A Winter Wonderland Tablescape
Credit: Freepik
Drawing inspiration from wintertime family traditions
Being originally from the East Coast, I have experienced my fair share of snowy winters. As a child, fresh snowfalls were joy-filled times to build snow forts and snowmen, as well as have snowball fights. My brother, sister and I would each pile on winter clothing layers until we resembled mini versions of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, then trudge outside in our oversized snow boots to play in Winter’s wonderland. There were also times when Dan would invite us to all pile into the car with the old family toboggan, and we’d head out for the nearest sledding hill. We’d spend hours gleefully sledding down the hills until our cheeks burned, and we agreed it was time to head home.
Aside from the outdoor activities, other winter traditions of my childhood home included marathon holiday cookie baking sessions and watching the classic holiday movie White Christmas. Our family would bake up dozens upon dozens of cookies, including classic chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter kiss cookies, jam thumbprint cookies, festive Spritz cookies, and holiday decorated sugar cookies. We would then hand pack our homemade creations into festive tins and boxes, and offer them as holiday gifts for family, friends and my parents’ colleagues.
Once the baking was all done, we would gather in the living room for our annual holiday movie ritual. Occasionally my brother or father would join us for segments of the movie viewing, but it was typically a girls’ affair, with my mother, sister and I watching and singing along with all the songs. It’s one of those memories I hold dear in my heart, and still watch that movie every year now with my own family.
For my table theme this Christmas, I drew inspiration from these fond winter memories and traditions of my childhood. The White Christmas movie scene that most inspired this table setting was the one where the main characters are gathered in the train’s club car for an evening drink and snack. The animated discussion about their Vermont destination soon breaks into a song with a four part harmony, no less, about their excitement for sno-o-o-o-ow! Bringing these inspirations to the table, I envisioned decor of fresh pine springs, frosted pinecones, golden acorns, birch wood, and vibrant red cardinals.
Credit: Jennifer Sersun
Creating a winter wonderland table
As I pulled together my table, I considered all elements that would be appropriate for the theme, from fine china to craft store decorations. Nothing was off limits, just as long as it fit into the rustic woodsy winter look I wanted. I went through all my holiday decor and table setting options and pulled out everything in neutral tones, from grays to browns to whites and creams. I also wanted to include pops of color in red and green on the table to contrast against the neutrals, so I pulled those options together as well.
For the table decor, I chose a pale gray table cloth because I liked its cool contrast against the warmth of the browns and greens of the other table decor, and the cream-colored Cynthia Rowley table runner with its beautiful embroidered winter scene. For the place settings, I paired my Nantucket Wedgwood china with woodgrain chargers that I found at Hobby Lobby and layered them with seagrass placemats that I’ve had for years. I also used my everyday Oneida flatware, Ralph Lauren Glen Plaid glasses, and Zwiesel Glas universal wine glasses. To top off each plate, I added napkins in a rich evergreen hue, fresh pine sprigs, and pinecone and twine napkin rings that I found at Hobby Lobby.
Credit: Jennifer Sersun
Aromatic fresh pine creates a festive centerpiece
Considering my centerpiece, one thing I wanted to emphasize was the fresh pine springs. To me, winter just doesn’t feel complete without their intoxicating scent floating through the air. The question was where to get them. Around the time I was pulling my table together, I went on a shopping trip to my local Trader Joe’s and was thrilled to discover a bouquet of assorted fresh pine branches. I immediately snapped up the pine at TJ’s and was thrilled that I would be able to use them for the centerpiece and the napkin holders - much better than my original plan of cutting a few sprigs off of my Christmas tree. Problem solved!
For the centerpiece decor, I started with an antiqued white wooden cake stand that I found in Hobby Lobby’s store’s bridal section. Next, I layered on a wood bark serving board as a focal point for the centerpiece. I wanted to show off the wood grain and the bark, so I kept that in mind as I layered on some sprigs of the fresh pine, ornamental pine cones, and golden acorns. Next, I added a metal candle holder with a cute pine tree and deer theme that I’ve had for years, and topped it with a birch-wrapped candle that I found at Home Goods. Continuing to embellish my centerpiece, I added the cutest classic truck Christmas salt and pepper shaker set, along with a petite potted faux pine tree that I topped with a beaded gold metal star for an extra festive flourish.
Putting on the finishing touches
As a finishing touch for the individual place settings, I couldn’t help but add these adorable red cardinals that I found while on a recent shopping trip to Hobby Lobby. I don’t often use place card settings for family meals in my household because they are note typically a formal affair. However, the cardinals went with my wintery woodland theme and also added a nice pop of red that contrasted well against the creamy table runner and the green in the napkins and pine sprigs. My table finally felt ready for a festive holiday dinner date, perhaps even with Santa and Mrs. Claus!