Holidays are for entertaining, and for me that means not reinventing the wheel for every occasion. Knowing there would be several events here during December, it made sense to have a centerpiece that would work with whatever was going on on the table.
This year much of my holiday decor focuses on trees, so it was a no brainer to repeat them on the dining room table. These holly trees are my most favorite and while they are great stand alone pieces, I added a collection of finials for a bit of shine. With nothing more than this, the table is ready to be filled with finger foods for an upcoming meeting.
Too, several casual meals for family and friends are planned during the month, and for each the table will take on a different look. A brunch will feature Spode Christmas dishes set on a matching placemat that I happened to spot at TJ Maxx. Though I swore not to buy anything new, how could I leave such a perfect accessory behind!
Always a table with the Spode pieces comes together very quickly and invites adding fun complements like the candy striped flatware that gets used again and again during December.
For a dinner with friends, the Bella Ceramica pottery is featured. While some things stay the same, different napkins and chargers give the table a whole new look.
For Christmas dinner, the setting is a tribute to my mother whose china and Fostoria grace the table. I am so glad to have these remembrances of her.
For seated meals, there is one change to the centerpiece. The tallest tree is removed and replaced with a slender finial so that no one has to crane their neck to look at a person sitting opposite.
So, there you have it, four occasions satisfied with a single centerpiece. Thinking ahead about how your table will be used during the holidays and finding a common thread makes the rest quite easy plus it saves considerable time. The bonus is that when the table is not set, it still looks attractive.
Joining
Lulu's Musings 
Lovely and fun holidays touches all around your home. I can tell you will have the happiest of holidays Lulu. Cheers.
I hope the same for you, Teresa. Thank you always for stopping by.
Oh I love those holly trees!! Gorgeous!
Jenna
Oh, I love a tree theme and your is certainly beautiful. I enjoyed seeing it all. That flatware, I would love those in my collection. Have a wonderful season.
Thank you, Valerie. I, too, enjoy the flatware and wish I could find more.
Isn’t it nice how we can give our tables a different feel with just a few simple changes. I know good food and good times will be shared around your table no matter how it is decorated.
I hope we can gather around a table again one of these days.
Me too…we really need to make it happen. 🙂
Linda, you have it simplified, but always elegant and welcoming! All settings are beautiful!
Maybe I’m just getting lazy but keeping it simple works for me.
Beautiful tables that make the place settings the star of the tables. I love your Mother’s china and Fostoria…yes, a most wonderful tribute to your Mom at Christmas! Have a Merry week!!!
Since I didn’t select any china or crystal, hers is very special. I hope it will be kept by one of my daughters.
So festive and love each setting!! I think the tree give the table an earthy warmth and I like that especially at this time of year. Tina
No matter the season I like to have warm and friendly touches. Has the super cold weather hit you yet?
Sorry I’m so behind in my posts and reads!!! We had 3 days of very cold weather and we are now back into the 40’s with lush green grass showing. It’s been a very strange weather season so far which is sad as I like the snow!!!