Christmas Tree Tablescape of “Christmas Present”

Traditional Nikko Dinnerware with a Unique Addition

Part of a Series of “Christmas Tablescapes from “Christmas Past” & “Christmas Present” featuring traditional “Christmas Tree” Dishes

Welcome to the Lake!! I’m Glad You Could Stop by for our “Christmas Present” Tablescape

Last week I posted about our traditional Christmas Tablescapes of “Christmas Past”. If you missed that post I hope you will have time to visit it also this month. We purchased our Nikko Christmastime dishes in about 1991, and collected them over a number of years. We continue to buy replacements and additions to our set – mostly from eBay and Replacement.com. Recently, there have been some concerns regarding the dishes and their possible lead content. To read more about the dishes themselves, concerns and precautions, please check out the below post.

“Christmas Tree” Tablescapes and Snow Village of Christmas Past

Today, I want to share the Christmas Tree Tablescape of Christmas Present!

The Tablescape Begins….

This new tablescape came to be when I found some adorable snowmen plates, mugs, cookie jars and serving pieces at Homegoods. They are made by CR. These snowman dishes are embossed which gives them a 3 dimensional, unique look. When I took them home and started to try different plates to go with them, I was surprised to find that they look like they were made to be used with my Traditional Nikko dishes. The colors blend really well together, Therefore I decided to use the “dinner” plate from my Traditional Nikko Christmastime set, and put the embossed snowman on top of it for a new look.

The above photo shows the Nikko Christmastime plate with the snowman CR plate on top.

Later I decided to further tie the dishes together with a red and green plaid “charger plate”. The “charger plate” is actually a “platter” by Tommy Bahama from about 5 years ago (however, I did see some pieces from this collection this year at Homegoods also). I purchased these platters to use as chargers with my Nikko dinner plates. Until I found these platter/chargers I had not been able to find chargers that I thought looked good with both the large size (11″ diameter) and the octagonal shape of the Nikko Christmastime dishes. Because these were “platters”, Homegoods usually only had a few at each store. I think I eventually shopped every Homegoods in the greater Houston area, multiple times, to find the 12 platters I needed.

The Dinner Party

For the 2021 season, we decided that we were going to have the Christmas Dinner Party for the nearby neighbors that we have wanted to do for so long. However, as we checked with people on their schedules, we realized that it was going to be a busy season for everyone, and we decided to make this a post holiday – “holiday” party in January 2022. Once the party was scheduled I knew that this snowman tablescape was I wanted to set for the party.

The Plate Stack

The plates stack is as follows, The Tommy Bahama plaid platter/charger, followed by the Nikko Christmastime dinner plate and snowman plate.

Other Items in the Place Setting

Regarding the snowman CR plates and mugs – If “Dishwasher safe” is important to you, I want to mention, that none of the CR snowman items can be put it the dishwasher, nor can the Waterford goblets used in this tablescape, but all other items dishes and flatware are perfectly safe in the dishwasher, though the chargers and dinner plates are a bit to big to fit in easily. Interestingly due to the 3D (embossed) nature of the plates, using a knife to cut something on these plates would likely be a problem. Because of this, this plate is best suited to be a bread and butter, appetizer, or desert plate; and finger foods, are the best kind of food to serve on them.

Aside from the “plate stack” other Items in the place setting include the CR snowman mug, Oneida flatware in the “Chateau” pattern, (or “Golden Affection” by Oneida), a Nikko Christmastime bowl, a Waterford Marquis Markham iced beverage goblet (seen in photo below).

and a Vintage Fitz and Floyd Christmas garland napkin ring.

Under the place settings I used a Waterford off white table cloth with a bright crimson border.

Centerpieces

The themes I chose for the table included a decorated Christmas tree (in the Nikko plates), snowmen, cardinals, bows, garland, and berries. I loved the “hunt” for these diffent things and am very happy with the items I found.

