Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve Tablescape, 2013

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 I ♥♥♥ the hushed calm that comes over the world 
as night falls on Christmas Eve.

My daughter & her husband, 
along with their three children will
join us for dinner
after the children's Mass is over.


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This year, we don't have any other family members coming, 
so everyone will sit at the dining room table.  

Won't the Littlest Angel feel extra special, 
no longer relegated to the 
"children's table"?! 



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My table looks similar to last year but is still a little different.
Bright RED chargers set off my
Lenox "Holiday" patterned china...
don't you think they should have spelled that "HOLLYday"??

I'm mixing in some Lenox "Eternal" & "Winterberry" items 
just so it doesn't look so *matchy-matchy*  




Each place setting has a gold 
swirly-scrolled box 
with chocolate candy inside.  
(Frango Mints, made in Chicago)

My son in law was born there & 
did his undergraduate degree
at Northwestern University.  
They had the same mints on the tables 
at their wedding 19 years ago, this same week!

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I am ever so grateful to my little sister, 
for giving me our Mom's
 vintage ruby-red based crystal stems! 

I was able to find a few more pieces 
to add to the collection, 
so now I've got 
water, wine/champagne & sherberts to use.

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You can see a wee bit of the gold threads 
in the cutwork tablecloth beneath in the photos.  

I had to repair a teeny-tiny scorch mark
 that a spark made when I was blowing out a candle.  
I hand stitched a scroll motif
over the scorched area
with gold metallic thread &
 you can't even tell where it was.
Whew!! 

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When I originally set the table, 
I put out some Waterford stems 
to go along with the vintage crystal.

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Hubby walked by & said 
"What's up with all the glasses???" 

He talked me into moving them
to the bar area, to use
 for wine upon arrival,
but I'd already taken many of these photos.

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 The centerpiece French horn with white silk poinsettias 
will get supplemented with fresh white roses
later today, so they will stay looking nice
as long as possible.

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My favorite heavy lead crystal
Ralph Lauren candlesticks are 
surrounded with matching candle rings.

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 The side table is set with several Fitz & Floyd pieces, 
ready for coffee or tea and dessert.
I made the "Courthouse Steps"
tablerunner last year.


(Free Pattern is HERE


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Santa & his sleigh 
(two of them, actually) 
stand guard over the goodies!

I hope to be able to copy the white roses arrangement
 that I had professionally made for 
my tennis luncheon last year.  
Go here to see it: 
 White Rose Arrangements in Sleigh

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I bought myself an early Christmas gift of 
salad tongs to match my Lenox dishes.  
I will use them for many months, 
as the holly & heart shaped berries 
will work beautifully all winter in Ohio.
(You'll probably see them again on Valentines Day!)




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 Just a few more close-up shots so you can see the 
pretty etching on the bowls of the stemware.

Thanks Ruth E. for sending these to me!!!   
I just love them!

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 I considered using some bigger red goblets that I have & 
then decided against them, 
but I wanted to include this photo of one, 
because you can see the reflection of 
the great room's arched window on it.

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I don't know why I'm always so intrigued
 by surprise reflections, but I just am.


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 I'm intending to put the ice cream filled sherberts on these pretty Christmas plates, along with some cookies for dessert.  

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We'll be having Peppermint Stick ice cream,
 with its cute little red & green flecks of candy in it.

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I made TONS of cookies...Chocolate Crinkles, 
shortbread with Ghiradelli chocolate drops,
Christmas Tree spritz cookies & 
Toffee Snickerdoodles along with the 
standard cut-out sugar cookies.

Below is one of several cute containers 
I found to use as a gift container.
A bakers dozen of round cookies fits inside perfectly!

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Aren't they cute?
I wish I could give each one to each of you!
Thanks so much for visiting The Gazebo House today.
May you have a very
 Blessed Merry Christmas!!




