Come see the winter white candlelit Christmas table that I’ve set by mixing up things I already had. Such as crystal candlesticks, mercury glass votives with some greenery from Trader Joe’s and tiny bottle brush trees.
Also, this Christmas season, I’m busting at the seams for Louisa (our one year old granddaughter) to arrive from California. We are ready for her!
And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Winter White Candlelit Christmas Table
Garland And Pine Cone Centerpiece
In order to have a striking seasonal statement, I started setting the dining table with fresh garland from Trader Joe’s (cut in half–with the other half draped on the chandelier) and the pinecones I’ve had for years.
Candlelight For A Warm Glow
These Mercury glass eclectic candle holders (on sale at Pottery Barn) inspired me as I already had some small mercury glass votives. I like the elegant way the crystal candle holders look with them.
Premium unscented candles like the glass votives from Pottery Barn and the long lasting tapers from Amazon are great to have on hand.
White Dishes And Bottle Brush Trees
The mini white bottle brush Christmas trees were in the dollar section at Target.
You may also like Party Ideas With Citrus: Tablescape, Hummus Platter, Fresh Lime Margaritas.
2. Warm White Toy Kitchen And Table
Welcome to Louisa’s cafe. I searched for a reasonably priced, small white toy kitchen and found Tiny Land based in California. They gave me this kitchen as a gift (but I was going to buy it anyway). It looks like this one is sold out (check back for availability) but there are other cute ones.
This little table with sturdy chairs (enough to hold my weight too) is in the corner of the dining room. It’s the Pottery Barn Small Kids Play Table in Simply White with Carolina Play Chairs in Seadrift.
It might seem crazy to purchase this for a grandchild that lives across the country, but they spent a month here in the Summer. And this will be around for future grandchildren (maybe…no pressure).
The small fruit bowl art below was $10 at Target. It’s velcro-ed on the wall. I added our own copper things to the Tiny Land metal cookware along with a little holiday decor.
Our handyman put the kitchen and chairs together (my gift to you, Howard). He did it fairly quickly.
3. Relaxing Holidays By Howard’s Design
I mentioned before that my husband, Howard, asked for input from our family (eight of us) and then he compiled an itinerary.
Holiday Itinerary
- It’s actually relieved a lot of stress about when and who is picking up at the airport, meal responsibilities, some restaurant reservations, mandatory sports viewing (Howard’s wish), manicures and yoga (Alexandra’s idea), Jacksonville Zoo (I’ve been wanting to go) and the St. Augustine lights (everyone wants to see).
- The girls are all assigned to Christmas Brunch (more about that on Tuesday’s post). My sister, Teresa sent Champagne and wine in advance.
- Luca will be making his fabulous paella again. Howard ordered stone crab claws to be delivered before Christmas dinner.
- There’s time for walking the dogs on the beach and hopefully some pickleball–but Luca has been practicing and that scares me.
- We’ve got some boards games to play (Tommy is formidable at Monopoly) and I’m looking forward to being served tea in “Louisa’s Cafe.”
One point to make here is that I will not be posting on the blog next Sunday or the Thursday after.
4. “Permission To Chill” by Hello Lovely
This pretty post by Michele reminds you to take it easy over the holidays.
Michele also included me in the post “9 Brilliantly REALISTIC HOLIDAY TIPS from Creators We Love!” I find her posts to be so soothing and funny at the same time.
5. What To Watch: The New Frazier
He’s back! Like seeing an old friend again…
“Frasier is an American television sitcom that premiered on October 12, 2023, on Paramount+. It is the sequel/revival of the acclaimed 1993-2004 sitcom of the same name featuring the character Frasier Crane, played by Kelsey Grammer.”
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Lori Tally says
Merry Christmas! Sounds like a wonderful plan. I have a child’s table in my home that we use frequently. I purchased it at an antique/thrift store. I really didn’t need the 4 chairs that came in the set as I only had 2 grands at the time. But we now have 4 grands and the table works great for meals as well as snacks, crafts, and games. You will enjoy your little table for many years.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Louisa is using the table a bit ablready!
Juliet says
MA, your table is so pretty. I alway admire those pinecones. Pinning to save this … thank goodness for Trader Joe’s greenery. Loving Louisa’s sweet cafe. Wish I could book a table … I know she’ll be getting rave reviews. Howard is so organized, I love that … sounds like you’re going to have the most wonderful family Christmas. And I hope you can get in a few practice pickleball rounds before facing the other athletes in your family. Victory is yours! Merry Christmas. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Juliet. It will just be luck if victory is mine!
Merry Christmas.
Carmelee Thorpe says
Your is so pretty. Love your decorating style. ‘Real’ but never overdone. Have a blessed Christmas with your loved ones. You and your family and friends always seem to have memorable times together.
Peace.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Peace to you and your family Carmelee.
Joan says
Oops: I forgot to suggest watching Amazon Prime’s “Madame Blanc Mysteries”. It’s set among a community of British ex-pats living in the south of France (filmed in Malta). Very light viewing, but my Italian hubs, a Jack Reacher-type viewer, is enjoying it, nonetheless!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh THANKY YOU. This sounds right up our alley too.
