Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Holiday Table for Eight! Minus Four?

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your visits and, to so many of my favorite blogging friends, for the thoughtful comments you left for me last week.

As promised, here's a look at the table I set for a holiday dinner party. I used Lenox Holiday salad plates. The dinner plates are Lenox Hayworth. The glass chargers are a Goodwill find.

I starched and ironed the hemstitched linen napkins and added a simple, silvery napkin ring.


Gorham La Scala flatware.



The fireplace adds cozy warmth.






An overview showing the mantel decorated with greenery and clear lights. I lit the candles, but only for a moment. I need to make some changes now....





The "tablescape" table is set for 8, but there will only be 4 for dinner.





The first order of business is pouring out the faux (colored water) wine, rinsing, and drying the glasses. They're Fostoria Holly (1942-80), one of my favorite stemware patterns. The stylized laurel band is a combination of etching and cutting and, while I use them throughout the year, the holly motif seems particularly appropriate for the holiday season.





Simple quilted placemats allow the wood of the tabletop to remain visible, while adding softness and cushioning (and quieting movements of) the plates and silverware. I replaced the napkins with green restaurant-style ones in a "wash and wear" cotton blend.





As I mentioned in the last post, the centerpiece consists of a pine cone wreath, magnolia cuttings, and a thrifted glass candleholder.





A closer view of the plates, charger, and placemat.





Afternoon sun illuminates the quick-and-easy centerpiece ...





Almost time for guests to arrive ... salad's chilled and ready ...





Holly champagne/tall sherbets make attractive stemmed tealight holders. I filled the glasses first with rock salt to protect them from heat and provide the look of wintry crystals. I removed the candles from their metal cups for a cleaner look. After dinner, I lifted out the melted candles, leaving most of the salt ready to be used again.






I hope you enjoyed your visit. Here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!!






Please visit Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays. She and her talented guests always provide warm hospitality and great creative inspiration!



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49 comments:

  1. MarilynDecember 28, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    I wish I had magnolia leaves to use during the holidays! Your table looks welcoming for your company. And I need to remember the rock salt as I think it looks better than epsom salt! Must be the sparkle. Happy New Year.♥♫

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  2. MysticaDecember 28, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    This was a truly inspiring post. Thank you.

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  3. UnknownDecember 28, 2011 at 2:45 AM

    You have another stunning table o your hands! Brilliant colours and arrangement! :) I adore the two bar chairs I spotted on one of the pics by the way, very tasteful indeed! :D

    Hugs,

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  4. Sonny GDecember 28, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    Bill,
    stunning and serene isnt easy to accomplish but you have surely done it.

    I know your guests were happy to sit at such a beautiful table..

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  5. TriciaDecember 28, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    Beautiful table, Bill -- both versions! I really like the tip about rock salt in sherbets to protect them from the heat of tealights. I don't use my sherbets enough, but I love them!

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  6. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeDecember 28, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Bill your table is stunning as usual. I always love seeing how you transform your setting each time. Fabulous and so creative. I hope you and all of your loved ones have a very Safe, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

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  7. MarthaDecember 28, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    A pretty and elegant table as always and I like both versions -- the big and the small!!!

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  8. PamDecember 28, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    Once again, you did a fabulous job on your tablescape! I would love to be a guest at your dinner table. :-) Much love, peace and prosperity in 2012!

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  9. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 28, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Bill this is beautiful and so warm and inviting. Love the tealights in the rock salt! Hope you had a wonderful dinner. Happy New Year! hugs, Linda

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  10. MarigeneDecember 28, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Beautiful table, Bill! I love the pine cone/magnolia combination for the centerpiece...a little Yankee, a little Dixie.
    Happy, Healthy New Year to you and yours.

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  11. Mary AnnDecember 28, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Lovely Bill, as always.

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  12. AnonymousDecember 28, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Simple elegance... just beautiful, Bill!
    Looking forward to your 2012 posts... even if you scale back a bit, don't stop completely.
    All my best in the New Year.

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  13. SusanDecember 28, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Glad you're back. Hope you'll post more often in 2012 :-)

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  14. deb millsDecember 28, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    merry christmas, bill. i read this and your last post and am horrified at even the passing thought of you stopping your blog. i am adjusting to the trauma of losing one of my favorite bloggers...yvonne at stonegable, and would hate to lose another favorite. please don't quit. even if your posts become infrequent i'll take what i can get, lol. i truly look forward to the moments of beauty you treat us to. thanks for sharing your talent and creativity with us. happy new year, too.

