A Dept. 56 Christmas Table Setting

Welcome to the 67th Tablescape Thursday! I’ve had this table setting in my heart for years and this had to be about the most fun I’ve ever had creating a tablescape.  I was 10 years old all over again, at least for the day. Several BNOTP readers have asked if we dined at this table. We did! I would love to recreate this one again in the future for another Christmas. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Lit Houses

 

 

Old Chelsea Mansion is the residence of Clement C. Moore, author of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” (better known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)

 

China is Lenox, Holiday

Roasting marshmallows…

 

Pizza Delivery…

Feeding the birds…

Dashing through the snow…

I believe!

Just married…

 

The view from Santa’s sleigh…

 


Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Lit Houses
China: Lenox, Holiday
Stemware: All by Waterford: Iced Beverage/Tea-Araglin Wine-Crimson Hock Champagne-Twelve Days of Christmas Collection
Flatware: Towle, King Richard
Napkins: Martha Stewart
Houses: Dept. 56, Snow Village Collection, Collected 15+ years ago

Additional Information:
So many folks have asked about the Dept. 56 lit houses…how they are lit and where I have hidden the wires. All the Dept. 56 houses come pre-wired and have a bulb that fits into the back. I’ve run the cords down the center of the table behind the houses. When I put the center leaf in the table, I left a crack just large enough to fit all the cords single file through the crack. Under the table, they are all plugged into each other…they are designed to plug into one another in kind of a piggyback style. Then I’ve plugged them into an extension cord and I’ve run that one cord across the floor to an outlet under the sideboard. So, that’s the only electrical cord that’s visible.

Merry Christmas from my home to yours! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful tablescapes!

If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. If you aren’t sure how to obtain your permalink or have any questions about using Mr. Linky for this post, just click HERE for detailed instructions.

Please copy and paste the Tablescape Thursday logo button to your computer. Then you can upload it to your side bar and use it in your tablescape post so your visitors will know you are participating.

Please link back to the host blog, Between Naps on the Porch. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, find the other wonderful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday.

Please do not add your link below, until your tablescape post is actually published to your blog.

The following blogs have beautiful tablescapes awaiting your visit:

 

*If a post is sponsored or a product was provided at no charge, it will be stated in post. Some links may be affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *



 Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! 

*Subscribe to have updates delivered to your Inbox. 



Comments

  1. Diann @ The Thrifty Groove says

    Hi Susan!

    You have a really cute mini village! I love all the little figurines! The dishes look lovely!

  2. Marsha's Mpressions says

    What a fantasy land! Love it!

  3. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    Fabulous! I love the kids with the marshmallows and the little bird bath and the cardinals on the fence. So many wonderful touches. Also loved the newlyweds. How cute. What a fun tablescape!

    Christi @ A Southern Life

  4. Beth@The Stories of A to Z says

    This is beyond amazing! Seriously gorgeous!!!

  5. My this is just darling! What a wonderful way to showcaes your collection of tiny homes! So festive and unexpected! Love it… Dee Dee

  6. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    This is just wonderful!! I love the dark photos with the lights on in the village!

    My daughter has the Lenox Holiday china, I have always loved it!

    Great job! I've never seen a tablescape with Dept 56, very fitting for our Queen of Tablescapes to do it first!!

    Thanks for hosting the weekly TT!

    Katherine

  7. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    What a truly wonderful, magical tablescape!!!

  8. Wow! just fabulous Susan! I took some photos of a few miniature towns at my favorite local china shop which I hope to share soon, but yours take the cake! I love love the setting! I have to know, are the homes lit by candles or actual lighting? If the latter, where are the wires? Thank you for this truly inspiring table setting.

    xoxo
    Julio

  9. Styling by Coty Farquhar says

    Susan,

    This is absolutely adorable, I'm sending your link to all my little nieces and nephews in Australia to have a look. They will just love it!!

    What a huge amount of work, your so clever.

    xx Coty

  10. WOW! That is beautiful! I love the newly weds..it is all so much fun!
    Beautiful table, Susan!
    Going back to look again!

  11. black eyed susans kitchen says

    Beautiful table, Susan and the best way to appreciate your Snow Village houses. Just lovely!
    Susan

  12. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    This was so much fun to look at all the pictures. I told my husband that doing the tablescapes feels almost like I'm a kid playing with toy dishes again. Well, you just played with your dollhouse! I really hope you get to use your table like this…I'm sure your guests would love it!

