Newsletter Subscription

Monday, December 1, 2008

RETRO CHRISTMAS DESSERT PARTY

It's Tuesday again, so we all know what that means -- Time for another Tablescape Tuesday hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.


If you think my table looks like I'm in the midst of Christmas decorating, you're right. I AM still decorating, but my centerpiece for this retro dessert party does look like I'm still taking the ornaments out of boxes, but I really meant for it to look that way! I know, the boxes are for storing the ornaments, but I like the vintage looking boxes. Now, if I could just leave all of my Christmas storage boxes out, my decor would be finished a lot sooner.


I'm using my Santa reindeer plates--
Dasher and Dancer...



Prancer and Vixen...




Comet and Cupid...




Donner and Blitzen.






Under the retro tree are vintage ornaments still in their boxes.


I know, it's sad when you can't even throw away the boxes!



Some vintage ornaments on my retro tree:







Would you like to try a cookie?



Oops! Let me go refill the coffee pot.







I'm sure that Susan will show other beautiful tablescapes that will not have old boxes on their tables. Be sure to go to Between Naps on the Porch and check out all of the pretty tablescapes done by people who get rid of their boxes (or at least put them back into storage after they take the ornaments out)! Thanks for stopping by. If you come back another day, maybe I'll have all of my ornament boxes put up (but probably not these!) laurie

P.S. So many people have commented that they want to collect vintage ornaments, but that the prices are too high. I thought I would let you know about the ones I have. Some of them were on my tree when I was growing up. Some were purchased on the last day of an estate sale ($1.00 for a bag with 3 or 4 ornaments). Several came from garage sales (5 or 10 cents each). There are some people out there who think that vintage ornaments aren't worth much, so look in places other than antique stores, and I think you'll find some reasonable prices.

64 comments:

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Love those dishes and ornaments. And yes, I will take a cookie! Thanks! :-)
gollum

Tardevil said...

Oh, I love that tree!!! I was just eyeing some vintage ornaments over the weekend, but they were more expensive than I was willing to pay. I keep hoping to get a good deal somewhere. Love them! And Comet was my favorite plate. Are they Pottery Barn reindeer plates? They look very familiar.

Tootsie said...

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!!
all of it! I love it -including the boxes!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Yes, Miss Laurie...I will have some coffee and one of those yummy cookies! I love your ideas...unique just like you! And law, honey...you need not think that cheese is NOT fattening or that my hips are small...no indeed! But thank you just the same...Debbie

Glenda said...

Modern day clear plastic egg cartons that your eggs come in, make convenient storage for smaller ornaments and other items that might be lost or damaged from year to year, such as the little wire hangers, extra bulbs, etc.
They are no way as interesting however, as your old original cartons. I still have some ornaments and their cartons from my first tree when I married in 1965. I tend to hang onto things also.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Now Laurie you know I am loving this tree and wow the ornaments girl you got some good ones there..love the china..just wonderful..hugs and smiles Gloria

Bo said...

Hi Laurie...Those boxes are wonderful as part of the arrangement...I only wish I had saved some vintage ornaments from days gone by... ;-) Bo

Anonymous said...

Laurie, love everything the dishes the tree, it was all wonderful! Hope you have a great holiday season. vickydarnell

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of the boxes, it fits, I wouldnt change a thing... I am intrigued about these dessert parties, you are the third person who's blog I have read that has had one. Can you let us know what desserts you served?? Thanks Sue, mammawags62, rms

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Love that...every time I see a tablescape post, I WANT to do one, but it never happens. One of these days. Thanks for the inspiration.

Kristen said...

Thanks for the cookie..I had 2
My mom has these plates and they are so fun!!!
Beautiful table

squawmama said...

Good Morning Laurie.... I loved your table and the boxes added that vintage charm to the whole thing... Just beautiful... And thanks so much for the cookies on those adorable plates... LOVE them. Have a great day!

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Stacey said...

Your vintage ornaments are really pretty. I love the boxes too. Why not decorate with the boxes? Great idea!!

LillyB said...

Wow! Everything is beautiful. I love those plates too!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I love your reindeer plates..and those retro ornaments are screaming my name.. Yes.. I will take a cookie and wait for you to refill the coffee pot..
hugs ~lynne~

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

You are so creative!! I LOVE the old boxes on the table..it provokes such a nostaligic feeling! I wouldn't dare change a thing! just truly unique! and I was singing along with your reindeer plates! "dasher & dancer..." And I was eyeing the beautiful large hutch/bookcase (glorious display space!!) in the background...gonna need a close up on that baby! ;) Have a great day! ~ Laurie

Designs on 47th Street said...

Darling dishes! Love retro anything. I love all your "stuff"!
BTW, I have a hard time throwing boxes out too!

Kathleen Ellis said...

Laurie...the boxes are great! What a clever idea...love it!
Thank you for the cookies and coffee...yummie!
The dishes are very cute...fun!

Cathy Miller said...

