Christmas in the Dining Room

I love Christmas! In my opinion, you can never have too many Christmas decorations! I love the festivity of the season, the sights, the smells, and the hustle and bustle. While my goal is always to have the house decorated by the first weekend in December, I often fall short but I try to enjoy the process rather than becoming overwhelmed. I’ve learned to schedule my outdoor decorating around the weather forecast first. As I work inside the house, my goal is to do whatever I can to make the biggest impact with the least amount of effort. Setting the dining room table makes a big impact with a little effort. I leave the table set throughout the holidays. When we eat in this room, we simply use the plates and I return them to the table after they are washed. In this room, I use my Bethlehem Christmas dinnerware that I designed and produced in 2003. This dinnerware gives us the opportunity to share the Christmas story with all of our guests and visitors. I have even had plumbers who were in the house making repairs stop at the doors to the dining room to inquire about the dinnerware thus giving me the opportunity to share.  The centerpiece consists of a fruited garland. I found a nativity set in the same jewel tones as the dinnerware that I place on cake stands in the center of the garland.    Then I use some of the angels from my collection as exclamation points to the centerpiece. I don’t use a tablecloth in this setting, but instead I use  silver plated trays as place mats. I stack the salad plate on the dinner plate for an added layer of interest. There are eight place settings that tell the story. The first is the angel speaking to Mary. Next is Mary and Joseph making the journey to Bethlehem.  Shepherds are abiding in the fields. The angel of the Lord brings good tidings. The heavenly host proclaims His birth! The Bethlehem star points to the Christ child. Mary ponders these things in her heart. The wise men brought gifts and worshipped Him. More angels flank the punch bowl on the side board as well as the Bethlehem Christmas dinnerware platter and a framed print of the Christmas story.
My hope is that you will have a Christ filled Christmas this year!

Dinnerware: Bethlehem Christmas can be purchased here.
Silver plated trays purchased at the Mikasa store several years ago.
Ruby goblets purchased at the Mikasa store several years ago.
Sterling flatware International Silver Wild Rose.
Nativity set purchased at Lord and Taylor several years ago.

I will be linking to Tabletop Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.