Home For The Holidays

Tips for a great holiday-scape.

Text and photos By Amy Lemley Bailey

The Table

The table is a place to gather. A place of nourishment, of love, of laughter, of comfort. Cooking is love no matter how simple the food. For my holiday table I used:

1. Blue and White Chinoiserie Vases with Paper Whites from The Greenery

I love the smell of paper whites and always try to add them into my holiday decor. The only key to paper whites is buying them before they are tall so that they do not bloom out before the holiday. Even when my family lived in Birmingham, we would be visiting family in Huntsville over Thanksgiving and I would make the trip to The Greenery the weekend after Thanksgiving to buy their beautiful paper whites.

2. Monogrammed Heirloom Place–mats and Napkins

These white with gold monogramming napkins and place–mats are a staple on my mother–in–law’s table and it is a joy to incorporate them into our Christmas table.

3. Large Pine Cones

Absolutely love these pine cones from The Greenery, their simplicity and their texture add to the tablescape.

4. Mixing China

I used my Wedgwood Platinum pattern with my Royal Crown Derby Carlton both from Bromberg’s.

5. In The Center

In a large, long gold vase I planted white hydrangeas, wispy ferns from The Greenery along with magnolia leaves from our magnolia tree in the front yard. Around the vase coming down the center of the table, I laid both Frasier Fir limbs and Cedar limbs.

The Mantel

Creating a mantel that is colorful and whimsical is always my goal. With our mantel being white, I love the idea of bringing reds and blues together. Here is how I brought this look together:

1. Garland

First on my list, going to The Greenery for fresh garland. I love the smell of fresh garland and I love how it drapes naturally around the edges of the mantel.

2. Blue and White Chinoiserie Vases

In keeping with the blue and white Chinoiserie theme from the dining room, I added several pieces to the mantel with large red berries cascading out.

3. White Orchid

A white orchid and maiden hair fern arrangement from Brooks and Collier creates an elegant touch.

4. Vintage Decor

Red felt vintage Christmas reindeer and Santa add the touch of whimsy.

5. Bells

Bells of various sizes I’ve collected over the years are mixed in the greenery.

6. Birch Wood

A basket full of Birch wood from Roosevelt & Company add an earthy element.

7. Boxwood Wreath

A DIY box wood wreath made with boxwood branches from our front porch hedges and secured with a red felt ribbon create a simple, festive look, adding height and making the mantel really pop.

8. Red and White Stockings

Our family’s red and white stockings complete the look.