NEW TRADITIONS

              "Things change", a minister once told me..."do not become complacent, but learn to adjust." ...and so we have. We have lived on our street for many years, and we have watched the children, ours included, work their way through grade school, and learning to ride two wheelers to high school and learning to drive cars. Some families have moved out and younger ones have moved in. I have felt very, very fortunate to live on this cul de sac of fourteen houses with the very nicest neighbors, both new and old. The block consists of new born babies, middle aged families, and an original home owner in her mid 80's.
                Last year, we hosted our first holiday open house, with a desserts and drinks party on the Sunday evening before Christmas. It was a wonderful success, and we will be doing it again this year. A party like this  is a no pressure opportunity to chat with the neighbors in a relaxed setting, among pretty decorations. Everyone brings a dessert, and/or a bottle of wine....rather like a pot luck. Last year we had brownies and cookies, I made a Tira-mi-su, and a bowl of fresh whipped cream.
There was a cheese platter and all sorts of wonderful sweets to enjoy.
I pulled out some of the serving pieces that I will be using for this party to give you an idea of how the table is set up. It is fun to set the table with a mixture of new dishware and vintage serving platters and cake servers on pedestals. I layer the Spode Christmas tree pattern dessert size plates with vintage green depression glass plates, and put out little green depression glass nut bowls. The painted cake taker was an ebay purchase several years ago, and something that I treasure. There is a vintage glassware set in which the bowl is filled with fresh whipped cream for the guests to dollop on ginger bread or any other dessert they would like. My giant Wendell August punch bowl is filled with candy canes right now, but that may change and be used for punch, or some other candies or cookies. Vintage milk glass is festive for any holiday, whether it is with the red of the peppermint candy canes,  or blue candy canes. A Christmas tree decorated with gum drops and gnomes is on the sideboard and is very festive when lit up.
         This year, I will remember to take some pictures of the party and share the wonderful goodies that everyone brings. The best part of this party is that it is a simple no stress way to enjoy an evening with the neighbors and no one has to drive home.
    This post is being linked to Susan's, Between Naps on the Porch, Tablescapes Thursday event. Please click on her link to see more festive table settings.
♥, Susan

 


 

Comments

[Brenda Kula]

This sounds like a party that even I could manage. To both host or attend. I should do this to show off the finally remodeled house. Well, when Robert finishes the fence and pavilion maybe. I'm not a party person. I've never had one single party that didn't involve children! (Can you believe that?)
Brenda

[Yvonne@StoneGable]

I think mixing the spode plates with the green ones is such a great idea! Very smart! Your guests will feel so special! I like the idea of everyone bringing something and helping out. Then you can enjoy. What a fun post- lovely tablescape and great tips!
Yvonne

[Beth@The Stories of A2Z]

Love the milk glass with the candy canes! Everything looks festive and fabulous.

[Kammy]

What a nice tradition you have started - I bet everyone is counting their lucky stars to have such a great neighbor !
Kammy

[Julie]

I have lived in my home 20 years...Love your post...
Merry Christmas
xoxo
Julie

[Deanna]

What a great party you must have had! Thank you for sharing. I like the ideas.
Really like the Depression Glass dishes with the Spode. So festive!
Glad to be able to visit.
God bless and may you have a very Merry Christmas,
d from homehaven

[Lori (All That Splatters)]

I'm a milk glass fan, too! So pretty. Some really wonderful decorating ideas. I may have to steal a few... ;-D

[Katherine]

I like all the details you have given, looks like a fun party coming up!

Pretty Spode dishes layered with the green depression glass!

Katherine

[Janie Gore]

It is wonderful that you have roots in your neighborhood and enjoy your neighbors. The party decorations look great.

[Linderhof@classicnet.net]

Looks like a great party! Love all of your Christmas dishes!

[Mimi]

Susan, your neighborhood party sounds wonderful. Love your vintage cake carriers. I think my depression plates are just like yours, I have never been able to find out what the pattern is. Thanks for sharing.

[Martha]

This sounds and looks like a lot of fun! Very welcoming.

[JessaIrene]

Love the milk glass with the Candy canes! Too cute.

[laura @ the shore house]

I would quite possibly sell my soul in exchange for the covered "CAKE" cake plate! Oh my, that's such a goodie!

I love that you celebrate with your neighbors! What a beautiful tradition. And what a beautiful table display to be greeted by!

[brii]

mmmm..I whis I was there with you!!!
so nice, Susan!
baciussss

[Jeanette]

It looks very inviting. I enjoy sharing traditions. I am looking forward to pictures of the event!

[Mona]

Can I have a candycane? :) Very pretty!

[Sarah]

Oh, I see a bottle of my favorite champagne - Pierre Jouet. Great idea to alternate the green glass with the Spode plates. Neighborhood gatherings are fun. Thanks for sharing. ~ Sarah

[catiean]

hi susan
love the tableware---such a great variety. I have always wanted to host an open house for our cul de sac as well but so far it hasn't worked out.
HAve a very joyous time will look for pictures
catie

[Pat]

I wish I were your neighbor Susan. Your open house sounds like a wonderful get together. Have a fantastic time and enjoy this last week before Christmas!

Hugs, Pat

[susan ericson]

I wish you were my neighbor too!!!