Christmas Tablescapes

Last night our church held its annual Christmas dinner/concert, and it was wonderful!  This was our first year at the church so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had heard that the food is always outstanding, and the decorations amazing.  I was not disappointed.  The beauty of the table decorations was that each table was decorated differently, by someone in the church.  We could sign up to bring our own dishes, silverware, glasses, and any table decor, and then we were in charge of decorating that table.  Not only is this fun for the ladies who participated, but it's also great on the church's budget!  No cost for table decorations or dishes, and we each cleaned our own dishes at home, so that saved on time and volunteers at the church.  I thought I would highlight some of the tables and point out what I liked about each one.  Hopefully, this will give you some ideas, if you're still considering how to decorate your table for the holidays.  Enjoy all the pictures!

This feather tree ensemble was really fun!  I'm not sure if she made these trees, but it would be an easy DIY project.  The ornaments and glass pieces nestled in the red fabric were beautiful.

This table had a great mix of traditional china with a modern centerpiece and it was pulled off beautifully!  Square placemats worked well on a round table.  I took these pictures before they dimmed the lights, so you can't see the full effect here, but there were little blue led lights under the silver trees and when they were lit added such a nice touch.

One of my friends decorated this table and I love how fun it is!  I love the dishes {from Target} and the table scarf and ribbon napkin rings glittered nicely.  Clear marbles held a silver tree/branch in place--great way to keep the color scheme while making it practical.

 I was a bit tempted to sit at this table so I could munch on candy during dinner.  What a fun way to incorporate the reds and greens of a traditional Christmas.

Some tables had favors for each guest, as you can see from the ornaments here.  I like how the ornament is incorporated into the napkin.

I LOVE the blues and silvers that are used in Christmas decorating.  This table was gorgeous and tied together so well from the napkins to the china, silverware, and centerpiece.  Beautiful.

I really love the centerpiece on the this table.  Simple, fun and classy.  Plus, each guest received a little package on their plate.

My friend, Cassidy, decorated this table and did a great job!  Her colors go together so well and I love that she added a Christmas word to her centerpiece.  The oversized ornaments are beautiful and I love the way she stuck little favors inside of the glasses. Great idea!

I had to include this tower of ornaments, as it would be simple to create this on a cake stand.  Throw in some fresh greenery and you're set!

This next table was mine.  I decided to go 'low budget' and opened up my sewing closet to see what I could find.  I discovered a piece of lime green fabric and then in my clothes' closet found a black scarf from a bridesmaid dress.  With a few silver ornaments, my china, some ribbon, and black placemats borrowed from a friend, I was done.  I had  a million ideas I wanted to recreate, but this one was quick, easy, inexpensive and I love the green/black/silver combo.

This table was truly stunning!  Even the wrappers on the candy tie in so nicely with the detail on the china.  Beautifully done!

So, there you have several tablescapes to inspire and enjoy.  What is your holiday table going to look like?

Spicy Crab Dip

For some reason last week, my husband kept begging me to make crab dip.  You'd think he was the one with pregnancy cravings!  I do try to please my husband, so I made him some dip and we devoured it.  The jack cheese adds a bit of kick and makes it really tasty.  This would be a perfect appetizer for a holiday gathering.  It would also be great with artichokes added or even some spinach.  Making dip is so easy, all you need are a few basic ingredients and some creativity.

Crab Dip

Printable Version

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 roasted red peppers, diced

3 green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup monterey jack cheese

8 oz crab meat {imitation is okay}

In a medium sized mixing bowl combine cream cheese and mayonnaise.  Stir in peppers, green onions, garlic powder and cheese.  Gently fold in crab meat.  Spoon into a greased baking dish.  Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and browned on top.  Serve with crackers, tortilla chips or bread slices.