Christmas Dining Room 2013

12.09.2013

I'm so excited to share my dining room table dressed for Christmas eve where my family will be having dinner.

As I explained, when I shared the Thanksgiving table, we take turns hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas eve and this year it is my turn to host Christmas eve.

I will make the main dish which is going to be a big pot each of beef chili and white chicken chili and the others will bring some of the toppings, sides, and desserts.

I made a really good white chili last month and didn't think Mr. Savvy would like it like he does the red chili, but he loved it. 



It will just make things easier by making the chili ahead of time so I won't be worn out by the time everyone gets here. 

I like sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips with my chili. Cornbread may be an option, too.

Mr. Savvy loves saltine crackers. He has to have his saltines.



I'm not sure what desserts would be good with chili. Maybe brownies served with some peppermint ice cream to cool down the spicy meal.

Oh, and the centerpiece I created? Well, I used the large wooden slat tray that my daughter gave me last Christmas. Boy this tray has been used many different ways all year. I really had no clue what I was going to create and then this just popped in my head.

I filled it with everything I already had on hand. I used batting with faux snow sprinkled all over it and added my vintage bottle brush tree collection. 

I added my vintage style children figures that I purchased a couple years ago. They have been used in a different location each year. First year I used them on the mantel. 

Last year I used them in a snowy vignette in the little hallway on on the chest.

While shopping at Pottery Barn a couple weeks ago I found these battery powered lights that are attached to a very thin wire. I love them. I just tucked the battery pack under the snow mat and voila we have light.

This is at dusk.

And night.

Easy centerpiece and table setting using everything I already had except the lights and those were only $16. I think this may be my favorite holiday table yet. 

What do you serve with chili?  I need some more ideas. Oh, and desserts, too.

Christmas dining room 2011 here and 2012 here.



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69 comments:

  1. Sandra Lee12/9/13, 7:24 AM

    The pop of red in your table is so much fun! You're having all of the toppings that we have and they're all yummy. For desserts I usually set out an assortment of cookies and candy. The heavier desserts are saved for Christmas Day.

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  2. Judi Di12/9/13, 7:31 AM

    This is so beautiful~love the snow & playful figurines. Your red dishes really add just the right pop of color!
    Merry Christmas!

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  3. Becca12/9/13, 7:40 AM

    I serve exactly what you serve on top! Although, I've started doing a scoop of rice on the bottom of the bowl before piling the chili on … YUM! Your centerpiece is beautiful … love the snow and your vintage characters, and the nighttime glow is perfection!

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  4. robyn936112/9/13, 7:44 AM

    I love this! I love your figurines! They are perfect. I have to have those lights! Beautiful as always!!

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  5. Barbara12/9/13, 7:56 AM

    My favorite... that you have ever done. I know where to purchase bottle trees, but where can you purchase vintage children?

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  6. Barbara12/9/13, 7:57 AM

    As always, everything is beautiful Kim! So fun and festive. A simple but yummy dessert is to make a crust out of Oreos and melted butter in a 9x13. On top of that put softened peppermint ice cream followed by some chocolate fudge sauce. (Homemade of purchased) Then when serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings. Oh, I also saw some Ande's brand crushed peppermint pieces and you could add those to vanilla ice cream if you don't want to use peppermint. I love serving a frozen dessert because it's made ahead of time, it makes a lot and who doesn't like ice cream? Anyway, from our house to yours, Kim, Merry Christmas!!

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  7. Anonymous12/9/13, 8:01 AM

    I love when you shoot from the middle of the table to the cabinet!

    We will get together with the kids at the home of one of the daughters and her husband on Christmas Eve. Deli foods...like appetizers etc. very informal. Btw, we all wear our pj's.:-) The weekend after Christmas everyone will be at our house for chili and soup, etc. I am making mine ahead of time. I used to do all the usual things for brunch on Christmas morning. As we aged, I was worn out, J was worn out, plus everything was rushed, so the kids could go to other g'parents. So a few years ago, we decided to do a laid back take it easy kind of Christmas. So much more fun for this g'ma and g'pa and for the family.:-)

    Your table is gorgeous, Kim!

