Wednesday, December 11, 2013

High Point Christmas Inspiration



I took the challenge!

December Challenge @ Cuisine Kathleen

I found a photo of a tablescape that inspired me 

to create and share a tablescape of my own.




My inspiration comes from a beautiful table set at 

the North Carolina home of Debbie Jones,

founder of French Laundry Home and featured in

the premier issue of Holiday Cottage 2013.




As with all of Hoffman Media's publications, 

Holiday Cottage 2013  is excellent, 

filled with  holiday decorations, recipes, and 

tours of ten gorgeous homes, 

including the home of popular blogger,
Holiday Cottage 2013 available here @ Hoffman Media.





I don't begin to imply that my setting 

is as elegant and classic as 

Debbie Jones' exquisite setting shown above, 

but when I saw the vintage cream and sugar in this photo,

I was immediately inspired to use a similar set of my own.





Though much smaller 

and certainly not fine pieces, 

the petite creamer and sugar are older

  than my 65 years and are definitely showing their age.




Regardless, they are treasured in my heart, for

they once belonged to my mom. 

When I was a little girl, she let me use them

for tea parties in my play house.




As you can see, 

my tablescape is on the casual side, 

set on the wicker table on the sunporch. 




A vintage silver bride's basket 

holds the linens and silver

just as in Debbie Jones' presentation.




I used a red Christmas china,

Saint Nick 

by Spode for William Sonoma.





I have plates in two different patterns.

This design was produced in 2006.




This one of Santa checking his list

was produced in 2004.




Each of the patterns have similar

but distinctive borders of their own.




I don't have the graceful cups and saucers

 used by Debbie Jones, but rather casual mugs

to fill with a rich hot chocolate.




My touch of elegance is presented 

with antique linens and 

Sir Christopher by Wallace.




The open pulled thread work on the

edge of the linen napkins, and the elegant monogram

offer soft compliments to the lovely chased

work on the silver basket.




~ Red Roses ~ Hydrangea ~ Christmas Greens ~

Just as Debbie Jones used to fill her own

lovely vintage cream and sugar set.




This was a fun creative challenge.

My compliments to Debbie Jones for sharing her

beautiful High Point Christmas tablescape.




Kudos to Hoffman Media on their stellar publication, 

~ Cottage Christmas 2013 ~

Joining

Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen


on

70 comments:

  1. Rosie M.December 11, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    I love your interpretation of your inspiration table. Your silver is lovely, as well as your Christmas dishes. You've done a wonderful job with this challenge!
    Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  2. MaryDecember 12, 2013 at 4:55 AM

    SWOON Sarah! I love your hydrangea-filled petite cream & sugar, snowy white embroidered linens, and beautiful silver basket! Your St. Nick plates are perfect for the Christmas season! I'm glad to know about the magazine issue, I subscribe to Celebrate and enjoy Hoffman Media publications. I'm going to look for it at Barnes & Noble when I get out that way! Hope you have time relax to enjoy some Hot Chocolate in your wonderful mugs!

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  3. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry)December 12, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    Sarah, Your vignette is just lovely! The sugar and creamer are so interesting and I love the Santa plates! How did I ever miss those? I will look for this magazine--thanks for the tip as I can never have enough Christmas mags. I am so happy to see that you have some wonderful treasures from your mom. Linda

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  4. DeniseDecember 12, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    ". . . on the casual side." !!!!!! Boy, it all looks pretty elegant to me.
    Such a nice treat to hear of the history of your creamer and sugar. Pieces that hold memories are the best!
    Love the dishes.
    Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  5. thepaintedapron.comDecember 12, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    The brides basket with the silverware made my heart skip, so elegant! I loved everything you have done, so delicate and timelessly beautiful~I was so intrigued I hopped right over to Hoffman media with your thoughtful link, and ordered the magazine, thank you! Have a wonderful holiday,
    Jenna

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  6. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenDecember 12, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Oh Sarah, I love your more casual take on your inspiration table. You've displayed all your treasures so perfectly. Your vintage pieces are a beautiful reminder of your dear Mom. Great job on the challenge, dear friend. xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereDecember 12, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Beautiful, Sarah! I bought this magazine last night and can't wait to set down with a cup of tea and enjoy it. Thanks for joining the Open House party and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
    xx,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  8. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsDecember 12, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Sarah, your table is every bit as lovely as the inspiration table. I love the Christmas china you used. I have never seen that pattern.

    Now, I must go out and get that magazine!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousDecember 12, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Love it! I think you did great...wonderful imitation.

