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

Zebra Shopping Day Tablescape

I've said it before - inspiration for a tablescape comes from some odd places. This time it was my cheapness (I'm not as cheap as my sister but close.....) We were shopping at Michael's and found these ugly chargers on sale. Yes, anything on sale stops us in our tracks. Well, I bought them - "too good a buy to pass us." The zebra chargers that I said I wouldn't have in my house then sat on the shelf until my niece came to visit and played with dishes. She put together several place settings using them, and I saw the possibilities.

Then I went to Pier 1 with my coupons, reward points, etc. and bought a nutcracker - it cost me $6.00 in the end for a $40.00 nutcracker. (I love Pier 1 but that's another story....)

So - together with Jennifer's place setting and my nutcracker, here's the tablescape:

Over view of the table - yeah, I know, a bit shocking, huh?

Close up of the place setting

Love this flatware - by Cambridge from Ross

First layer of the place setting is dual napkins held by a glitzy red beaded napkin ring (to match the curling ribbon on the packages)

Next layer is a turquoise blue Fiestaware salad plate by Homer Laughlin

A simple white plate follows

The dinner plate is black "Fun Factory" by Waechtersbach

Good Grief! This charger is ugly.......I know Pat has plans to use it again.....

Close up of the glitzy napkin ring

Pat refers to these glasses as "Ruffles have ridges" because of the unique rims

Only elegant thing on the table this week - Pat's gorgeous Depressionware candle holders holding 14" tapers

In addition to the nutcracker, the centerpiece has two white boas down the center holding an assortment of small package in white, turquoise, and zebra to match the packages on the nutcracker

My great buy - I wish I could take credit for being a savvy shopper but once again, it was Rayleen at Pier 1 who showed me how to get this nutcracker at a remarkable price.

One last look at the table from the other end

Where it came from:
Tablecloth - gift from Pat
Zebra Flatware - by Cambridge from Ross
Zebra Charger - Michael's
Black Dinner Plate - "Fun Factory" by Waechtersbach from Tuesday Morning
White Salad Plate - "Food Network" from Kohl's
Turquoise Salad Plate and Black Bread/Butter Plate - Fiestaware by Homer Laughlin from Replacements
Glassware - Pier 1
Turquoise Napkin - Handmade by Pat
Zebra Napkin - eBay
Napkin Ring - Pier 1
Candle Holders - from Pat's collection
Candles - Ferndale Emporium (a fabulous local boutique)
Shopper Nutcracker - Pier 1 this season
Turquoise Ornaments - Michael's this season

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