A Waechtersbach Christmas Tablescape

 

The first Advent was this past Sunday, so it's time to start using the everyday Christmas dishes.  This set is by Waechtersbach and made in Germany.  We had originally purchased this set to be used at our cabin, I mean who could have a mountain retreat with no Christmas dishes - now really !!! ;-)

 

 But since we sold the cabin, they had to come home with me, and I'm glad. I exchange the dishes in the kitchen for these. A 15 minute swap and we are set for the whole month.

I love the simplicity of the dishes, they are bright and festive and durable!

I guess this must be a favorite.. rustic placemats call for a less formal flatware set - so out came the rosewood handled  brass flatware once again.

A salad/dessert plate....

on top of a dinner plate on top of the straw and gingham check placemat.

White linen napkins folded to resemble Christmas trees. Glasses that have a story to tell!!

A floral pick placed over the fork on the napkin

Square plates hold the white candles amongst the trees that line the center of the table

Notice that bowls have been added, and there is a water glass at the place setting - this is an evolving table - yeah that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

The tassels came off the chair backs and the little wreaths made their appearance.

I love this spiral tree, it looks as if the snow gently drifted down and dusted the greenery and red berries.

This tree is painted metal.

Albeit it small, this tree is wrapped in charm.

Three trees out of one stump

Yes, these glasses do come with a story. In 1985 (were I older, I'd be saying "in 19 and 85"), my mom brought my godmother over from Germany for a visit. They spent Christmas with us, my godmother baked, my husband got fat, I learned a lot. This was at a time when Long John Silver's (yes the fast food restaurant) had a gift with purchase. One glass with each meal. So 6 people in the house = 6 glasses. And my aunt loved Long John Silver's. I thought the glasses were pretty cool. I think there were two glasses each year and then there were dessert plates...So in time, I had amassed quite a collection of this good crystal. Each time I use it, I am reminded of my sweet Godmother who I know has found Long John's in heaven!  Did you notice the gold rim?

  Guten Appetit!

Cast:

Placemats: Stein Mart last year

Dishes: Dillard's

Flatware: gift from Mom

Fine holiday crystal:  Long John Silver's 1985, 1986, 1987

White linen napkins:  Tuesday Morning

Assorted trees: assorted places

Floral picks:  Hobby Lobby years ago

Mini wreaths:  a now defunct Christmas store many moons ago

It's after Thanksgivings, so we must be having leftovers!

Tortilla Soup

With your turkey carcass, make a fresh turkey stock.  If not then use purchased chicken broth - about 6-8 cups or more depending on the consistency of your soup ingredients. 

1 medium onion

4 cloves garlic, mashed

8 ounces green chile, chopped. Check your grocer's freezer, select the hot variety, already chopped.

2 tablespoons olive oil

16 oz stewed tomatoes, cut into smaller, bite sized pieces

1- 12 oz can sweet corn kernels 

2 1/2 cups shredded turkey/ chicken

1 tablespoon cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

8-10 corn tortillas

oil

shredded Monterey Jack/cheddar cheese mix

Prep: chop onions, garlic, grate cheeses, cut up stewed tomatoes. Slice corn tortillas into 1/2" strips and then cut the strips in half.

In a soup pot, saute onion, garlic and green chiles in oil until soft.

Add tomatoes, corn, turkey and broth. Mix in spices and simmer 1 hour. Adjust seasonings to your liking. 

Fry tortilla strips in hot oil until crisp and drain. Don't over-fry or they will get hard. 

In a bowl, add tortilla strips and cheese and then ladle the soup over the top.

Thank you so much for dropping in. I'm glad you came. Hope you try the soup, it's quite good on a cold evening. 

I'm linking up to Susan's Tablescape Thursday, be sure to drop by for some beautiful tables, lots of inspiration and the perfect way to while away some time!