    ReplyDelete
  10. TriciaDecember 12, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Just gorgeous, Sarah! I think I "need" that magazine! I love all the Hoffman publications that I've bought -- so many great ideas and fabulous photos! You did a marvelous job recreating the original. I am going to have to be on the lookout for inspiration photos for the next time Kathleen issues this challenge!

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  11. KatheDecember 12, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    Stunning Sarah! I think your presentation is just as beautiful as your inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizDecember 12, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    Oh so nice! Your little vintage sugar & creamer are so close to the same look as hers. You really did a wonderful job of recreating the look in your inspiration photo. Love those Spode dishes from WS. Your wallace silverware is beautiful and it looks lovely setting on the bride's basket with the antique linen napkins. I can just imagine you playing with the S&C set as a child. What a sweet memory!

    ReplyDelete
  13. SalmagundiDecember 12, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    I, too, am a fan of the Hoffman media publications! Loved your tablescape with all of your beautiful and elegant dishes. Thanks for stopping by my blog today - you sure can pin any of my images on pinterest. I would be honored. Sally

    ReplyDelete
  14. BeverlyDecember 12, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    Sarah, your table is exquisite. I love all the pieces you used to combine to this wonderful setting.

    I am having a Holiday Home Tour at my blog. Days one through four are posted with more days to follow. I hope you will come by to say hello and visit.♥

    ReplyDelete
  15. The Vintage ChateauDecember 12, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    I love everything you do! Vintage silver and linens, and red and white transferware=perfection!
    Karee

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  16. Tea in TexasDecember 12, 2013 at 11:12 PM

    Oh, How beautiful! I love the photo you chose for your challenge and the photos of your creation is also beautiful! I love your Mother's silver cream and sugar plus your story about the tea parties. The bride's basket with the Wallace silver is so lovely. The Spode Christmas red transferware is perfect for matching the china in the photo. It was so interesting to view the differences in the pieces produced in 04 and 06 and I appreciate the information. Thanks for visiting my blog and the kind comments! Have a great Christmas seaon!

    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  17. thistlewoodfarmDecember 13, 2013 at 12:55 AM

    Love your table! And what a wonderful Christmas post! Thanks so much for the inspiration and the shout out!

    Happy day!
    karianne

    ReplyDelete
  18. Crystal GrandeurDecember 13, 2013 at 5:37 AM


    Thank you for stopping by to leave your sweet comment.You have done a beautiful job.Everything looks wonderful.The plates are just beautiful.Love your Mothers silver cream and sugar pieces..Have a beautiful day...:):)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pam~ Virginia RetroDecember 13, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Gorgeous as usual Sarah! I really love this table, so pretty! Your china is wonderful, and love the brides basket with the gorgeous silver ware...and of course the antique linens! It's all so very sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousDecember 13, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    Cottage is my absolute favourite magazine. What a beautiful job you have done using the magazine tables cape as your inspiration! Your dishes are gorgeous! I have fallen in love with tarnished silver. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration to set my Christmas table!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Patti @ Pandoras BoxDecember 13, 2013 at 6:31 PM

    Perfect! This photo also caught my eye and you did a great job "copy catting" it! Love your flatware!

    ReplyDelete
  22. FABBY'S LIVINGDecember 13, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Beautifrul post, I love it! The dishes are gorgeous, you're so lucky to have them! Awesome job at copy catting! Hugs,
    FABBY

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  23. MarigeneDecember 13, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    Beautiful table, Sarah. Love the vintage silver bride's basket and that flatware is such a pretty pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yellow Rose ArborDecember 13, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    Sarah, you certainly nailed it with your beautiful interpretation, great job! Everything is so lovely. I've enjoyed seeing all the challenges of everybody, it's been a fun challenge!

    Merry Christmas!

    Katherine

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  25. SueDecember 13, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    your Santa plates are wonderful....and the silver...well it's just gorgeous...

    ReplyDelete
  26. JacquelineDecember 13, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    What a perfect table and your inspiration is wonderful. Those plates are sooooo charming! What a fabulous way to set a buffet. Definitely a great challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  27. PondsideDecember 14, 2013 at 12:44 AM

    That was a lovely interpretation, Sarah. I like the idea of mugs of hot chocolate at this time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Art and SandDecember 14, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    Your setting is wonderful. I am in love with the Christmas plates and especially the vintage creamer. It has aged beautifully.

    Enjoy these days leading to Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ricki TreleavenDecember 14, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Sarah, I'm inspired by your table. It is stunning! I love your silver….it's so pretty.

