Kids Tell The Christmas Story

And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for ALL people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord".

Matt 2:10-11

Fresh Greens

Christmas is a week away and now is the perfect time to add fresh greens to Christmas decorating.

Here at StoneGable, fresh greens and simple natural elements are filling bowls, vases and baskets. I don't bring in fresh greens before now because they will tend to  drop their needles just in time for Christmas. And who wants to be cleaning up needles all Christmas day?

I prefer to keep fresh green arrangements very simple and natural as they  are a supplement to my Christmas decor. 

Because we have a kitten this year, I kept the greens very simple, no twiggy branches I love so much, no ornaments or even faux snow. These are all play toys to a Hobbes. I did however use greens that would make a statement.

Fresh green arrangements are easy to make and will stay fresh until after Christmas. They add a huge festive visual presence and smell delightful!

Choose a container.

I chose this pretty scalloped ironstone pedestal bowl to hold an arrangement for the sofa table.

Soak oasis or other moisture wicking florist material in water for 30 minutes.

Put oasis in your container and secure with florist tape.

Add base greens.

I used 3 types of greens. Frazer fur (cut from our tree), pine and incense cedar. I used the Frazer fur greens to fill the bowl, making sure to stick the branches down into the oasis to secure them.

Add "fluffy" greens.

I love to add pine to my arrangements. It adds "fluff" or a wispy quality. I purchased 2 yards of pine roping and cut it apart for arranging.

Add accent greens.

Incense cedar was used as an accent in many of my arrangements this year. It has such  lovely green/gold "beads". Holly is another favorite of mine to use, too.

Add embellishments.

This year only pine cones were added to finish the arrangement. But tall twiggy branches, berries, sprays of faux Christmas goodies, etc can be tucked in your arrangement here and there for added interest.

Spraying your arrangement lightly with faux snow or glitter would also look beautiful. Not this year for me, I can just imagine Hobbes tracking it throughout my entire house or eating it... what a rascal!

Here are just a couple of other arrangements around StoneGable. Look for more next week.

Real green and faux... I LOVE to mix them!

Faux greens...

 Real greens...

Christmas Brunch Tablescape

Christmas Brunch is a big event at StoneGable. Even bigger than Christmas dinner. Just like most holidays, the menu never changes... it's TRADITION!

The inspiration for this table is the Christmas Woodland dinnerware. I purchased it after Christmas several years ago at Reading China and Glass. It was on sale and ridiculously inexpensive. I bought 18 place settings and all the servings pieces. 

It is a hardy porcelain. And it has to be!  We use it everyday from the day after Thanksgiving until Jan 31st every year. 

The plates have a lovely evergreen, holly, berries and ribbon border.  Although they are definitely Christmas dishes, their motif will work just fine through the month of January too!

Four different birds perched on an evergreen bough grace the center of the dessert/salad plates and mugs (not shown).

The Christmas dishes are stacked with my signature white leaf and berry charger as well as 2 different green plates. The different green colors are a rich contrast to the red tablecloth.

A large green dinner plate with a scalloped edge acts as a second charger and give color and a very interesting edge.

A darker, heavily embossed green plate with a bronze oil rubbed band gives texture to the stack. The banding on the plate compliments the wrought iron pieces on the table.

The tablecloth is a cheery red woven cotton with a small white embroidered pattern. For today's table, red marbleized forks and knives are used. I purchased 18 forks and knives last year at HomeGoods. They are wonderful to use when having a large group for dessert.

When I serve Christmas brunch I'll be using my silver and will save the red flatware for desserts. Even though this is a casual table, silver is ALWAYS welcomed at the table!

Napkins that match the tablecloth are caught up with crisp white cotton napkin with an interesting cutwork border.

Little white bird napkin rings continue the bird and woodland theme. These pretty little birdies came from Luckett's famous antique store.

Greens, a holly leaf, tiny pine cones and a small glass ornament are tucked into the napkin ring to give these napkins a festive look.

A pine cone rests at each place. I may add a small name card to each pine cones. I LOVE place cards. It tells the family and guests around my table, " I planned this place especially for you".

Red ribbed gobbets await Mimosa's... another StoneGable tradition!

And don't forget the coffee! Christmas woodland cups and saucers will probably be traded out for a larger mug  from the set with a bird that matches the salad/dessert plates. I set up a coffee bar on my kitchen counter.

The centerpiece is a wrought iron tiered bowl. I filled it with all sorts of greens, berries, pine cones, willow balls and shiny ornaments. It has a casual and pretty look. Nothing too fussy.

Making these arrangements are easy if you have little bits and pieces of things on hand. I keep clear boxes with all sorts of berries, greens etc. for each season. Look for an upcoming post about keeping things organized and on hand to make arrangements.

Can you see my kitchen tree in the background?

At the base of the arrangement is a sweet little bird nest, keeping with the bird theme. Encrusted with pine cone scales, the nest is filled with elements that are found in the arrangement.

Willow balls and pine cones are scattered around the base of the arrangement.

No formal candlesticks for this table. Wrought iron risers give height to rustic green glazed post with pine cone candles. A little faux snow was added to the bottom of the pots to nestle the pine cones in. They give the table a lovely glow!

Dessert plates and bowl  sit on a low wrought iron stand encircled by a rustic evergreen wreath. A real bird's nest becomes a part of the Christmas decor. No longer holding baby birds, it holds touches of nature and sparkle!

Christmas Day Brunch will be the start of a day filled celebrating Jesus' birthday, opening gifts, family, food and making memories!

StoneGable Christmas Brunch Menu

Mimosa's

Coffee

Fruit Salad

Egg and Sausage Casserole

Kielbasa

Land Of Nod  Pastry

Poppyseed Roll

Pizzelles

I am joining Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for TABLESCAPE THURSDAY.