Are We Walking to Alaska

Are We Walking to Alaska
Are We Walking to Alaska - A True Story

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

And Then There Was Christmas Brunch

Instead of a big christmas dinner we have a christmas brunch.  Our daughters and their families have their own time at home in the morning, opening gifts and enjoying time together.  Then we all gather at our house around 1 p.m. for brunch and opening more gifts.  Brunch is nice because we can nibble all day long, whenever we feel hungry.  And it makes the day much simpler - more time to spend with family.
 I start with my favorite Pine Cone Tablecloth.  I found this at a consignment shop in California many years ago.  I liked it so much that  I copied the pattern and made one for each of my cousins in Oregon, Linda and Cat.


 The handwork was excellent and the linen fabric in perfect condition.




 Next the flatware - I picked my Bakelite knives and forks, collected over the years from thrift and consignment shops, often for as little as a nickle each.




 The Pine Cone Salt and Pepper shakers were a gift from my dear friend Franni, we miss her so much and think of her often during the holidays.




 For the centerpiece I picked a tiny little christmas train and thought about using my child size tea set with pine cones - a gift to myself when I started a new job.
 Added in a loon - but it just wasn't right
 I love the tiny tea set - but we needed something else.


Two candle lanterns, along with the tiny train and the glass Loon - that should do it.
 The metal candle lanterns are from a friend's yard sale
 The glass loon, a gift from my son-in-law
The pine cone dishes are one of my favorites.
 Napkins are red and green cotton napkins that I fringed - and knife and fork napkin rings






 Trying out different arrangements - I think I have it now




 Don is pouring juice in our Twelve Days of Christmas glasses - also bought at Woolworth Dime Store years ago.  The cheese ring in the foreground is customary - made by our son-in-law for every family dinner.  We call it his "World Famous Cheese Ball".  He makes it in different shapes for different holidays.

 One daughter brought a frozen grape and pomegranate salad - delicious!
 The perfect compliment for our other daughter's breakfast casserole
You can see a little more of the Twelve Days of Christmas glasses


 We baked the ham early christmas day
A wonderful time was had by all !

13 comments:

Powell River Books said...

My grandmother made us so many wonderful cross stitch table cloths. This Christmas I got out Mom's "pretties" and we made dinner and invited our neighbour to join us. No big family, but lots of good times. I love your knife and fork napkin rings. - Margy

J said...

Those napkin rings are delightful! I just love the way you set up your tables! You draw things from so many places and so many memories, mixing colors and patterns until everything is just right. That always results in such a warm, welcoming place to join. Too many tables on other blogs are too "packaged" for my taste. I need to work on my own too!

The Weaver of Grass said...

What an absolutely lovely idea - I might well copy it another year to cut out some of the work.

eileeninmd said...

A lovely table setting for your Christmas brunch! The casserole looks really yummy! I am glad you and your family had a great Christmas! Wonderful photos.. Have a happy day!

Montanagirl said...

Hmmmm....I think I'd enjoy Christmas Brunch at your table! It's wonderful. I LOVE Loons - such a nice touch. The mini train is perfect too. And all those good food choices WOW!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You've put together such a beautifully decorated table...the tablecloth is beautiful, silverware, train...all so perfect with you wonderful holiday dishes. Lovely my friend....festive and fun! Enjoy your day! Stay safe....and email me! heeheee!! HUGS!!!

Maureen @ Josephina Ballerina said...

Delightful. There is nothing like that in my family, so I do enjoy yours!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I just love, love, LOVE that pinecone embroidery on the tablecloth.

Lorrie said...

You`ve created a wonderful table for enjoying Christmas brunch. The embroidered tablecloth is definitely the star of the show. What fun to have 12 days of Christmas glasses!

Kay said...

What a wonderful tablecloth- and it's still in great condition...as is your bakelite. Gorgeous table and a delicious menu! Looks like you had a perfect day. (My favorite Christmas menu is fresh crab.)

Candy S said...

Your brunch table is beautiful. I love vintage pieces for the table, the pinecone plates on the pinecone tablecloth are especially pretty for a Christmas brunch. Your contributors to this special menu did a wonderful job of preparing some very tasty looking dishes. The Breakfast casserole looks so appetizing! I could sit down right now and enjoy a heaping helping (Really, my stomach is growling - looking at all of this food has made me hungry). Love the lanterns and the loon with the train centerpiece too!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Okay, I would love to be at that table with you.

I have a suggestion for spring... get out one of your favorite quilts and 'scape with that! Why? Go to my blog and find out!

xo

Sheila :-)

Sandra said...

I am so happy to see someone else who loves embroidery. You have set a perfect Christmas Table. It is fun to gather up special things and display them; and to remember something special about each and every piece. I like your Christmas Brunch idea. The decor, the food, it all looks like a wonderful Christmas Day.