It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And I’ve got the most wonderful table to share, especially if blue and white is your jam, like it is mine. I’m all about thinking outside the box and I love the idea of creating a blue and white Christmas table. It even coordinates with the blue and white themed tree in our foyer!
My love affair with blue and white received an added dimension a few years ago when we visited the Delft factory in the Netherlands. Delft blue ware is truly an art form and I appreciate these hand-painted pieces now more than ever!
Transfer ware is lovely too, though. Transfer ware is what most of us own, including me, with a few exceptions of what I purchased in the Netherlands. Our blue and white Christmas table is built around this lovely set of Lochs of Scotland (found on FaceBook!). These dishes are special to us because of our travels to some of the very lochs depicted in the scenes on the china!
Building a Blue and White Christmas Table
This place setting consists of a silver charger and a large white dinner plate (Italian Countryside by Mikasa) underneath the smaller blue and white dinner plate. The flatware is Classic Shell by Oneida (retired).
For the linens, I have layered an embroidered cutwork tablecloth on top of a neutral textured tablecloth like this one. The embroidered cloth was found at a local shop called University Pickers. The next layer on top of the table is a shimmering hyacinth runner in a neutral color. It makes a great base for any kind of centerpiece.
There is a pretty simple technique to creating the centerpiece featured here. I recommend starting with your focal point… an object for the very center of the table, like the blue and white ginger jar in a bowl. Here’s one almost just like mine… Ginger Jar! As an accent, I have place a red cutwork napkin inside the bowl to set the ginger jar on.
On either side of the jar and bowl are floral sprays from my local craft store. These sprays are very full, with greenery, pinecones and a few ornaments with a frosted look. (my affiliate link to a similar teardrop swag). Teardrop sprays like this are great because they taper beautifully, pointing toward each end of the table. I scattered a few ornaments randomly on top and around for a lovely display, along with a few tea light votives. You can also see some icy-looking branch floral picks stuck into the arrangement. If you shop sales at your local craft store, these sprays and picks are often very reasonable in price.
Here are some of my basic tips for constructing any table decor:
- Use table runners. They help give a base to your centerpiece.
- Start with a focal point in the center of the table, and build around it.
- For centerpieces, avoid items that are taller than your guests. While tall, grandiose centerpieces are gorgeous, they aren’t practical for dinner conversation!
- Layer your place settings. Generally, the more items you have below your plates, the more beautiful and complex your table will be.
It has been my pleasure to share our blue and white Christmas Table setting with you today! I hope you will visit the other blogs that are participating in this year’s Homemade Holiday Inspiration.
Merry Christmas!
The holidays are rapidly approaching, and while holiday get-togethers may not look the same as every other year, the entertaining, food and drinks are still just as important.
These simple entertaining ideas are sure to help.
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Appetizer from Chipa by the Dozen
Christmas Appetizer Tree from Design Dazzle
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip from Devour Dinner
Cranberry Brie Bites from Fresh Coast Eats
Easy Holiday Bar from Hoosier Homemade
Sausage Balls from House of Nash Eats
Spinach Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups from J Z Eats
Dried Beef Cheese Balls from Marty’s Musings
Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Bundles from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Christmas Crunch Popcorn Snack Mix from Rose Bakes
Eggnog from Savory Experiments
Blue and White Tablescape from Sondra Lyn at Home
Cranberry Goat Cheese Tarts from Tastes of Homemade
Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites from The How to Home
Classic Deviled Eggs from What’s Cookin’ Chicago