Here’s a top view of the place setting.
The footed stemware are vintage family pieces, and the Spode Christmas dishes are some I have had for awhile. I hear the Spode is now made in China, but mine were bought in the “old days” when they were still “made in England.”
The plate under the Spode plate is a French plate.
Actually each plate is different and they each represent a different season. I chose the winter one to show you. I set out the teacups, since I always make homemade wassail every year.
I chose my Lenox Charleston stems for this table setting. This was our wedding crystal.
The silver was my MIL’s and she got it from her sister. It doesn’t look like it was ever used.
I used my MIL’s vintage linen napkins. They were placed in each water glass and secured with white wired ribbon.
I love the Spode sleigh and use it for crackers or candy each Christmas.
These are Fitz and Floyd salt and pepper shakers.
And of course, I get out my Santa teapot for the wassail.
I love using my Moroccan tea glasses for tealight holders. Since the base was too narrow for the tealights to fit in the bottom of the glasses, I places some black beans in the bottom of the glasses. That way the candle sits up higher where the glass is wider.
Here’s another sleigh; it’s a vintage wood one.
I’ve filled it with lots of little vintage ornaments.
I also enjoy using these red votive holders as well. I love the red on red design.
Here are some views of the table at different angles.
I used a crystal bowl with a large vintage silver ladle that I purchased at Round Top this Fall.
I have already bought our Christmas crackers for our special meal. This is a fun British tradition that we somehow adopted many years ago, and liked so well, that we have them every year. For those of you that don’t know, when you pull on the ends it sounds like a firecracker going off. Then as you open the crackers, there is a paper hat, a joke to read, and a little prize.
Betsy@ coastal-colors says
December 5, 2011 at 05:05Anita, this is gorgeous! I love your English made Spode! It’s so difficult to find now! Everything looks so inviting! We love Crackers too!
Charm Bracelet Diva says
December 5, 2011 at 05:47Beautiful table! And we do crackers, too
pink*cherub*moon says
December 5, 2011 at 05:49So pretty! I love the red and white dishes with the sleigh! Everything is so festive and gorgeous! When do we eat? LOL Hugs, Leena
Doniene says
December 5, 2011 at 08:07As always, very lovely!! Always enjoy your table settings – gives me great ideas!!
Blessings
Coastal Cottage Dreams says
December 5, 2011 at 13:04Anita:
Your tablescape is gorgeous! Your place settings are so festive!
I am having a burlap handbag giveaway, feel free to visit and enter if you wish.
Kelly
Coastal Cottage Dreams
The Southern Housewife says
December 5, 2011 at 16:00OH, how I love it all! Love the french plates the most!
JennyLynn says
December 5, 2011 at 22:38Very lovely. It really is all the little touches that make the table setting looks so beautiful and inviting.
Farmhouse Style Living says
December 6, 2011 at 00:39Well look at you go! You are like a Christmas maniac! I can’t believe how far ahead of the game you are. I haven’t even made my cards yet! Do you think I could get away with sending out autographed copies of my English Comp test? That is about all I have been working on.
I have to ask though, what the heck is wassail? I have never heard of it before. I need to know wassails the fuss about it! LOL
Amy Kinser says
December 6, 2011 at 00:46Very pretty, my friend. You use such wonderful details in all that you do.
Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says
December 6, 2011 at 00:58Wassail is an apple cider drink. I make it with apple juice, cinnamin, and a few other ingredients. I will share the recipe soon.
Designs By Pinky says
December 6, 2011 at 04:10Wow, Anita, I am amzed that you have your table planned and ready! You have so many bveautiful treasures1!! How lucky that you got your dishes when they still were made in England. The silver is exquisite as well as your crystal. Thanks for sharing it all. XO, Pinky
Tess says
December 8, 2011 at 03:53This is a beautiful table!! I love your spode dishes…made in England-how wonderful! My Old Country Roses was made in England too…now made in China. Your silver is gorgeous! And those crackers are such a pretty pattern! My husband is English and we do Christmas crackers too!
Liz@A Dish Here, A Glass There says
December 8, 2011 at 04:16I always love the Spode Christmas Tree dishes (luck you that yours are from England). Your French plates underneath are really neat and the vintage sleighs are too. I have to look up what wassail consists of, but it certainly evokes a holiday feeling!
FABBY'S LIVING says
December 8, 2011 at 05:01This is gorgeous Anita, I love your “real” Spode plates along with the pretty French ones… and love the sleigh too. Your dining room is beautiful. Merry Christmas. FABBY
Pat says
December 8, 2011 at 11:27I spent a lot of time looking at this great table! I love the bells, and the ribbon on the napkins, and the beautiful 4 season plates. Just perfect!
Sandra says
December 8, 2011 at 18:05Hi, I’m visiting from BNOTP. Your table is beautiful. I have always loved those Spode christmas dishes and the underplates are beautiful. Love the scalloped edges. HOpe you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
Texas Tea Party says
December 11, 2011 at 02:53Lovely table with Spode and French dinnerware. The flatware is so nice and great since it is from family. Enjoyed your post. Happy Tablescaping! Pam
Alycia Nichols says
December 13, 2011 at 01:59Great table! The red & white French plates are really special! They have that unmistakably French look and feel!
Hannah says
October 22, 2015 at 08:36i love those French plates! Any idea where I can find them or who made them? Love your post!
Anita says
October 22, 2015 at 12:58I think the maker is Varagas