Monday, December 21, 2009

Deck the Halls with a Festive Table…..

 

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Another Deck the Halls Tuesday from Susan at Thoughts from over the Rainbow.

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I am going to double post with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch as I finalize the decorations, menu, presents, etc.. The table has been fun and is almost done.

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The photo shoot is imminent.

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The frosted fruit I bought at Michael’s years ago and it has survived several moves and storage in plastic bins in a Florida attic.

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The Santa is not chocolate but resin and made in an antique chocolate mold. He was a gift from a dear friend

I am not a good wrapper. I try so hard and the results are less than splendid. This year I am really going to make an effort so wish me luck! If they look splendid, I will photograph them and if not – oh, well.

We are making one more batch of Gram Potter’s Date Nut Bread for house gifts and hopefully the smell of it baking will spur me on to finish everything up.

Gram Potter’s Date and Nut Bread

1 ½ cups boiling water
1 8-ounce package dates, chopped
1 ½ cups sugar
2 Tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

Pour boiling water over dates and let cool. Cream sugar and butter. Add egg and mix. Dissolve baking soda in date and water mixture. Add flour, salt, vanilla and date mixture and mix. Add chopped nuts. Pour mixture into 2 loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until cake tester is clean. Wonderful with whipped cream cheese.

I will make mini loaves today and put them in little gift bags with bows and Jack will go happily to the neighbors bearing presents.

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I set the table with my wedding china and some silverplate that I picked up at an antique shop in the clearance room.

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I discovered some LED candles at Pottery Barn this year and set them in shot glasses. I like the way they look and I can also use them on the Welsh cupboard without fear of scorching the shelf above.

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So, on to the wrapping……



20 comments:

vignette design said...

Your tablescape is very inspirational. I've been shopping all day for mercury glass and am planning a similar table for Christmas Day! Merry Christmas! -Delores

Wildflowerhouse said...

Carol just wanted to come by and wish you a Merry Christmas! Your blog is so lovely as usual. I am playing catch up as I caught the bug and it really put me behind! Sharon

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Your table is so pretty. Love the elegance of it all. I haven't bought any of those LED candles but I've been thinking about it. Yours look so nice! Merry Christmas.

Linda

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Beautiful table, Carol. I wish I were one of your neighbors. Yum!

XO,

Sheila

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Very pretty! I really like the LED candles - don't have to worry about them when children are around.

Lucy said...

What a sparkly table setting! It's as it should be at Christmas!

Maggie said...

What a lovely table so festive, stylish and very atmospheric.
Merry Christmas from Normandy.
maggie

Unknown said...

Carol, what a beautiful tablescape! Love the crystal place card holders. Such a warm and inviting scape. So glad you shared Gram's Date Nut bread recipe. Everyone should try it! We are looking forward to Christmas Eve and gift exchange.
Merry Christmas
John & Dean

Brenda Pruitt said...

Ah, so lovely by candlelight.
Brenda

Unknown said...

Your table looks lovely. I love the big red flowers in the center and the gold. So pretty!

Kathleen said...

So pretty! I love date nut bread...I usually use the one on the bag of dates, but I am trying yours!
Merry Christmas , Carol!

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Love those mercury glass vases! Beautiful!

Marigene said...

Carol, beautiful table...vases are gorgeous. I am not a fantastic wrapper, either...no one notices but me!
Merry Christmas!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Christmas Greetings, sweet lady...

Ohhh my...what a fabulous Christmas table you have set, Carol! It's so beautiful and very elegant looking! Your place settings...gorgeous!!! My favorite, the two large mercury glass vases full of the burgandy hydrangeas...love that!!! Ohhh...and I love your pretty silver jeweled garland that is swirling around the the table...it's these small details that have made a fabulous table!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us today! Also, the recipe for the date nut bread...sounds divine!!!

Warmest wishes and blessings to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas, my friend!

Chari @Happy To Design

Kate at Serendipity said...

What a gorgeous table! I don't have the knack for decorating tables. Sigh. But I love to see yours.

Merry Christmas from Belgium!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Thanks for your Christmas visit -- it's always nice to have guests at my blog table. I love your not-cocolate Santa! I've seen the bunnies, but not Santa -- I also really love your mercury glass -- I only have a few votives, but I do admire it on all the other tables I see -- Wishing you a most Merry Christmas!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I love mercury glass and yours sets off quite the romantic glow to a beautiful table. your neighbors are lucky, lucky people. Your bread sounds delicious. From our home to yours a Very Merry Christmas.. hugs ~lynne~

Claudia said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Carol!

xoxo
Claudia

Anonymous said...

Hello Carol,
What a wonderful festive table. Very nice, indeed.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a beautiful coming year.
Thank you for stopping by my blogs.

Rhondi said...

Hi Carol
Your table looks beautiful. I hope you have a very merry Christmas.
Hugs, Rhondi

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