    I do enjoy Cottage Journal. BTW I taught Phyllis Hoffman's twins in HS! :D What a great family.

    xo,
    RJ

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alycia NicholsDecember 14, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    I'm a big fan of "Celebrate" and Southern Lady" and "The Cottage Journal" from Hoffman Media. I just bought in the clearance section at Tuesday Morning a 2011 edition of "The Cottage Journal Seasons" that I'm thoroughly enjoying! It was marked down to $1.19, so I couldn't resist!

    You did a really terrific job with your interpretation of the magazine article. Debbie Jones did a beautiful job, and your take on it is equally lovely! I'll have to check out "Holiday Cottage"!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine LemonDecember 14, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    I blog about food, but I just wanted to comment about your post. I believe your tablescape is better than the magazine. Very creative and inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The Charm of HomeDecember 14, 2013 at 8:41 PM

    Oh this is beautiful Sarah! I love the Spode pattern you have here. The classic St. Nick has always been a favorite drawing of mine. Beautifully presented with all of the silver! May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
    Sherry

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  33. ScribblerDecember 14, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Everything is so beautiful! I need to find that magazine…

    I hope everything is getting back to normal for you.

    ETS

    ReplyDelete
  34. RettabugDecember 14, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Bravo Sarah, for a job well done! You captured every single detail of Debbie Jones' High Point Christmas tablescape.
    I adore the vintage silver bride's basket holding the linens and silver...what an elegant touch.
    How lucky you are to have so many beautiful family heirlooms.

    Hope you're having a lovely holiday season & didn't get too much snow.
    I shoveled the driveway once & the sidewalk TWICE today!!! 6+"

    ReplyDelete
  35. Botanic BleuDecember 14, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    Sarah, your copycat table setting is beautiful. I love your sugar and creamer much more than the ones in the photo you used for inspiration. And, your Christmas Spode dishes are perfect for this table setting. Your table settings are one of the things you do so well. Now, I want Spode Christmas dishes. :)

    Hope you are staying warm...

    Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noël, dear friend,
    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  36. Leslie HarrisDecember 14, 2013 at 11:27 PM

    Sarah I'm speechless. Your table with your childhood silver pieces, and your red and white Christmas china is beautiful. I love your version of the Debbie Jones table. Isn't it fun to find an image that inspires us like that? I have to get that magazine, I really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your talents with us, I always find something I love here.

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  37. LuluDecember 15, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    Great job, Sarah. I like that you have made your setting but with touches of elegance. I've not seen your Christmas dishes before and like them very much.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ivy and ElephantsDecember 15, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    Sarah, you won the challenge! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  39. Ivy and ElephantsDecember 15, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    Sarah, you won the challenge! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  40. JojoDecember 15, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    I love your table setting. I'm so behind on blog reading so I know nothing about the challenge but I love your mother's beautiful piece and the mEmories it brings.

    ReplyDelete
  41. KathleenDecember 15, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    How beautiful! Everything looks so warm, and inviting. Sharing your well loved pieces is part of Cmas, evokes so many precious memories!
    Your take on Debbie Jones table is just lovely! Thanks so much for taking the challenge at Let's Dish!

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  42. OliveDecember 15, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Splendid Sarah. I love the red tranferware china. You did a wonderful copycat of the magazine shoot. Have a Merry Christmas, Olive

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  43. ℳartina @ Northern NestingDecember 15, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Absolutely Beautiful Sarah!! LOVE those plates!

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  44. The Quintessential MagpieDecember 15, 2013 at 11:05 PM

    Sarah!!! Love this and those plates and everything!

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  45. vignette designDecember 16, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    Wow Sarah!
    This is just gorgeous! Love those plates--I've never seen them before. I love your inspiration for the challenge--it looks like you were truly inspired and it shows with the lovely vignette you created. Bravo!
    ~Delores

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  46. AnonymousDecember 16, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    I lpve the Santa tableware and vintage silver. Looks beautiful! Stopping by from Dwellings party.

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  47. Got My ReservationsDecember 16, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    You can never go wrong with vintage silver and white linens. I love your recreation of the inspiration photo!

