And a Hummel New Year!

Depending on where you live and what/how you celebrate, I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, St. Lucia's, and Yuletide! And now it's time for New Year's Eve Dinner!

We're in the solarium again, and the table is set on a beautiful, sunny (but COLD) afternoon.

I'm still in Christmas mode, so I selected a warm shade of gold for the tablecloth. It has a woven holly & poinsettia design, and it's the perfect size for the table ... or is it? I bought two of them a couple of years ago at an antique mall. They were new in the package and on sale. I put one on the table today, and it barely covered the length! Then I remembered that the table always has the expansion leaf in now. I took both tablecloths, folded under the ends that face the center of the table, and covered the "seam" with an ivory-colored runner from Dollar Tree.

The centerpiece is recycled from last week's holiday dinner. I replaced the evergreens with dried roses, ornamental grass plumes, and dried hydrangeas from the garden. I placed the ivory and gold holly-patterned oval ceramic container (99 cents at Goodwill) on a decorative mirror ($5 at an estate sale).

The tall crystal/silverplate salt and pepper shakers are "Diamond Fire" by Mikasa, a new in-the-box-bargain from a local thrift store.

The napkins were purchased at Belk on clearance (70% off). I folded them into the shape of roses and placed crystal tealight holders in the center. If you don't know how to do this particular decorative fold, you can see a video tutorial HERE. It's really easy and works well with a small wrapped gift in the center ... or an ornament, a painted pumpkin, a flower, a roll, a cupcake ... whatever you choose will look great!

Did you happen to notice that there are tiny people on the table? I hadn't expected that, had you? I'd like to be able to say that they're the staff of Affordable Accoutrements, and they're the ones who set tables for me week after week. But ... I guess none of you would believe that ...

Would you?

Now that the leaves have fallen and days are shorter, the golden light of afternoon seems to come earlier and earlier ...

The flatware is "Garland" by 1847 Rogers Brothers (1965-73). This service for 12 was purchased on eBay from a listing by a California pawn shop. It was in the original silver chest and appeared never to have been used (not a single scratch on it).

The Hummel figurines belong to David. They were his mother's, sent to her through the years by a sister who lived in Germany. I must admit that I'd never really looked at them before. They sit in their lighted case (rarely lit) in the sitting room.

The table seemed unfinished. I looked around for something small and decorative to add ... and there they were. I impulsively grabbed a few of them, scattered them around the table, and decided I liked the effect.

Why have I been ignoring them? They're really rather charming, aren't they? You can read about Hummels HERE.

This young fellow (and his little dog too!) ... enjoying a nice afternoon stroll ...

The china is "Trudy" by Noritake (1971-86). A young bride and I chose it a very long time ago. I'm hanging on to it in case our little granddaughter wants it someday. The background is ivory, but it looks white in the photographs.

The iced tea and water glasses are "Puritan" by Fostoria (1957-71). I'm using what was intended as a tea glass for water and the tall water glass for wine. I've added an inexpensive champagne flute to each setting.

Looking down the table (and this the pre-champagne view!) ...

I like the twisted, sparkly stems of the flutes. I see these at thrift stores frequently, usually priced from 49 to 99 cents each. I enjoy mixing newer thrift store glassware with vintage pieces. It helps keep things from getting too serious, lets us be more creative in our table settings, and allows our guests to feel more relaxed.

Placing sugar bowls and creamers on both ends of the table is a nice courtesy for guests. It helps miminize interruption of (fascinating ... one hopes) conversations.

The champagne bucket is waiting in the "pass through," ready for the ice and chilled bubbly!

The center of the table ...

A closer view of the flatware pattern ...

I hope you don't mind seeing these brown flowers once again!

We didn't want the wedding guests to spend a lot of money on us (crazy kids!), and Noritake was a lower cost alternative to a similar Lenox pattern. I think the quality of Noritake china is excellent, however. In this shot, you can see how transluscent the cup is.

The light is changing ...

Looking out across the deck into the garden ...

It's my favorite time of day, with the dramatic light casting long shadows ...

The little postman seems to be looking up at something special ...

The votive/tea light holders are readily available at thrift stores. I think I've seen them at every Goodwill store I've ever visited. I assume they have some lead content; they're heavy and clear, with a lot of sparkle.

He seems to want to tell us something ...

The little band leader may be my favorite. Why have I never looked at these before?

The little girl (and her bird) singing for their supper ...

The butter spreader is a different silver pattern, King Cedric (1933). It's OK to mix silver patterns on the table. Older guides said to mix serving pieces, but NOT to mix within a place setting. I ignore the latter guideline ... frequently.

Another look at the glassware. Puritan is such a clean-lined pattern that I think it can work beautifully in almost any table setting situation.

The imaginative detail of these little figurines is really rather amazing. When a boxful of them came into his life, my friend, Julio of Beaux Mondes Designs, was even less intrigued with Hummels than I have been (until I played with them today). Read about his funny/awful learning experience HERE!

With the candles lit, she seems to be warming her hands by the fire ...

And warming her feet ... and her bird ...

This one must be playing "Koom Bah Yah!"

The view from above ...

Ready for the guests to arrive.

When they're seated, guests can blow out their candles and make a wish. It could take the form of a New Year's resolution ... or just a dream ... a hope for a loved one ... or for a better world.

Good night and Happy New Year to you all!!!

It's almost time for another Tablescape Thursday with our gracious hostess, Susan of Between Naps on the Porch! Make sure to visit Susan and all her talented tablescaping participants! Again, Happy New Year! Thank you for stopping by!