During the holiday season, I like to create different tablescapes in the living room and kitchen; rotating between seven different holiday patterns. But, for an everyday, casual Christmas table and meal, I set out my go-to seasonal dishes.
Pfaltzgraff’s Nordic Christmas pattern graces the kitchen table and island bar for most of December and January.
Snowflake, reindeer, and evergreen tree motifs decorate the dishes; perfect for the winter holiday season. Muted shades of blue, brown, burgundy and green are overlaid on the ivory matte plates.
Today’s post is part of the Christmas Tablescape Blog Hop, hosted by Chloe of Celebrate & Decorate. All this week, 21 stylists share their holiday table creations for your viewing pleasure.
We’re midway through the blog hop, so be sure to return tomorrow and Friday to see all the festively decorated tables.
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Dishes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
For a casual, yet festive setting, I began by covering the glass table with a plaid cloth. Snowflake print napkins are held in place with pewter rings. Both the napkins and tablecloth are easy-to-care-for, knit fabrics requiring little ironing.
I like how the green background of the napkins bring out and compliment the green in the Nordic dish pattern and plaid tablecloth.
Rather than using red handled flatware, I chose my copper twig pattern. That’s because the red in the flatware clashes a bit with the burgundy shades in the dishes and tablecloth.
I also like pairing the twig flatware with the woodcut chargers, as I did with Thanksgiving’s Birds of a Feather Gather Together Table.
Both the Nordic pattern coffee mugs and top dessert plate are decorated with evergreen trees. Snowflakes and reindeer decorate the rim of the dinner plate.
Brown reindeer tie-in with the natural woodcut and twig flatware on the casual Christmas table.
They also work well with the deer centerpiece in Enchanting Woodland Tablescape.
Pfaltzgraff Nordic dishes were only produced from 1996-2000. The seasonal pattern was not widely available in stores, but is easily found on the secondary market. I have five place settings and a number of serving pieces, sugar and creamer, candle holders and more.
Since I use the dishes nearly everyday (for multiple meals) during the holiday season, I’d like to invest in a few more settings.
Snowmen Join the Scene
Who is perfectly at home in a snow-covered wood — why, snowmen of course! For the centerpiece, I started with another woodcut charger and topped it with a Christmas cake stand and hand-painted hurricane.
Around the base of the snow-topped stand is a candle wreath made of greens, berries, balls and sleigh bells.
A battery-operated string of tiny lights is weaved around the wreath.
My sister-in-law handpainted the snowman-decorated hurricane as a Christmas present. She also inscribed each of our names around the rim in gold. It’s been decorating my house for many years.
Inside is a battery-operated, snowy candle creating a warm glow. Lucky, these jolly snowmen are melt-proof!
Holiday greenery and icicles dangle from the chandelier overhead. Usually there are crystal snowflakes too, but I’m still trying to figure out which box they are packed in!
Place cards are held by happy snowmen adorned with scarves. A lighted gingerbread house blinks and glows at each setting. Vintage Libbey blue glasses tie-in with the blue snowflakes in the dish pattern.
Each gingerbread house sits atop a snowy-edged cupcake stand on the casual Christmas table.
Casual Christmas Table Flows to Kitchen Island
Hubby and I usually have breakfast and lunch at the kitchen island bar.
A tree-shaped pie stand holds extra Nordic dishes for easy access on the counter and for unloading the dishwasher. It also comes in handy as a tiered server for holiday entertaining.
Carrying the winter holiday theme into the kitchen includes the snowman on the kitchen door.
Three casual Christmas table place settings are on the island bar. Our family’s favorite Nordic dish is the skier luncheon plate. That’s because we all love to ski. Last February, hubby and I celebrated his retirement on a Breathtaking Breckenridge, Colorado Ski Trip.
Reindeer decorate the cereal bowls. Both dishes get a lot of use during the winter months.
Moose or polar bears decorate each casual Christmas table placemat. Both animals are featured in other casual seasonal settings, including; Moose Toboggan Ride Tablescape Winter Fun.
Napkins tucked into the blue glasses are also printed with moose, polar bears, sleds and skis.
Snowman on the Shelf
For each season and holiday, I also decorate the two shelves in the kitchen. A large platter and bowl match the cake plate used for the casual Christmas table centerpiece.
