12/12/2011

"God Jul"...a Swedish Christmas Buffet

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God Jul!
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...or as we say here in America...
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Merry Christmas!
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Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!
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Ohhh boy...only 13 days until Christmas!  I have been a busy little bee.  Honey
 and I just decided a few days ago that we are going to Texas to have Christmas with
 my three daughters and my grandchildren.  This decision put a new "spin" on everything.
  I usually send gift cards, however now that we will be there for Christmas...I am wanting
 to take gifts.  There is shopping to do, then there is the gift wrapping, baking, planning
 for the trip...whew...I think you get the idea!  I need a couple of Christmas elves to
help me out! Hehe!  We will be leaving in about a week so I don't have much time
 to get everything done.  Nevertheless...I am sooo very excited!  It has been a very
 long time since we have all been able to get together for Christmas. 
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I'm not sure how many more posts that I will have time to do, however I would
 like to share a bit of the Christmas decor in my dining room with you today.
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God Jul,
Chari
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A Swedish Christmas
2011 Christmas Dining Room
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While shopping in Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago, I found the prettiest
 little heart shaped ornaments.  I immediately thought of a Swedish Christmas.
  The Swedish often incorporate hearts into their Christmas decor. 
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 Ooooh...decorating for a Swedish Christmas in my dining room would be so
 much fun!  Although my husband and I are both of Swedish heritage, this was an
 entirely new experience for me. I sure did enjoy doing something different.  I
 hope that you enjoy it too!
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So without further ado...
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"God Jul"...a Swedish Christmas Buffet
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This is the buffet in my dining room...all dressed up and ready
 for a Swedish Christmas!
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The Christmas buffet is done in a Swedish color theme of red and white.
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Lots and lots of red and white...with just a few "pops" of green!
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A Swedish Christmas Tree
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The "star" attraction of this Christmas vignette...a Swedish Christmas tree!
(at least my version of a Swedish Christmas tree)
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Small tree branches, spray painted white, are anchored in a white ironstone
 pitcher.  The heart shaped ornaments hang on the tree...ever so sweetly.
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There are three different types of Christmas heart ornaments...
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4 - solid red hearts with glitter
4 - tone on tone white hearts with a Christmas tree design
 2 - white hearts with red birds and decorative scrolls.
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Different patterns of red and white ribbon are tied onto the hearts so that
 they can be hung on the tree.
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My Honey took this photo (above).  Isn't it the most perfect display of Christmas colors?
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The traditional red, green, and white Christmas!
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Swedish Christmas Tree Vignette
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 Front and center of the buffet...
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 A large white ironstone platter/tray hosts the Swedish Christmas
 tree vignette.  A small ironstone cream pitcher joins the larger pitcher
 that houses the tree.  A frosted glass pinecone, large red jingle bells, a
 white wooden reindeer along with a set of "Old World Santa"
 nesting dolls.
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I have had the "Old World Santa" nesting dolls for a number
 of years now. I suppose that they would be considered vintage.
  They are one of my favorite Christmas decorations!
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A view from the left side of the buffet.
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The Left Hand Side of the Vignette...
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A fresh Norfolk Pine in a white ironstone soup tureen decorates
 the left hand side of this Swedish Christmas vignette. 
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Red and green jingle bells and an old vintage bell
 ornament join in with the mix.
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The Right Side of the Vignette...
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Two Swedish folk art cups and a reticulated pedestal cake plate
 decorate the right hand side of this vignette.
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I found the Swedish folk art cups at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago.  The
 red coasters came with the cups.  As soon as I seen the pretty folk art pattern
 on the cups...and that they were red and white...I knew they would be perfect
 for my Swedish Christmas vignette.
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Pretty white, ornate handled spoons fill one of the cups.  Ready at a moments
 notice...for a warm cup of tea or a cup of hot cocoa.  Maybe you would like a
 stick of cinnamon in your warm drink?
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And...there you have it!
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A Swedish Christmas buffet!
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God Jul!
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Merry Christmas, dear friends!
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I am joining these fabulous parties...
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Thank you, dear ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!
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Well dear friends...I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit today.  Please
 leave me a note...I would love to visit with you!
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Warmest Christmas Wishes!
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35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chari,
Your buffet and home always looks so beautiful! Thanks for all the inspiration you bring and many blessings to you and your family!

The Charm of Home said...

So beautiful Chari! Take away the Santas and I would use this for valentines too! So pretty!
Sherry

Sonny G said...

as always, its totally beautiful m unique and so very YOU in every detail..
This was a joy to view and I think you for sharing your beautiful creations with us.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good Morning Sis..Girl this is just BEAUTIFUL..I have never heard or seen a Swedish Christmas tree..Love it all my dear friend..another great Chari magic touch..
Oh Sis I'm so happy for you and honey getting to go home and visit with your folks and girls..I want you to have a sore mouth from talking to much ha ha!! Give your sweet mama my love..
I guess Len and I will be alone this year as everyone has plans..I didn't even put up a tree or do a lick of decorating..Maybe if I'm here next year I can do it then..
Bathroom still not done girl..Contractor is done..we had to let him go as he had a bit of a drinking problem..he did get the shower/sink/ toilet done so Len is doing the rest..and we both know how fast my honey is ha ha!! Love ya my Dearest friend..Hope you have the best trip and GREATEST CHRISTmas ever..Hugs and Love Gloria
Oh I send you a box..check your front porch ha ha!!Nothing fancy just something you asked Len about..Enjoy

Olga Ю said...

I love it.
Best wishes, Olga.

Anonymous said...

So very pretty. I love the color of the wall. Pat

xinex said...

