Monday, December 26, 2011

White & Black Classic Christmas

Thanks to my blogland buddies sending me suggestions (especially the ever talented Cherry Kay of Entertaining Ladies), my Christmas day table received great reviews from my beloved family (of course they are my family....).  I had a blast reading your comments about which tablescape would make the cut for Christmas day, and then shopping to find the last minute details.  I'm happy with the results. Thanks again for all your encouraging and inspiring comments.  Cherry Kay, you are a bossy, but exceptionally talented and generous lady!




Message below from Cherry Kay prompted me to search for black chargers and plaid ribbon. Southern California doesn't have the renowned Hobby Lobby, but we do have 99 Cent stores, where I found enough chargers (but had to visit 6 different stores...totally worth it!) Now I have twenty fabulous black charger to use in a plethora of ways in 2012.

 Oops! didn't realize I used different silver patterns on this setting.

Entertaining Women comment:

Now you need to know that I can be biit bossy. Mama used to say, "Nobody likes a bossy little girl." And I would reply, "But Mama, they'll like me.". That said, I think that you should definitely go with the white elements and those glorious hydrangeas. But how about amending it all with black charger plates and a touch of plaid ribbon in your centerpiece and as napkin rings. Black chargers can be found at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 each...if you have a Hobby Lobby. All white will be gorgeous, too with silver & crystal to add a touch if shine. I'm excited to see your final result. Merry Christmas! Cherry Kay 

I love bossy girls, and am one myself!

I love the classic simplicity of the black and white with accents of silver and candlelight.

 Fireplace in the dining room, bedecked with Christmas morning stockings.
Along the way, I sent Cherry Kay an update, and she wrote back with even more ideas!

Okay, I'm liking it a lot!  I like the silver/grey napkins, too. I think that it's going to be a very sophisticated design, and the plaid ribbon is going to add just the right mix of masculine and whimsy that's going to make the men feel really comfortable at the table. Such fun to see the process; I'm excited to see where you go from here. A thought: pull some of the greenery into the plaid ribbon "napkin ring." Will help keep the eye moving across the design...will be a good balance technique.

How smart is she?!
 The hallway mirror used for the centerpiece need wax cleaning from the dripping candles, but it didn't take long with a razor blade.

No amount of coaxing could get the one candle to stay upright (melting wax into the holder or melting the end of the candle), so I just gave up and went for a less-than-perfect look to make everyone feel more comfortable......Ok, I gave up, period.

The large stockings were embroidered for my two boys twenty years ago by their grandmother.  I purchased the boot stockings for their future wives one year when I saw them at Pier 1 and feel in love, but in comparison to the size of the others, they are unfairly inadequate, so I may have to purchase or make new ones for my wonderful daughter-in-laws.  The Reindeer, Santa, and Snowman stockings were 99 Cent store purchases for guests that are staying with us.  The old knit socks are ones my husband and I purchased for our first Christmas 33 years ago.  They have holes in the toes, but we don't look the same either, so they stay!
What a labor of love!

Luke 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Plates, Pope Gosser Rose Point, 1942, antiquing and eBay
Linens, 3 Irish Linen table cloths, antiquing and eBay
Silverplate, Community White Orchid 1953,  Morning Star 1948, and Wm. Rogers Avalon
Chargers, 99 Cent Store
Plaid ribbon, Michael's Crafts
Champagne bucket and Silver Candelabra, Goodwill
Mirror, Home Goods, years ago
Napkins, Bed, Bath and Beyond, years ago
 

26 comments:

  1. CJ, it is stunning, the flatware bundles, the silver, the candles, and the new chargers all make for a terribly elegant table. I am bossy too but a RN who is not cannot make it. Thanks bunches for visiting with me. hugs♥Olive

