Longing for Simple

If you are like me, you have spent the last 4 or 5 weeks preparing for the holidays...the menu planning, the shopping, the decorating, the Christmas cards.  Yes, some of it is fun.  But is also overwhelming and sometimes exhausting.  Maybe I was just tired when I set my table for Christmas Eve dinner.  Even my son Anders said...

..."It's kind of plain".  But just maybe that's exactly what we need right now...for things to be simple.  So here it is...my simple little holiday table.  Every once in a while I pull out these fun Santa plates.

I bought them years ago at Kohl's.  I think I found them charming, each one just a bit different....nothing fancy.  Everything on this table has been used in previous settings.

Like these lacy paper placemats,

and bright red napkins, covered with snowballs.  While I usually think of these as "summertime" glassware, on this table they remind me of ice.

I've chosen one single chunky red candle...

I think I'll let this darling snowman family be the stars of the show...

So kiddies...find your spot at the table.

It's a simple dinner...roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut and creamed spinach (because they won't let me make anything else)!  

Wishing you a happy, healthy, peaceful, simple Christmas.  Please join me at...

Centerpiece Wednesday (The Style Sisters)

Tabletop Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch)

Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)

Home Sweet Home Friday  (The Charm of Home)

Potpourri Friday (2805)

Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)

Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)

Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)

Take another look from a year ago,  Inspired.

Green and White and Red All Over

What's green and white and red all over??  Why, the perfect Christmas tablescape, of course.  I'm just a teensy bit behind in my holiday preparations, but looking at this fun and festive table makes me smile. Somehow, everything will get done in time...I just need to relax and not take things too seriously.  Like this setting...nothing serious about it!

I started off with a simple table cloth made of Marimekko fabric (always available at the Crate & Barrel for a ridiculously fabulous price).  With its giant burgundy, green and white dots on a bright red background, this cloth is just plain fun.  Time to stack...

I chose my white lacy paper placemats (also from the Crate) and

some shiny red chargers with my favorite plain white plates and

some playful red and white polka dot napkins (Pottery Barn) and

another little white plate and

finally my flatware, neatly tucked into a little red stocking trimmed with green baubles.  Beverages will be sipped from these festive glasses...

...a big chunky red water goblet and a deep green wine glass.  In lieu of a floral centerpiece, I opted for some playful holiday decorations.  From my rather vast collection of snowmen, I chose these handmade glass snow people...

...my very favorites,

This guy in his party hat...

...and this snow girl with her headband and scarf...

and Mrs. Claus!

I think they look rather happy standing next to this little burlap tree.  Excuse me, but I think I just might grab one of those wine glasses, pour something tasty, and ponder my to-do list.  Hope I inspired you to get in the holiday spirit.  Looking for more ideas?  I'm sure you'll find them at these parties...

Centerpiece Wednesday (The Style Sisters)

Tabletop Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch)

Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)

Home Sweet Home Friday  (The Charm of Home)

Potpourri Friday (2805)

Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)

Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)

Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)

Take another look from a year ago, Green and Gold and Red All Over.