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If you are familiar with my tablescapes, you know I like to get a lot of mileage out of centerpieces. Planning ahead takes a few steps out of preparing a table which is especially helpful for multiple dinner gatherings.
For the last at home dinner before Christmas, a different set of dishes is the major change. This time they will be the traditional Spode. They remind me of my mother who started the collection and added to it over the years.
Even the placemats are in the Spode design. Not only that, the holly sprigs duplicate the leaves of the trees in the centerpiece.
The holiday flatware is a given as it works with all things Christmasy.
A quick trip to Joann’s provided fabric for some quickly cut and serged napkins that are tucked into Santa napkin rings. These, too, evoke a memory as they were a gift from a long time friend.
The Spode glasses were perfect, but at the last minute I switched the water glasses for green thumbprint ones. I wonder if the hubby remembers giving those to me before we were married.
That’s it for one last preChristmas dinner, and I hope you have seen how easy it is to have one centerpiece last through the season and work well with different accessories. It’s just one of the little ways to avoid stress during a time so many of us find hectic.
Oh, someone asked if the trees got in the way during dinner. The answer is a simple no because they were moved to the sideboard giving way to the candles and bells that were among them. Easy enough!
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There is still some last minute shopping to do and presents to be wrapped, but the table is set for Christmas dinner. I’m not sure what that says about my priorities!
It was easy to get this one ready because, as 
All that has to be done is exchanging one set of dishes for another. This time the tableware is the traditional Spode Christmas tree pattern sitting on chargers on sale at Michael’s for 70 cents each. If you have a store nearby, the Christmas chargers are a great buy!
I did change out the napkins for some hastily made ones from fabric that had been in my studio for some time. The edges are serged with gold metallic thread that matches the stitching on the table runner.
With the pronounced holly berry pattern in the napkin, this napkin ring is perfect.
As with all the holiday tables, stemware repeating the Christmas tree pattern is used and for water my favorite cranberry thumbprint glasses that seem to go with most everything I have.
So, there it is, a table full of Christmas cheer. The only thing missing is you, and I do hope you enjoy your table wherever you are.