Beautiful buffet and Swedish Christmas tree, Chari. Enjoy your time with your daughters and grandkids and have a safe trip...Christine

Honey at 2805 said...

This room and your fabulous vignette really says "God Jul"! It's breathtaking, my friend.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Gorgeous dear Chari, you did it again! You make the most beautiful vignettes and I'm loving the Swedish style. You can use it at Vanletines too. I love the branch!
Merry Christmas to you and yours dear friend. Meanwhile, have a terrific week. Love, FABBY

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh I got so involved with your pretty decor. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your daughters. I'm going tomorrow to be with one of my daughter's new house for a week to help her move.
Lots of hugs sweetie.
FABBY

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Chari, this is beautiful! What a lovely spin on Christmas! The hearts are fun and festive! Why, you could take this right into Valentine's Day! What a wonderful vignette! Thanks for sharing!

Natasha @ Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365 said...

You are so clever! I love the red and white them and the little Swedish touches look so pretty. What a great idea to put the evergreen tree into a tureen! You are so clever!

I hope that you are enjoying the lead up to Christmas-it sounds like you are having a great time doing all that shopping!

Best Christmas wishes,
Natasha.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

So pretty and festive, Chari! Love the Swedish tree and all the reds! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Becca Bertotti said...

Chari, you've outDONE yourself with this gorgeous *Swedish* buffet. The red and white combo with a few pops of green is crisp, festive and full of Christmas spirit! I love it all!

Salmagundi said...

So glad to hear that you get to go to Texas for Christmas. I know how much you miss your girls!. Don't work too hard this week getting ready, and I hope the weather holds for you. Take care, Sally

Marilyn said...

Enjoy the trip and visit with your family! Merry Christmas, my friend!♥♫

Cindy said...

Hi Chari,
Your Swedish sideboard is beautiful, I love it. Red and white is a favorite with me, so those heart ornaments just make me swoon! I love what you have created there, dear lady.
Have a lovely evening.
Cindy

Michele Smith said...

Chari,
Your Swedish sideboard is gorgeous. I love everything, the Santas, the ornaments, the tree in the tureen! Everything is just beautiful.

Merry Christmas to you!

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

Hello, Chari. As always, so glad to see your post. I love this whole "do." It's so fresh and clean and simple yet beautiful--and I couldn't help but think that it could also work for Valentine's Day, so you get double bang for your bucks on the heart ornaments! And that little Norfolk pine in the tureen is too much--the perfect touch! Happy holidays to you with your family, and safe travels.

Blondie's Journal said...

Your buffet is incredibly beautiful, Chari! I knew nothing of the Swedish way to decorate for Christmas and I learned something! It doesn't get any better than that!

I am so happy that you will be spending Christmas with your kids! You can read between the lines just how excited you are! It's going to be a very MERRY Christmas for you!!

XO,
Jane

Frieda said...

Bonjour Chari
I loooove your sweedish magical christmas déco
Bisous and have wonderful time
Frieda

Chubby Chieque said...

Wow! Chari...

That is so sweet... you really got the touch of our swedish way of decorating.

Very impressing.

Greetings from Stockholm,
/chie

Wanda Lee said...

Dearest Chari,

This a dream!.., A red and white and red heart, Swedish tree, confection of a blog post.., Oh my!

I am tired and blogging in the wee hours so I'll be brief. Merry Christmas and rich, abundant blessings to you and yours!..,

I know you are believer Chari, so I thought I'd warmly invite you to pop over to either of my blogs to see my dearest mama's testimony and chat about her book that aired just today. It is now available to view on my blogs via Youtube.

Blessings and hugs, Wanda Lee

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Chari,
That is just so darn wonderful! I love that look and have always thought of doing something similar.
You've captured it perfectly, just love the little pine, the hearts and the cups!
This is a keeper my dear, thanks for sharing with all of us who admire your decorating talents sooo much!
I am so happy you get to go to Texas and be with your family! I bet your counting down the days! I know how you feel about the busy part too, its the time of year we all get in over our heads a bit.
Big Hugs girlfriend,
Cindy

abeachcottage said...

Everything looks so pretty :) Love the colours.

Teresa said...

So Lovely! This is serious enjoyment and pleasure in setting a scenario for the loved ones.

No chance to miss the warmth and love behind every detail.

Merry Christmas Dear Chari! God Jul!!!

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

LOVE your Swedish Christmas display. So far, it's one of my favorite vignettes that I've seen in blogland.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I'm so happy for you, Chari, that you will get to spend Christmas with your family. There is nothing better!

I love your Swedish buffet. There is something so special about the traditional colors of red/white & green. It's just so fresh & lively. Adore the nesting Santas.

CAS

Barb said...

Hi Chari, just gorgeous. Those reds make my heart beat faster. :-) Just so pretty!

Merry Christmas,
Barb

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Chari, you always create the most beautiful vignettes. I love your dining room and your buffet is so pretty. The red hearts and all of your santas, fabulous. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Ivy and Elephants said...

Hi Chari,
Love you new header, so elegant!
The Santa is a real treasure, everything looks divine and so creative.
We's love to have you share at "What's It Wednesdays". Link up anytime!
Hugs,
Patti

Jacqueline said...

Beautifully done and it goes so fabulously in your wonderful red room. I love your photos too. The red ornaments just pop. I agree, this would be a wonderful buffet for Valentines too.

Karen said...

Very beautifully done, love it! your dining room is beautiful.

On Crooked Creek said...

Chari,
Oh~h~h...I love this red & white on your buffet! Those little red and white hearts are adorable! A tree in a tureen! Too cute, dear friend! Have a safe travel to Texas and Merry Christmas!!!
Fondly,
Pat

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