Monday, December 01, 2008

Decorating for Christmas!

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This year I'm decorating two trees for Christmas! Yes...two!...in my little apartment! I've had this artificial tree about 10 years and I think I've only used it twice. I decided to put it in my dining room and decorate it with blue and white china. I hung plates, cups & saucers, creamers, sugar bowls, silver spoons and chandelier crystals on it. It all seemed appropriate since it's in my dining room. I wasn't ready to pack up my new turkey dishes so I put them in my hutch. I added some greenery and some Christmas balls and it looks very festive now!
You can click on any of the photos to enlarge


Below is the view from the stairs...
To hang the plates on the tree just put them in wire plate holders (the type you use to hang them on the wall) and tie them on with ribbon or wire them on. The teacups are hung with ribbon.

I put a little bit of greenery everywhere!

Now these are the type of gifts I would love to find under my tree! I'm sure some of you feel the same way about dishes...

Updated to add: Click here to rate this on HGTV's Rate My Space!


127 comments:

a pink-bee said...

What pretty decorations :) You always have wonderful ideas :)
Have a Happy day :)
crystal

Glenda said...

Well that's a different take on Christmas. This is the first time I've seen decor of this nature adoring a tree. It's a tree for all seasons.

Ciao

Joanne Kennedy said...

You always come up with the best ideas for decorating! How do you do it? Everything in your house is is like a model home. Can't wait to see your other tree.

I love how your hutch is so simple yet perfect looking.

Do you only buy blue and white items? Everything always is so lovely and matches!

Hugs,
Joanne

just a little bit shabby said...

OH! Cindy, I absolutely LOVE it. I have a small tree like that and I think I will copy it.!!! Such a great idea. !!!!!!!
Sandyt

Sue said...

Cindy!!!!!!!!!!1

OH MY!!!!!!!!!I WANTED TO SHOUT WHEN I SAW THE BLUE AND WHITE TREE---SO BEAUTIFUL. MY KINDA OF CHRISTMAS DECORATING.


SUE

Anonymous said...

You've done it again, Cindy!!! How in the world do you come up with these brilliant ideas again and again?? And you always use what you've already got on hand ~ just brilliant...(helps cut down on consumerism too)

Great job!
Karin

Anonymous said...

Cindy...what a fantastic idea...I like decorations that are different and this is one of them. Thanks for sharing....Linda

Pink Slippers said...

Yes--another award for you but at my blog this time. :).
You deserve all of the ones you get.
Wendy

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Cindy,
Blue and white are always refreshing colors to use on a Christmas tree.I have several Christmas teacups and plate ornaments that I use on my tree too.Using china to decorate with is always a fun thing to do.
Very pretty.
Have a good day,
Elizabeth-Home is Where the Heart Is

Anonymous said...

Cindy - it was right around this time last year that I found your blog. You definitely got me in the Christmas decorating mode.
I loved what you did with your bed with the lights. Are you doing that again this year ?

Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry said...

AMAZING! BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE IT! I am truly speechless!

Esther Sunday said...

Cindy, you never cease to amaze. As usual - simply stunning! I LOVE the dish display under the tree! Love, Esther

Anonymous said...

Cindy≈
It looks absolutely beautiful. I love the tea cups on the tree. I love the little bit of green everywhere too! I'm so impressed.

Cindy said...

Joanne, no I buy other than blue and white, I just try to group all the blue and white together.

Joan, I think I will do the lights on my bed again this year. It made my bedroom very festive!

Sweet Old Vintage said...

What a eye candy page to enjoy this afternoon. Thanks for sharing...

Stacey said...

Cindy it's just stunning. I love the basket full of dishes. Great idea. :)

Monica said...

Hi Cindy!
Your decorations are gorgeous! Love the tree and your turkey plates!
I have been following you for a year so far, I just opened my blog, and would be deligthed by your visit!

... By the way- I looove blue and white, and to paint almost all my furniture white!!

Warmest wishes,

Monica.

Pug1 said...

Wow, now that is unique! I've never seen china on a tree, cool idea! You have alovely apartment! CHEERS! Michele

Cynthia's Cottage Design said...

It all looks Gorgeous Cindy!

Your home looks stunning as usual!