    Sue

  13. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Susan,this has to be my very very favorite tablescape. Ohhhh, it is totally wonderful!!!! I love the lighted town with such detail! The different little vignettes give me so much to look at and they conjure up darling stories in my mind.

    I never thougth you could ever outdo yourself, well you did this time! The snow and the greens add depth and interest. Your plates and napkin and Christmas cracker carry a Christmassy holly theme and are stars in their own right.
    What a wonderful treat for us!!!!

    Yvonne

  14. Mary Ellen (megardengal) says

    I love it!! I think I would have to keep my tablescape like this for the rest of December it is so adorable and so many details to look at! May I ask what you used for the snow?

    blessings
    mary

  15. What a wonderful winter wonderland post for the holidays. It reminds me of the movie It's A Great Life. The bride and groom and the roasting of the marshmallows and the china and the stemware come together Perfectly! I want to step into the tablescape and stroll along the streets. Susan you never cease to make me SMILE! Thanks for sharing.
    Joyce

  16. What a terrific idea using your village in the middle of you dining table. I have had mine packed away since moving to this home three and a half years ago because I had no clue where to put it. Two questions. What did you do with the light cords? Also did you use sugar for the snow? My faux snow is not as fine as that and I like the way yours looks! Super!

  17. Me again I used those Scottie dog plates this week. I so love them!

  18. Wowie Zowie! What a fabulous table Susan. It looks so great in your formal dining room. You really had a great idea and put it together beautifully!

  19. We have a large collection of snow village — what a great way to display it — a perfect centerpiece! Terrific idea. A great holiday table — and quite a clever one too!

  20. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Susan, this is stunning. I love all of your gorgeous little houses. They are wonderful and you've created such a beautiful winter wonderland. I really should set up my little village. This is really stunning. Hugs, Marty

  21. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Susan, where do I even start? You did an amazing job. I love all of the village buildings. And I like the way you sprinkled little outcroppings of snow and had vignettes occuring there… the sleigh, the honeymoon couple, etc. You even have Santa Claus (I saw him! LOL!), and the live greenery as the trees is a nice touch. Just perfection. I like your Christmas china with it, too, as well as your flatware, linens, and crystal. Did you use chords, or did you try to find battery operated lights for the houses? Whichever the case, I'm applauding you for the wonderful tablescape this is!

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  22. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    I truly believe you have outdone yourself, Susan! I love this and I can't believe you put the fake snow on your table. Do you have to plug your houses in or do they work on batteries? Great idea!

  23. This is so…creative!
    I can just imagine the conversations being held by those gathered around the table!
    It would be something to remember and talked about for many years!
    Blessings to you…donna

  24. Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says

    I must say I do love your blog. I think what I love the most is that you always seem to know when to tell a story, when to talk about the dishes, and when to just say nothing and let the wonderful pictures speak for themselves. Your tablescape just warms my heart and is fun to get lost in the village…wow it is just magnificient……Phyllis

  25. So much details, everything so beautiful, Susan! I want the doctor's clinic….Christine

  26. The Barnett Family says

    I have most of the same houses as you. I have never displayed them as a centerpiece…thanks for the idea. How did you hide the electrical cords???? It was just magical…thanks for sharing as always!

    Blessings~
    Tonya

  27. Gorg, gorg, and more gorg! Plus I'm drooling over the mirror.
    @cheapchichome.blogspot.com

  28. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says

    Susan, this is the most incredible tablescape I've ever seen. So magical. I haven't taken my houses out in years. This is a thought for another year..lol hugs ~lynne~

  29. Vicci @theplaidbasket says

    Oh what fun this was! I hope you answer post question answers here so we can all "be in the know"! I am curious where you will set them up for the rest of the season?!? Thank you for going to all the work to share this WONDERFUL idea with us.

  30. Beverly @ My Sew Sweet Studio says

    Oh Susan, I was just getting my Snow Village out to put in my entertainment center when I took a break to catch up on my blogs. Yours was the first and I couldn't have been happier that I came here. Your table with the Village as your centerpiece is fantastic.
    I scrolled trough enjoying every little detail…3 times. Makes me want to go out and get more to do my table as I only have just enough for my entertainment center and not much else for there. I don't have any of the same ones you do but I only collect Snow Village. Of course the rest of your tabl was wonderful too, but the houses really made my heart race. Now I have something to plan for next year. Thanks for all the great ideas you give so willingly.
    My favorite was the blue and white with picket fence and Santa going down the Chiminey.

  31. Fairy Footprints says

    Oh Susan this is the best tablescape I have ever seen, all the wonderful villages, I am a baby when it comes to little villages, I adore them, and could sit and stare at them for hours, oh man this would be a great dinner to attend, I would just sit and stare into the little homes for hours, wonderful who lives in there, and the cute little details of the little stairs and the windows and the victorian style homes, oh my gosh you just stole my heart.

    .•:*¨¨*:•.Blessings*¨2 U 4¨**¨¨*the holidays .•:*¨¨*:•.

    -:¦:-H-:¦:-E-:¦:-I-:¦:-D-:¦:-I-:¦:-

  32. Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says

    I just love your blog, and I think the thing I love the most is that you know when to tell a story and when to talk about the dishes and when to just say nothing and let the wonderful dishes speak for themselves…This tablescape is just magnificient. You have an incredible eye for detail that I just love…thanks for the enjoyable visit, I will have to look again and again…Phyllis

  33. Susan-This is exquisite! Every detail is perfect. I hope you can leave this up for a while. It is too pretty to put away! I must have been under a rock. Have never seen the Waterford Crimson–I LOVE it!…something to add to the Christmas wish list 🙂

  34. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Now this is beautiful! I've put one house on my table before — but never even thought to try a whole village! So pretty this is!

  35. Firstborn Gamache says

    I very much adore this table!!! What a brilliant idea!!! Keep them coming!!! They make my day!!!

  36. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    Hi Susan,
    Wowza Wow! Utterly amazing, I feel like a kid in a toy store at Christmas time! Thanks for this amazing tour, can't believe how good this is! Should be in a book, when is your's going to out? Cindy

  37. Susan, this table is magical! I'm so glad you brought this to reality. It is amazing! Can't you just see the wonderment in the eyes of a child sitting at this setting? This one is by far the most original table yet. Thank you for sharing this creative endeavor. It is a work of art! ~ Sarah

  38. Bama Belle says

    I adore this table! Well done!!

  39. I love this, Susan. I am sending the link to my cousin because I know she will love it, too.

  40. 9405018--Pat says

    Susan, this is absolutely Gorgeous tablescape…thanks for sharing…Pat H

  41. Just beautiful, so unique.
    Sandy

  42. Hi Susan,
    Oh, you've done it again! This is just adorable, I just want to jump in and live in that little village you've created. It looks so Christmasy and charming!
    I'm always so surprised and delighted when I come visiting your blog!
    XO
    Heidi – Heart and Home

  43. blushing rose says

    Fairyland setting … how unique & whimsical. Love it.

    TTFN ~Marydon
    PS Pop over & follow our new blog ~
    blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com
    … and … our giveaways

  44. So beautiful! It really captures the magic of Christmas. I'd love to have Christmas dinner at this table!!! Love it.
    Katie

  45. Beautiful, Susan. Lovely music, too.
    I love the newly wed couple! I wish I could shrink myself, and just meander around that magical place. Then I'd spend in the night at the Snowy Pines Inn. 🙂

    D

  46. hi Susan, i don't comment very often but this tablescape took my breath away!!!!just beautiful,you are one talented and creative lady:o))).
    Happy Holidays!!!..
    xx

  47. Hi Susan,
    I am speechless…this is the most beautiful Christmas tablescape. It looks like a scene from "The Santa Clause" movie. You even had Santa going down the chimney. It is magical…a tiny town right in front of your guests to enjoy! You are an artist!!!!!!

    Teacup Lane (Sandy)

  48. Oh, Susan! I believe, I believe too! This is amazing. I love that you've set your table up with your little Christmas village. You are amazing, sweet friend.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  49. Susan, I love your china, stemware and the crackers, your village centerpiece is just incredible, and your photographs are stunning. Kathy.

  50. I am speechless over this one, Susan…well, nearly speechless!! :O)
    Just amazing. And, I know it must have taken several days to pull this one together. We all appreciate all the work you do to make this such an enjoyable day of the week for us.
    xo bj

  51. Susan,

    This is definitely my very favorite of all your tables. It looks like a winter wonderland…fabuloso! Where do you store all of your "stuff"? heehee

    Blessings Girl…

  52. Everything is beautiful as I've always come to expect when visiting your blog. I love the display and wish I could meander down the streets and take a closer look in the Neighborhood…I would even help Santa get down that chimney.

  53. Oh Susan! I'm breathless! How beautiful. I love the children roasting marshmallows and the newlywed couple. Funny thing is on my under construction tablescape I want to put a miniature model train and I thought that was a bit weird, but wouldn't it be cool?

    Then my guests would be entertained watching my train wind through my tablescape just as your guests will be entertained watching the beautiful snow village.

    Perfection!

  54. nannykim/spindlecottage says

    I love the houses, but even more I love the people figurines! They are so cool!!! It conjurs up so many stories!! I love this!

  55. Too cute! I love it all!

  56. Susan…I BELIEVE that YOU are the most talented, creative, amazing tablescaper on earth!!!!!!!!! Just when I think you can't outdo yourself, you DO!!!!!!! This is exquisite! Every little detail is a delight to me! We have a huge Dept. 56 collection, but it is all on the train board and I am sure Joe would lock me up if I even suggested he let me "borrow" some of the houses for a table:):):) Thank you SOOOOOO much for shaing this amazing table! XO, Pinky

  57. food with style says

    oh you made me feel like a little girl on xmas morning, PURE JOY! just delightful! i adore the marshmallows roasting and the newlyweds… oh my cheeks ache, thanks for making a little adult magic, i absolutely adored it!

  58. helenabelle says

    Amazing! I am thrilled that your idea finally came to life. As I read in another comment, please do tell us how the houses are lit? Did you use cords, and if so, where are they, or did you use cordless lights.
    Inquiring minds want to know!

  59. I love that room! The red is so warm and the perfect setting for a Christmas tablescape!
    The Christmas village centerpiece is so festive!

    Everything is beautiful!
    All the best,
    Eileen

  60. Country Dreaming says

    Just too cute for words! Love Christmas villages.

    Melinda

  61. Sewconsult says

    LOVE IT! Getting in the Spirit, now. It's been a hard few weeks, so I am drinking in all your Holiday joy.
    Beckie

  62. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Several folks have asked about the houses and how they are lit…all the Dept. 56 houses come pre-wired and have a bulb that fits into the back. I've run the cords down the center of the table behind the houses. When I put the center leaf in the table, I left a crack just large enough to fit all the cords single file through the crack. Under the table, they are all plugged into each other…they are designed to plug into one another in kind of a piggyback style. Then I've plugged them into an extension cord and I've run that one cord across the floor to an outlet under the sideboard. So, that's the only electrical cord that's visible. Ok, I feel a little like a magician who just revealed how the magic trick is done. LOL 🙂

  63. Susan!!! OMG, I am enchanted!!! this is too fabulous!
    Just one question: How did you plug in the lights?? LOL
    Sara

  64. Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern says

    Wow, Susan! This is so pretty. I never would have thought of using the houses as a centerpiece, but you've pulled it off beautifully. I never doubt all of your talent! Thanks for sharing.

  65. Wow, Susan, what a delightful and beautiful table. The lovely centerpiece with the Dept. 56 houses and figures along with the beautiful china, crystal and linens, it really evokes the spirit of the holidays!
    I was delighted to see the Clement Moore house since I have a collection of editions of The Night Before Christmas, and last year bought one of those wooden cutouts of historical places depicting his home. Of course, your lighted ceramic is truly special.
    Happy holidays to you,
    Carrie

  66. Brummygirl says

    Hi Susan:
    What a novel idea. I too have a Christmas village which I usually put on my sideboard but you have set me thinking now!!
    I love all of your tablescapes, you are an inspiration.

  67. Love the first photo with the venetian mirror, the chandlier and the villages. Perfection!

    There are so many small details that really make this work-the greenery behind the villages, the villages themselves, the red crystal goblets and the china. The china complements the villages and lets them be the star.

    A really wonderful job Susan. This tablescape belongs in a department store window.

  68. Dear Susan,
    Such fun to visit your vibrant Blog!
    It's always a treat to see your post.
    Can you believe December is already here?
    God Bless us one and all,
    d from homehaven nestled in the Kansas Flinthills

  69. What a great idea.. Every year G buys a few 5-7 new house/buildings and I just said this year I'm not sure where we are going to put all of them.. I may have to try this. I love the plants between the buildings, they look like trees. Beautiful.

  70. Fifi Flowers says

    LOVE the village on the table!!!

  71. Oh to be a guest at your enchanted Christmas table! I close my eyes and almost imagine myself there, in front of a Victorian mansion or even the darling Pizza Parlour. Your creativity is a gift and a blessing! Thank you for sharing it with us Susan.

  72. vignette design says

    I don't even know what to say….Simply gorgeous and creative. The village is such a unique centerpiece. I bow down……–Delores

  73. Wow i am in aww of your wonderful table !! It's so magical what a great job you have out done yourself 🙂

  74. Visual Vamp says

    It just keeps getting better and better!

    Will all you tablescapers please vote for me today? I did a mini tablescape for a contest and the voting ends at midnight.

    I'm behind and could really use your help.

    Here's the link:

    http://www.dwellshop.com/Blog/post/DwellStudio-Modern-Thanksgiving-Contest-Finalist-Valorie-Hart.aspx

    The link is on my blog today too.

    Thank you all!
    xo xo

  75. Magical is all I can say…..I'd like to just slip into one of those darling houses! Beautiful table that I know took HOURS to put together……I wouldn't want to take it down all Christmas! Maybe you won't! :o) Toni

  76. Absolutely amazing. I felt like a child looking at these photos…full of wonder.
    Robin
    All Things Heart and Home

  77. MercedesLouise says

    So cool. I can picture the children's eyes popping out of their heads looking at this. Christmas is such a gorgeous time for children.

  78. Oh I love! Never thought of putting my village in the center of the table! Adorable!

  79. Susan, what I want to know is: how did you light the cottages and hide the cords? Or are they lit with candles?

    I have a collection of 12 of the old English cottages, businesses and churches, but I've never thought to do them on the table. Great idea.

    You should come to my blog and see the decorating I've been doing at our Governor's Mansion this year.

  80. Susan:

    Beautiful! I also collected Dept. 56 Friendly Village and have many of the same pieces you do. You can do so much with them! They look great on your table. To bad we all do not live in the 'Friendly Village'!

    Judy

  81. Blogging To A Better Bonnie says

    Susan, You had me hooked from the first photo. Breathtaking!
    But I'll say the same thing to you that I did to Bill at Affordable Accoutrements a few weeks back… that table is too beautiful to mess with food. I'd be happy to sit in the corner eating off the day dishes and admiring from afar ;-).
    Merry Christmas! – Bonnie

  82. This is just beautiful!! Can't wait to see the rest of your gorgeous home decorated for the holidays.

  83. I love that you used the village on your table. It gives everyone a chance to see it close-up and to truly enjoy the detail. So many people have these villages, but I've never seen them shown this way. It looks like a magical setting.

  84. Carol at Serendipity says

    Susan,

    Your table is just amazing. I sold my village when I sold my big house – there was just no room. However,
    I may just have to recollect a few pieces to do a small vignette.

    You are truly an inspiration.

    Carol

  85. Dan and Deb says

    This is absolutely stunning!!

  86. Susan,
    Your tablescapes are always the best, this one is magical!

    Have a fabulous day!

  87. You are so good, but soooo bad for me. I never even heard of a tablescape till I found this blog! Now I'm dreaming of chargers and beautiful plates and flatware and………you get the picture.
    Just gorgeous!
    Tracyg

  88. SmilingSally says

    What a darling vintage town, Susan. I know it's vintage because the doctor is always "in." You have so much eye candy for your guests to enjoy.

  89. How delightful! How fun! This is the most beautiful tablescape I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing with us.

  90. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Oh I adore this! But I have a question. Where are all the cords or have you devised some other way to light them?

    When I was 9 years old I received the original 1976 Dept. 56 Nantucket Cottage. Fast forward a few years later I found a church that "kinda looked like that house I had" at a garage sale for $2.99. Bought it and then a friend told me what I actually had.
    Since then I have found 4 other of the original buildings. But they have the old lighting bulbs so I am confined to display them on my sideboard. Went looking for new angel hair this year and discovered they don't make it anymore! Bah humbug! I am currently stalking Ebay. 🙂

  91. Just beautiful! Who wouldn't love being invited to dine at the wonderful tablescape. It would keep the children (and their parents:) engaged through the entire meal, soup to nuts!!

    Lovely Susan. You continue to inspire me.

    Merry Christmas!
    KellyinPA

  92. What a fun and lovely tablescape.
    Great idea!

  93. cedwards55 says

    I was so caught up in the Christmas Village, I almost forgot to look at the place settings. This is truly amazing. How long did this take to put together? And do you dream about tablescapes? I could sure use you in Chillinois this week. I've been the Christmas decorating Elf everyday at a different client's home. We could be seriously dangerous together! Loved this and you too!

  94. Cass @ That Old House says

    Oh Susan, what FUN!
    And what an inspired idea. A truly unique and spectacular table!
    Cass

  95. Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry says

    On my word! Your table is just absolutely lovely! And what a unique idea to use the lighted houses in the middle -I'm DEFINATELY going to have to use that one. And I love, love, love the waterford crystal…checked them out but I'll need to save my pennies to get them. So exactly how did you get the houses to light up? Where are the cords?

  96. amariaf2000 says

    How did you get the cords hidden?! It looks great!! I collect Dept 56 Season's Bay – it's the only village they did without snow so I can use it year round. This is so beautiful!!

    ~angela @ peonypatch

  97. Aunt Nutty says

    That's not just a tablescape, that's a TABLESCAPE! Very cute to have the village go down the middle of your table. What a very original tablescape.

    Thank you so much for sharing.

    Have a great week!

    Tracey D.

  98. I DO DECLARE says

    I would have never thought to use a Christmas Village for the dining room table. It looks fabulous – and I will surely steal this idea!

  99. What a great idea for using your Christmas village pieces. I have about five pieces, and I'm going to have to remember this. I want to know how you dealt with the electric cords.

  100. WOW!!! and double WOW! It is truly wonderful. I have never seen a table set more beautiful or in the Christmas Spirit.
    Bernadette

  101. GORGEOUS!!!! So beautiful – and look at ALL of those pictures! Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful! Great job. I'm posting mine tonight at around 7:30.

  102. Andi's English Attic says

    To think I almost gave my Christmas village away last year because I was bored with it. You have supplied the inspiration to do something more imaginative with it. Thank you. Yours is beautiful, as always. xx

  103. Absolutely breathtaking, it must have taken you days to create.
    Thank you for so many great pix to drool over.
    Maggie

  104. Hi Susan, your post today is magical and beautiful. Your home is a showcase truly. Thank you for sharing your lovely Christmas beauty.

    Hugs, Jeanne

  105. Susan,

    Your villages are beautiful i myself love to decorate with them. Have you thought about displaying them all year round?

    Happy Decorating,
    Andrea

  106. Seriously this is the most amazing display of a village I have ever seen. I am totally blown away… I love it!

  107. Oh, my word! You have once again topped yourself, Susan. I see a gorgeous tablescape and think that it's your best yet but then……
    Thank you for sharing your special talents with your blogging friends. Kinda makes it a little like Christmas all year long.

  108. Really beautiful!! The dishes and glassware are gorgeous and the winter wonderland is a delight.

  109. LOVE IT!!!

  110. The wheels are turning in my head today!!! Thank you for the inspiration! I have a very elaborate xmas village that my dh even made a special slide in table for but I haven't put it up in a few years. (It takes alot of holiday space up!) My adult son asked me at thanksgiving if it would be up this year…. hmmm??? Well now you have given me a great idea!!!

  111. That is absolutely beautiful! I loooove this idea of having the set on the table! So inspiring!

  112. Rona's Home Page says

    It looks so beautiful!

  113. Rhonda @ Shellbelle's Tiki Hut says

    This is so wonderful, I need to show this to my sister, she's always trying to figure out what do with her Christmas village. Lovely, just lovely.

  114. B. J. Brooks says

    Absolutely Beautiful….. I know what you mean about caring things around in your head for awhile. I do that all the time and sometimes I have to let one thing go to fit in something else.

    Congratulations on the most incredible tablescape I've ever seen.

    Blessings
    B.J. Brooks Robinson

  115. B. J. Brooks says

    Incredible. I love it. Totally awesome….

    B.J. Brooks Robinson

  116. Dear Susan,

    Putting a Christmas village on your table as a centerpiece is just brilliant! Gorgeous table, as always.

    Your beautiful home is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    gloria

  117. susan, I have the hardest time getting geared up to decorate this year.After seeing this fun whimsical table I think I am ready to get on my fa-la-la.What a perfect backdrop your beautiful red dining room is for your Christmas table. You have left me with a smile. Merry Christmas my friend. Kathysue

  118. Kelee Katillac says

    Hi Susan!

    So beautiful! Wish I could dine there!!1 Just smashing!

    love, kelee

  119. Hi! Thank you, Susan for hosting such fun on the internet!
    I've enjoyed your posts (just found you a month or so ago) and thought I'd post my sister's Thanksgiving setting for my first try!

    I am so inspired by your decorating ideas… I jokingly wrote on another 'first' post for Tablescapes that I'm lucky to move the mail and find some napkins…

    Again, thank you and everyone here for being such inspirations!
    ~Maria

  120. So absolutely ENCHANTING Susan!!!!!
    Many hugs -Brenda-

  121. Susan… this may be your best work yet! I can imagine being at this table for dinner and spending the entire time talking with the other guests about the centerpiece tablescape and all the little vingettes you've created… this would be a 3-bottles of wine dinner I think. What a wonderfully creative idea… I might just steal it from this season! Thanks! hugs & happy holidays.. Dixie

  122. Hi Susan,
    What a lovely world you've created for us … pure magic! Your tasteful, creative choices and attention to detail are always impressive. Thank you for all you do to entertain, enlighten, and delight us. It's always a great pleasure to visit you in your lovely home.

    Bill

  123. Jacquelene L. says

    Hi, Susan, thank you so much for sharing this tablescape, it lifted my spirits and I enjoyed every detail. I have to know what did you use for the snow, is it salt, or sugar, or something else. I have had a similar tablescape idea in my head for a long time too, and I need to know what you used for the snow. I have been searching for glitter that looks like snow and I can't find it, so I'm thinking of using salt. I love tablescape Thursdays, after work I look forward to coming home sitting at the computer with a large mug of tea and viewing all the beauty that everyone is sharing. There might be a tablescape thursday in my future. I will be enjoying your tablescape again, and again.
    Jacquelene L.

  124. Diane @ Four Paws and Co says

    Simply fabulous & you're sooo very clever hiding the cords! Now I need to go shopping for Dept 56! ☺

  125. Cute, cute, cute…

  126. Nina Patricia @ The Adventures of Nina Patricia says

    Thats has to be the most amazing tablescape I've ever seen!

  127. Thanks for the additional info, Susan. I figured that was how you might have done it. Are there 2 rows of houses, back to back? Trying to figure that out? Again, it is a fabulous and creative idea for a tablescape! Love, Pinky

  128. Wow, that is an amazing tablescape Susan but then I am in love with your red walled dining room.
    Very fun to see!
    Linda

  129. Wow, Susan. This may be the most beautiful table setting I've ever seen.

    I have a small village from the Dickens series. We used to have an electric train set up to circle the Christmas tree, and I put the village in the middle. It was a wonderful alternative to packages for the years when my boys were little. The train did years ago, but I still have my village houses. Now I have a new idea of how to use them! Thank you!!

  130. Melissa Miller says

    ~WOW! Susan this the cutest most unique tablescape ever!!!
    I'm amazed at the glow and the beautiful village. LOVE it!!!

  131. tales from an oc cottage says

    AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

    m ^..^

  132. Room Service ~ Decorating 101 says

    I just had to come over and see what you were doing for the holiday. Of course, you did not disappoint. It's great! I do think you just stay home and play dishes all day…lol

  133. Hi Susan! This is by far the most beautiful tablescape of all times! Deb

  134. mycitycottage says

    Everything wonderfull and I loved music. Susan would you help me please? I wanted to make a play list after listening your play list so I regestered but when I opened my blog myself I hear the music but my friends opened they say they can`t hear the music do you have any idea about that, thanks to all your helps…Aygun

  135. Miss Janice says

    Susan, Susan, Susan…this is beautiful! The colors of the room, the village scene, the china, the crystal, the crackers…it's all gorgeous! I was going to do a village scene tablescape, but was sick around Thanksgiving and now at mama's house in Georgia. {Super behind!} Anyway, it's soooooo pretty!

  136. Hiding the cords….pure genius! Thanks so much Susan!

  137. amariaf2000 says

    Oh my goodness, I have been using those plastic bags as well!! I thought they were my great nifty idea…I definitelyl need some linen keepers!!

    ~angela @ peonypatch

  138. Its So Very Cheri says

    Oh Susan–this is a dream table–Absolutely stunning. How fun would that be to sit at that table-more than your eyes could take in during a meal and be able to still chat with the guests. I would want to rotate seats all night so I could see each part.

    Cheri

  139. chanteusevca says

    I can never get away from burgundy and white toile. Once a toile girl, always a toile girl, I suppose. Still love it after all these years.

    And I'm devising ways to use our village and missions sets as a tablescape now. You give me too many ideas!

  140. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, what a magical place to have a dinner. I love it! Everything is beautiful. laurie

  141. Precioso todos los detalles, el rojo del comoedor es una belleza sin comparación, que les puedos decir, un sueño!!!

    Chany

  142. I just visited her blog. My favorite is the paisley. Second favorite, the toile collection.
    Thanks for sharing.

  143. Wow…what can anyone say but wow?
    I can only imagine having all of these wonderful treasures! Yo sirely do have the gift of creativity and design.Just a magical display in a most beautiful room.

    I didn't go all out like I have in years past but still enjoy decorating so much and seeing what others have done is always a treat!
    Thank you so much for sharing with us!
    Love,
    Sue

  144. Hi Susan 🙂

    You cracked me up with the magician comment LOL You dining room is spectacular, as is everything in your beautiful home 🙂

    rue

  145. O…M…G…!!! Just out of this world! Thank you so much for giving me the inspiration to play along!!!

  146. Hi Susan… I missed this post and when I heard everybody at lunch talking about it I had to back track to see it…You amaze me my friend….I don't know if people recognize all the work that was put into this…It is fabulous…I loved the bride and groom and all the photographs…the more I saw the more impressive it became…I few years ago when we didn't go to Jersey for Christmas the husband went nuts and spent over $1,000. on Dept 56 stuff…we have the Dickens houses but he also bought Ellis Island…the Statue of Liberty…all sorts of wacky stuff so I don't think a table like yours will be in my immediate future….Bravo!!!!!!!!!

  147. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    So pretty, Susan! I have a good sized village & only put up a few this year, but I love, love those villages., They are so magical this time of year. THanks for joining the party! Merry Christmas!!

  148. Merana Leigh says

    Christmas in June – I LOVE it! (just found this page today – so I'm basking in it.) Thanks for sharing!!

  149. TOTALLY AMAZING Xmas scape!!! WOW, WOW……this is the most incredible Xmas table I have ever seeing! OMG! I guess I have to go shopping for a few village houses so I can make something like this. I have a gorgeous set of Xmas dishes, LYNNS from China. Love you and wish you a very nice and happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you and your family. Love XO

  150. FABBY'S LIVING says

    I'm sorry Susan, I don't know what happened, but the comment that was just posted to you in from me: FABBY'S LIVING I can't understand why it came out anonymous! It's me!!!… and I love you my talented friend, I'm such fan. XO XO XO

  151. Liz@http://infusewithliz.blogspot.com/ says

    Wow Susan, you are a tireless worker on these tablescapes! Fantastic job, and so creative. I love how you have them all back to back…I should try this myself..I have a whole Dickens Village sitting in their boxes! You must spend an incredible amount of time getting the details just right! I admire that! Happy Holidays! Liz

  152. Susan,
    I am joining in the Inspirational Challenge over at Cuisine Kathleen. Kathleen has asked us to provide a picture of our inspiration. I will be including the second picture you have shown in the above post. Of course, I will link to your site as well. If you do not wish me to use your photograph, please let me know. I will not be posting until late this evening (December 10, 2013). Thank you for your consideration.

  153. pam ~ crumpety cottage says

    Beautiful! Just magical. I love the, ‘snow.’ 😀

  154. I would like to do a copy version of your Dept 56 tablescape for Cuisine Kathleen’s Pinteresting Christmas tablescape challenge. I don’t have very many Dept 56 houses but I do have a lot of houses from JoAnn’s and others. I would like to know what the plants are between the two rows of houses. The leaves remind me of the leaves on my burning bushes. I am hoping to do more tablescapes for the holidays. Have a wonderful evening….. Candy

    • Candy, I just clipped some branches off my Nandina Firepower and Nandina Purpurea bushes to simulate trees behind the houses…and to help hide the cords running down the center of the table. Any kind of woody shrub would probably work pretty well. I should do that table again some day…that was the most fun I think I’ve ever had creating a tablescape. 🙂

  155. Rhonda Bridges says

    Love this! What plates did you use as charges? (The cut work ones!) I showed my son your table and he is all excited! But I don’t have any houses, lol! Merry Christmas!!

    • Thanks, Rhonda! Those are pierced chargers I bought back in 2008 from Horchow online. They don’t have a brand name on them. That is so cute about your son! 🙂

  156. My all-time favorite of all of your wonderful posts!
    Thank you for all you do!

  157. PATRICIA HILL says

    The table is beautiful. Can you tell me more about the tan lace chargers under the Lenox plates. Who makes these?

I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment!

*