Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tablescape Tuesday

CLICK PICTURES TO MAKE LARGER!

This marks my first Tablescape Tuesday, and although I wanted to enter with a *BANG* I'm sorry that this will sorta just, *pop*. First, let me express my sincere and appreciated gratitude to those ladies and gentlemen of blogland who put time and effort into these Tablescape Tuesday posts. I now know, it isn't easy!

With last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping, and of course, that one gift I thought I'd make for a special friend - suffice to say I didn't have nearly the time I'd like to have to present a tablescape to my dear friends and readers. But, because I said I would: I did. I hope you enjoy!

Scott has collected the Pfaltzgraff Heritage Pattern for about 20 years, and we have more pieces than I can even begin to count. Since last year, Scott and I have been picking up the Christmas patterns as we see it: at garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores, and markets. So far, we have 2 - yes, count 'em two dinner plates, and 4 coffee cups and saucers.

The plates have quite possibly the most beautiful Christmas tree on them I've ever seen. A wash of greens, reds, and golds - they're festive, but sophisticated.

Notice the green band around the lip of the plate and cup, and the mini tree printed in the cup, not on the bottom as you'd expect, but on the side.

Nutcrackers make great cookie-guards, "No cookies til' AFTER dinner, sir!" The green glass ornaments rest on gold napkin rings, and the gold mini-ornaments stack nicely inside candle votives. Even though this is a much more casual setting than I'd hoped to bring to you all on my first Tablescape Tuesday - I think the Nutcrackers enjoyed coming out of their boxes.

Now, for my good internet sleuths and flea market browsers, please keep me and this pattern in your mind during your next few visits to your favorite bargain basements. I'd love to add to the collection, and eventually be able to serve more than just Scott on these great little plates!
Oh, the tree! Again? How did that sneak in there? Truth is, I had decided that I would buy myself a little something for Christmas: a tripod for my camera. I've found that in my home, the best pictures are taken with the flash off. This requires the camera to be very still however, and I had run out of flat surfaces to rest a camera on for every angle I'd hoped to catch. So, look forward to better pictures of things to come!
But, of course - I wasn't completely selfish. Over the past few days we have gotten about 24" of snow here in Western New York, and that made me fond of summer, and beaches, sand and palm trees. So, because it's Tablescape Tuesday, so close to Christmas, and drearily cold outside, I have a gift for one lucky reader:

A set of (4) Four, BRAND NEW Brass Tropical Paradise Palm Tree Napkin Rings for your next Tablescape Tuesday! (Above picture courtesy of LNT.com)

To be entered for the drawing, simply leave a comment on the blog today. I'll draw the winner first thing tomorrow morning - and have these off to you in time to use next Tuesday!

55 comments:

  1. Well, I think you made a grand entrance to Tablescape Tuesday. I love your centerpiece. You have such a keen eye, and everything you touch is elegant. And the china is gorgeous. I will definitely look for it--I'm always thrilled to corrupt people and to entice them to add to their china collections. Bravo, dear Artie--I so love this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Artie,

    I think you did a marvelous job!
    Elegant and so polished. Love your Nutcracker man! He looks like he has teeth. LOL! Too cute...

    Hope you a have a wonderful and blessed Holiday. ~Melissa :)

    PS Have I ever told you how lovely your blog song choice is. ~So pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good evening, Artieness! Well, sir, your first Tablescape Tuesday didn't pop! It really did go BOOOOOM! Your table is just beautiful and the dishes are very nice! I love your nutcrackers too. Now, you must drop my little name into the hat for your drawing. After all, I do live on an island and these little lovelies would be perfect for me.
    Oh, my heavens! Snow!! I would love to get to see that! Please come by my post tomorrow as I will be showing my new flooring, carpets and granite. I would really love to have your opinion. You're the youngest and most wise one!!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I believe your tablescape was more than a pop. I love when cups have design inside them. Your table is beautiful and I love the nutcrackers. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well I think your table is absolutely gorgeous!!!! And I love your tree. You've done such a nice job. I'll be on the lookout for your dishes:) Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones♥

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your tablescape is just lovely! Love it. :-) - SherylCanadianGirl

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful, Artie! I love everything about this - the nutcrackers standing guard, the simple beauty of the pine, and the china is elegant yet sweet. I love the Christmas tree inside the cup - it's a little secret revealed the more you drink out of it! Your table and chairs are the perfect canvas, and your tree, the most wonderful bling!

    I want to play Tablescape Tuesday!
    xo Isa

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Artie, I love your tablescape! The nutcrackers are perfect guarding those cookies. How funny! Your tree is beautiful and so elegant too. Everything you do is outstanding! Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is beautiful! I love how the nutcrackers seem to be guarding the cookies! I love the greens around the centerpiece, It really looks pretty! Deb

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Artie, well you gave me my first laugh of the morning over that huge stash of dishes y'all have collected over 20 years..hehe!I don't know how you could have made a prettier tablescape than this if you'd had oodles more time...this is beautiful. I especially like the pine bows mixed in the setting...and your tree is Fabulous!! ;-) Bo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great job, Artie, and the tree is incredible! But while everyone was paying attention to the dishes, I easily bribed the nutcrackers with walnuts and I got those good looking homemade cookies. Delicious!