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  8. Andrea at Opulent Cottage12/9/13, 8:21 AM

    You could make some queso on the side! Or Pioneer Woman's bacon jalapenos, yummmm. What a sweet table! Love those little children. Here's the easiest cobbler recipe ever, complete with some horrid photos from 2009 -- http://opulentcottage.typepad.com/opulentcottage/2009/01/sunday-morning-cobbler.html
    And where did you get those fabulous napkins?!! Love them.

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  9. Beverly12/9/13, 8:22 AM

    Your snowy scene looks great, and it will be perfect to sit around while enjoying the warmth of chili. I like the same as you plus green onions on my chili. I have a friend that garnishes her chili with corn nuts. Desserts? Trifles are always delicious, easy, pretty and well received.

    I started my holiday home tour. Please come by for a visit.

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  10. Debbiedoos12/9/13, 8:26 AM

    Looks so pretty Kim! The dessert sounds perfect with chili.

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  11. Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things12/9/13, 8:27 AM

    I love both white bean and regular chili. We serve cornbread with them. Brownies and peppermint ice cream sound like the perfect dessert! Your table look wonderful and festive Kim.

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  12. Christine @ Rustic-Refined12/9/13, 8:43 AM

    Love your table! and your hubby and mine must be brothers...I wake up 3 times a week with a saltine trail from the living room to the kitchen....all falling from his shirt and beard. Every morning I promise to buy him a hand vac and stuff it in his chair. LOL

    With chili I usually keep the dessert in a "cool" aspect, like brownies with mint candies, or a cheesecake with crushed peppermint candies...and of course my favorite side with chili...bread and butter. That's my favorite side. Don't ask me why...LOl

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  13. Suzanne12/9/13, 8:52 AM

    It all looks so pretty!

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  14. Shirley@Housepitality Designs12/9/13, 8:54 AM

    OK..I love the table…I have always admired those antique figurines and you cannot help but smile when you are sitting at the table…just love the look!!!…great job and a great find on the lights!…Hope to see you real soon!!!

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  15. thepaintedapron.com12/9/13, 9:03 AM

    Your centerpiece is wonderful Kim, your vintage children couldn't be sweeter and they take you to a simpler time of Christmases past~chili is perfect for your menu~
    Jenna

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  16. Anonymous12/9/13, 9:29 AM

    The centerpiece is just beautiful...serene and inviting.......just how Christmas Eve should be......
    When I make chili I serve a fruit platter afterwards....cut up melons if you can find them and brownies sound great!
    Happy Monday....
    Lois

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  17. Jesse @ Scout & Nimble12/9/13, 9:34 AM

    Kim, I love the centerpiece...those lights just highlight vintage pieces! Gorgeous!

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  18. Mary12/9/13, 9:43 AM

    I like to eat chili exactly the same way as you do Kim. Your centerpiece is so fun. I love it.

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  19. Kassie12/9/13, 9:44 AM

    Beautiful as always!!

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  20. On a Wing and a Prayer12/9/13, 9:49 AM

    Its beautiful!!! but I must be honest..it is your little vintage people that captured my heart!!! how utterly adorable!!!

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  21. Sally @DrinkingFromMySaucer12/9/13, 10:42 AM

    Your table is GORgeous Kim! {My family's favorite holiday dessert is Peppermint Patty Brownies! http://sally-drinkingfrommysaucer.blogspot.com/2011/12/tradition-peppermint-patty-brownies.html }

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  22. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow12/9/13, 10:44 AM

    I love these children figurines..I remember them from last year, yes! :) I fell in love with them then, and they are just as sweet now. They look lovely in this setting on the table, too.
    I think you have it covered in regards to your sides to go with chili; I can't think of anything else : )

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  23. Debra@CommonGround12/9/13, 11:17 AM

    love your centerpiece in that tray!! those lights are amazing, what a pretty addition!

