We are officially in the home stretch of the Christmas Countdown (thank goodness)! I don't know if you all feel the same way, but hosting back to back holidays has definitely contributed to my overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love hosting and am so happy to have my family coming into town for both holidays. However, what I think I have learned from this experience is that it takes a lot of work (and money) to host, and when you are working full time on top of all of this holiday prep, it can leave you feeling completely wiped out. So maybe next year I might scale back a bit (of course I say this now...). Ultimately, my point is that everyone who is hosting one or both holidays this season should be commended for taking on such an insanely tall order. I know that I have certainly gained a profound appreciation for what it takes and I laud all of you who have decided to take on this task as well!
Okay, enough of my little self reflections. Onto my Christmas tablescape! This concept was actually inspired by a Martha Stewart Christmas table setting I had come across last year. She had created a simple elegant tablescape using my wedding china pattern, white linens and red amaryllis flowers encircling tall white tapers. It was STUNNING to say the least and I knew that it would be the inspiration for my future Christmas tablescape when the time came for me to host. Plus, who doesn't love an opportunity to use their nice china?? Since there seem to only be a handful of occasions throughout the year where fancy china is appropriate for dinner, I like to take complete advantage of every opportunity! Below are the details on what I used to create this festive table setting as well as what I plan on serving for dinner.
Tablescape Details
- Dinner Plates: Bernardaud Constance
- Napkins: CB2 Restaurant Napkins, Set of 4
- Napkin Rings: Sur La Table (*similar here)
- Place Cards: Caspari Berries & Bow Die Cut Place Cards
- Wine Goblets: William Yeoward "Fanny"
- Water Glasses: Riedel Vinum Water Glass
- Champagne Flutes: William Yeoward "Fanny"
- Table Gifts: Hammonds Candy Ornaments
- Candles: CB2 Tapers and CB2 Bronn Candle Holders
- Flowers: Trader Joe's Mixed Holiday Greens
My Christmas Dinner Menu
- Entree: Ina Garten's Filet of Beef Tenderloin
- Side Dish: Tyler Florence's Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
- Vegetable: Ina Garten's Roasted Asparagus
- Dessert: Ina Garten's Sticky Toffee Date Cake with Bourbon Glaze
- Specialty Cocktail: Martha Stewart's Classic Eggnog
This table is a relatively simple scape but I am in love with the way it has come together and totally thrilled to have this preparation task checked off of my to-do list! While I am a little tired, I have to say that seeing these photos and thinking about sharing this holiday with my family has gotten me reinvigorated to keep going with the remaining preparations. More holiday prep tips and ideas are coming to the blog on Wednesday, so stay tuned!