I'm linking to Cuisine Kathleen's "Let's Dish" party,
Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for "Tablescape Thursday"
The Tablescaper for "Seasonal Sundays"
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for her party "Inspire Me"

30 comments:

  1. Rett, your table looks exquisite! It's a beautiful setting for Christmas Eve with your family. Won't those young ones feel special dining at this elegant table? Wish I had a bowl of your peppermint ice cream for a snack tonight. I usually treat myself to a container of peppermint ice cream at Christmas because that't the only time it is available. We are not hosting anything this holiday, so I haven't bought any. I'm afraid if I do, I'll eat the entire container. Don't think it comes in a small one either. '-)
    Merry Christmas to you and your family……….Sarah

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    1. Merry Christmas to you & your sweet hubby, too, Sarah! I can understand why you would need a "quiet" Christmas this year. I hope & pray you have an easier year in 2014!

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  2. Everything looks very pretty Rett! I love your fun nutcracker cookie tins and also love that you treated yourself to an early Christmas present! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas-enjoy:@)

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    1. I ALWAYS buy myself something early, that I really want, Lynn. I had an Aunt that did that with every shower & wedding gift she gave. She died young but she sure enjoyed the time she had on this earth. I can justify ANY purchase with the rationalization that it will go to Ms. C. someday, since she is my only granddaughter. LOL Lucky Kid!!

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  3. Your beautiful cut work & embroidered cloth is a lovely foundation for your HOLLYday table Rett! Your sew handy with your embroidery skills and needle and thread to cover the scorch mark. I would have had to strategically place a centerpiece or plate to cover the mark :) Your mother's ruby stem glasses are a beautiful addition to your table and what a treat to enjoy peppermint stick ice cream along with a chocolate crinkle cookie out of them. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. Mary, if I could have hidden that scorch mark, I probably would have but it was right out in the open & there was no way! I can see it but I doubt others would notice. I'll just keep the lights down low & light candles. Works miracles for wrinkles, too! LOL

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  4. Rett, this is so lovely... Every single detail is perfect. I love your china, crystal, and flatware. It is all so pretty. The centerpiece, too. And the linens and runner.

    The china you asked me about is a pattern called Holiday by Tiffany's. I collect the dessert plates as I have a simple gold and white china that I can mix with most anything. I love that pattern, and you can find it on the Tiffany's website as it is current. My friend Adelaide gave it to me for birthday and Christmas for years. Our friend Bobby was the first to give us a piece, and it was a bell. I love it because they get to spend holidays with us even though they are in Heaven.

    Merry Christmas, my friend, to you and yours!

    xo

    Sheila

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    1. Thank you for the information on your gorgeous china! It is BEAUTIFUL & how fortunate you are to have such thoughtful friends to gift it to you. ♫♫~~Lucky Dog-Lucky Dog~~♫♫

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  5. Your stemware is simply stunning! You have set a beautiful Christmas tablescape for you and your family to enjoy. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  6. Rett, this is gorgeous. How nice to have an intimate dinner with all around the table! It all sounds lovely. Your cookie carrier is fabulous!

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  7. This is just lovely, Rett! Amazing that you could repair that tablecloth! I love those ruby red glasses, what a treasure!
    The cookie tins are perfect, just the right size!
    I have to go back and look at your professionally done centerpiece. I am sure you can duplicate it!
    Many blessings to you and yours! Merry Christmas!
    Thanks for linking this beautiful table to Let's Dish!

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    1. As I recall, you told me back then that I could make those arrangements! LOL That was why I saved the picks, to try to duplicate them. Keep your fingers crossed! I don't have your floral arranging talents...or any of your other talents either, for that matter. I don't know HOW you do so many delightfully different tablescapes all year long. Love seeing them, especially this year's Irish Green Christmas!