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  24. Mary Ann Pickett12/9/13, 11:18 AM

    It's definitely a winter wonderland. So much fun for every age.

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  25. Wild Oak Designs12/9/13, 11:20 AM

    I love your centerpiece!
    What is white chili?? do you have a recipe??
    Nancy

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  26. carol jane12/9/13, 11:29 AM

    Kim, your table is beautiful. Mine is not ready at all. SIGH! Would love your chile recipes. PLEASE? Sounds delish!

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  27. sweet violets12/9/13, 11:40 AM

    A very fun table!!! Festive and happy!!! Dinner sounds delish........we always have corn bread and I also serve rice with the chili. Dessert is light, cookies and ice cream are perfect!!

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  28. Kelly12/9/13, 11:54 AM

    That is such a cute centerpiece idea. I love the little lights you found to place under the snow too. My take on dessert may seem different from the others. Even though the dinner is rich and heavy, it falls under the category of "comfort food". So to me, a comfort style dessert would be good. Some ideas would be banana pudding, old fashioned peach cobbler, and classic chocolate cake.

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  29. Faded Charm12/9/13, 12:53 PM

    Looking good! You have the same color scheme as I do:-)

    Enjoy your week.

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  30. FABBY'S LIVING12/9/13, 12:53 PM

    Your dining room is all ready for your family, looking all dolled up and beautiful! I love the cute and fun centerpiece! Dinner sounds amazing, anything you do will be wonderful!
    FABBY

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  31. -Lisa12/9/13, 12:58 PM

    I love your tablescape! It is so sweet without being too cute (hope that makes sense). I always offer my chili to be served over rice--giving guests the option. I personally love it served over rice. Try it with a nice crudite on the side (to lighten things up a bit) and ice cream for dessert is a must with chili.
    Fondly-Lisa

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  32. Poppy12/9/13, 1:01 PM

    Beautifully festive, fun and happy, Kim! Love the pillows on the side chairs, too! Your guests are in for a wonderful treat!

    Poppy

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  33. Vel Criste12/9/13, 1:08 PM

    Magical as always Kim!!! in love with your centerpiece! So unique and perfect!!!

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  34. Sherry at The Rusty Pearl12/9/13, 1:23 PM

    I love it all. I love all the lights and the beautiful centerpiece !! SCREAMS CHRISTMAS my beautiful friend. Just beautiful ...

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  35. chateau chic12/9/13, 1:35 PM

    Your dining room table looks so festive and charming, Kim! I LOVE your bottle brush trees! The menu for Christmas Eve sounds wonderful.
    Mary Alice

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  36. Junkchiccottage12/9/13, 2:37 PM

    Kim,
    I love your table decor it is perfect with what you will serve. The chili idea is great. Easy to serve and delicious. I love the red cup/bowls too cute. It all will be really festive and the brownies with peppermint ice cream sound so so good. It should be a lot of fun at your home on Christmas Eve. Enjoy.
    Kris

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  37. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME12/9/13, 2:40 PM

    Your table is so cute! I wanted to tell you that Betty Crocker has a hot cocoa brownie mix.....that might be good!!

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  38. Babs12/9/13, 2:59 PM

    Kim, Your table is so cute. Love the vintage style children and bottle brush trees. Your chili sounds so good. What about a green salad or broccoli salad for a side dish? You know the broccoli salad with the raisins, bacon and mayonnaise dressing. Brownies sound perfect for your dessert.

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  39. NanaDiana12/9/13, 3:57 PM

    I love how your table looks, Kim. I love the centerpiece you have created. It is wonderful. Don't laugh- when I make chili I serve it with cornbread and Key Lime Pie for dessert! MyHero likes Saltines, too! xo Diana

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  40. Cynthia12/9/13, 4:11 PM

    Gorgeous centerpiece, Kim, my favorite thing is there and is BOTTLE BRUSH TREES!!! I love them and have started to collect them and I want to add to it next year for sure and I even got a few orange bottle brush wreathes for the fall, they are a decent size.