Joan says
Thank you for your tablesetting / entertaining book, Mary Ann! Your holiday table is lovely. Having a ‘who does what/ when / where’ plan is an excellent idea. Have a lovely and fun Christmas!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Same to you, Joan!
Ava Werstlein says
If you are on FB check out marketplace for kiddo stuff, its an awesome source and nice way to find used kid toys and a great way to pass them along! We are heading to Jacksonville over the holidays and plan to visit the zoo– they just had baby tigers! Hoping for some warm weather:)
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes…that is a good idea. We bought one of those clipon high chairs on Facebook Marketplace.
Susan S says
Lovely table setting, Mary Ann. Louisa will go cuckoo over her own kitchen and table❣️ Great idea to plan an itinerary instead of “twiddling our thumbs” to come up with things to do. When I was a little girl, I used to throw tantrums when we left my grandmother’s house and now that I’m the grandmother I have to refrain from throwing a tantrum!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Mary Ann,
I love that little kitchen! I had one as a child and I still remember it fondly. You are going to have a wonderful time and make lots of memories with your sweet Louisa.
Love your tablescape! I love pinecones as you know and you think they make a great natural element for all decorating.
Paella is one of our favorite dishes to make, we were blessed to have neighbors/friends from Spain that taught us all of their secrets. Enjoy yours.
Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes…we have our love of pinecones in common!!
Francesca B says
Merry Christmas Mary Ann!! Have a beautiful Christmas with your lovely family it sounds like it’s going to be perfect! And thank you for your posts l so enjoy your blog. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2024! Xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
Merry Christmas to YOU and yours, Francesca!!
Ally says
Organization is the key to holiday enjoyment especially when entertaining overnight visitors. Howard’s idea of planning the who, what and where of the holidays is a great idea. Visitors want to help and letting them know what they are responsible for early on is so helpful ie your sister sending on her bubbly/wine early. We have three grand children two sons and a DIL. They all live close by but stay overnight Christmas Eve where we celebrate #1 son’s birthday and have a traditional réveillon de Noël (we are French Canadian) and each child is allowed one gift. The next morning is, of course, total chaos! We have brunch and then the kids and parents pack up and leave for their own home with enough leftovers for dinner. On Dec 26, Boxing Day (which is a holiday in Canada) we have our traditional Christmas dinner. By then the kids have opened their gifts played with them and Mom has them running outside in the cold all afternoon. Everyone is hungry and enjoys the meal. It is so much easier spreading it out over three days.
All the best Mary Anne for a Merry Christmas with your family and a very Happy New Year!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You are SO lucky to have your children close by and your traditions are lovely!!
Joyeux Noël, Ally!!
Ann Stapor says
Love all your posts. Wondering if you have info on your beautiful chandelier in you dining area..the one with 4 candles with lampshades…thinking it would be perfect for my breakfast room!
Thank you and Merry Christmas
Ann
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes, Ann. I love it but it’s too short for our 10′ ceilings. It is from Visual Comfort Camille Chandelier by Suzanne Kasler. I put woven wicker lamp shades on it from Ballard. Is you ceiling shorter than 10 fit? I could give you a great deal on it like 1/2 price plus shipping.
Janet Arden says
The table and chaqirscare a wonderful “investment” — we gave them to my oldest grandson for his first Christmas. He’s 12 now and his brother is 10. The tale and chairs are still in use. Happy, happy holidays.
Mary Ann Pickett says
So good to know, Janet. HAPPY holidays to you and your family!
Diane E Ruebel says
Dear Mary Ann,
You’ve lovingly prepared an amazing Christmas welcome for you dear Louisa and her extended family. The wee kitchen and table will create lasting memories while drawing her back to Florida to play with “Grandma” in side by side kitchens. Savor your first tea with your little sweetheart.
The simple table setting with nothing to peer over, is so doable. Thank you for encouraging us to use what we have while adding freshness in lovely smelling greens.
I love the way your are drawing everyone into the kitchen to create their specialties. In our small retirement apartment, our oldest son and I will be scrambling our traditional Depoe Bay Eggs for Christmas brunch. We extended the opening of the kitchen pass through, and added stools so the kitchen becomes part of our gathering merriment.
A blessed Christmas with many days of merriment,
Diney from “Covenant Living” on Mercer Island,
Mary Ann Pickett says
What a great idea to make it more open. The eggs sound like a fun tradition!!
Ethel Alderson says
I have to tell you that we purchased these chairs many times. We had 1 son, who had 3 children, and we now have 6 greats! A blessed.life and many memories. The table and 2 chairs are mine from childhood. You made a wise investment in your life. We now use the table and 4 chairs as a coffee table. They say add a surprise to your design. This is ours. Have a blessed holiday.
Thanks for listening!
Carol S. says
Oh I love the plans for your holiday. The little kitchen set is perfect, “chef’s kiss!” Inspired by your elegant table setting. Enjoy it all. My son and his fiance are in Jacksonville and in Nov. we enjoyed St. Augustine’s lights, Irish pub and pickleball too! Merry Christmas!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sounds like we have similar families, Carol!
cindy says
Oh my gosh Frazier is back! I cannot wait to watch it. I had no idea! It sounds like you are planning a fun holiday for all. Louisa will love the little kitchen for years (Summer still plays with hers ) and a table and chairs is so fun for art projects!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Frazier is funny…you will see the new spins they put on it.