Newsletter Subscription

Monday, December 27, 2010

TABLE FOR 35 PLEASE

Yes, I know that Christmas is over and that everyone is tired of seeing my Christmas décor.  HOWEVAH, as slowly as I’m moving toward taking down the Christmas décor, I may not be doing another tablescape for several months!  So, I’m sharing my Christmas Eve tablescapes today.  (Note: I did not put wine stems on the tables, because, on Christmas Eve, people who are drinking wine already have their stems before dinner and bring them to the table when we eat.)
tbl 4 10
place stg
TBL 4 8
TBL 4 5

tbl 4 4 again
chldr tbls
(Table for 10 – Fitz & Floyd,Country Plaid; Table for 8 – Nikko, Classic Collection; Table for 5 – Wedgwood, Winter Festival; Table for 4 – The Cellar, O Tannenbaom; Children’s Tables – Corelle, My First Christmas.  I have had all of these for a long time.  The Nikko set was a gift from my Mother years ago.  The other sets were purchased at going out of business sales and estate sales.)   This year, I tried something different.  I do have 2 dishwashers, which is one of my more brilliant decisions when remodeling the kitchen.  For Thanksgiving and Easter (when our large family also joins us), I don’t have to worry about getting them all washed and put up before another dinner the next day.  I have spent many Christmas Eve nights, coming home from church and loading dishwashers all night long, so that everything would look festive for the Christmas Day celebration.  This year, I gave our guests clear plastic plates to fill with food and place on top of the china plates on the tables (and yes, I did throw the plastic plates in the trash)!  It was not a very green thing to do, but it could be that running two dishwashers all night is not very green either.  It REALLY made my Christmas Eve much easier, so I think I’ve now had my second brilliant idea, and I believe it will, henceforth, be a Christmas Eve tradition (as long as I’m hosting 35 or more people for dinner)!
I’ll be linking this post to Marty’s Table Top Tuesday (A Stroll Thru Life) and to Susan’s Tablescape Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch.).
Table_Top_Tuesday[3][1]
New_size_125_tall[2][1]
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.  I think the 35 family members who joined us for Christmas Eve, and the 10 family members who joined us for Christmas day enjoyed celebrating the birth of Christ.  Thank you for visiting my blog, in spite of the fact that I am still sharing Christmas.  laurie

43 comments:

Kathleen said...

Wherevah you put me, I will be happy! Maybe not those low chairs, or I will need a crane to get me up. :)

Everyone one of them is just beautiful, so festive! I don't think I could do the big dinner thing for 35 anymore. As I said to my dil Christmas Day, after she served her clam chowder that was delicious, I am passing the ladle!
I also brought them boxes of serving bowls and platters etc. I don't have Cmas anymore, and I still have enough, so time to pass things on.
More space in the basement, which dh fears I will refill! :)
I am sure your guests had a wonderful time, you are the bestest hostess!

Tardevil said...

For me, you could share your Christmas pictures every day of the year, and it would be fine! LOL. It's all very pretty. Love those stockings on the kid's tables. Hope you and your family had a great Christmas!

ellen b. said...

What fun to have enough goodies to set all these different tables. Love it. Also hats off to you for being the hostess with the mostess! Blessings Laurie!

Tricia said...

Oh, my goodness, Laurie, you had FUN setting all those tables, I know! Now, washing all the dishes afterward might have been a bit tiring! But what fun your family and friends must have had at your gorgeous tables!

Unknown said...

I'd be thrilled to sit at any of them....even the children's table, lol. Gorgeous tables Laurie :)

Blessings!
Gail

vignette design said...

I loved seeing all your tables Laurie, even if it is after Christmas! I especially love the first photo of the tartan plaid (of course!) Those plates are on my wish list! I think they are Fitz and Floyd? Anyway, lovely tables.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!
~Delores

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Who's tired of looking at Christmas tablescapes and pretty sets of Christmas dishes? Not moi! Loved them all -- I'm especially fond of Christmas plates with trees on them!