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  15. MarlisDecember 28, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    OOoh. so delighted! I love that you used just the lenox salads.. the table looks splendid. The wreath with the magnolia is a great way to give interest and be a centerpiece. Love the rock salt in the stems too. I take it you don't like to iron? Either napkin looks fabulous.. The hearth behind the table makes it all so warm and welcoming! A stunning table as always. May 2012 be filled with warmth, comfort and goodness for you and yours.. xo marlis

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  16. Pinky at Designs by PinkyDecember 28, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Just beautiful, once again. You NEVER disappoint, Bill. I posted our Christmas table, please stop over if you get a chance. Hope you had a WONDERFUL holiday and Happy New Year!!!! XO, Pinky

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  17. SarahDecember 28, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Bill, this is gorgeous as usual. I like the magnolia leaves in the pinecone wreath. I'm going to remember that! I use magnolia leaves on our mantel for the season and tuck in a few red pomegranates and varied wooden pears that I've collected through the years. It's pretty simple. ;-)
    I love the crisp, clean look of this table. Very elegant!
    Happy New Year! ~ Sarah

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  18. GloriaDecember 28, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Looks great and I wish I were there! I DO, however, wished I could see the whole meal! Don't you know that I like to see FOOD? And all you did was tempt us with your salad. Hmmph!
    Have a great New Year, Bill! ;)
    Best,
    Gloria

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  19. JacquelineDecember 28, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Bill, everything looks just perfect! I love it in front of the fireplace. The Lenox china is the Christmas classic. It hasn't lost its charm over all the years. Hope you have a wonderful New Year.

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  20. A Perfect SettingDecember 28, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Hi Bill, your holiday table is elegant and beautiful. The fireplace adds warmth and coziness! I always look forward to seeing your centerpieces, and you never disappoint! Glad to see you back. Happy New Year!

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  21. SoutherncookDecember 28, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Simply elegant, what a gift you have for setting the most amazing tables. I always enjoy visiting your blog and come away with so much inspiration. Thank you for sharing all your gorgeous tables and I do hope you have a safe and very Happy New Year celebration.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  22. On Crooked CreekDecember 28, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Bill,
    Stunning tablescape! I prefer the table as you set it for 8! Although my own tablescapes are very casual...I grew up with the more formal dining experiences! The rock salt in the stemware is gorgeous! Visiting from TT!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  23. Miss MerryDecember 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Bill, your holiday table is as lovely as always. Your tables are so graceful, yet inviting. I think we would all love to be your guest. I hope you had a wonderful dinner - the salad looks delicious.

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  24. MariaDecember 28, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Magnolia leaves contribute so beautifully to your centerpieces. Love them! What a beautiful table! Happy New Year!

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  25. TessDecember 28, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Happy New Year Bill...

    So happy to see another gorgeous tablescape(s). Those Lenox Holiday plates are just about my favorite!!

    Thank you! Looking forward to your beautiful tables in 2012!

    Tess

    T.

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  26. EileenDecember 28, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Beautiful tablescape! And I learned something new ~ I didn't know about the rock salt protecting the glass. Very interesting. And very pretty.
    And your salad looks wonderful! Post the recipe please when you have a chance.
    We still make and enjoy 'Bill's Mojitos' all the time, so thank you for posting that one!
    Really pretty post!
    Wow! You have a lot of great pieces! Enjoy!
    All the best,
    Eileen

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  27. AnonymousDecember 28, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Stunning as always, Bill. Wishing you a very Happy New Year, my friend.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  28. UnknownDecember 28, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Happy New Year! Beautiful New Year!

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  29. Phyllis @Around the HouseDecember 28, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Well the decor is just beautiful Bill...your table is so pretty...I know how much dish washing and ironing and freshening it takes to do a great tablescape...I always appreciate your full on effort and it always comes out beautiful...Happy New Year...come for a visit...Phyllis

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  30. FABBY'S LIVINGDecember 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Gorgeous table dear Bill, I'm so glad you posted today, I've missed you! I love, love your centerpiece and all your dishes and chargers, with such great harmony as all you do. Your stems are beautiful and so is your salad bowl and the salad looks yummy. Thank you for the rock salt tip, at first sight I didn't know what you put inside them...nice. Have a wonderful 2012, filled with good health, prosperity and happiness and can't wait to see your tablescapes in the new year, as you're my main source of inspiration, so thank you for sharing!
    Love,
    FABBY

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  31. Sweet DesignsDecember 29, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Your tablesetting are always lovely, being a guest at your home would be such fun!

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  32. xinexDecember 29, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Happy New Year, Bill! Your Christmas table is very elegant and beautiful and as usual, I don't really expect anything less from you. You are the master of elegant tablescapes....Christine

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  33. lady jickyDecember 30, 2011 at 2:45 AM

    A very elegant table!!

    Happy New Year to you.