More snowmen and moose decorate the serving pieces. All three dishes were a Christmas gift from my son many years ago. He knew his mom was a plate addict even then!
Several friends from my snowman collection decorate the shelves.
They and the sleigh bell garland came from a favorite local shop, Old Allegheny. For more of their incredible decorations and tableware, check out Previewing Favorite Christmas Shop Kicks Off the Season.
A little later in January, I’ll replace the moose and snowman Christmas dishes with polar bears. See Polar Bear Frolic in Sleigh Ride Tablescape for the table and centerpiece too.
I hope you enjoyed my casual Christmas table and kitchen. Now it’s time to check out all the holiday tables by my fellow bloggers!
Christmas Tablescape Hop
Monday
Home is Where the Boat Is | Everyday Living | Knock it Off Kim | A casa di Bianca
Tuesday
Life and Linda | The Painted Hinge | Panoply | Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Wednesday
Debbee’s Buzz | Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Living With Thanksgiving
Home and Gardening With Liz
Thursday
Red Cottage Chronicles | The Painted Apron | Our Crafty Mom | Celebrate & Decorate
Friday
From My Carolina Home | Sweet Sensations | Me and My Captain
Zucchini Sisters | BlueSky at Home
Have you started setting festive tables for the holidays?
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Debbee, Your Nordic dinnerware is perfect for casual Christmas dining. I love how you paired it with the twig flatware and tree slice chargers. All your ‘frosty’ friends decorating your kitchen make it so cozy and festive. I always enjoy having a virtual seat at your table and blog hopping with you! Merry Christmas ♥
Thanks so much Mary! It’s a thrill to blog hop with you, as I’ve been inspired by your posts for many years. I hope you have the happiest of holidays.
I love a casual table, and I think it makes guests feel more relaxed. Yours is very homey and welcoming. When I first saw your Nordic dishware I wondered if it was Longaberger – very similar, and nice weight for service. Using your cupcake and cake stands around the table is such a great idea for lifting things and making the table less crowded in appearance. I like that a lot. I totally get your comment of reds clashing. My table hues dictated the elements I used also. Funny, how that works, isn’t it?
It’s a real pleasure to have your company in the table styling. I appreciate your flair a lot. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Debbee!
Merry Christmas to you Rita! Although I love the intimacy of my kitchen table, it can be a challenge to include a centerpiece, salad plates, serving pieces, etc. That’s why I frequently decorate the chandy and use cake and cupcake stands to elevate elements. Thanks for noticing! Always a pleasure following your blog and tablescape hopping with you.
Your godson loves the few Nordic pieces I have. His go to coffee cup is the tree one. But no skiers here! Love those. Your table looks so wintry festive. And I had no idea you had so many snowmen. You may have more than me!
How did I not know you had pieces from the same pattern? I gave some to A, did I give some to you? Since I use those dishes through January, you and M will have to come up for some winter fun in Pittsburgh. We can even hit the slopes! My snowman collection evolved after seeing how both my sisters used them to decorate in warmer climates. You inspired me!
Debbee, Your kitchen looks fabulous. I love your Nordic dishes and they look perfect on the wood charger accompanied by the twig flatware. Nice that they have three colors to work with. Those snowflake napkins and napkin ring suit your snowman theme nicely. The skier is so cute and your entire room is so festive. I always look forward to seeing your theme tables and enjoy blog hopping with you. Have a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much Bonnie! It was nice having the blue in the snowflakes for something a little different. The snowmen and skiers work well into January so the house still looks a little festive. It’s been so lovely ‘meeting’ you via the blog hop. Wishing you the merriest of Christmases.
hi Debbee…and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Your tables are perfect settings for all the snow and ice up north these days. I especially love all the snow men scattered about your shelves and tables. The little gingerbread houses at each Nordic plate stack are adorable….another clever idea. All in all, another beautifully styled table with tons of inspiration. I will repeat myself in saying that if someone doesn’t find an idea or two from all the stylists…they are not looking.
My initial inspiration for snowman decor and tableware was seeing how my two sisters (who live in Fl and SC) decorate with them. One year in Orlando, we actually had a ‘white’ Christmas because my sister had a 20 foot flocked tree and wreaths. Found the gingerbread houses at a stationary store on January clearance a few years ago. I bought every single one they had and gave them as gifts too. They make a cute coffee table vignette for my sons who live in apartments. So happy we have gotten acquainted this year via blogging! Hope one day we can meet in person.
