Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Cardinals and Gifts From Friends, Tablescape Thursday


This week came around very quickly! I read something today where someone said that when she was a child, it seemed such a long time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, she feels as if she is just finishing off the turkey soup as she is putting the first Christmas cookies in the oven. Why is that? Even when my children were small it did seem as if we had more time between the two holidays. I think the fact the stores start putting out Christmas things long before Halloween is probably a factor.

Our hostess for Tablescape Thursday is Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch. Click on her blog and follow the links to get some wonderful ideas for your holiday and winter tables.



This week I'm going to start with my salad plates. Aren't they beautiful? They are perfect for all winter long...not just for Christmas. They were a birthday gift from 3 very special friends who realize that I have become obsessed with setting my table. They also got me some fun Halloween plates, but you will have to wait a few months to see those.

I started this table setting with an antique quilt that belonged to my grandmother. I love to use it at Christmas. They just don't make new quilts the way the old ones were made.


The place settings start with a round mat from Kmart. They are actually vinyl, which I don't usually like, but I didn't want to use anything that might fade off red on the quilt. I also thought that these almost look like a charger. The dinner plates are my white Wal-Mart dishes, the crystal is antique, the flatware is the gold I've had for years. I added red napkins with a few berries wrapped around in place of napkin rings.

In the center of the table is an antique cut glass compote with a few green ornaments nested into some red and green trim (also from my girlfriends). The mercury glass ball is from Crate and Barrel. I added a few sparkly branches in green, with a little bird that came with my dishes. Those girls know what I need to set a table don't they?






I love antique cut glass. I was very lucky many years ago to come across a man who was selling his wife's lifelong collection. She had passed away and he only wanted to sell the pieces to people who would treasure it. I bought several pieces. It is well loved.






Of course we have to have a picture after dark. Everything looks better by candlelight. Thank you for visiting me!




22 comments:

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Love those beautiful plates! I'm a cut glass lover too -- but I've got so much now I'm running out of room for it. Everything is lovely -- what a gorgeous quilt.

koralee said...

I love love your plates....so beautiful. You do have the magic touch my friend.

dee dee said...

Sue,
That quilt is so pretty! I love the sweet plates that you received at gifts, (Can't wait to see your Halloween plates) Each piece fills the table so well and completely. What a gift you have... Dee Dee

black eyed susans kitchen said...

The quilt as a tablecloth is wonderful and gorgeous! The dishes are fun and I am just loving this table.
Susan

Martha said...

A lovely table -- I always think a quilt is a wonderful table cover. Love the plates!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

This is really gorgeous Sue! I am so in love with red, quilts and cardinals! You have it all here and it is the perfect table for Christmas! Cindy

ellen b said...

Oh so fabulous! I love the cardinals and that great quilt you used on the table.

xinex said...

Those are indeed very beautiful salad plates. I just love cardinals because of their bright red color. Everything is so nicely put together. Gorgeous quilt!...Christine

Maria said...

Sue, this is so nicely done! I just love little birdies... so your salad plates would be a favorite around here!
love the glow of the candles around the greenery~
Blessings Always * Maria

Phyllis @Around the House said...

I love those bird plates, tooo cute with the actual red bird there too, very clever and I love the whole look of the table....

JUST ME said...

You need to go on Martha Stewart.

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Love those birdie plates!

DD

a quiet life said...

love your dishes~

Andi's English Attic said...

Using a quilt as a table cover is a brilliant idea. It looks so cosy and festive. xx

Gypsy Heart said...

I LOVE the quilt! You are so right in that the older quilts seem to be much better in quality. The table is beautiful and I adore the cut glass. Thanks for sharing!

Marigene said...

I love your table! Perfect quilt for a Christmas setting...it is stunning. I love the little cardinal plates...they are my favorite bird.

Mari @ Once Upon a Plate said...

Hi Sue!

What a beautiful, cheery and welcoming table.

I really love that quilt and the way you've combined it with your lovely accessories. Nice job!

Carol at Serendipity said...

Love the antique quilt. It really sets the tone and the cut glass is beautiful. Very nice job.

Carol

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, what a CUTE table! Love the bird plates and the quilt! Just the whole thing is a great look.

XO,

Sheila

nannykim/spindlecottage said...

I love that quilt and the cardinal dishes--such a cheerful fun tablescape!

nannykim said...

Oh!! and I did think those mats were chargers---a cool and less costly idea!!! I might just have to check it out!

Anonymous said...

Hey, Suzy. Wow, your friends have GREAT taste--but not just in dishes. We have great taste in friends too! Your blog just keeps getting better and better!