I absolutely adore the tea cups on a tree too! I saw that somewhere and now you all have me motivated and inspired to do a little Xams tree in my kitchen too with my tea cup collection! so so pretty!

Hugs, Cynthia

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I really hope you consider writing a book. I think you have just the kind of ideas that are popular in decorating circles now. So many decor books cater to those fortunate people with huge homes and unlimited budgets. So many of us live in small houses or apartments, and try to create beautiful areas with limited means. You have such a wealth of ideas, and your photography is so wonderful, that I just know your book would have wide appeal. I know I would stand in line at your book signing! :)

Maggie May said...

i loove the bunny!

Anonymous said...

Very stunning. Love the idea. Would never have thought of hanging plates in a Christmas tree. I'll have to remember this idea for future Christmas trees.

Pink Princess said...

I love your pretty decor. And what a cute idea to put plates and pretty cups in one. But I don't think my Kitten Elvis will like it. Or maybe he would like it too much and try to play with all my pretty cups. So will just look at yours instead :)

Hugs from Marian

Carolyn said...

So pretty! I love all your pretty blue and white dishes.
Carolyn

Julie said...

I love your tree. It is just perfect for your dining room. I enjoy everything you do. I always come away with great ideas.

Thanks, Julie

Millie said...

In 2005 I decorated our dining room tree with bone china cups, peppermint tea bags, and red berries. You can see it here:
http://home-and garden.webshots.com/album/524576122kTTyKk
I must say it was one of my favorite trees.
I am so happy to see your lovely blue and white tree, and I think the use of plates as well as cups really adds a lot, as do the chandelier crystals.

Missy Wertz said...

Very pretty Cindy.

roseroomnz.com said...

Gorgeous! Rachaelxo

Missy Wertz said...

Cindy, it has been a while since I have been in Phyllis Hoffman's (Southern Lady, Tea Time, Victoria, Just Cross Stitch, etc) home. She had (and maybe still does) a blue and white kitchen that I loved. And at Christmas time, in the breakfast nook, right next to the bay window she will have the most beautiful tree decorated in blue and white. I just loved it. Very simple, very beautiful and similar to yours. No teapots or large plates, but many cups, saucers, doilies and ribbons.

I picked up a Victoria about a month ago, but have not had a chance to look at it. I do not know if anything in her home is featured in it or not this issue. Seems like there were a lot of red and gold themes this issue.

Often times, as I flip trough one of her mags, I will recognize a venyette from her home.

You are in very good company! Your tree is beautiful!

Mary said...

Absolutely perfect!!!!!
xoxo,
Mary

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Dear Cindy...I Love your blog! As a long-time lover of using china and chandelier crystals in every imaginable/unconventional way, you've hooked me completely with your china-adorned tree (especially the blue and white :) and prism ornaments. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Thanks so much for sharing. You've crafted such a beautiful home and life. It's inspiring.
Warmly,
Traceyxo

julie & joe said...

I love the blue and white tree!

Salmagundi said...

I always love to see your variety of blue and white dishes - the turkey dishes are perfect with everything else. Have a great day. Sally

Kelly said...

It looks lovely. I really like how tall and skinny the tree is. Great idea to use dishes!

Anonymous said...

What a fun tree! It looks lovely as usual! Can't wait to see you 2nd tree!

I usually have a tree in each room- at least i did when I had a smaller house- now with 5 bedrooms and a formal dining, plus breakfast nook, living room, den and library- I think I am going to have to collect more trees! Do have 2 up so far- we'll see how many I get done this Christmas!

Blessings
mary

cedwards55 said...

Cindy, I love your tree decorated with the plates and cups. What a great idea for the dining room. I really enjoy your blog!
Carol

Lady of the Mote said...

Wow,I am speechless,just wonderful!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Cindy, this is truly beautiful! You should write a book about decorating!! Love the dishes on the tree!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Beneath the Eaves said...

Cindy it is just stunning. I love the blue and white china. Great decision to decorate two.
Lovveee IT!
Debra

said...

Elegant and cozy all at the same time. :o)

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Cindy,
Your tree is adorable! I love the ceramic pot it's sitting in too. Once again, you've wowed us all! Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Sandi

Kathleen Grace said...