I noticed on my new snowman dishes that each snowman item, also had a cardinal, so I decided to add some cardinals to the tablescape. The first cardinal items I added to my collection were 2 cardinal teapots, and a salt and pepper shaker set from Homegoods, But I think the prettiest item I found was a cardinal candle holder. I had noticed this candle holder originally when I was searching Fitz and Floyd for some figurines, and recommended it to a friend who does a beautiful Christmas table with the Lenox Winter Greetings plates, as the cardinals on her plates, looked great with this Cardinal Candle holder. I remembered these candle holders when I noticed the cardinals on my dishes and was happy to see that these candle holders were still available at Fitz and Floyd’s website. (however today they are not available at Fitz and Floyd, but they are shown as “available” at Dillard’s). I added two of these candle holders to my tablescape and placed them facing different directions.

Some other centerpieces I added were the snowman teapot, cookie jar and pitcher made by CR and sold at Homegoods.

Dining Room Decorations

Above the Dining Room Table, I added some Christmas ornaments to the chandelier to carry out the Christmas Theme.

and since our party would take us from daylight, thru sunset and the night sky, I added two lit Christmas Trees, a lit snowman on a unicyle and an electric snow globe aka – a lighted water lantern.

We Concluded the Evening with Charades by the Christmas Tree and Fondue in the Dining Room

It was wonderful to have this time with friends!! It was a great group of 4 couples, including some like us, who are part time at the lake, and some who are lucky enough to live here full time. I think the party was even more fun after Christmas than it would have been before Christmas as we were all relaxed with no immediate time committments and we could really enjoy each others’ company. We ended the evening with charades around the Christmas tree,

and chocolate fondue in the dining room.

Thank You So Much for Joining Me at our Christmas Party! I Wish you Many, Many, Blessings This Christmas Season!!!

Before You Go…

Before you go, I want to wish you many Sunsets filled with joy, thanksgiving, and those you love!! This was our sunset on Christmas 2021!

Still To Come in this Post…

Still to come in this post are the “Coming Soon”, “Posts I hope you Will Enjoy”, ‘Table and Room Details and Origins” and the “Link Parties & Great Websites to Visit” sections. At the Very, Very, Bottom of this post is the Comment Section – I would love it if you would comment on your Christmas Traditions and Tablescapes, your favorite Christmas Memories, or any thoughts you have on the post and Christmas, I would love to hear from you!!! Also, SOS if you have any great ideas of the $10 gift someone would love to recieve at a Ladie’s Christmas Party, I WELCOME your suggestions!!!!!

Table and Room Details and Origins

“Marquis – Markham by Waterford”. It is usually available on Macy’s online, and Amazon. On Black Friday (and possibly again during the holiday) it is available at a great price, if you add Macy’s coupons, it is an even better deal!

Gold Flatware – “Golden Affection” by Oneida – on eBay often – similar gold flatware available in different brands at various stores, this particular pattern sometimes available on eBay.

Stainless flatware – Oneida “Chateau” – Amazon and other retailers

Nikko Christmastime dinnerware and serving pieces- Octagonal dishes with Christmas tree – made in 1991-2014 – discontinued but often available on eBay – check photos on eBay to be sure items do not have Crazing (small hairline cracks in glaze that allow bacteria to enter the plate, and possibly allows chemicals in the plate to leach out) – eBay – to find on eBay search “Nikko Christmastime dinner plate” for example

Cardinal Christmas Cardinal Candleabra by Fitz and Floyd – Dillards and Replacements.com

Snowman plates, pitcher, cookie jar, mugs and tea pot- “CR” brand at Homegoods, around 2019 and at least one item from this pattern was sold at Homegoods this year as well (2023)

Cardinal teapot, salt and pepper shakers, ivy dish – “CR” brand at Homegoods in aobut 2019 and at least one item from this pattern was sold at Homegoods this year as well (2023). Items are ofter available on eBay as well.

Waterford Table cloth and Napkins – ivory with large crimson border – Homegoods 2019 – current; also available on eBay occasionally

Ornaments on chandelier

red flameless moving wick candles – Amazon

Fitz and Floyd napkin rings – eBay – on ebay search “Fitz Floyd napkin rings”, “FF napkin rings”, “bone china Christmas napkin rings”, “Christmas Wreath napkin rings” , etc.

