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


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Plaid Tidings ~ Vignettes from Christmases Past


Welcome To

~ Plaid Tidings ~




Can you believe it's already December and Time For 

~ Favorites on the First ~
@
The Polohouse





And

The Tablescaper's Christmases Past.




Each year our Christmas tree is

decorated with lots of

Courtly Check and Tartan.




Let the piping begin!

~ Plaid Tidings ~ 

Vignettes from Christmases Past









































































It's December 1st

and time to start thinking about 

Christmas 2013.




Sadie and I hope you enjoyed our look back

and perhaps inspired you to add a touch of

tartan to your own holiday vignettes?




This season as we deck the halls here @ HFTS 

my heart will be filled with mixed emotions.

My sweet mother passed away Thanksgiving Morning.

Hearts ache with the loss but are also filled with gratitude 

and pride for the legacy Mother leaves behind. 

She was 99 years old, lived a joyful life,

and was dearly loved by those who knew her.

No question I will feel her spirit beside me

as I decorate the tree and add little touches

of tartan among this year's holiday vignettes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Special Request ~
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Unfortunately Bloglovin doesn't recognize my blog.
Many thanks to all who read, comment, and follow along.

Joining
Favorites on the 1st @ The Polohouse
Christmases Past @ The Tablescaper

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Turkey Time Will Soon Be Here




The clock is ticking!
Turkey Day will soon be here.

Our home is filled with the
rich warm tones of the season.

As is tradition,
we will host Thanksgiving Dinner
here for friends and family.

~ Autumn ~
My Favorite Season

~ Rusty Reds ~

~ Mixed with Greens ~

~ Neutrals ~ Shades of Brown ~

~ Amber and Aubergine ~

~ Acorns and Falling Leaves ~

~ Harvest Elegance ~ 

Last year our menu 
included pheasant and a selection
of healthy side dishes.

Of course there
were also lots of sweet treats.

~ Mini Pies ~
~ Apple ~ Pumpkin ~ Pecan ~

Mugs of
~ Irish Coffee ~

It was a warm Texas evening, 
and we dined outside on the terrace.


This year is cold and wet.
I'm scurrying around to set
tables inside where it is warm and cozy.

I'm not sure what 
I'm doing on my tables just yet,
but I'm certain to include these warm, rich, colors.

Best Wishes For A
Happy Thanksgiving
to Each of You!

~ Joining ~