Setting a Christmas table is one of the great pleasures of the season. While I’m not permitted to vary the menu very much from year to year, with each adult child vociferously demanding their traditional favourite food, the table is usually left to my choice.  I’d like to say that I plan it weeks in advance, but I usually let inspiration strike on the day.

This year, my choice was inspired by an unusual tureen I spotted in the window of Jacaranda Tree in Toronto. It was quite inexpensive and it followed me home.

We now have four granddaughters three years of age and under, so an element of practicality set in. I usually pull out all the stops with antique china and crystal, but this time I selected with one eye to what would go in the dishwasher. Sacrilege, you might say!

Juliska’s pewter stoneware in the Emerson pattern is both beautiful and practical. Coupled with antique pink Moser goblets and Depression glasses in the Diane pattern, it made for a beautiful arrangement. The centrepieces comprise antique Venetian glass compotes and candlesticks from Elise Abram Antiques, silver candlesticks inherited from my Grandfather and purchased from Pottery Barn 9also the source for the octagonal silvery chargers). The napkins are silk squares I picked up years ago from Country Dining Room Antiques, sadly no longer in business.

Before you ask, no, the goblets are not dishwasher eligible, so some hand washing was required. After all, it’s Christmas!