As I was getting myself organized for Christmas this year, I came across these pictures I had taken last year, but for some reason had never posted.  Too late in the season when I took them? Pure forgetfulness? 

Pale blue and creamy white are not colours we usually associate with Christmas, but these crackers had an instant, whimsical appeal. And crackers are always fun. Even in these days of more sophisticated pursuits, the grandkids love them. Loud bang, paper hats, fun toys…

And of course, animals. A deer, a polar bear and a penguin.

The blue Venetian glass candlesticks and open salts picked up the blue of the crackers beautifully. I bought the candlesticks in Venice several years ago and the open salts are from Elise Abrams Antiques. Although the pieces are different eras, the glass blowing techniques haven’t changed. It looks like the pieces were made at the same time, not decades apart.

I kept the table fairly simple, with twig placemats, acorn themed napkin holders and pinecones in the creamware compotes. The Cupola flatware is from Williams Sonoma.

The goblets and water glasses are antique wheel cut from Elise Abrams Antiques. They’re surprisingly sturdy and we use them a lot. The wine glass is a very generous size, especially for an antique glass. Clearly people were more abstemious in the older days! The water glass is actually an iced-tea glass, but it works really well for water.

December 1 tomorrow – wow – that came up quickly. I hope everyone has their Advent Calendars ready to go!

I am sharing this post with Between Naps On The Porch.