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  48. The French HutchDecember 16, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    Oh Sarah, You so beautifully reproduced the table setting from Holiday Cottage! I have this issue too and I remember how this feature jumped out at me. Your mom's creamer and sugar look so lovely in this setting as do the basket and vintage silver. Williams Sonoma patterns always get my attention and Saint Nick is a favorite of mine too. Your table looks very elegant. Well done my friend, and simply gorgeous!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  49. RonDecember 17, 2013 at 5:20 AM

    You always have the best dishes, Sarah. Where do you keep all of them? I love those plates. Merry Christmas, Sarah! xo

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  50. BabsDecember 17, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Oh,Sarah, Well Done! Your tablescape is much more beautiful, because of your mom's sugar and creamer, and the memories they bring. Your bride's basket is perfect with your sterling and linens, too. The High Point Christmas article was my favorite in Holiday Cottage.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Bargain Decorating with LaurieDecember 17, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Sarah, how wonderful that you have that beautiful sugar and creamer. What treasures, and you have used them beautifully on this table. You did an excellent job of creating your own take on your inspiration photo. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and 2014! laurie

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  52. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 17, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    What a beautiful inspiration table! I think you more then succeeded! Love your table and your dishes.
    hugs, Linda

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  53. Steph's StitchingDecember 17, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    Absolutely lovely. Call me sometime soon. Merry Christmas to you all!

    ReplyDelete
  54. KathyDecember 17, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    You did an amazing job, Sarah! It looks wonderful - I haven't seen this magazine yet - now I'm really looking forward to it! I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  55. Sweet WoodruffDecember 18, 2013 at 1:07 AM

    Pretty pretty pretty. Everything is gorgeous. Love those dishes.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiDecember 18, 2013 at 1:31 AM

    I LOVE your red and white Spode Christmas dishes, Sarah! Their designs are so wonderful! I ahven't seen this magazone as yet. I subscribe to Hoffman's "Celebrate!" magazine.

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  57. UnknownDecember 18, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Sarah,

    Your Christmas dishes are gorgeous and I love the way you set a table. Always an inspiration.

    Happy decorating.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  58. xinexDecember 18, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    I love it, Sarah. Your plates are so beautiful and so are the silvers. Enjoyed all the pictures. Merry Christmas!...Christine

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  59. Savannah GrannyDecember 18, 2013 at 10:01 AM

    Sarah, Your table is just exquisite! You really nailed your inspiration table. I really love the Saint Nick china. We just got a Williams Sonoma this summer.
    Your antique creamer and sugar are so sweet filled with the roses and memories.
    Have a Blessed Christmas,
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  60. RhondiDecember 18, 2013 at 10:21 AM

    Hi Sarah your table setting is just as beautiful as the magazine photo. Your home should be in a magazine! The plates are great
    Hugs, Rhondi

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousDecember 18, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, you really did meet the challenge! I would pick your pretty setting any day! I love it and your photos are so beautiful. The Christmas Spode is so pretty too. Merry Merry, sweet friend.
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  62. hidden art of homemakingDecember 18, 2013 at 4:41 PM

    Sarah,
    I can't believe I missed this last week...don't know how.So glad I saw this today. Your tablescape is gorgeous. You did a wonderful job of copying this picture...I love everything about what you did. but my favorite is the one of those silver forks in that bridal basket..wow!Beautiful..
    Love, Mona

    ReplyDelete
  63. JenneliseDecember 18, 2013 at 9:34 PM

    Just lovely! I think you did a fabulous job! Merry Christmas!
    Jennelise

    ReplyDelete
  64. La Table De NanaDecember 18, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    Happiest of holidays to you..
    That Spode pattern..s..how sweet:-)
    Such elegance..always-

    ReplyDelete
  65. KathleenDecember 19, 2013 at 6:09 PM

    Just stopping by to see how you are doing. Thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Entertaining WomenDecember 19, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    I'm so sad that I missed this challenge, so I'll just enjoy your entry that much more. You know well that I love it when we use family treasures in our designs, and I adore the red transferware. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  67. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderDecember 20, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    Dearest Sarah,
    What a fitting post about your dear Mom's petite creamer! She must be smiling down from heaven. Lovely presentation; as usual.
    So glad to find this post and I hope you are doing okay. Did you receive my email?
    Hugs and wishing you a happy 4th of Advent and an even happier and peaceful Christmas coming up soon.
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  68. bj December 21, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    Just beautiful...GREAT job....

    ReplyDelete
  69. PatDecember 22, 2013 at 7:43 AM

    Sarah,
    Exquisite!!!
    Your take on Debbie Jones High Point Christmas is elegantly reproduced, dear friend!!!
    I, especially, adore your cream & sugar! Such precious memories! The vintage silver bride's basket is stunning with the antique pulled thread work napkins!
    You are truly an inspiration!
    Merry Christmas, dear friend!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  70. BrandiDecember 22, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    The dishes, the flowers, greenery... Everything is so beautiful. Such a lovely table display. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    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.