Windowsills

lit led trees – Homegoods

Peppermint trees – Michaels and Amazon around 2019

Snowman on Unicycle with Christmas lights – Homegoods 2021

Cardinal teapot – “CR” brand – Homegoods 2019 &2020

Snow Village

All houses and most accessories in my village are retired from the Department 56 Original Snow Village and were current sometime between 1988 and 2008. The names of all the houses, accessories, etc. are in The Original Snow village Collection listed on the Department 56 website. Links are below. This list is really nice if you want to buy some retired Original snow village items. I recommend saving some names of houses etc. from these lists, then paste those names eBay search to see photos of these houses, etc. and the buying info to purchase from them from eBay (if you wish)

Snow Village Lighted Items 
Snow Village Accessories 
The Original Snow Village® Easter & Celebrate Love 
American Pride & Classic Cars 

In general Original Snow Village Items that are retired can be found often on eBay year round, however, more buildings are usually listed for sale in Sept.-Jan. They can also be found a various vintage shops, shows, and fairs.

Current Snow Village Items can be found on the Department 56 website, and can be viewed and purchased there (occasionally with a discount offered) They can often be found in Dillards at Christmas time. They can also be found on Amazon and eBay.

I use trees that are specifically for Original Snow village, and some from from the Village Trees category. Village Trees are also from Department 56 but are suitable for many of their other villages as well. Current department 56 trees can often be found in Dillards at Christmas time and on the Department 56 website. They can often be found on Amazon and eBay as well.

Retired trees from Department 56 can be found on eBay.

I also like Lemax trees with my Snow Village. Lemax is sold at Michael’s before Christmas. I especially like the lit trees from Lemax (they can be powered with only Lemax adapters. They sometimes can be found on eBay as well.

Coming Soon …

Coming Soon, but not yet written (as of 11/30/23)

Coming In December -” A Disney Christmas Tablescape”, “A Mickey and Minnie New Year’s Tablescape”, “Snow Village – Village Tips”, and 1 more surprise Christmas tablescape.

Two Travel Posts Coming in January – “Part 2 of the Gulf Coast Zoo – Up Close and Personal with the Lemurs”; and “Foley, Alabama – train museum, lunch and shopping”

Posts I Think You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this post, I think you may enjoy the following –

“Christmas Tree” Tablescapes and Snow Village of Christmas Past

“Drawing Disney” Tablescape – “Disney Love” for All Seasons

A Glorious Sunset on the Lake – April 15, 2023

Link Parties and Great Websites to Visit

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Party” aka “Blog Hop”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife and Eclectic Red Barn  host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party. 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  You may also want to check out her Christmas tablescapes. 

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party  

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly first Sunday of the month 

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party

Sunshine and books blog and Holly-Pink Lady  host “Hello Monday Link Party” 

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters” 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site https://esmesalon.com as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  “Inspire me Tuesday” link party 

Eclectic Red Barn  and Penny’s Passion hosts the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. 

Masterpieces of my Life hosts the “Home Imagined Link Party” On Tuesday every other week

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party”

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel!

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party.

Esme Salon hosts a “Wordless Wednesday” photograpy link party 

Creatively Beth  hosts a weekly link party. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that they are building. 

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday.   This link party is my “go to” place for finding Tablescapes to enjoy!!

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop. 

Southern Sunflowers SouthernSunflowers.com  hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday 

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week. 

Good Random Fun  hosts “Little Things” link party

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the Crazy Little Lovebirds link party. 

Building Our Hive hosts the Funtastic Friday Link Party. 

Country Road 407 hosts the “Farmhouse Friday Link Party”, which begins at 6:30 am Central time each week. 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”     

I hope you will enjoy visiting these wonderful bloggers on the above websites as much as I do!

Comments

I would love it if you would comment on your Christmas Traditions and Tablescapes, You favorite Holiday Memories, or any other thoughts you have on the post and Christmas, I would love to hear from you!!! Also, SOS! if you have any great ideas for a $10 gift someone would love to recieve at a Ladie’s Christmas Party, I WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR your suggestions!!!!!