Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Welcome to The 172nd Tablescape Thursday!

Greetings and Happy Holidays! I’ve been working on a tablescape in the dining room this week, but I’m short one thing I need to complete it. So, last night I put together a totally different table setting in the breakfast room.  While taking pics today, I played around a little with a setting on my camera called “effects.”  I’ve included a few pics taken in the effect setting known as “color sketch.”

This tablescape turned out to have a “Santa” theme.  I paired Santa salad plates (used in this previous Christmas tablescape) with red trimmed Noritake, Colorwave dinner plates. As I was setting the table, I remembered I had three sleighs stored away with the Christmas decorations. Once I climbed into the little storage area under the eves, I discovered I actually had four sleighs. All were received as gifts over the years, except one. It struck me as funny how completely different they all are in their design.   I think you’ll enjoy seeing all the different “takes” on Santa’s sleigh.

Oh, one more fun thing to note: this table setting includes the “key to JOY.”  See if you can spot it.  We can never have too much joy, right? (Click on any photo to further enlarge it.)

Please enjoy this table setting accompanied by the well-loved poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Per Wikipedia, “According to legend, A Visit was composed by Moore on a snowy winter’s day during a shopping trip on a sleigh. His inspiration for the character of Saint Nicholas was a local Dutch handyman as well as the historical Saint Nicholas.”

Twas the Night Before Christmas
By Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

 

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Christmas Table Setting with Sleigh Centerpiece

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

A Christmas Table Setting Tablescape with a Santa Claus Theme

 

Resources:

Amber Glass chargers: Hobby Lobby 2-3 years ago
Dinner Plates: Colorwave, Provided by Noritake
Santa Salad Plates: HomeGoods, 2-3 years ago
Stemware:  Pfaltzgraff, Winterberry and  French Countryside Ruby Goblets, Mikasa
Flatware: Available here: Hampton Forge San Remo
Plaid Napkins: Marshalls, 2-3 years ago
Napkin Rings: “Key to Joy” Ornament, Walmart this year
Centerpiece: Crystal Beverage Server: local antique shop, 1-2 years ago
Red ornaments: Old Time Pottery, last year
Sleighs:  3 received as gifts, 1 purchased but don’t remember where now
Live, evergreen mini-trees:  Big Lots, this year
Painting-like photos were taken with a Nikon D5100 in the “Color Sketch” effect setting

Looking forward to all the beautiful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday!

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Comments

  1. What a cute table!! I'm sure you love the camera too! Thanks for hosting!

  2. Alycia Nichols says

    Excellent! The black accents are so unexpected…which is what makes them so neat!!! "The Key to Joy" is a great idea, too! Beautiful, fun table, Susan! I hope you are enjoying the joy of the season!

  3. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    So festive, Susan! Love those Santa plates! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

  4. AshTreeCottage says

    No Worries! Your table is fabulous and it is after all a metamorphosis!! Thanks for hosting Susan.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

  5. Love the Santa plates! Gorgeous table!I have no idea where in the world you store all your decorations…must have a basement…I need to move north…Lyndaoflakeland.blogspot.com

  6. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    lol Lynda, I don't store any dishes in the basement. I'd break them bringing them up.

  7. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    Must be the "child" in me for I never tire of hearing "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"! What a clever setting on your camera…isn't this fun to see all the photos in the newest setting? Reminds me of the comic books I use to recieve as gifts when a "child".
    Your use of all the sleighs is darling, dear friend. The unifying of all with the green miniature trees makes for a most festive tablescape! Thank you for hosting this weekly meme! I look forward to each and ever episode …issue…post!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  8. Cool table. Love when you can shop in your own cupboards and home and repurpose something in a tablescape. Loving your camera with the sketch effect. Looking forward to future narratives, illustrated with effected pictures. Can't wait to see your dining room table. It made me smile that you are working on the table throughout the week. Sometimes people visit and see the dining table set and assume we're having guests that night. No, just playing with dishes! ~CJ

  9. Beautiful tablescape as usual, Susan. I love the sleighs and the Santa plates…Christine

  10. Tanya@takesix says

    What a lovely table, Susan. I found the "key to Joy"!! I love your sweet Santa plates, and the sleds are just perfect to accompany those plates!! Thank you so much for hosting!

  11. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    Susan, what a bright and festive table! Love the Santa plates!! This is a great party! Thanks for hosting!

  12. I love those Santa salad plates, so very merry!
    The plaid napkins really pop with the black keys.
    I love plaid, I have my front porch decked out in it.
    Thanks for hosting! Can't wait to see what you have cooked up for next week!

  13. I love the photo effects on your post. You are always showing us new and great things. I love "Twas the Night before Christmas" and enjoy how you presented it. Great Santa plates!

