Winter Wonderland... but no snow!

I do not like cooking. But I do like decorating, so when I knew we were expecting 30 people for Christmas Eve Dinner, I promptly delegated the task of cooking and started planning a Winter Wonderland around the pool.

The evenings are quite pleasant now, and even the mosquitoes venture out now that the nights are cooler.

Two days ahead of time, I started organizing the table decorations. When you are  satisfied with the objects you are going to use, it is so much easier to be more creative putting them together when laying the table.

We decided to have one single rectangular table instead of a few round ones, as this is a 'family'  dinner (albeit one extended 'ex-pat family'!).

I love using white, silver and turquoise.

Even though I started around 3 in the afternoon, the sun was starting to set very early, and I took a lot of photos even before the tables were finished, as I find the photos at night time never shows the colour and details well.

Even though I had plenty of help, carrying 30 table settings out of the house and to the pool took me ages, and then I can tell you that laying a table for 10 is MUCH easier than doing it for 30!

I added lots of little details in an attempt to keep it interesting.

It took me ages to decide where the trees were to be placed! And a very welcome breeze kept blowing them over (they are very light!), until my husband stuck them to the tiles with duct tape. That worked.

Try to pretend that you don't see the ladders and tripod, mosquito killer machine etc, but this was a work in progress.

I also tried to keep the people out of the picture, but I was not always successful! Perhaps you can see my son doing ninja kicks at the back somewhere.

This table is ready for the desert. There were also tables for the main dishes and coffee etc.

Soon it became dusk and as the sun was setting I took more pictures as the evening light can make interesting patterns.

The blue bowls on top of the serviettes were for salad which followed the soup.

Time to light the candles as the guests were on the way.

Candle light always cast such interesting glows on objects.

The night was a success. The food was cooked to perfection. From the two turkeys (my husband's speciality) to delicious side dishes (thank you to my friends!) and a variety of deserts. They all helped to make it a very special evening!

And I didn't have to cook (or burn) anything!

Anybody for MORE food or cake after Christmas lunch/dinner?

No?

Me too, I HAD ENOUGH!!!

Did you enjoy looking at my tablescape?

Then please feel free to leave a message.

I do appreciate it AND I read every single one!

If you have another minute to linger,

My New Years Wishes for you are HERE.

Back to Tablescapes with Susan...

For Two

An old fashioned dinner...

The table in front of the music room window was set up while the sun was still high.

The white linen tablecloths were spread and carefully laid, followed by the flow blue china and polished cutlery.

Sunset comes earlier now as winter is fast approaching. The sun casts an orange glow over all before darkness sets.

Inside, the candle lights glow softly, expelling the darkness hiding in the corners.

Now only the two candles on the table are waiting to be lit.

The sheet music has been taken out in preparations for Christmas Carols.

Comfort Food for cooler evenings...

Now rush over to Susan's blog Between Naps on the Porch to see many more 'REAL' Tablescapes!

Good Night!


Changing the world into miniature...
One thing at a time