Birthday Party

 My birthday falls in December - and I love it!  What better time of year to be in a mood to celebrate with candles, glittery silver, velvet ribbons and sparkling dishes?  So when asked, "What do you want to do for your birthday?" I quickly responded, "Invite the kids for dinner. I'll decorate, you cook!" 

 My favorite J & G Meinkin Romantic England Ironstone dishes.  The salad plate features three grazing dears in front of Kent 13th Century Penhurst Place, thus transforming this set into a lovely Christmas setting.

This year I found the oversized deer at my favorite store, Home Goods.  I like the modern paired with the vintage.

 I found these water goblets online through Amazon.com, Royal Danube hand and mouth blown glass ($24 for four).  I bought all they had available so I can set a table for 16 on Christmas day.

The snowglobe below, I've had for years, purchased at Home Goods, featuring two deers grazing in the freshly fallen snow.  A winter fantasy! The globe winds up to play "Silver Bells."

 My favorite silver, Community Morning Star.  I first found a set at the local Goodwill, then I've added to it thanks to eBay.

 New from Home Goods, placecard holders Boston Warehouse Reindeer Run (set of four $7.99)

Pearl napkin rings with silver bell ornaments.

 Sideboard Reindeer and Santas and Candles Restoration Hardware 2009.

Built-in cabinet for storing way too many collections of vintage hammered aluminum, Pope Gosser Rose Point china, oversized Martini glasses, silver nativity scene and yet another Santa. Why can't I resist buying them? 

So I've set the table, put up the decorations and I'm looking forward to our grown-up sons, their wives/fiancee and granddaughter coming to visit. Can't wait!