Five Different Holiday Tablescapes using One Place Setting

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut doing the same thing, over and over again.Perhaps it’s easier because it doesn’t require any thought or creative energy, but it is also fun to step back and look at things with a new set of eyes. Recently, I purchased this red and white place setting at Ballard Designs on sale (truly, I think it was 75% off). Not only can this be a Christmas place setting but the red and white is perfect for Valentines Day, July 4th, and others. Today I am playing with different tablecloths, glasses, and napkins to see how one place setting can look different with just a few adjustments with items you already own.

The Dishes

Here is the dinner plate. Isn’t it pretty? Reminds me a bit of a Scandinavian look. Unfortunately, this pattern is currently completely sold out online at Ballard Designs.

The salad plate is more holiday themed with a wintry scene in shades of red, white, pink and mauve.

Together, this place setting is perfect for Christmas and the winter holidays.

The Tablecloth/Placemat

I have several (maybe too many) tablecloths but you can see some selections that would go nicely with this place setting. Since there is lots of red detail on the edge of the platter, I think you could get away with a bright white or off white tablecloth. But I am also excited to see how the pinks will work too.

Tablescape #1~Turning up the Pinks

You may recall seeing this pink tablecloth from Just Darviny in a previous post about an ice cream social. Hand blocked Indian print on cotton, this sweet shade of pale pink is the backdrop for the first table setting. If you are looking for an affordable and pretty table cloth, check her out.

The pinks in the salad plate are echoed in the tablecloth and the pink wine glasses (originally from Pier One but you can find similar here). It is surprising how much use I get out of this etched pink stemware. Blush pink linen napkins from Pottery Barn pull it all together. You can find ones here.

There are so many pretty place cards to choose from, but here is something similar from Caspari if you like the cut-out popping out of the top of the card.

Tablescape #2

This gorgeous embroidered tablecloth is from Miss Eva, our children’s piano teacher. From Slovakia, Miss Eva has the most exquisite European taste and standards. I feel so honored to be a recipient of this lovely laced-edge linen work of art.

The red thread work is perfect with this place setting. When I have the chance to acquire vintage or antique linens, I jump at it. There is nothing made today that equals the quality and texture of these fine old linens.

What I love about this flatware from Wallace is that you can dress it up or down. From everyday use to a more formal setting, the gold touches and the bee motif make it feel a bit special. We use it frequently and it washes well too. You can find it here on Amazon and I believe it may also be sold at Costco.

The red edged 100% cotton white napkin is from Williams Sonoma and are no longer available. You can find a similar one (which I think is actually cute and affordable) here.

Etched crystal wine glasses add to the old world feel. Credit for the purchase of these wine glasses goes to my friend, Louise. During a delicious dinner at her home, I fell in love with her wine glasses. Fortunately she shared the manufacturer (Rogaska Gallia) and I was able to find them on eBay. These glasses have a nice substantial weight. So if you are looking for a very nice cut crystal glass with some heft, you can still find them on eBay here.

Tablescape #3

Originally I was thinking that this toile tablecloth, with its shades of mauve and pink, would be perfect with this place setting. But once I put the dishes on it, I was clearly disappointed. This did nothing for me.

What do you think? I really didn’t go further with decorating the table as this was my least favorite option. But I did learn something. Did you know that toile is the French word for “canvas”?

Tablescape #4

If you have a pretty table, sometimes a nice placemat is the way to go. These scalloped white embroidered placemats are from Martha Stewart (no longer available), but you can find several online.

This time, I use a plain white napkin that is embroidered with “Blessed”. After my sister, Susie read the post about my pathetic attempt to stencil napkins, she created these very special napkins for me. She sews beautifully and I no longer have to learn how to stencil fabric.

I do love the simplicity of this table as the focal point is the cheerful dishes.

Tablescape #5

What’s Christmas without a red tablecloth? This red damask one is a deep red, not the fuchsia the photo shows.

With the red background, the place setting really pops.

A vintage embroidered napkin is tucked under the plate. Since the table is on the small side, I did not use any chargers.

By changing out the stemware, napkins and tablecloths/placemats you can create a different look for your table. For each photo, I used the same centerpiece which is an artificial wreath with a pillar candle inside.

So do you have a favorite? I am just now thinking of what to serve for Christmas dinner and the table theme. I believe I will use these dishes as they are so holiday-ish.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday. I am still scratching my head over the fact that it’s December and where did the year go?