Pamela said...

I am not tired of your Christmas beauty yet. You are amazing and if you cook for 35 you are approaching saint-dom!

Anonymous said...

I never tire of seeing your pretties, Laurie! What lovely tables you set for your family!! Everything is gorgeous. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Americana Lady said...

Wow you have been a busy lady! What a wonderful solution to large entertaining. I can't imagine having that many people. Your Christmas trees in your header are fabulous. I am so behind in my blogging this year. I will be returning to see all your Christmas posts . Happy New Year, Joan

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love those clear plastic dishes. I have used them for years when I would have large groups. Brillant! Your tables are each one lovely...and you deserve to rest a bit!!

Sarah said...

Laurie, each table is beautiful. I can't imagine serving 35. You must be exhausted! We only had 7.
Hope you are enjoying your holidays. Thanks for sharing the photos! ~ Sarah

Mellodee said...

For me, Christmas isn't over until the very last item of Christmas decor is down and put away....and that doesn't even begin until after January 6 (Epiphany). Christmas is just too big for one or two days. I love seeing your tablescapes and Christmas decor!

I haven't posted any of my decor because I had no time to do so before Christmas. I'm still hoping to do so over the next couple of days. If Christmas is already over for everyone else, don't expect much non-Christmas postings from me for a while yet!

Terry said...

Howdy Sweet Laurie
Oh please say it ain't so I'm not even done with viewing all your gorgeous Christmas arrangements !
I heart your beautiful arrangements more than a brief holiday season :)
Seriously thank you so much for inviting us into your lovely home .
I feel so loved and welcomed each time I visit .
God bless you for sharing your amazing talent with so many.

Hugs coming to you from me :)
until next time
Happy Trails

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Not tired of seeing your decor either! You do a great job of decorating and providing a sit down dinner space for so many at one time.
Have a great week!
Glenda

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas....miss being with you and the family this year.....Thanks for the great gifts will try to call you before the new year. Love ya, your sister Julie

Bill said...

Hi Laurie,

I very much enjoyed seeing all your gorgeous Christmas tables. I finally figured out (OK, learned from Linderhof Martha) not to offer guests pre-dinner wine in one glass and have another glass (usually of a different pattern) waiting on the table for the dinner wine. Much better the way you and Martha do it.

I also agree that tossing clear plastic plates and putting still-clean dishes back in cabinets is a logical approach. If I ever host 35 dinner guests at once, I'll have to remember that li'l trick!

Hope your new year is happy and blessed, Laurie!

Warmest regards,
Bill

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Laurie,
You could show your Christmas pics until the 4th of July and I'de be happy!
Everytime I see your beautiful Christmas tables and decor, I smile from ear to ear!
What a feast you must put on!
Love all the pretty and festive tables!
Hugs Friend,
Cindy

Sharing with Sherri said...

You are amazing Laurie! 35 guests for dinner? I'd faint... even if I had 3 dishwashers!!
I especially like the snowflake and tassels plates at the table for five... do you think maybe you could squeeze in one more guest??
I could help load dishes after dinner;)

Well, I do hope you get a well deserved rest after all your festivities!

Happy New Year!
Hugs, Sherri:)

Sue said...

Oh Laurie, you are the queen of entertaining! What a great idea to give your guests plastic plates. No hand washing of the china! I have always thought that having two dishwashers and two refrigerators is the best idea in a kitchen. My second fridge is in the garage, unfortunately, and the second dishwasher is ME! Next house.... a big old walk-in pantry instead of my two 8-footers, an extra freezer, and I will be a happy camper! Wishing you all good things in the upcoming new year, my friend! hugs, Sue

Sonny G said...

I love seeing all your photos so you just keep posting as many for as long as you want too.. Its an Eye Candy Feast and I love it..

Hugs
Sonny

Ginny said...

Oh Laurie, I love all your table settings, especially the plaid one! I never get tired of your creations. I only wished I had your energy. How do you do it??

