Elegant Holiday Entertaining Ideas
Hello dear decor8 readers, how are you today, right before Christmas? This is Anke visiting you while Holly is recovering from eye surgery while simultaneously finishing her fourth book with Leslie Shewring. I'm back today with my monthly tabletop inspiration column. I don't know about you, but I'm in countdown mode with a long "to do" list to handle but what about you - are you rushing around too or are you laid back with all preparations done already? While enjoying a rare break on my sofa the other day I discovered a beautiful DIY story with embroidery frames in Living at Home Magazine. At that moment I knew how my December table decoration for decor8 should look like. So here I am with a festive tabletop idea for you!
I chose the Christmas rose (Hellebore) to be the picture motif for the frames. I like this white blooming plant a lot and here in Germany you can buy them almost everywhere in a pot at the moment. I took three different pictures of my Hellebore, printed the images in different sizes on a paper with a linen structure (bought in a shop for arts and craft supplies) and clamped them in wooden embroidery frames (different sizes). It took me some time as I chose a quite thick paper (185g/m2). Guess I will have a look for a thinner option next time. Nonetheless – it worked!
The frames are pretty and very versatile, on my images you can see them as placeholders (imprinting or stamping the names of your guests is also a good idea!), wall decoration and a gift tag.
The otherwise all white table setting with white dishes, napkins and pleated ceramic tea lights (last years big trend) allows the flowers and frames to attract the attention.
Matching the winter season I used white woolen ribbon to embellish the frames.
Preparing this post I jumped at the chance to try a delicious dessert I also found in Living at Home Magazine – Greek Yoghurt with Poached Pears, Honey- Rosemary-Syrup and crunchy Pine Nuts-Pistachios-Topping. How does that sound? After the photoshoot my husband and I ate everything right down to the smallest crumb and I am pretty sure this one is going to be part of our Christmas Dinner! :)
What will your Holiday table look like? Traditional, classical or modern, opulent or clear, I would like to be a fly on the wall! Well anyway... The most important is to be with those we love, right? In this spirit I am wishing you a peaceful Christmas season and happy holidays with your loved ones! See you in 2016 with another year of my tabletop column! – Anke.
(images/text: anke illner)