Christmas is All Around (well, almost...)

Hey y'all.

By my count, we can start celebrating Christmas in 8 days. You see, I've never been much of a Black Friday shopper. I hate the crowds, and don't find the bargains to be worth the stress. I far prefer to spend Thanksgiving Friday in a flurry of twinkle-lights, garland, and Love, Actually.

Now, I've already seen a few neighborhood houses that are decorated for Christmas. In my mind, it's too soon. The way I see it, there's a very specific timeline: Christmas decorations go up over Thanksgiving weekend, and should be removed no later than January the Second.  The trouble with these rigid guidelines is that I really, really am feeling it today. Part of me wants to decorate a tree or sing Wham!'s Last Christmas, but that would be too ridiculous. Even for me, The Queen of Ridiculousness. While today, the 18th of November is, perhaps, a bit too early to start decorating or listening to Christmas music, it's never too early to start thinking about china patterns for the season!

{Spode Christmas Tree china, image via Macy's.}

I'm sure I'm not the only girl who started out with a set of Spode Christmas Tree china years ago when her grandmother, aunt, or mother gave her a place setting. This is classic, timeless and beautiful. And, it just multiplies. You look in your storage closet, and there is exponentially more than you remember. It's a stunning pattern, particularly for Christmas dinner or a buffet, but it seems a little fussy for everyday use.

For more low-key holiday tables, I'm simply in love with this pattern, Christmas Graffiti from Louisville Stoneware. As you already know, I love Louisville Stoneware and have been collecting it for years; Mr Mag and I even lived within walking distance of the Stoneware factory when we lived in Louisville.

 

{Christmas Graffiti china images via Louisville Stoneware}

This pattern looks a little edgier and more contemporary than its Spode or Lennox counterparts. I think it would be lovely when paired with a red plaid table runner, or solid red or green linens. I've collected Louisville Stoneware for years, and am quite interested to pick up a few pieces of this stunning holiday collection. The pattern is an interesting departure from Louisville Stoneware's traditional blue-and-white pieces (such as my own Stoneware pattern, Bachelor Button) and Kentuckiana (I have Stoneware platters commemorating both KFC and Rupp Arena!)

What's on your holiday table this year?