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  8. Your table is stunning. I wish you and your family a very Blessed and Merry Christmas. Hugs, Marty

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  9. You set an elegant table Rett and I'm sure the food will delicious with good conversation all around. Sitting at the adult table is always a treat for little ones isn't it? Good think you are a crafter that could cover the scorch mark on the lovely tablecloth.
    Wishing you a Merry Christmas across the miles.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  10. Merry Christmas, Rett! Your table is so very beautiful - always an inspiration! My table is set for this evening, but I have taken a new idea or two from this post and am going to 'tweak' the table just a little. I wish you and your husband and family a joyous evening as you celebrate. It has been such a treat to visit your blog this past year! Thank you, too, for the support you've given me, just in knowing that you KNOW - and that life is still a perfect gift!

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  11. Your table is stunning, and I love that stemware!

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  12. Another beautiful tablescape, Rett! Only YOU can make a table look this pretty! Such a lucky family you have. Enjoy every minute together! Merry Christmas!

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  13. Your tablescapes are always special, Rett. You do a great job! I really love the vintage stemware - gorgeous! Merry Christmas!

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  14. Oh my goodness, everything is so beautiful. I really hope that some day I get to have a big family Christmas again so I can set a beautiful table. We will be having our meal tomorrow at a Disney resort and it will be wonderful...but, I miss having my whole family around the table. Have a wonderful holiday!

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  15. Rett, everything is just beautiful. I will look for hours at your setting, hoing I don't miss anything.
    Nonie

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  16. I always enjoy your posts!! Everything you do is just perfect....so gorgeous!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Angie! I hope you & RD had a nice Christmas & will have a happier & HEALTHIER New Year in 2014!!

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  17. Everything is so gorgeous, but I especially love the stemware and the Courthouse Steps runner. I imagine the "hushed calm" soon disappeared after the three children arrived.

    Merry Christmas.
    Lillian

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  18. Hello! I'm here via Michael Lee's Rattlebridge Farm! I love your blog! Gorgeous photos. You have many talents! (I loved your comment about chin hairs!! LOL)
    Merry Christmas!

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  19. What a treat for the eyes is this entire post! I love your runner, your gorgeous stemware and those lovely dessert dishes! But truly, everything is so lovely and there's so much to inspire! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

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  20. What a gorgeous table for celebrating with your family, Rett. Of course, I love your quilted table runner and also how you used your creativity to cover the scorched mark. My very favorite on the table are your Mom's stemware. What a treasure they are and such a sweet gift from your sister. I'm sure you had a blessed Christmas. xo
    p.s. We used to visit Friendly's very often when my kids were little. Now we eat Blue Bell ice cream here in Texas.

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  21. Your husband is a hoot about the number of glassware on the table! I don't think Ramon would even dare to open his mouth to question anything on one of my tables! Poor little thing would be quivering in a corner somewhere for fear of the backlash! :-)

    Your table turned out to be absolutely exquisite! It's gorgeous a million times over!!!

    You did a fantastic job of stitching the gold metallic thread into the burn boo-boo of the tablecloth. You've got super talent, lady!

    It's both romantic and a beautiful thing that you would think to include boxes of the same candy from your daughter and son-in-law's wedding so many years ago!!! That had to have really touched their hearts.

    Those are gorgeous gold & white dessert plates!!!!!!!!!!!

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  22. Everything is just wonderful! Yes, the littlest one will love being at the big table. I remember the one and only time I got to sit at the big table on Christmas Eve at my aunt's house! It was quite the honor.
    How wonderful to have your mother's red stemmed glassware and to be able to add to it and get more pieces - isn't the internet wonderful for that!
    Love, love, love Frango mints. What a wonderful present!
    The desserts plates are lovely too. Everything is just fabulous for a night to remember!

    The red swirly plates were the ones from Home Goods. The candy cane plates came from Wal Mart!
    Hope you had a fantastic Christmas!

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  23. Everything looks so beautiful! I love those etched glasses.

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  24. It's all so very beautiful! Your mother's crystal is gorgeous! Nice centerpiece. The tablecloth is so pretty, glad you were able to mend it!

    Happy New Year!

    Katherine

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~