Create a Magical Christmas Tablescape

Christmas magic abounds in this fun and simple tablescape with Santa and his reindeer prancing across the table.

Now, Dasher!  Now, Dancer!  Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet!  On, Cupid!  On, Donder and Blitzen!

~Clement C. Moore

This Christmas tablescape came together in my mind as soon as I spread out this cheer-y, gingham table runner trimmed with bright, Christmas-red, embroidery thread. After that, it was simply a matter of fetching this storybook sleigh, “gathering” our red and green plaid dishes, and scattering fluffy, snow-flocked tree candles about the table. Lighting the long, gold tapers that match the golden chains of the reindeer’s harness adds the last bit of enchantment to this sugar-plum scene.

DECORATING TIP: Choose dishes, decorations, and other “accoutrement” that will coordinate with the table runner, table cloth, or placemats you are using.

For just a bit more fun and whimsy, I placed these special Christmas figurines that Richard surprised me with years ago and placed them to the left of the centerpiece. They became an integral part of the whole scene and “Mamma in her ‘kerchief” and Pa “in his cap” and their kids have come to investigate what caused all the “clatter.” 

DECORATING TIP: Envision the story you want your tablescape “to tell” when you select the dishes, candles, and other decorations for your table. Don’t be inhibited by only using dishes! In this tablescape I used figurines, chocolate tree ornaments, and mixed 3 different sets of dishes and candles to create “the story” on my tabletop.

Sissy follows cautiously behind Mamma and Pa with Baby close behind her, sweetly clutching onto her hand for assurance. Only Junior seems unperturbed as he munches on a Christmas cookie he nabbed from the kitchen table as he followed his family!

Chocolate candy ornaments from Germany with golden threads for tying onto the Christmas tree are piled into a depression glass candy dish with cut, scalloped edges.

DECPRATOR TIP: Think of what “mood” you want your table to convey. I wanted my tablescape to be all about Christmas enchantment for my grandchildren, and my gingham runner with its bright, Christmas trim “set the stage” for choosing my fun Christmas figurines and my fanciful sleigh with eight, tiny reindeer! Also, use colors to unite your tablescape. Notice all the reds, greens, whites, and blues on my tabletop. All the colors don’t match exactly, but they “pull” the whole tablescape together.

Plaid dinner plates and Jeanette Poinsettia depression glass dessert plates look festive all ready for Christmas brunch and gatherings.

I love to see dishes waiting for anticipated Christmas guests…and dishes, out of the way and stacked high on a plate stand are convenient for serving a crowd.

"And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight."

A Visit from Saint Nicholas by ~Clement Clarke Moore

From my cottage to yours ~ Trenda

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