  14. That has got to be the coolest effect I have ever seen! I'll have to do some investigation. I don't think it's on my camera, but I think it may be in Photoshop?

  15. Debbie@Mountain Breaths says

    Just so beautiful Susan! Those Santa plates remind of a very large Santa plate my mom used to have. Hmmm… I'll have to ask her what happened to it. It's going to take me a while, but I am going to visit every blog that participates. This is my favorite time of year! Thank you for hosting Susan!

  16. I kept saying, there's no way I'm going to see her porch in December … but I saw a little peek of it through the door – meanwhile your table setting is fun! Thanks for sharing.

    Mary

  17. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    CJ, that's too cute. Fun to play, isn't it?

  18. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Tanya, good going! I bet you are one of the few who will notice the key spells the word, joy.

  19. Kerry Rossow says

    I love all the traditional red! Gorgeous!
    Thank you so much for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

  20. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Mary, the crazy thing is I could have set a table out there yesterday. It's been in the high 60's and low 70's all week, until today. The daffodils are coming up out of the ground and the camellia is blooming its heart out. Georgia weather is so weird. There will be porch days in January, too. In Georgia, every month during the winter will have a few freak warm days. It keeps life interesting.

  21. Sewconsult says

    The live trees are the perfect additions to the tablescape. I wish I could stop in and see all your decor inventory for your tablescapes. (don't worry, I live to far to just drop by!)
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

  22. A Perfect Setting says

    hi Susan, what a fun table! That poem has a special meaning for me. My daughter danced in a Christmas ballet, which was based on that poem, for years! Very festive, cute napkin rings, and the trees in the sleighs are adorable. I love the Santa plates!!

  23. Found the joy! Your tablescapes amaze me. I devour your pictures! Love the traditionalness of this one.

  24. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    Those Santa plates are so beautiful and the plaid napkins are perfect with them! Love the Key to Joy!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Katherine

  25. So ironic you posted this b/c I just spent about 30 mins going over a stanza of this w/ my daughter who has to memorize one each night for school. Love the plaid and Santa plates, some of my favorite things at Christmas. I'm glad you mentioned the sleighs b/c I always forget I have some crystal ones I've picked up in thrift stores over the years that might be just what I need to complete the centerpiece on my table. I hide Christmas stuff everywhere, so I tend to forget what I have. Love the 'key to joy'. I didn't see them at my Wal-mart, but I'm going to look for those. They look real.

  26. BTW, your new camera effect looks like one of Fifi's paintings.

  27. Liz@A Dish Here, A Glass There says

    Hi Susan- I love the Santa plates! The key of joy is such a nice accent and the poem is an all time favorite. Love the neat way you fixed the pictures too. Ho ho ho!!

  28. FABBY'S LIVING says

    Oh lol! I just kept on looking for TT thinking I missed it, or something I didn't read about it! This really cracks me up Susan!
    Thank you so much for hosting sweet lady again and don't worry, no swet!
    Happy Holidays, FABBY

  29. FABBY'S LIVING says

    I forgot the real thing, not our Thursday?! I love your tablescape, it's so pretty from the dishes to the sleigh centerpiece, you're so imaginative, it's great! Merry Christmas.
    FABBY

  30. This tablescape is so gorgeous. I always use neutrals when I decorate, but this makes me want to rethink it. I love the little cypress trees and apothecary jar with red ornaments! So beautiful.

    Thanks for hosting…I'm new.

    Kristen
    Sophia's

  31. Susan, this is a fun post! Love the altered photos. They could be illustrations for a book! Cute table. Thanks for always being such a gracious hostess. You never fail to inspire!
    Happy Holidays ~ sarah

  32. The effects with your camera are really cool — looks like a rendering or a watercolor. The table is a masterpiece as always. Thanks for hosting.

  33. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    I always love your tablescapes! This one is so festive! Gorgeous! It sparkles!

  34. Tracey@Breathing English Air says

    Gorgeous! So many beautiful things I don't know where to begin with the praise!

  35. Nann from At Nann's Table says

    This is just a delightful tablescape. My grandchildren would love it. And so would the child in all of us. Susan, its a masterpiece as usual.

    PS URGENT…I mispelled 'Turtle' under my photo entitled Day 2: Two Turtle Doves (in a salad nest). Is there anyway you could correct the mispelling? Thanks so much!!! I appreciate your help. (I think its #92 on the link posts).

  36. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Nann…thanks! Just fixed it…you're all set. 🙂

  37. Hi Susan,

    Pretty tablescape you´ve put together. I like the plaid and the cute Santas on the plates. Spotted the "key of joy" 🙂 For the first time, I have read the entire "Twas the night before Christmas" and loved it!

    Have a nice day!
    Sanna

    PS. I think you have the cutest header ever!

