Making Changes

I've been decorating, and re-decorating, and re-decorating for a couple of weeks. Usually I do the same thing each year, I know it works and I like it. But I decided to change things up this year- and that began a lot of "re-decorating." It takes time to get things right. I finally just said "Enough!" and put the boxes away. So whether I like it or not, my house is decorated for Christmas.

And today I am sharing with you my tables... Yes, only my tables. I am going to do a different part each day... maybe tomorrow will be the mantle, then the "random details," and then finish off with the Christmas tree. This is sort of like a challenge to myself- to actually blog a few days in a row!!

So without further adieu... my dining room table...
Red tablecloth from Williams- Sonoma
gold runner from Pier-1
silver chargers- NEW - a Thanksgiving day Michael's purchase this year!
white plates- a set from Ross
candle sticks- wedding gift
napkins and napkin rings- gifts from my mom
the clear dessert plate- a garage sale find!

I LOVE this nativity! Each character has a verse inscribed on it that states it's "purpose" in the Christmas story!
I had it on the runner at first, and decided to re-use my great-grandma's doilies to "set it apart" a little more. I like the final product! The REASON for the SEASON is the CENTER of my table (and the center of my entire home for that matter, literally)

Our Breakfast Table...

I have been collecting Christmas trees for a few years. I usually display them on the top of a bookcase. But I like them a lot and decided to group them as a center piece. I'm still not totally happy with this table- looks too chaotic to me... I think it could be "tied together" a little more- just not sure how.

trees- from ALL over (literally)

place mats- gift from my mom

Spode mug and saucer - gift from my mother in law

dessert dishes- gift from my mom

(this has not been a helpful list for purchasing has it ? sorry!)

I think these place mats are adorable! The red gift on the left is actually a pocket to put the silverware in! too cute! A close up of the trees... I really like how there are sparkly ones, natural ones, bright ones, dull ones, etc. And I threw in a few small candle holders and votives to spice things up. too much? please help with suggestions... for next year- I'm not changing anything this year!

I decided this sparkly, colorful one is my favorite. Just thought I'd share that with you!

That's it for my tables! Tune in tomorrow... hopefully I'll post about my new mantle!