    G in CT

    ReplyDelete
  12. I cant find enough words to say how beautiful the table looks! I love, love the nutcrackers guarding the sweets!!

    I love your blog and enjoy every morning checking on you and your wonderful decorating ideas.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great job! I think you've entered with a bang! My first table scape was last week and it's been a ton of fun trying new things;) Hope you'll do it again;) French

    ReplyDelete
  14. Well, Art...I am just beside myself with this beautiful table setting. Oh, and it IS, indeed, BEAUTIFUL. Way to go for an ole San Angelo fella!! You've come a long way, baby!! :o)
    I have to say that I've never been a big fan of the nutcrackers but after seeing your centerpiece, I am going to buy 2 of them today...use my cake plate and cover for some delicious Christmas cookies, get some greenery and MY Christmas Eve table is going to look just pretty darn close to YOUR table....Thanks so much for the inspiration...you are so good at what you do and of course, I will watch out for your C. dishes...I haunt thrift stores so if we have any here, I'll find 'em....
    I hope you and Scott have a blessed and wonderful Christmas...
    love, bj

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very pretty Artie...BRAVO!! to you job well done..I love the nutcrackers standing gurard..I will be on the look out for you on peices to add..hope you have a safe and Blssed Christmas...hugs and smiles Gloria

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ooooh lovely tablescape. Simple and perfect! Love the nutcr...err..cookie guard!

    And palm tree napkin rings? I'm in like Flynn!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi There! As I've told others, I think I am "tablescape challenged." Nothing I try ever looks as luxurious and perfect as the tablescapes I see in blogland (like yours today.) I'm going to make an attempt next week .... really put my soul into it! The tripod is a stroke of brilliance ...and really makes a difference. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think this is a wonderful setting! It is beautiful, and I love the pine boughs and the nutcrackers with it! It's wonderful! And your tree is lovely, too! Loved it all!

    XO,

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good Morning Artie... I think your first tablescape was magnificent... and the glow from the candles in your centerpiece was so welcoming... I love the Pfaltzgraff Heritage Pattern. I have a few pieces of that pattern & the entire Pfaltzgraff Yorktown Pattern... Like Scott I have collected all the pieces of that pattern...

    So here is my plea for the napkin rings... I live in FLORIDA and I am a Parrothead... need I say more... LOL LOL Put I in the drawing PLEASE...

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your tablescape is a bang imho. It looks so pretty, and I love nutcrackers. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  21. Artie,

    Absolutely beautiful tablescape! I love those tropical-theme napkin rings too! They would be great for a fabulous and fun dinner party...very whimsical! Have a joyous Christmas :-)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think your casual table is just beautiful, Artie. I love the little ornaments in the votive holders, and your nutcrackers are adorable!

    Justine :o )

    ReplyDelete
  23. Artie, the table is beautiful. I love that pattern. You will enjoy hunting for more pieces. The Nutcrackers are a fabulous centerpiece. Great first Tablescape Tuesday post!

    You will love the tripod. Wonderful photography tool. I've also set the camera on books, for shooting when using the tripod might be awkward. That's how I shot the Christmas Story cloche. I placed the camera on books, on the counter, across from the island.

    Wishing you and Scott all the best, this Holiday Season!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love your table and your tree! Simply gorgeous! Alot of attention to details, which I love! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think your table setting is very lovely and elegant. I have used my nutcracker before too. They make such a whimsical statement!

    Love it!

    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your table is great..don't apologize for it!

    I've seen that pattern while thrifting I think. It's very nice & the hunt for me will be fun! ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Greetings Artie :)

    i do want to say i believe it is simply grand that you did not let the limited "number" of plates you had, stop you from using them in your tablescape! (what fun you two must have scouring the shops for pieces to add to your collection!) by using the two, i feel that sets the tone immediately for the wonderful interplay that follows.

    i also like how you capitalized on the muted evergreen color of the china banding...in varying hues/shades of green. the ornaments, the evergreens, the napkins, the candles and the nutcracker, all distinctively different elements...have been unified with such "gentle persuasion"...honestly, one feels as though these pieces have always belonged to one another!

    congrats to on your recent "early" gift...i hope the tripod is a gift which can stand on its own merit (lol)...

    thanks for your visit to see me Artie, always love hearing what you have to say :)

    Merry Christmas to you & Scott :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very beautiful! Welcome to Tablescape Tuesday! It was ambitious of you to put your first one up so close to Christmas! You pulled it off beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Simple yet very elegant! It's lovely Artie!

    Buffie :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. The nutcrackers are really guarding the Christmas dishes, aren't they? lol
    A beautiful setting Artie, Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Welcome to Tablescape Tuesday (TT for short!)! You did a great job! I love the casual elegant feel and the nutcrackers are perfect!
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Beautiful job on your first tablescape tuesday!!!

