful summer! XO, Christie Three Pixie Lane

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  31. TriciaJuly 26, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Sarah, thank you for all the beautiful photos! I think my favorite is the one featuring your wedding china with the ornament in the little stemmed glass. SO gorgeous! Those green beaded placemats are the perfect base for your stunning china!

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  32. Alycia NicholsJuly 26, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    So many super cool tables! I thought the top photos were of pink settings, and I just about fell out of my chair. I'm a pink person through and through, and I was so glad to see (or THINK that I saw!) so much fabulous pink. No worries...I'm also a fan of red, especially at Christmas time! All just beautiful!!!

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  33. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 27, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    I LOVE that bunny napkin holder! I actually felt a "chill" of cool air reading this! AND WOW, do we need cool air. Has it been really steamy out your way? It has been a lovely summer, one that will stay in my BOOK of life for a long time.

    Thank you sweet Sarah for your visit!! Anita

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  34. ElaineJuly 27, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    You have some very inspiring place settings! Love the use of a tassle. I don't have Christmas dishes either, and you have put together a beautiful Christmas table, combining what you have in a very festive and elegant way!

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  35. bjJuly 28, 2012 at 5:42 AM

    Such beautiful eye candy..and that is how it should be for Christmas.
    Love the bits of candy in the chocolate.:)

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  36. KathleenJuly 28, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    Very pretty, Sarah! You know I love the red checks as I have it too, and in lavender also. I only have 2 settings in the lav., and replacements never seems to get it.
    I guess I could get a good price for my 2 settings if I ever decided to sell it!
    That napkin ring with the plaid is amazing!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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  37. MarigeneJuly 28, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    Beautiful settings...I especially like the MC with that hot pink napkin!

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  38. Brenda PruittJuly 28, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    LOVE the MacKenzie-Child!
    Brenda

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  39. Dixie n DottieJuly 28, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    I love how you hang ornaments from the chandelier! Great idea!
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/

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  40. Doll in the Looking GlassJuly 28, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    All great holiday tables. I would feel very special indeed to be invited to any of these gatherings.

    Visiting from The Bunny Hop.
    Debra

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  41. Yvonne @ StoneGableJuly 28, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    YOur holiday tables are just stunning! YOu pay such attention to detail and that is what makes these tables so beautiful!

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  42. Judy BiggerstaffJuly 28, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    All are pretty Sarah, I especially love F&F.

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  43. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJuly 28, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    What fun to do a "Christmas in July" theme, Sarah! I have Nikko "Happy Holidays" china which has a similar Christmas tree pattern on it. Even though I'm out west in Colorado it's been hot this week, so the Christmas season seems so far away.

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  44. GenevaJuly 29, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    I love Christmas in July. I didn't know about the Cowgirl Up event and will check out all the inspiration like yours. It was nice seeing all the things you've done ... beautiful photographs! Definitely has me thinking about Christmas.

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  45. FABBY'S LIVINGJuly 29, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    I love your C'mas in July photos and all your dishes and gorgeous tables! I love all the pretty C'mas dishes. Great inspiration for the 2012 Holidays. Thanks for your sweet and generous visit to Victoria's party.
    FABBY

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  46. My Dream CanvasJuly 30, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    Love your tablescape. I am hosting a Giveaway to win a 50 dollar gift card to the store HomeGoods. It would be great if you stopped by and entered. Thanks Anu

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  47. JacquelineJuly 30, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Sarah, how fun to be thinking of Christmas. I have been so busy with the boat and getting it set up that I haven't been able to do any tables for a while. It was so fun to see all of your great shots! I truthfully am glad it is still a long ways off!

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  48. MimiJuly 31, 2012 at 2:32 AM

    HI SARAH!!!
    your tables inspire me to do something different this year...perhaps a new color...mix it up a bit!!!Your table setting was so amazing,I love it....the sparkles...the pink....oh man I LOVE it!!!I will have to mark this as a favorite to come back too!!
    Love it
    have a great one
    should have joined in...maybe it might not feel so hot!!
    hugs,
    jamie--mimi

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  49. The French HutchJuly 31, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    I found so much inspiration in this single post Sarah. I love the beautiful Christmas patterns but never collected a set. I have sets of dessert plates I use with my china. I love how you use your china with the CC to create a Christmas setting. The little ME tea set is so sweet, I wouldn't be able to resist a snack! Thanks for all the fabulous inspiration………..

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  50. The French HutchJuly 31, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    Hi Sarah, I never met a Christmas pattern I didn't love! Some of my favorites are here, my first love Spode Christmas Tree and FF St. Nicholas. Although I don't have a set of Christmas china I do have a set of dessert plates I use with my china. I love your place settings using the CC chargers, so very festive. Yes Sarah, this post is very inspiring!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  51. Bunny JeanJuly 31, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    Hi Sarah!

    I loved every single one of the wonderful place settings... especially the ones you made to be Christmas like. Love those Queen's plates with the tassel and the napkins to match!

    Thanks for sharing at my Bunny Hop (last week) :)

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party!

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  52. FABBY'S LIVINGJuly 31, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    GORGEOUS Sarah, don't know where to begin, I just love them all! I am thinking of C'mas more now that I have the red transferware dishes..hope by then I receive the dinner ware too. Thank you sweet Sarah for your lovely visit and kind comments you left me.
    FABBY

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  53. Yellow Rose ArborAugust 1, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    I enjoyed seeing the Christmas settings! All very unique and pretty! It will be Christmas before we know it! Yikes!

    Your lemon pie made my mouth water!

    Katherine

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  54. UnknownAugust 2, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    Gorgeous tablescape!

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  55. AnonymousAugust 4, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    Couldn't resist taking a peek when I saw those pretty bouquets studded with sparkling gems. What a dreamy table. I especially love those chargers. I'm a sucker for courtly checks...typically have them as a background in all colors.
    How on earth did I miss this party? I'm a huge fan of Christmas in July. I guess I was busy with my own hosting. Must remember next year.

    Fun browsing your page, Sarah.
    Much love,
    Marcia

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  56. EviAugust 4, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    I am trying not to think of Christmas yet, but it has a way of creeping up. Today I bought beautiful fabric remnants from Pamela Klein's store, and told my hubby, I needed this to make new Christmas pillow covers.So, thinking of Christmas in August is not so far fetched! I love the little rabbit napkin rings.
    Sarah, we are having Texas weather here....
    Have a great Sunday,
    hugs, Evi

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.