Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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. IMG_1760 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.  IMG_1726IMG_1727IMG_1728  IMG_1733 Then I use some of the angels from my collection as exclamation points to the centerpiece. IMG_1734IMG_1725 I don’t use a tablecloth in this setting, but instead I use  silver plated trays as place mats.IMG_1689 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. IMG_1700 Next is Mary and Joseph making the journey to Bethlehem.  IMG_1766 Shepherds are abiding in the fields. IMG_1699 The angel of the Lord brings good tidings.IMG_1744 The heavenly host proclaims His birth! IMG_1694 The Bethlehem star points to the Christ child. IMG_1704 Mary ponders these things in her heart. IMG_1703 The wise men brought gifts and worshipped Him. IMG_1752 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. IMG_1743
My hope is that you will have a Christ filled Christmas this year!
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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.

17 comments:

Kathleen said...

That is just beautiful! I saw the dishes at Yvonne's and I just love them.
So different Maybe Santa will bring them for me!

PegC said...

Pat, what a beautiful setting...such thoughtful care. When you mentioned you had designed the table settings, do you mean you painted each scene? Really lovely.

Sarah {abeachcottage} said...

wow stopping by from TT to say G'day!

love the dishes and the decorating

Sarah

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Pat, Your table is just gorgeous! I LOVE my dinnerware. I put it in my side cupboard in the dinning room. I just take it out and use it everyday.

Thank you so much for telling the Bethlehem Christmas story! I can't tell you what my dinnerware means to me!
xo Yvonne

Marlis said...

Your table is wonderful. It's everything the season should be. I love the nativity on the table, that has given me some great ideas. Your dishes are on my wish list! Merry christmas.

Debbie said...

This is simply perfect and all that is the real reason for this thing we call Christmas.

Your dishes are really works of art.

Tardevil said...

How cool that you designed your own dishes. I've always thought that would be a fun thing to do! Love the nativity as a centerpiece. I've always considered doing it, but it hasn't made it to the table yet. Mine always use to go front and center on the mantel until we moved here, and now that's impossible b/c of the tv caves. I think I'll try it next year. Your teal angel is my favorite, but they are all gorgeous.

Barbara said...

Your dishes are so unique and lovely! Congratulations on such a wonderful design that will be part of people's celebrations for years and years. It must be wonderful to know that you help make the season more meaningful to people as they gather around their tables. Your table is lovely. I especially like the silver trays used that way.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Such a beautiful design for you china...you have done an awesome job with this entire table. The entire theme is exactly what the season celebrates and it is so gorgeous. The trays are such a wonderful idea!!!
Have you designed other china???

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I love the plates, you're right, you should have them in the table soevryone can see it, like a Nativity Scene, they're gorgeous! Thank you for the story too, I love telling my little granddaughters about Christmas and baby Jesus, they can get enough of it. Hope you can visit my blog...you're very welcomed at FABBY'S LIVING, so you can see my Naitivity Scene I make for my granddaughters, they love to move the pieces aroung. I wish a very Merry Christmas too, with all the love of our Christ the Lord in your hearts. XO
FABBY

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

How beautiful this is -- love your nativity and angels and those wonderful trays.

Entertaining Women said...

Silver trays as placemats...genius idea! I love to see how the artist uses her own art on her own table. Absolutely lovely! The nativity as a centerpiece is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your charming idea. Cherry Kay

Alycia Nichols said...

The meaning of Christmas is all right there! Wonderful! I think it's great that the men who are there working in your home are captivated by the sight! That really says something. Love the silverplated trays!

Marigene said...

What an incredibly beautiful table...thank you so much for sharing it.

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Stunning table Pat! Beautiful nativity scene. I love your diningroom wallpaper, I'm all about wallpaper. Stop by for a visit and see.
~ ~~Ahrisha~ ~

Pamela said...

I am so blessed by each nativity scene I see. I decorate my living room with the nativity--even a nativity tree. So delighted to see yours. I love how you placed them down the table in pine. Also, the silver tray usage is awesome.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh those plates are gorgeous! What a tablescape.