Garden Friends Christmas, 2016

I'm thrilled to begin entertaining for this year's Christmas season. It's been a long time since I've been able to keep going through the preparation, the event, and the clean-up process that follows; it's such a blessing to have more energy again. Today I am hosting the Christmas luncheon for my precious Bible study, the Garden Friends. We're in the dining room, and I've prepared a table for 8. Come on in...

This table seemed to happen organically.

I pulled the charger and dinner plate first. After that everything seemed to say, "Here I am...pick me!"

This is the second time I've used the Vietri gold charger. You also saw it here. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. The Oneida Gold Beethoven flatware, an estate sale find, continues to get a good workout this season. Although I've had it for quite a while, this is the first time that I've used the Waterford Anya Red tablecloth.

The keynote speaker for my design was the Royal Crown Derby Old Avesbury dinner plate. Although definitely not an identifiable Christmas pattern, the Avesbury is absolutely a desirable choice for any celebration...such an exuberant and beautiful design.

The white hemstitched linen napkin with gold embroidery design was a recent eBay acquisition. I think that these lovelies will be found on my table frequently! The napkin ring is a Macarone ornament that I sent home with my guests as a party favor.

I love the deep amethyst tail feather on the exotic bird in the Avesbury dinner plate. It was the reason that I chose the Waterford Simply Lilac goblet. The wine is Glastonbury-Lotus Goldenrod.

Voila! Ready to party.

I took an old Glastonbury-Lotus gold bowl filled with floating orchids...

...a glittery gold garland that loops like a ribbon...

...a pair of Williams-Sonoma Brass Arlington Hurricane lanterns...

...an assortment of sparkling gold Christmas trees from Hobby Lobby...

...a pair of hand blown amber glass balls...

...and bam!...we had a festive centerpiece for our Christmas luncheon.

We dined on Chicken Tetrazzini, green salad, hot bread, cherry pie, and Texas chocolate sheet cake. I was still full when dinner time rolled around.

Although it was a bitter cold day outside...

...it was welcoming and warm around our table today. We lingered at the table a long time after lunch, laughing and sharing funny stories and sweet Christmas memories. That's my definition of a successful Christmas party!

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch