Tartan Christmas Table

When I first saw these tartan plates at Target, I knew I wanted to do a dinner party mixing them with my good Christmas china.  I planned a nice party with several couples, but life got in the way!  My brother's life, in fact.  He learned that he needed open heart surgery and I hurriedly left to be with family in Pennsylvania.  The night before I left, I had a simple dinner with Mr. Pressed Pants on the table in the bar and I used the tartan plates in a much more simple way than I had planned. 

This plaid fabric remnant was in my fabric stash.  I just ironed the edges under.

            

Here's a place setting.  It turned out pretty informal and I really like it this way.

I've used it with rattan chargers and this Lenox pattern that my mother has bought for me for years.

Remember this guy in the fall centerpiece?  Well, here's the Christmas variation.  Fresh greens, some small ornaments, feathers, and green silk hydrangeas stuck in styrofoam make a generous surround. 

Up close.

More details.

This flatware is just plastic on the handle and not terrific quality, but I use it pretty often.  I'm sure it is discontinued by now.

I chose this Imperial pattern for my wedding glassware many years ago.

These wonderful old wooden candlesticks show up again and again.  I chose faux bois candles to keep this sort of rustic feeling.

I've had these tartan napkins for years...

and these napkin rings are some that I made years ago when I was doing a lot of counted cross stitch.

I bought six of these cute ornaments with plaid on the package as favors.  Since we didn't have any guests for this meal, I'll have them on hand for next year.  It was worth missing this dinner party to see my brother's successful outcome!  Here's a party on hold!