    Have a Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great job! I love the pine and nutcrackers along with the dishes--it all 'works' and is so homey, cozy, yet elegant! Wonderful!!
    Christmas Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Nice Artie, like the nutcrackers with ornaments by them. And aren't Christmas dishes fun!
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  35. Ohh..... Artie, I feel so bad, I gave all of my Pfaltzgraff Heritage dishes to my daughter, including the Holiday pattern. I know they aren't the Christmas dishes she would have liked, but I can't take them back now. I do have some odd pieces, that I'd be glad to send to you, 4 hot pads,8 coasters and a serving bowl and I think I may have the sugar bowl, bottom only, but I'll look for it. I do have a set of cannisters, only 1 lid,
    (not the Christmas pattern), if you want them, their yours.
    Thanks for the visit to my blog and the comments about my gift.

    Wishing you and Scott a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

    (((((((((((HUGS))))))))
    'D'

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ohhh, forgot, GREAT TABLE SETTING!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I just love your litle nutcrackers standing sentry on your table. You did a GREAT job!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Artie...this is quite grand! Your dining room feels so warm and cozy. I love your Christmas china...I'll keep my eye out when I'm on eBay. Your flatware is wonderful...feels just perfect with a holiday setting. Centerpiece is perfect with the nutcrackers and pine boughs. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful table! Susan
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love the intimate feel your table give me ...the use of the fresh pine it great! It is beautiful...Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Artie, your table looks fabulous. I especially love the nutcracker nestled with the pine boughs surrounding the table. Yet another reminder I still "don't" have mine out. Guess that's on the list of things to do for next year huh? Your tree is incredible.
    From our home to yours,
    Happy Holidays,
    hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love your table artie and nothing would make me happier than to find some of those beautitful plates for you and scott. I will be on the look out! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas! vicky

    ReplyDelete
  42. I think your first entry is marvelous. It has a very Gentleman of the manor feel! Nice work...and I too miss summer. All this horrible snow is making me yearn for sunshine and warmth!

    ReplyDelete
  43. A wonderful entrance into Tablescape Tuesday!! I will keep an eye open for the Christmas tree dishes. Merry Christmas. Sally

    ReplyDelete
  44. Well, there are a few things I would like to say...First, I tried to visit your blog last week, I believe, and must have entered the wrong address! I just love this tablescape. The dinnerware is lovely for the holiday season, but the centerpiece brings the table together...love that centerpiece. Also, being a Southern girl, I love that tree with the magnolias! I have added your blog to my favorites--just love it!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your first Tablescape Tuesday was just lovely! I have yet to post one, but really enjoy looking at them all.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Welcome and Merry Christmas!

    Love your tablescape! I love that the tree is on the inside of the cup like that. The nutcrackers are great and very brave for their task at hand!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hey Artie! Your first Tablescape Tuesday is marvelous! I love those Christmas dishes. I adore the little Christmas tree in the teacup at just the right spot to be a little surprise. Hope you are having a Happy Holiday season! I posted some holiday decor a few posts back and I was hoping you'd pop by and take a peek. ~ Robyn

    ReplyDelete
  48. Artie, I adore your tablescape. To me it's perfect. It's not overdone. And the accent pieces are very well proportioned. I love the touches of live greenery and candlelight. Very classy!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I adore the dishes...I have a very similar pattern. It's a small 4 piece setting that I purchased many years ago, for my then, young family. They carry such wonderful memories for us.
    The palms...remind me of my So.Cal days in Palm Springs.

    Sweet Christmas Wishes,
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the way you used natural boughs of evergreen for your tablescape. (This year I used pinecones for my kitchen center-piece which I dipped in gold paint.) The dishes are indeed sophisicated and I shall keep you and them in mind during my flea market/garage sale travels.

    (GOOD LUCK to those who entered your Napkin Ring draw. They are really unique.)

    ReplyDelete
  51. P.S: Re the dishes, I saved one of your photos in MY pictures
    so I shan't forget what they look like.

    ReplyDelete
  52. very nice! thanks for sharing the season~

    ReplyDelete
  53. Well done! Every thing is soothing yet festive! That is hard to do!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Beautiful tablescape Artie! BRAVO!! for your first effort! I seriously think they have some of these plates at my local Goodwill. They only had three so I didn't pick them up cause what am I gonna do with only three? I'll grab them for you if they're still there *fingers crossed* I still haven't been able to come up with anything tablescape worthy! Vanna

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh good GRIEF!!!! I am sure I am too late for this but I would so dearly LOVE these napkin rings as I have a whole "palm tree" theme in my kitchen.... Now, you have done a wonderful job on your first tablescape Tues.!!! Love your dishes...and I. too have been RUINED:):) by Gollum and others who have made me a FOOOL for dishes..... my DH thinks I have lost my mind!LOL! Happy New Year, Artie. Good luck with the weight loss................I am trying too........AAAUUUGGGHHH!!!!!!!! Pinky

    ReplyDelete