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

May your New Year be filled with many Blessings and abundances of Joy for 2011. From my mountain to yours, Until next year
Hugs and Smiles Gl♥ria

Rosanne said...

What lovely tables!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wow, Laurie, all of your tables are just fabulous. 35 for dinner would send me into a tailspin. Using the clear plastic was such an ingenius idea. You are so smart, and the table still looks pretty. I hope you had the best Christmas ever. Thanks for being such a wonderful and loving friend this past year. Hugs, Marty

xinex said...

OMG, no wonder you have been AWOL, you have been busy cooking and feeding family and guests. What a wonderful thing to do and your table settings are all so gorgeous. I never tire looking at all your Christmas stuff....Christine

lvroftiques said...

Good glory Miss Laurie!! That is a SPREAD!! I don't think I could even fit 35 in my house! *winks* And just as I KNEW....Everything was gorgy!! Can I come next year pleeeaasseeee?? I'll even help out! ( I could was dishes...*winks*) What a perfect setting for a perfectly memorable old fashioned Christmas! Vanna

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It's a beautiful table. Are you really taking down already. I won't even start until around the 13th!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Laurie, you have some of the most beautiful Christmas china and it looks like you needed it all this year! Wow! 35 folks is huge! You are truly blessed! I loved getting a peek at all your Christmas settings...love the plaid especially!
Happy New Year!
Susan

squawmama said...

As always Laurie just stunning... I have been gone from the blogging world for a while & I am trying very hard to get back on the bloggin track... I have missed my blogland friends! Have a Very Happy New Year!!!
{{{HUGS}}}
Donna

Unknown said...

MAN! I said it before and I'll say it again... NO ONE! No ONE throws a dinner party like you! :) Your tables always look so pretty! :)

Merry Christmas!

~Liz

Marlis said...

Oh love that plaid.. your tables are amazing. Happy New Year to you and yours, may the new year bring lots of blessings!

Jacqueline said...

Such fun fun tables and I say, whatever works especially when it gets to big crowds! I too put in two dishwashers when I remodeled. I would have loved 2 washers and 2 dryers when the family was younger too! That was a brilliant move, but you are right, it still takes time to load and unload. Fun way to deal with the crowd!

Lori Lucas said...

Each and every single table was absolutely beautiful. Your guests are truly lucky to have such a wonderful host. Your clear dinner plate idea is brilliant! Thanks for all the eye candy. Lori L

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Christmas 24/7/365 would be fine with me--and you've got the decorations and know-how to pull it off more than any other blogger I know.

Enjoyed seeing the pictures.

Happy New Year!

Sharon Haynie said...

I know how you feel! I only had 20 for Thanksgiving and it is alot of work-but well worth it! You've created a wonderful memory for your family and friends. Happy New Year!!!

Anonymous said...

Love your tables, Laurie, as always!

Happy New Year!

Donnie said...

I love all the ways you changed out the dishes and settings. Just lovely. Happy New Year.

Tess said...

My goodness...I'm exhausted THINKING about having 35 people and yet your tables are so beautiful. And you do this two days in a row????

Have a happy and healthy New Year...hope it isn't months before you do more tables!!

Tess

joyh82 said...

Your table looks beautiful, I love your christmas tree plates and your centerpieces. Have a Very Happy New Year!

Entertaining Women said...

All the tablescapes are delightful! I particularly liked the table with the mixture of plaids...it was so well conceived! Thank you for sharing your charming designs...35 guests...wow...Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

The Tablescaper said...

To have 35 for a sit down dinner is a MAJOR accomplishment, let alone to have 35 sitting at such beautiful tablescapes. Just amazing. Loving that plaid set and the large silver square chargers! You wouldn't miss them if they found their way to my house, would you?

Happy New Year!

- The Tablescaper

Anonymous said...

Hey, I am checking this blog using the phone and this appears to be kind of odd. Thought you'd wish to know. This is a great write-up nevertheless, did not mess that up.

- David