Baby it’s cold outside, but your kitchen looks toasty warm and inviting. I like your Nordic dishes and they look perfect with the wood chargers and twig flatware – good paring. The snowflake napkins and napkin rings are cute! We have snow on the ground now, so your table is right on par! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Hi Ann! Loved your tablescape too (as always!). The Nordic dishes and snowmen are nice for creating a white Christmas inside — particularly for those years Mother Nature gives us rain or warm weather. We are a family that likes to ski so the even the guys are ‘into’ these dishes! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love this Nordic pattern dinnerware! Your table is set so cutely. The snowman candle in the center is perfect. Love the twig dinnerware- what a perfect companion for this pattern as well as the wood chargers! Your whole room looks wonderful! Tis’ the season!!
Happy holidays Liz! I just love that snowman hurricane — such a sweet gift from my sister-in-law. She’s made us a number of wonderful gifts. For everyday, the Nordic dishes and twig flatware really serve us well. For Christmas Eve and Day I pull out 3 other patterns and have a blast styling tables to delight the family.
Love your cute Nordic plates. The twig flatware is lovely. I looked at that last year. Love the snowflake napkins and rings are cute. Snowmen everywhere. how special to collect them. Truly a lovely Christmas table to sit down and enjoy. always a pleasure Debbee to join you on this blog hop. Merry Christmas.
Hi Linda! It’s been so nice getting to know you via blogging this past year. You were one of the first bloggers to reach out to me and it’s much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed my casual table. I’m already planning 3-5 other table settings so I can use my other dish patterns — so much fun!
Very Frosty Festive Debbee! I love all your frolicking snowmen, and the casual plates are so sweet! Isn’t is so much fun to see everyone’s holiday decor and decorations during these hops! Using wood slices and twig flatware is so perfect for your theme! I hope your holidays overflow with happy and merry!
Jenna, I wish I had thought of “Frosty Festive” for the name of my post — so much better than “Casual Christmas”! Since only starting my blog a little over a year ago, one of the nicest things is ‘meeting’ you and other bloggers via these hops. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Such a cute and cozy looking tablescape, Debbee! Your dishes match beautifully with the lovely plaid tablecloth (you know I love plaids!). Oh, and I LOVE your kitchen cabinetry! Hugs!
Oh yes Bobbi, I know you of our shared ‘madness’ LOL! Sometime I’ll have to share my Scottie and plaid table setting and holiday decorations. Aw, you always notice details in the background…like those cabinets. As much as I love white kitchen cabinets, I like that my natural birch a light in color but less common.
Pairing the twig flatware with the wood chargers was a beautiful idea. The plaid tablecloth is so pretty and it all came together in such a fun way. It’s been fun hopping with you and Merry Christmas.
Always a pleasure hopping with you Sandra. In this first year of blogging, you were one of my first ‘supporters’ — always leaving lovely comments, and even selecting posts on occasion to feature. I hope you and family have a wonderful holiday with your new grandbaby!
How very cute, cozy and oh so Christmasey! I love the use of plaid, snowmen, and all of your other fun and festive touches. I recall the flatware from Halloween and I love how perfect it looks for Christmas too, as it takes on a woodsy, wintry look.
Oops, sent too soon,..
Such a fun tablescape! So happy to be hopping with you this week.
Merry Christmas!
Amber, it has been so nice ‘meeting’ you this year — my first blogging. Hope to be hopping with you many times in 2019.
Debbee, I love your casual table set with the Nordic pattern. I must admit I have never seen it before. It is fun and festive, I also like the skier. The twig flatware and wood slice chargers fit perfectly for your table. I adore your snowman collection. It is always fun hopping with you! Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!
The Nordic pattern was so short-lived! I can’t understand it, because it’s so festive and practical too. Maybe people only wanted dishes for more formal settings? I have so many more snowmen in my collection — this is the type of the iceberg! Last year I created 5 centerpieces and tables with some of them in, . Happy holidays Pam!
I have never seen the Nordic Christmas pattern…it’s just lovely as is your decorating..I particularly like the Christmas tree plate holder..and the plaid..I’m a plaid nut..I think that’s why I have followed Mary for many years..she always has plaid..anyway, your Christmas decor is inspiring…can’t wait to see some of your future posts..MERRY CHRISTMAS from a new subscriber…?????