Beautiful! I've been searching all summer for vintage ornaments, but haven't really found any yet (in my price range anyway) that "speak" to me...but if I do, I'd like to copy your idea for a display! Thanks so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

WELL DONE LAURIE,VERY DIFFERENT.I'LL TAKE A CUP AND A COOKIE TO GO PLEASE...ANN

Melissa Miller said...

What a super idea to put a tiny retro tree as a centerpiece. It's gorgeous! Love all the vintage touches. I really do remember those ornaments.

Kristens Creations said...

Mmmmm.... Those cookies are delicious and so are your decorations!! Beautiful! Kristen

A Hint of Home said...

When does the party begin? The decorations and the plates are very pretty.
The boxes are a bonus under the tree.

JudyBug said...

What a neat idea to leave the boxes under the tree. I love vintage and it ties it all in. Love it!

Bridget said...

LOVE the tree! Cute setting and cookies too!!! You're the best!

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that tree! How cool, and pretty it is! And the vintage ornaments are fabulous! The reindeer plates are too cute! Great tablescape! ~Rhonda :)

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT! The tree is fantastic and I love the vintage boxes. I will be right over for some coffee and cookies!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I totally understand. My table is clear, but you couldn't get to it if you wanted to. I have boxes everywhere and unlike yours...it ain't pretty!

Anonymous said...

Eve, I love the boxes..they are part of the vintage look that we love so much. I have had great luck at finding old ornaments for my DIL's at our annual Catholic bazaar every August. I have paid a dollar a bag..
but, of course, I want the box too.
I am getting ready to start making 200 butter meltaway cookies for my PEO program on Thursday on Christmas treats..wish you could drive on over to Conway. I have found the cutest small boxes at Hobby Lobby for packaging about 6 of them for giveaways. I love the tree you did.
SA, (Susie)

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! I love your vintage tree, ornaments and the boxes!! They are fabulous...

Neabear said...

I agree with everyone about the boxes. They just add to the charm because of their vintage style. So lovely. I will take a cookie and coffee with cream and sugar please. Thanks for visiting me too!

Anonymous said...

This is so beautiful, and especially those wonderful boxes. Laurie, I just can't wait to see what you show us next. Wow, always so many great surprises. I love your vintage ornaments, I've got a few too, from my Mom and now some of my own from when we were first married.. oops I guess I am vintage too. Love, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Oh. I love the old boxes. They have such nice graphics on them. I would leave them out too. They are part of your collection of Christmas decorations.
Loved your story. Sounded like a dream come true story. Blessings Deanie

nikkicrumpet said...

What a pretty setting....I love the vintage tree..and those adorable dessert plates. I bet parties are fun at your house....No gimme a cookie!

Lady Katherine said...

I need those dishes! When my girls were young they would peak at the presents. So to this day each family member gets a reindeer name. I am the only one who knows! Love the silver tree, I have one in attic that old owners left in house. Love your table!

playsdolls said...

Very nice,love the retro theme,i really like the retro ornaments you do not see ornaments like those much they are great.

Pug1 said...

Your decorations are wonderful!!!! Luv the vintage ornaments! Yes, plz, I'd like a cookie!!!!!! CHEERS! Michele

Kat said...

Love your tree and the vintage ornaments. I think its great that you still have the boxes! I've been eyeing some vintage ornaments also, but they were all pretty pricey. (Does that seem to be theme in these comments lol) And thank you, I would love a cookie! Kathy

Anonymous said...

Love your tree and ornaments, reminds me of the silver tinsel tree we had when I was a kid. My Dad used to put this reflector light on it and the whole tree would change color, from red to green to yellow to blue. Thanks for the memories. Enjoy your blog very much.
Deb

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

You are always so clever. Love to come here and see what you're doing next. Marty

squawmama said...

Come on over I have an award and meme for you to do.... ;-D

(((HUGS)))
Donna

One Shabby Old House said...

Now there is a memory for alot of us girls who actually had trees like that growning up. I loved it and I loved what you did under it with the boxes and ornaments. Very pretty.
Becky

Salmagundi said...

I would keep those neat boxes out, too. I love vintage ornaments - they bring back so many memories! Those reindeer plates are a hoot! Sally

Suzie Button said...

I love your Christmas dishes, and the vintage ornaments are just wonderful! And, yes, I'd like some cookies and coffee too! Suzie

Carrie said...

I very much enjoyed seeing your tablescape...the tree with vintage ornaments and the boxes underneath like gift packages...I find it quite appealing, beacuse I am a collector too who saves original boxes.
You're right...vintage ornaments can be found reasonably priced in thrift shops,at yard sales and at estate sales.

Anonymous said...

Laurie, I loved the tree and the vintage boxes are such a unique idea, just so you! The plates are cute, too! Thanks for the cookie! Love Ya! Connie

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

Great advice Laurie on shopping for vintage ornaments. Your boxes are as pretty as any ornament I've ever seen! :-) The reindeer plates are sooooo cute! I ate three cookies...sorry couldn't help myself! :-} Susan

Gypsy aka Tam said...