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love it~! black white and gray are my favs.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love a black and white theme! Our Christmas tree is done with black and white check ribbon and lots of MacKenzie Childs ornaments, many with Courtly Check details. Didn't carry the them to the dinner table this year, but we often do. I need to find some black chargers too. Are yours ceramic? Love seeing the needlepoint stockings. I've done many through the years, and yes, they are definitely a labor of love. Hope your boys treasure their stockings. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your table is gorgeous! Love your centerpiece and the black and white colors are so elegant!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Visiting from TTT. This is gorgeous! Where ever did you find the deer with antlers to hold the candles? The flowers you used are perfect. Love your silverware. The plaid is a great touch. Beautifully staged. Love it all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your table is stunning. I totally love everything. The silver and white with the black and plaid is exquisite. I love the enterpiece. Beautifully done. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is my first time visiting your blog and I have to say, your table is simply gorgeous! I never would have thought to use these colors, but I love how elegant it all looks. Wonderful job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ABsolutely amazing... GORGEOUS...

    Hope everyone had a blast on Christmas Eve.

    Happy TTT...& have a great NY to come

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi lovely lady, Your home looks Beautiful for the Holidays. And your China is Gorgeous sweet lady.
    I would like to thank you so much for your sweet comments on my Christmas tree. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year.
    XXOO Diane

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an amazing tablescape! I adore black and to use it with my silver and such just sounds so exciting. I can't wait to try this. I'm not waiting for next Christmas either. This will be great for winter.
    Thanks for your visit!
    Happy New Year!!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek
    P.S. I'm now following you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Winter white, AND plaid! Fabulous! Michael's has chargers too, .99 last week. Glad you were able to find what you needed!
    The table is just beautiful. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas, CJ!

    ReplyDelete
  12. CJ,
    This tablescape is stunning! Black, white and green is my favorite table hued combination! I adore the white hydrangea, the magnolia and the pine cones! The additon of silver makes this a festive arrangement, indeed! Thank you for your sweet comment and visit On Crooked Creek! Stop by again , soon!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your blog cause I'm a bossy girl too...what would ever get done without bossy girls to make it happy...love the table it is just beautiful...love the checks..I am a new follower of yours ...stop over for a visit

    ReplyDelete
  14. Okay, I'm blushing...and smiling. The tablescape is gorgeous, sophisticated, and elegant, and I love the plaid ribbon that you chose. Let's do a "Tables for Two" sometime...find some dishes or elements that we have in common and see what we each do with them in a tablescape...might be those black chargers. Rhett at The Gazebo House and I did that once. We had a blast! Sounds like you were all set up for a wonderful Christmas. Thanks for inviting us in for a peak. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stunning! You have given me some wonderful ideas to try out in the future! Love the black and white plaid! How unusual and beautiful! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gorgeous! Very sophisticated and festive table! Cherry Kay knows her stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I always love black, white, and silver. Your tablescape is so elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  18. OOh my eye caught sight of the orchid flatware right away.. I have some too. Isn't it just wonderful. Love your table. Cherry Kay has the best eye for detail ever! I love the addition of the plaid ribbon. Your table is very festive and beautiful.. Wishing you warmth, good cheer and many, many blessings in the new year.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I see that you picked the white and silver and it turned out really stunning and elegant. I have posted directions on making sushi once and here is the link http://christineshomeandtraveladventures.blogspot.com/2011/01/mississippi-japanese-dinner-version.html
    You can use crab and avocado for California rolls. Happy New Year!..Christine

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love this....(the white table was my choice in your survey!!). It looks beautiful and I STILL am in love with your white plates!!

    Have a wonderful New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Stunning...I ♥♥♥ your table with the black touches added.
    Happy New Year, CJ!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank You for visiting my blog!

    I just LOVE black and white together and I think you have done a fabulous job with your tablescape! I love those deer candleholders they are just fabulous!!

    Best Wishes to you and your family in the upcoming New Year!
    Aledia~

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a gorgeous table! I love your dishes and the centerpiece is great. What a great job with black and white, I love this combo; you did a fabulous job. Happy New Year 2012.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  24. Gorgeous table and your fireplace looks so cheerful and festive! I love that deer on your table! The whole centerpiece is fabulous!
    Hugs, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your table is beautiful! I do like the black chargers and the touch of plaid ribbon, with your white dishes. This is definitely a color combination that can be used all year long. Love it!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your encouraging messages! No anonymous messages. Thanks!~CJ