This is just beautiful! You have such a winderful eye for display. I would love to find goodies like that under my tree:>)

Anonymous said...

Extremely creative. I am a blue and white freak so it is especially appealing to me.

Renee

Anonymous said...

CINDY,YOU CAN DO NO WRONG.YOU'RE AWESOME...ANN

Bev said...

What a fabulous idea, Cindy! I just could not imagine the tradional red and green in your home.

Lovely, as usual!
Bev

Jojo said...

I just love the plates on your tree! That is a fabulous idea and a great way to display some of your favorite dishes.

suzeeez said...

I love the dining room tree ....very clever of you . I've never seen one decorated like that before. I also like the way you put it in the big blue & white pot with all the extras around it .
Beautiful. :o) Sue

Terri Steffes said...

Cindy, Cindy, Cindy! I am blown away! This is totally lovely. I think it should be in BHG. Your house is better than theirs!

Anonymous said...

Takes my breath away. I love how the blue and white make winter seem cozier.
~B

Gone said...

Oh how pretty, Cindy!! I love the dishes, too!

Ginger said...

Hi Cindy:
Your dining room looks so festive. I love the tree, and how you decorated it, and the bunny at the bottom...love him (or her). Your chandelier looks pretty too.
The little bit of greenery you used really changes the look of the hutch, so pretty.
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I love it!! It's perfect for your home...so different but utterly charming. As someone else mentioned you should write a book. I'm sure it would be a great success.

A Southern Rose said...

Oh my Gosh, Cindy! Your decorations are so beautiful! I love the china tree and your dishes look wonderful in your hutch. Everytime I see your blog, I start to like blue, more and more. I've never been a blue fan but I think that is starting to change.

Glimpse of My World said...

Love it! I always think i am somewhat creative until I come to your site! I haven't done my tree yet .. hopefully this week.
Have a great week!

Fa la la la!

Tracy said...

Wow! Your tree looks absolutely stunning! What a creative way to decorate a Christmas tree! I love it! Your apartment looks so beautiful! Don't you just love the holidays!??

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh the perfect christmas tree.... blue and white and dishes all over...... I have used cups but never plates..... but that is going to change.... beautiful.....
HUgs
Linda

Millie said...

I knew you were going to do some awesome decorating for Christmas. I am so envious of your blue/white theme! Love, love, love!

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cindy,
It all looks beautiful, love the china on the tree! I have some little teacups and teapots on my tree and chandy, I love the look.
Merry Christams and I can't wait to see your second tree (;
Hugs~Kelly

Carla said...

Gorgeous!! I'm such a fan of blue and white and your use of it is always inspiring.

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

What a beautiful China tree Cindy! Love it!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

What a beautiful tree. I did this a few years ago with small tea sets. I hadn't thought about putting the plates inside the tree. I'll definetly remember this one. :-) Your creativity always amazes me. thanks for sharing.
hugs ~lynne~

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Cindy, that tree is just amazing! I love everything about it..

Virginia said...

Absolutely Beautiful !!!!!!
Hope you had a wonderful happy Thanksgiving with your family.
Many Blessings,
Virginia

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy,
You amaze me with your creativity. That definitely needs to be in a magazine.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Anonymous said...

Cindy thank you so much for the information on the pictures! Who would have thought!!! I had just finished another blog and sure enough , 1 picture I could click and enlarge was the one that didn't get moved.

Geez now I am going to have to do some planing ahead before I write- darn it since I am not much of a planner!!!!

blessings
mary

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting my candy treat - what a great way to start off December! I sooo look forward to your daily posting. Even though my Christmas decorating is the traditional red and green I love your colors too. I, too, am putting up a second tree this year (I got a cheap $25 slim tree at Target for my foyer). I love the baskets with dishes under the tree. I don't know how you think of arrangements like that....do you think any of your talent will rub off on your readers?. One can always hope!

Teacup Lady (Sandy)

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy. Oh my gosh, your Christmas tree and dining room took my breath away! You did such an awesome job ~ so creative! I love all the blue and white with the green for Christmas. I have the same combination in another room in my home, which I'll be posting on my home decorating blog soon.

Now I can't wait to see your other tree, and I can't wait to see what you do with your huge white bird cage, too!

~Arleen

Debbie Kay said...