Those plates are so much fun. I thought it was great that you still have the boxes for your ornaments. I find packaging from years ago quite interesting. Your whole table is put together so well and certainly feels all vintage..:)
I'll thankfully take my cookie and wish you a wonderful evening,
Tam

Anonymous said...

laurie, thanks so much for your kind comment on color outside the line. I am so glad that I got to know you and you are part of my rms family. thanks again vickydarnell

Lyndy said...

Just beautiful. What a great idea...I love it!!! Thanks for sharing.

Merry CHRISTmas,

Lyndy

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie!! I'm coming over!! This is absolutely wonderful! Love the tree centerpiece and your cute little dishes. It's wonderful you still have some boxes for these great ornaments. I'm always so pleased when you come to see me. Glad you liked the turkey bum! lol
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

imjacobsmom said...

You now what, keeping and using your retro boxes is a cute idea! I still put my ornaments back in their boxes. I feel they are safer that way. Mine are probably vintage by now. Actually, I have my parents old ornaments from the tree growing up. I don't use them for now, but I am not ready to part with them. I also have our old "color wheel" that we used to use for the flocked tree. ~ Robyn

xinex said...

Thanks for the tip on how to reasonably get vintage ornaments, Laurie. I LOVE your reindeer plates! and I want another cookie, please!...Christine

Unknown said...

Laurie! I love your tree and ornaments! They are beautiful! Good job. I'm about done with the decorating too. Thanks for the coffee! : )

~Liz~

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

How did I miss this yesterday? *scratching my head!*

Love, love, love your retro tree! I alos have an aluminum tabletop tree but I just put chandelier prisms on it . Maybe I'll rob my big tree of some vintage ornaments ( I save the boxes too!)& switch things up this year.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, thanks for swinging in this morning..You always leave the sweetest comments.. Did you get your coffee pot refilled? My cup is empty..hugs ~lynne~

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hey Laurie...I was out shopping and I thought about you. I saw your plate that you have on your main page!!! Have a great day!...Debbie

Chari at Happy To Design said...

{{{LAURIE}}}

Hey Girlfriend...just wanted to stop in to say "Hello" and grab a hug...hehe!!! Okay Girlfriend...you have to tell me how you do it all...you work all day and still find the time to decorate so beautifully and blog??? You and Lynne definitely get my "Super Woman of the Year" Award!!!

What a gorgeous table...I just love your retro tree with all of the vintage ornaments...such gorgeous "eye candy"!!! And I totally agree with you about showcasing the vintage boxes...they're as pretty and interesting as the ornaments!!! I just love old vintage boxes of any type!!! Your table is absolutely lovely...and I love your darling little reindeer plates...ahhh!!! Think I'll grab a couple of those cookies too...I sure could use the sugar...maybe it'll kick start me to get my Christmas decorating done...hehe!!!

Well Girlfriend...hope you're having a great day...Love ya Dearheart...

Chari

lvroftiques said...

Laurie it's sooo wonderful that you still have the boxes! So rare!! I love this idea.....ceptin' I don't have the cool old boxes...Oh well I'll just have to see if I can find some before next year.....*whew* dodged the bullet on that timey decorating idea!*winks* You know I'm just givin' you a hard time..cause you're so much fun! Lol! And did you see that you're featured over on nikkicrumpets? She wants to steal that cool seating section in your kitchen! Now remember you said I had first dibs...right Laurie?....Hello...Laurie...are you there? Firsty dibsy? Talk to me girlfriend.....Vanna

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

Love your vintage theme! Looks very inviting!

Anonymous said...

Hey Laurie, thanks for stopping by to say hello, I'm finally over my flu and getting ready to leave for 10 days in Vancouver, Canada, one of our favorite places :o)

There are already 60 (whew ... sixty!!!) comments on this post, so chances are someone else has already said this, but here goes: never, never, never throw away the boxes. If you have old boxes that you don't want, put them on eBay. Or send them to me (ha!) and I'll pay the postage. Any collectible is worth more in the original box than without it, which means you also need to find a place to store all your *new* boxes, for when whatever-was-in-then gets passed on to one of your kids or grandkids as a collectible in the future.

I have the shopping bug tonight, so am heading out amongst 'em for a couple hours. More blog updates coming, as long as I have photos, lol ... my digi cam died 2 days ago and I'm waiting till I get to Canada to replace it, since the exchange rate is so good right now.

Victoria
xoxo

Kathysue said...

Hi Laurie, I love the boxes, what a great idea. I have a collection and I never thought about the boxes being used. I started a tree years ago that I call My Grandma,Grandpa tree, complete with tinsel, tacking aluminum lighted star, and glittered cotton with little cardboard houses. Oh and the all important bubble lights.It was so fun , all the ornaments are from the 20s to the 70s nothing newer than that. I loved this post. Kathysue

Tomarie said...

Laurie...LOVE your retro Christmas tree! The ole vintage ornaments are my FAVORITE ones!! They had such beautiful detailing on them!

Anonymous said...

Oh, the fun that could be had with those reindeer plates! An entire posting could be made just from the tablescapes that could be made from such a delightful accessory.