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  34. Alycia NicholsDecember 30, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    The rock salt is a great idea!!! I'm not sure if that's what is used for making ice cream or melting snow, but it's a great idea!!! Beautiful find on the chargers! I recenly visited 4 thrift shops in a row and found nothing, but I'm not giving up. I think that around the time for spring cleaning will bring a lot of luck!!! Gorgeous as always! Have a safe and Happy New Year's Eve celebration, Bill!

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  35. http://jackieinsurrey.blogspot.co.uk/December 30, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    Hi Bill, sorry I am late commenting, we have been for a short break to Belgium, Holland and Germany. What a lovely welcome home( when we got the internet connection back) to see a lovely Christmas table.Fairly simple but I can imagine the conversation of the guests enjoying the lovely meal, the salad looks very tempting and I don't usually eat healthy food!!!The fireplace makes it look very British Countryside!!

    Very much wishes for 2012 and plenty more of your tablescapes and posts. Maybe a book published on "Bill at Affordable Accoutrements" for the coffee table??

    Happy New Year from your British pal, Jackie.x

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  36. Johanna GehrleinJanuary 2, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Hi Bill,
    I wish you a glorious new year, full of luck, love and inspirations and many many beautiful tablescapes.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  37. podsoJanuary 2, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Bill --do not stop blogging! Even if you do so less, everything you post is a thing of exquisite beauty and so refreshing to gaze upon!

    Happy New Year!

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  38. The Fajdich TimesJanuary 2, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Beautiful table Bill.....Happy New Year:)

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  39. thefairhome11January 3, 2012 at 10:11 PM

    Beautiful!Amazing!Glamorous dinner set. It is seems to be a royal party. I liked these beautiful silvery napkin ring. Visit us at http://www.thefairhome.com to get such beautiful and eye catching napkin rings.

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  40. ChandyJanuary 5, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Bill! I can't help but drool over your tables! I love your sense of style!!! I want to blog more this year so I can learn from you more! Happy New Year!

    Chandy

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  41. nannykimJanuary 6, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    It has been ages since I have stopped by your blog! Always such beautiful photos!

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  42. Lissa (The Wedding Bistro at Bellenza)January 9, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    Seeing your lovely holiday table "late" made me all nostalgic for Christmas again! The sherbet glasses as tea light holders are so charming!

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  43. classicmsJanuary 9, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Bill, I guess I have been a silent follower. I do not have a blog and have only discovered BNOTP for about a year, which introduced me to your wonderful posts. I missed your tables during your "break" and will look forward to any that you share in 2012. Your collection of china, crystal, silver, and serving pieces is beyond compare. While your settings are always so beautiful and balanced, I am equally impressed with the quality of your photographs. Your artistic eye is apparent in all aspects of your posts. I so enjoy the wonderful stories behind your "finds" and wish that I could be along on some of your travels. In my area I have yet to find any such wonderful finds in Goodwill or other sources. It seems that everyone is very aware of the value of the pieces and the prices reflect that. So, it is wonderful to enjoy your bargains from afar. I wish you the very best for 2012 and selfishly hope that you will find the creative drive to continue with your blog. MM

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  44. TardevilJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Pretty table! I love that Holiday by Lenox pattern. I wish I had bought some of it, but I have so many different Christmas patterns that I feel guilty adding another. I spent New Year's Eve shopping in an outlet mall that had a Lenox outlet store, and it was torture...too hard to decide. Your stems are beautiful too, as are the centerpiece and mantel. Tonight is the first time I've noticed that bar. What a perfect space you have for entertaining. Have a wonderful New Year, and I hope you had a Merry Christmas, too. I did see your comment on my blog, and thanks for that, even though I can't seem to get back into it yet.

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  45. DeannaJanuary 18, 2012 at 10:50 AM

    Howdy Bill. Think all the details you have attended to paid off. Always so lovely dining at Bill's. Hope you had a terrific Holiday and are off to a blessed new year.
    God bless,
    d

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  46. Maria@BubblegumandDuctTapeFebruary 1, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    I'm pretending that we're neighbors I'm coming over to join you and all your guests for dinner....just pretending. Love the tea lights and the whole feel of the room, warm and cozy. I also fell in love with the chargers, they are perfect for the dishes. The salad looks delicious, did you make it?

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  47. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    Uh, Bill... looking for some Valentine's inspiration. Care to share?
    Hope all is well with you...

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  48. Mr PaulMarch 13, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    This is so pretty, very cleverly put together.

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  49. EileenMay 20, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    Don't know if you check your comments anymore ~ but just wanted you to know our family & friends still enjoy your recipe for the best Mojito EVER! I'm enjoying one right this very minute, and always say a prayer of thanks when making them. God Bless!

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