Cindy:

I always think about you when I see blue and white and you never cease to amaze me when you put those 2 gorgeous colors together. Your home is beautiful, just like you.

Debbie Kay

One Shabby Old House said...

Cindy that was just beautiful
Becky

Anonymous said...

Oh,
I forgot to tell you..... this First Monday there is a booth that sells high end china..... and she had turkey plate very similar to yours..... for $150 EACH.... one plate for a $150 ..... holy moly.... you really have something in those plates...
Linda

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Oh your little tree is gorgeous Cindy ! I am glad you told us how to attach the plates. I was going to ask that question.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

I am so doing this next year. Thanks so much for the incredible inspiration and the "how to." (I would have never thought of the plate hangers.)

Grandma September said...

Everything looks so pretty! I love it! I've got 2 trees as well. We have our family tree in the living room and I have a PINK! tree in my studio, that has all pink, white, and crystal ornaments. I've been slowly collecting them over the past couple of years. I'll post photos later in the month as part of my journal your christmas class that started today!

Charmingdesigns said...

Love your tree!! Laurie

Charmingdesigns said...

Love your tree!! Laurie

Karen Deborah said...

Now this is a truly original idea! i have never seen a tree decorated with dishes. It is darling in the dining room! Love it!
So do you do some baby Jesus celebrating in the living room?

Four Paws and Co said...

Wow, what an amazing idea! I just love it!!! ♥ Diane

Elizabeth said...

You are so very talented and creative! What a fun and new idea, to deck the tree with china. It has turned out lovely!

I passed a short Meme along to you on my blog, if you have the time.

God bless,
Elizabeth

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Love that dining room tree. Very cute. You are a natural Cindy.

Blessings,

Sher

Rochelle said...

I just love that idea of your china hung from the green branches of your tree! So clever!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Stunning. You are blessed with a God given talent for desing, and making a house a home. I bet your family feels cozy and loved at home.
xo Lidy

Elzie said...

Guess it's the first time I've ever seen China in a tree, ha, ha. You have plenty of ideas. And your other decorations are so beautiful.
Hope you have a nice day.
Love Elzie

w00ts up said...

Wow, looks great! I love the china as tree decorations. So sweet! And the china cabinet with the greenery is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

You should ask your landlord for some new blue carpet.

ittybittyandpretty said...

this idea should be in a magazine somewhere - there is a mag called something like where women create, you shold be in that!
%*_*% rosey

Anonymous said...

perfection 50 stars

Anonymous said...

everything looks so pretty! very creative with the whole hanging the china as ornaments - it turned out great!

Sharon~heartsongs said...

That is so unique! And beautiful--great job.

meroSmero said...

Wonderful!!!

Dena said...

What a beautiful little tree Cindy! You are so clever :)

Hugs,
Dena

Anonymous said...

Oh how beautiful. Can I come for a Christmas tea party? And yes, I would love to find fabulous dishes under the tree. Works for me!!!

Kimberly said...

What a creative and beautiful tree! Love it! Your home is just gorgeous.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

So pretty, Cindy! And so you! I love that three tiered stand covered with the Christmas balls. I have lots of that going on too. All my stuff is out right now & I'm getting most of mine done, just some finishing touches to go. And I have to find some real greenery too to put around.

Kristens Creations said...

Beautiful! Love the diningroom tree with the plates. Kristen

LillyB said...

You never fail to amaze me! The dish tree is so beautiful! My heart jumped a little when I saw it!! Us dish people are just so misunderstood by the rest of the world!!
thank you for sharing!!
Have a blessed day!!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What great ideas - you definatley should write a book. On my way out to go shopping right now, but hope to finish my decorating today when I get home.

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I LOVE your china tree! I once did one but it wasn't nearly as lovely as your's. You make me want to give it another shot!

Anonymous said...

I love how warm and loved your home feels, you have done a beautiful job and your children are beautiful. Merry Christmas...

Alice said...

Your china tree is beautiful and I'm rushing home from work to give my mom this idea (hope you don't mind) she has a lot of blue and white china. I hope she loves it..

Unknown said...

I so admire your sense of style and choice of decor. BEAUTIFUL!

Anonymous said...