  38. Absolutely gorgeous, as usual!

    Love the creative cartoon like images too.

  39. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    I think those are the cutest little santa plates ever! I am not sure I could put any food on him. hehe.
    Your table is festive and gorgeous, love the little trees!
    Cindy

  40. This is such a cute one! I love the Santa dishes and those small trees gathered in the centerpiece.

  41. Love those plates and napkins. The ornament filled glass centerpiece is gorgeous! Your table looks like the perfect party.

    Mary

  42. High Heeled Life says

    WOW!! brilliant table setting !! and I'm swooning over your camera's capabilities!! Happy Thursday..xo HHL

  43. Sharing Shadymont says

    Susan,

    You are definitely the best Tablescaper around! Great ideas. Love all you've done!

    Merry Christmas,
    Kathy

  44. Envoy-ette says

    Love it! What a neat trick with the "effects". I feel like I'm looking at a finished Candice Olsen project! Beautiful job!

  45. Beautiful table, love the keys and especially the ornaments in the bev. server. Not a fan of the camera effects, much prefer the real photos to look at everything in detail. Also prefer your comments on the table settings rather than the poem….but looks like that's a minority view. Usually love your site, thank you for all you do.

  46. Love the table! Do you use the Santa plates as decoration or do you actually eat off of them? They have so many curves and grooves, I wondered if the were hard to actually eat off of. Either way, they are very pretty and make the table look very festive.

    I don't know know to post photos of my table yet. I am relatively new at blogging and haven't really had much time to learn it up until now. I just retired from working two jobs (one full time and one part time) to working only a part time weekend job. Here is the link to the photos of the start of my table…..not all great photos but I'm still learning.

    http://lindahastingsblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-dishes.html

    Love your blog and getting lots of great inspiration on how to make the holidays a little brighter.

    Linda

  47. michelle starling says

    I like the effects setting. Very nice. It looks like a drawing. And your table setting is very festive.

  48. Loved everything about your tablescape. Your camera is fabulous, I felt like I was looking a pictures in a storybook.

  49. I love your tablescape. It is so festive. Makes me feel like a kid in a toystore during the holiday season.

  50. Hi Susan; So nice to see your blog again, I've been away for a while. Enjoyed it as always 😉

    Michelle
    http://www.newengland-style.com

  51. Perfect table for the holidays. So very cute…

  52. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    Stunning kitchen!

    Greetings from Australia♥

  53. Nann from At Nann's Table says

    THANKS Susan for fixing the misspelling! I got up this morning and there it was all fixed. (We have a two hour time difference)

    Also I just noticed someone wrote a not so nice comment. I sure hope you take it with a grain of salt. I LOVE the night before Christmas. A wonderful traditional poem that is part of the fabric of Christmas. And I LOVED the photo effects. Because… I just learned something new that you can do with a camera. Being a brand new blogger I am trying to learn all that I can about photography. I even cut and pasted the last photo drawing with the list of credits with the photo function so I could refer to it if I ever get a camera or program like that. I never knew how that was done. Honestly I didn't realize a camera could do all that. And your blog is ALWAYS wonderful.

  54. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Thanks, Nann! ♥

  55. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Linda, I've used those a couple of times at Christmas to serve dessert but not salad, yet. They worked well for the dessert. 🙂

  56. emptynester3 says

    Hi Susan-
    Love your table, especially the apothecary jar with the Christmas balls- I am also having camera envy- someday, I am going to get that "Mac Daddy" camera too!! Please? Santa? Just thought I would say hi- I have been sporadic in my Tablescapes! Love, ~Nana~

  57. Just read your post from December, 2009. I chuckled while reading it. My husband was TDY six months at Aberdeen Proving Grounds 28 years ago and I do believe we rented from the same witch (she took our money too)!!!! We spent one month there and moved to Joppatowne. My daughter was born at Hartford Memorial. Love your blog!

  58. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Brenda, we were there about 4 years before you. That would be amazing if we stayed in the same place. Was it an apartment on Bourbon Street? The house where we stayed those four months was on the corner of Bourbon
    St. and some main road…forgotten the name now.

  59. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    I can't take my eyes off that gorgeous jar of ornaments! There is something so striking about it and it is perfect for your sleigh/Santa table. I love this!

  60. Katherines Corner says

    Gorgeous , just gorgeous xo

  61. How did you change the pictures to the cartoon look?

    • That was a setting that was on the camera I was using at that time. I can’t remember now what setting that was. It was a Nikon D5100 I think. I only had it for a couple of weeks then exchanged it for a Nikon D7000. You can something similar at Photobucket, I think. If you google “Make pictures look like cartoons” or a similar phrase, you’ll find a bunch of sites that you can use to do that.

  62. Wow! What a gorgeous tablescape! Thanks for making us a small prat of it:)

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