Ellen, welcome! I’m delighted to have you follow the Buzz. It’s a huge compliment to be compared with Mary; she is so creative and talented. Part of my madness for plaid is because I have a Scottie dog — the perfect plaid ‘accessory’ LOL! Sometime I’ll have to write a post about our amazing trip to Scotland. I’ve only been blogging for a little over a year. But, I did post a number of Christmas posts including these tables; Woodland Tablescape and Brunch at the Red Barn. Looking forward to hearing from you in the New Year. Happy holidays!
Debbie, your dishes are very cute. I’ve never seen that pattern before. The twig silverware gives the place settings a rustic air. I love th cozy , casual feel. Merry Christmas.
Thanks Carol, it’s nice having a dish pattern I can use for about 2 months. Other than my sister, I don’t know anyone else with the Nordic pattern either. Hope you have a very happy holiday!
What a welcoming Christmas table. Your choice of casual dishes and rustic accents make your table look cozy and homespun. The little gingerbread houses on their little stands is a fun touch! Thank you so much for joining in another hop! Merry Christmas!
Hi Chloe! Thank you for including me in this wonderful hop during my first year of blogging. I also appreciate the times you stopped by and left lovely comments on posts, and featured others on Celebrate & Decorate. Have a wonderful holiday!
Debbee, your tablescape captures everything I love about Christmas! Your dishes give the table a real homey and cozy look. The hand painted hurricane is adorable! And, those little gingerbread houses at each place setting are so cute. Wishing you the best for the Holidays and New Year!
Maureen, thank you for such a lovely comment! So glad you enjoyed the post. It’s so nice to include items in tablescapes that have special meaning or were gifts. I remember fondly the year my son gave me the cake plate, platter and bowl — he just beamed with happiness. And, my sister-in-law — with all her kids and job to juggle — took the time to create such a thoughtful, fun gift. It’s been so nice ‘meeting’ you through my first year of blogging. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Oh, how fun to know that I am not the only one with two sets of holiday dishes, LOL!! I like all the ways you use yours.
Yes, I am a plate addict! But, no more room in the inn for more, alas! Problem with a tablescape blog hop is seeing so many wonderful patterns I want for Christmas! I don’t have 6-7 complete sets. My Lenox china is just dinner plates. Several others are just luncheon or dessert plates with a few matching serving pieces. Often I layer 2 patterns together. Merry Christmas Carole!
Debbee I just adore your tablescape! I love how different the napkins and the tablecloth but they still go so well together. Your Christmas plates are so cute – I’ve never seen that pattern before and I really like it! Everything just has a warm and cozy feel. So happy to be hopping with you!
Thanks Michelle! Warm and cozy is just what I was going for! Merry, merry Christmas!
Very very nice!
Molto allegra la tua tavola e bellissimi i tuoi piatti, brava tua cognata a disegnare quei pupazzi di neve!
Sono sicura che troverò qualche spunto per le mie tavole delle feste!
Arrivo al tuo blog grazie al blog di Donna Bianca.
Ciao, Fior
Hi Debbee! Your casual tablescape looks so festive and welcoming. I love the plaid tablecloth with the rustic touches of the wood chargers and twig flatware. And it’s nice how your Nordic plates are so sturdy…perfect for use every day during the holidays. I hope you’re able to find some more! It’s a pleasure joining you on this hop. Merry Christmas!
It’s really nice having holiday dishes that can go in oven, microwave and dishwasher. I’ve probably had them 20 years! Replacements has them, but they are ridiculously priced! You’d think they were an antique china pattern LOL! Maybe this year I’ll grab them on a post Christmas sale.
Deebee, your arrangement looks so warm and cosy, and your nordic dinner service is amazing! Have a beautiful Christmas
Thank you Donna, and happy holidays to you.
Hi Debbee,
Love your tablescape! I have the very same dishes, although I do not have the skier plates. I love it and I too was disappointed that it was short-lived. You have given me inspiration for my casual Christmas brunch tablescape.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Lynda, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. You are the only person I know of who also has the pattern! Even though I’ve packed away my Christmas dishes, I will continue to set everyday tables with the pattern until the end of January. One day, I need to invest in two more place settings now that our family is growing.