Merry Christmas from out family to yours. Although the last two Christmases have looked a little different, we hope that you have spent them with those you love creating memories together. Two Christmases ago we began a new tradition of taking pictures of our Christmas table setting and sharing it on Facebook. This year we are continuing the tradition, but are sharing it on our blog instead.
When I was fourteen, I spent my first and only Christmas away from my parents and brother. I accompanied a friend and her family to Disney World, and we had a magical time. When I came home it was to a new house we had only recently moved into and to a new gold Christmas Tree covered in a variety of beautiful ornaments. It was the first year we put up our “Bronze” Christmas tree. A few years later mom was inspired by some peacock feathers we had and decided she wanted decorations in that colour scheme. We now have decorations for three different themes, traditional with all my childhood decorations, the “Bronze” tree, and the “Peacock” tree. Well, this year we put up our bronze tree and wanted our table setting to compliment it.
With our Bronze Christmas tree in mind, we came across some beautiful Christmas crackers with a Partridge in a Pear Tree theme we had not yet used. In pale greens, gold, with a deep burgundy accent we thought they were the perfect inspiration. Initially we envisioned creating an elegant and delicate table setting with a pale green tablecloth. When a friend of my mothers heard we were using a green table cloth she lent my mother a small, green, feathered wreath that could work as a centerpiece. When we paired it with the pale tablecloth, we realized the feathered wreath was too bold for our pale setting. We loved the idea of using the wreath so much we decided to change gears!
In the center of the wreath, we placed a round gold vase we have used before as it was the perfect size and height. We knew that we wanted flowers but the colour scheme we chose made us a little nervous that we may not be able to create an arrangement that would work. Mom came to the rescue when she found a fake flower floral arrangement while thrifting that had all the right colours. We got to work taking it apart and rearranging it to suit our needs, and it turned our gorgeous if I do say so myself.
Next, we looked at the plates we have and decided to go with a cream and gold set we also used last Christmas. To differentiate them from our previous table setting we used brushed gold chargers which also added contrast and prevented the plates from disappearing on the elaborate tablecloth. Bronze silk table napkins, and amber vintage salt and pepper shakers added an extra pop of colour. Our last decision was what to use for our glassware. As the table setting was elegant but like I mentioned, not delicate, we thought the cut glass crystal wine and water glasses we decided upon could hold their own. We couldn’t be more pleased with the result.
Before we started sharing pictures of our table settings, I would share pictures of the Christmas gingerbread cookies that I decorate each year. It too has become a bit of a tradition; one I knew I had to include in this year’s table setting post. Although I decorated this year’s gingerbread cookies they were not completed without a lot of collaboration between my mother and I. Like most things, we prefer to do them together.
When I started brainstorming on the designs, I knew I wanted to compliment the table setting and the theme, so I turned to the Christmas Crackers for inspiration. I looked at the simple shapes of the leaves, berries, pears, and partridges and thought that I could replicate the design in cookies.
Cookie puzzles are all the rage so my initial thought was to create a circular puzzle using elements from the design, but it seemed a daunting task as it would be my first. Mom, in all her wisdom suggested that instead of creating a puzzle I could create a circular plater using the gingerbread and place the cookies upon it. It was a brilliant solution and gave me an excuse to try out a crackle effect on the gingerbread that I have seen done but have never tried. It worked and added some texture to the piece. The leaves also gave me a reason to try out yet another effect. I wanted more texture in the leaves so after flooding the icing I placed crinkled wax paper over it, once dried I pulled it off and it recreated the texture of leaves. The last thing we had to figure out was what to place the gingerbread cookies on as I didn’t want to place it directly onto the tablecloth. Once more, mom came to the rescue and recommended this giant brass tray that framed the cookies perfectly.
When I sit down to write these posts, I can reflect on how lucky I am to get the opportunity to collaborate with my mother and create memories of the two of us working together. Although I have fond memories of Christmas gifts under the tree and celebrating with extended family, I think it will be the memories the four of us have of spending time together that I will remember most. Merry Christmas!