Hints for the Holidays

Last Friday night [Nov. 15th], my daughter and I were invited to a combination annual holiday tablescape viewing and dinner at a friend's church.  There were 32 tablescapes which I will share in three separate posts.  I'm always amazed at the unique talent and creativity of the tablescapes.  No two are ever alike.

This wasn't a fundraiser.  Advanced tickets were purchased, and guests sat at the table of a specific hostess.  The food was served buffet style on clear, sturdy plastic plates, which were then placed on top of the china dinnerware at the tables. Disposable silverware and napkins were also used, allowing the hostess to take her tabletop items home clean. There were beverage stations positioned around the hall for punch, ice water, and hot beverages.

I don't know the price per ticket since our admittance was a gift.  The doors opened for table viewing at 6:30 p.m. and dinner was served at 7:15 p.m.  Trying to photograph all 32 tables in 45 minutes, in a crowd of 256 ladies was a challenge, but I got it done so I could share all of the tablescapes with you.  In a few of the photos you will notice a disposable punch cup or styrofoam cup that obviously wasn't part of the tablescape, but belonged to a guest sitting at the table.  

The tables were numbered, and the decorator's name was provided, but no themes or tablescape names were given.  Everyone was a winner since the tablescapes weren't voted on. I think you'll agree, they're all spectacular.

I love silver tablescapes, so the table below was an instant hit with me.  Silver provides such a radiant, festive glow.  The guest favors were Christmas ornaments.  Great idea!

Another silver tablescape with an icy, snowflake theme.  

The guest favors for this table were snowflake cookies in cellophane bags.  The silver and crystal stemware makes the table glisten.

Gold makes an elegant tablescape presentation, and nothing is better than candlelight! Notice the layering of the table linens which adds texture and dimension to the tablescape.

Gold and burgundy - so rich looking.

Have you noticed how popular peacocks are this year?  This is the third event I've attended this fall where peacocks have been the theme of the tablescape.   I love it!

I saw these dishes at Home Goods on Saturday.  They're by 222 Fifth.

Many of the chairs were decorated to coordinate with the tables, but this is the only one I photographed since it was so crowded.

Pink and mauve candles in varying heights was strikingly beautiful. 

Doesn't this tablescape pop with color?  Anyone know the name of this china pattern?   Looks like Royal Albert in a pattern similar to Old Country Roses, but I didn't have the time to research it.

A delicate pastel tablescape.

A Wintry white and pink tablescape.

Manger figurines as the focal point.

Notice the silverware has Christmas holly and berries on it.

We're a third of the way through the tablescapes.  I hope you're enjoying them, while perhaps getting some ideas for your own Christmas tablescape this year.   More tomorrow, so please come back.