Schumann Wild Rose

Schumann Wild Rose
Dishes, dishes, dishes........

Monday, December 9, 2013

Cuisine Kathleen's December Challenge

"Christmas Cheer" from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade: Gatherings, Meredith Books, Des Moines, Iowa, 2006
OK, we admit it - we love Sandra Lee. Yes, we are probably the only tablescapers out there that do, but you have to admit, she comes up with some fabulous - nay, should I say, interesting? tablescapes and has been doing it for a long time. I know that some of her designs are "way out there" but why not? She gets a lot of people talking......

Anyway - Pat and I thought it would be fun to copy one of Sandra's tables for Cuisine Kathleen's "Let's Dish" December Challenge (http://www.cuisinekathleen.com/) . Several years ago, Pat decorated her kitchen tree like the one in the picture (which you can't really see in my crummy copy of the picture, but if you go to Sandra Lee's "You Tube" video - there's a link at the end of this posting- you'll get the idea.)

 Here's what we came up with for our December challenge (not as glitzy or gaudy, but you get the idea....):
Over view of the table



Close up of the place setting


Neither Pat nor I liked the way Sandra Lee's napkins looked so we "took liberties" and folded ours this way......that is - I ironed and Pat folded.

Here's another item we changed just a bit (and saved thousands of calories in the process.....) We used a wooded ornament instead of a candy sled for the plate decoration.



The table looked dark and dated without this bright blue metal charger




OK - it's not Sandra Lee's cheese balls....but trust me, it taste a lot better





One last look from the other end of the table
Where it came from:
Tablecloths - from Pat's collection
Blue Metal Chargers, Gold Dinner Plates, and Red Salad Plates - Pier 1
Gold Flatware - by Rogers & Son Silversmith (pattern unknown)
Blue Goblet - by Artland Glass from Replacements.com
Champagne Trumpet Glass - "Selection" by Cris d/Arques
White Napkins - Pier 1
Wooden Sleds - Ornaments from Michael's
Glass Centerpiece - Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Nutcrackers - everywhere and anywhere I go......

We will be joining Cuisine Kathleen's "Let's Dish" Wednesday:  http://www.cuisinekathleen.com/

Also check out "You Tube" to see all of Sandra Lee's  "Christmas Cheer" table:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCU1Nuct0t8





14 comments:

  1. Oh, the two of you have me laughing out loud at this -- I would never have guessed that a Sandra Lee tablescape would be your inspiration! Did Pat really wire all of her cocktail glasses to her tree? I would be deathly afraid something would break -- in fact, knowing me there is no doubt breakage would occur. As for the nutcracker table, I actually prefer yours to hers. I like the added blue in the color scheme, as it really does brighten the look. And the sleigh ornaments are a much more attractive plate topper. I have to say I do think Sandra Lee's candy cane cocktail looks fabulous on the table (I may have to make those for my husband and myself this Christmas) but I can understand why it would not be practical for your purposes, especially if the two of you are not going to drink them up afterward (LOL!). So now we know you not only have Betty Boop and Santa collections, you also collect nutcrackers -- with all of the tableware, where do you keep it all? I am imagining a vast underground storage facility ... oh wait, I might be recalling a movie scene from last night (don't fall asleep with the television on, as you never know what might come on later!). Great job once again, ladies!

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  2. I remember seeing the one with the cocktail glasses wired to the tree! LOL. She does like her cocktails.
    You did a great job with this. Not the usual mix of colors, but the result is very much Holiday!
    Thanks so much for taking the challenge at Let's dish!

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  3. I'm crazy about your table. Actually, I love the entire nutcracker theme throughout the room.
    Your Sandra Lee comments made me smile. Yes, indeed, you do have to give the devil her due. She does come up with some good ideas.

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  4. Great copycat! Love all the cheerful colors! The food looks yummy too!

    Katherine

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  5. Well I love your interpretation~ It looks great! Love the plaid and the nutcrackers are awesome! Great collection!

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  6. This is such a fun table--you were very clever to pull the blue from the tartan and use it as a color! Your nutcracker collection is fabulous. Linda

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  7. Your nutcrackers are spectacular and your table is one of the prettiest I have seen in years. You should be so proud.
    Have a special Christmas holiday,
    Pam

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  8. Yay!! You ladies have scored another winning table!! I love the colors and nutcracker accents. Such a happy table and reflective of a joyous holiday mood. Bravo! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

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  9. Wow!! You did a fabulous job on your interpretation for your table. Sandra's table is wonderful but I like yours more! I like how you pulled the blue from chargers and repeated it with the stemware. The little sleds are so cute! You have a lot of nutcrackers! I have some I haven't brought out for a long time, mostly because of finding it hard to find a place to display them.

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  10. Gorgeous!!!! Love this table, and it is even better than Sandra's. A+

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  11. Wow, the addition of the cobalt blue was inspired! Your version is much prettier than Sandra Lee's! I also really like the plaid cloth layered over a white one -- not a complete sea of plaid, which can make table elements "disappear." Great job!

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  12. What a great collection of nutcrackers. Love the plaid across the white tablecloth. You girls did a fantastic job. Fun!

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  13. wow such a beautiful setting.Festive and colorful.Great collection.Wonderfully done.Totally a a fun post.....:):)

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  14. I sometimes watch SL, just to see how her clothes, curtain, etc.are all coordinated...and her unique tablescapes. You did an awesome job of recreating hers. What an amazing collection of nutcrackers you own. Thanks for sharing this festive table.

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