Oh my!!!! That tree is stunning with the plates etc... The whole room is absolutley beautiful! 50 stars!!!!!!!! (I can do that, LOL, this is not RMS!)

Donna Marie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I saw this tree on rms and just had to come see your blog. Your home is just wonderful, and your tree is the most fantastic and creative thing I have ever seen. I just love it. Marty

Unknown said...

I'm linking to your blog over at The Chair!
-Chelsea

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Cindy...This is gorgeous! I LOVE plates and this is my idea of a Christmas tree! How unique! I wouldn't mind decorating this tree at all. Beautiful!...Debbie

Elaine said...

You have such a flair for decorating. I love the dining room tree. Might just add some teacups to mine this year. I agree
with you about the red, not my favorite either. It's ok outside the house but not so much on the inside. Thanks for inspiring me!

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Oh that is the cutest thing I have ever seen!! I wish I could do that but I just don't have enough dishes...unless we ate our christmas dinner off of paper plates! Hmm...now that's not a bad idea!! I would much rather see my dishes on display than washing them after dinner. And I think your "turkey" dishes do look festive! Great job!

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Oh that is the cutest thing I have ever seen!! I wish I could do that but I just don't have enough dishes...unless we ate our christmas dinner off of paper plates! Hmm...now that's not a bad idea!! I would much rather see my dishes on display than washing them after dinner. And I think your "turkey" dishes do look festive! Great job!

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

oops! Sorry, guess I got so excited I hit the button twice...now make that three times! ;)

The Rantings of a Drama Queen's Mum said...

It looks beautiful.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello cindy!

Your home is stunningly breath taking! What an inspiration!!! I know I will have sweet dreams tonight! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home! All will be blessed who enter it this Christmas season.

Hugs,
Maryjane

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Simply STUNNING!!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Linda Q said...

Fabulous, I love it and I love using things you have or that have meaning to you. I am not a blue person but I would move right in this room. Great ideas and now I have to put you in my favs list on my blog!!

Anonymous said...

Who needs pine scented dish soap when your cabinet is a tree?

Decor To Adore said...

Love the china tree. Very clever.

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

I love this tree, Cindy - it's gorgeous. The shape, everything is just perfect.
xo~Tracie

Anonymous said...

You must have decorated this tree while getting saucered.

Jack Frost

Sweet Designs said...

So pretty, blue and white always looks wonderful with everything! I love this time of year, and it is so wonderful on blog land getting to look at everyones decorations.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Oh my gosh Cindy ~ Your home is just gorgeous and I love love your china tree ~ I have to try that this year ~
xoxo,
Lori

Rhondi said...

Hi Cindy
I have done a little tree with blue and white china for quite a few years now. I like your large one. If I did that then I could use much bigger pieces. I LOVE blue and white china :)
Hugs, Rhondi

Rhondi said...

Hi Cindy
Me again. I just did a post on my little tree with blue and white china and I mentioned your blog. So I just wanted to let you know.
Hugs, Rhondi

Kim's Cottage said...

Oh, Cindy. I about fell dropped the laptop when I saw your dining room tree. I'm behind in visiting blogs lately and just now saw your lovely tree. I did the same thing on MY dining room tree! Well, kinda sorta, but not nearly as fantastically as you did. I only did teacups. I swear I didn't copy you, although I wish I had. (My only saving grace is that I posted mine the day before you posted yours. LOL) Yours is MUCH better than mine!


K-

Unknown said...

Love it, Cindy!!!! So adorable!!!!

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

I "L-O-V-E" the china tree....very creative....
Mo:-)

Joyce said...

VERY cute! Loved the Blue and White theme! Great work.
Be blessed,
Joyce

Susie Q said...

Truly beautiful Cindy...you are so gifted, so creative, such an inspiration! And you know I adore blue and white!

Love,
Sue

Anonymous said...

I've been perusing your blog since I was led to an earlier post of yours about painting furniture (about 20 minutes ago). Your home is absolutely delightful! I just moved into a 1920s apartment and am starting my all-white redecoration. Your blog will be one to visit daily for new ideas! Thank you :)

xx Holli High

Jessica Ramey said...

That is the most pretty tree I've seen! I love the idea of using the china that you already own and decorating the tree with it. LOVE IT! Thanks for the great idea!