Welcome, Dear Friends to Part Two of
The Grits Christmas Open House.
Tonight, I am going to show you my
Breakfast Room Tablescape and Hutch
…and then we will take a quick glimpse into my foyer.
So follow me into the kitchen….
As someone who loves to cook, my kitchen is the favorite room of my home. (I will show you the rest of my kitchen tomorrow). I have fond memories of me and my dear Mama in her kitchen when I was growing up.
This year, I found that I was drawn to a very homespun look for my kitchen. I pulled out gingerbread men themed dishes which I had not used in over 10 years! I think because my son and his family are coming home, I have the need to make things as cozy as possible for them…and nothing is more welcoming to me than a homespun kitchen with gingerbread men.
My tablescape started out with an arrangment of greenery and berries in a ruffle-edged bowl. I love this bowl. I found it at Target several years ago and use it quite often. I added a vintage cheese grater with a candle inside. I have used this same idea in the past…using several cheese graters of different sizes grouped on a large platter. When the candles are lit, they look like miniature luminaries. Cinnamon sticks, apples and a multi-colored bow complete the arrangement.
It doesn’t get any more homespun than this….
I happened upon the perfect plaid tablecloth at Marshall’s. I love the white stitching between each square.
See the gingerbread men in the arrangement? I made this by simply gluing burlap onto cardboard cutouts, and used watered-down craft paint to give them a “baked” look.
Here’s a closeup. When glued to wooden skewers, they make cute topiaries when placed on top of berry pots. (Michael’s). Brown and cream checked ribbon is perfect!
I added a little bling to my gingerbread men in the form of red jewel buttons. (Michael’s scrapbooking section)
Here is a close-up of the centerpiece and the vintage cheese grater.
Here you see the gingerbread dishes with their hand-sponged detail. I layered each placesetting with a red charger ($1 from Dollar Store), a red and white striped plate ($1 from Dollar Store), a gingerbread dinner plate, a scalloped white salad plate….and finally a gingerbread bread plate. Red and white houndstooth ribbon creates a criss-cross design across the table.
I wanted a tableruuner which would stay within the homespun theme. I just couldn’t find any fabric that suited the feel I wanted….so instead I cut lengths of brown craft paper. I then used scrapbook scissors to create a decorative edge, and with the addition of a decorative hole punch….I created the look of lace. (or at least I think it does) 🙂
Here is the close-up. You can also see a better view of the beautiful plaid tablecloth, as well as, the cute napkins trimmed in polka-dots. (Marshall’s)
While at Cracker Barrel one day, I found some cute ornaments that looked like old-time cooking utensils. One was a rolling pin and another was a spatula. I bought two of each…and criss-crossed them between each placesetting.
I found these waffle-weave dish towels at Marshall’s and knew immediately what I would do with them. Chair back covers. I mean, doesn’t everyone think chair back covers when they see dish towels? 🙂 This one says “Nice”…the other one says “Naughty?” I will have to decide who gets what chair. (wink)
A ribbin bow held each towel in place, and on the fronts….a fabric store “G” monogram adds a personal touch.
Finally, I have to show you Mr Grits contribution to this tablescape. He calls this….
“Santa’s teeth!”
After I completed the tablescape, I didn’t stop there…..
The chandelier got a special treatment, too. Greenery, berries, gingerbread men and women ornaments and ribbons.
More houndstooth ribbon bows. The ornaments were purchased at a local pottery.
Now, let’s move over to the hutch……
More gingerbread plates set are nestled amongst greenery and white lights.
The matching cookie jar makes a great candleholder, and sits inside a berry-covered wreath. A small tart sits under a glass cloche.
Pinecones and a mosiac candleholder sit on the top shelf….
Bowls of blackberries and raspberries hold square candles tied with polka-dot ribbon.
The white lights create a soft glow at night all through the kitchen.
I love the smiling faces on the gingerbread men. They look so happy to be sitting in my little black hutch. (at least I hope they feel that way)
The soft glow of the hutch greets you as you enter the kitchen….
.
…can you smell the gingerbread?
Finally, let’s head back around the corner to the foyer. I have a beautiful, little bombe chest on the right side of the room….
I started out with a greenery swag hung at the top of the mirror.
A pretty plaid bow, pinecones, a few sprigs of berries and pheasant feathers….
Red and white ornaments dangling on ribbons adds a touch of fun.
The doggy plates were recently purchased at HomeGoods. Now, some of you might be asking – with a house full of cats, why would I have doggy plates. (my cats were thoroughly insulted) easy answer. I saw these plates and knew they would be the perfect gift for my friend Southern Whimsy. She loves scotty dogs. I “borrowed” these and I am holding them hostage to make her come visit me. 🙂
The arrangement began with two amarylis stems and just grew from there. A bit of leftover this, a touch of leftover that….
…..and another plaid bow.
A berry garland dresses up the base of the lamp.
The “B” plate was purchased at a hospital gift shop. LOL
So I hope you have enjoyed tonight’s tour. Make sure you scroll down and tour my formal Dining Room. Tomorrow night, I will take you through the rest of my kitchen (hint: I just had my kitchen cabinets painted red!), and also we will go into the Family Room. I hope you are able to stop back by for a visit.
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Sharing with:
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
Heather at Setting for Four at It’s a Party!
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Kristen at Kristen’s Creations for Show Us Your Creations
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
Heather/Vanessa @ at the picket fence for Inspiration Friday
Sonia says
I love the grater in the centerpiece! I am so going to do this in my kitchen this year! So pretty!
View CommentMiss Bloomers
NanaDiana says
Barb-Everything looks just gorgeous there. I love the gingerbread theme and the grater turned luminary. You did a wonderful job. Just perfect!!! xo Diana
View CommentJen says
What a beautiful tabletop! I love those colors and mixture of elements you used for the centerpiece! And your foyer is so welcoming and full of spirit.
Enjoy your holiday week!
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Glad you are sharing your past posts as I have not seen this one…so beautiful!!!…I can truly relate to the craziness of this week!!! Happy chopping!
View CommentBecca says
So fun to see your Christmas breakfast area from another year! Your vignettes are always gorgeous and so inspiring. I love the gingerbread plates … and, how cute to have Santa’s teeth by the ginormous candy cane. LOL. I can’t wait to see more! Happy Thanksgiving!
View CommentShenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, I hadn’t seen this! Everything is so festive and whimsical. Love your sense of humor…Santa’s teeth? Lol!! Everything is just beautiful!
View Commentthistlewoodfarm says
Your tablescape is so pretty! I love the idea of the cheese grater!
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
View Commentkarianne
thepaintedapron.com says
Wow, so much to see here, and so many wonderful touches! I love everything and you have energized me to start decorating! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful ideas…
View CommentJenna
Peggy Gooch says
I really like grater arrangement. I would like to do one for now and fall. I craft but not the most creative person. Do you have suggestions please? Thank you in advance.
View Comment