    Cynthia

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  41. A room with a view12/9/13, 5:25 PM

    It looks warm, inviting, festive and makes a great focal point in the room. Stunning when lit up! The vintage pieces are quite adorable.

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  42. Bonnie12/9/13, 5:27 PM

    Good to learn about the battery pack lights. Thanks. Your centerpiece is adorable. I don't think you can improve on your menu. Sounds good to me.

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  43. Laura @ duke manor farm12/9/13, 5:36 PM

    Pretty and festive table. We love our chilli in the house. We throw some fritos on top too.

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  44. Pinky at Designs by Pinky12/9/13, 5:40 PM

    We are having chili TONIGHT, it is cooking right now! We made a triple batch a few weeks ago and have it in the freezer. We always have "chili mac" we use elbow macaroni under the chili and I also put parmesan cheese on top!! YUMMM. As for dessert, the ice cream topped brownies sound PERFECT to me! I love the double chocolate Ghiaredelli ones!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh honey!!!

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  45. Pinky at Designs by Pinky12/9/13, 5:41 PM

    Forgot to say I love LOVE your centerpiece. I ahve always loved those children figurines and that wooden tray!

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  46. Unknown12/9/13, 5:49 PM

    Love your centerpiece, so sweet! I think the brownies sound delicious. And for the chili, I always serve my traditional red chili over rice. It breaks it up a bit, and makes your chili spread further, which is great when you have a crowd.

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  47. Bliss12/9/13, 5:55 PM

    The dining room looks beautiful. If you're cooking I'll eat anything you have to go with the chili. I'll be topping mine with sour cream, onions and sharp cheddar cheese please. For dessert, well I would probably like something creamy after chili, be it a cream pie or a mousse, but there isn't any dessert I'd pass up!

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  48. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting12/9/13, 6:00 PM

    Your table looks so pretty Kim...love your centerpiece and it looks so pretty lit!

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  49. Yvonne @ StoneGable12/9/13, 6:10 PM

    Beautiful setting, Kim! I bet your family loves gathering at your home for Christmas Eve! Chili seems a perfect meal! I like mine with cheese and tortillas too!

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  50. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary12/9/13, 6:55 PM

    Loved your dining room and the center piece is wonderful The children are so cute - what a great find.
    Love Chili with all the trimmings and corn bread - yum yum. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a great week.
    Mary

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  51. Unknown12/9/13, 7:11 PM

    Beautiful Kim. Chili. Yum! Made a white chicken chili for the first time this fall and enjoyed it. I am a cornbread kinda girl. But like yours, my Mr. enjoys his crackers. Must have the, .
    The centerpiece... how luvly. I packed my vintage figurines away and now I want to get the, back out.

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  52. Pamela12/9/13, 7:49 PM

    Look wonderful Kim and I love those lights!

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  53. Sharrieboberry12/9/13, 8:15 PM

    My husband likes saltines with his chili. I like jalapenos. Actually I like to put a scoop of pork-n-beans in my chili. It's just something we grew up doing but haven't encountered it elsewhere.

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  54. Vickie @ Ranger 91112/9/13, 8:38 PM

    White chicken chili is one of our favorite meals! I serve it with a crusty bread and a simple salad of cucumbers and halved grape tomatoes with a vinegar and oil dressing. I think your idea of a brownie served with ice cream sounds yummy. I just bought some pink peppermint ice cream that's disappearing way too quickly. Your table centerpiece is so fun! I love the idea of the battery powered lights.

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  55. Cynthia12/9/13, 9:48 PM

    I love it! It's perfect!

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  56. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes12/9/13, 11:18 PM

    This is the best Christmas centerpiece! It is so unique, and so charming. I'm so glad you showed how it looks at different times of the day. It becomes absolutely magical in the evening! I like cheese, cornbread, scallions, with my chili. Brownies with peppermint ice cream? Oh, YUM!

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  57. Angela ~ Call Her Blessed12/9/13, 11:35 PM

    Vintage Christmas w/red & green -- can't go wrong with that. As for chili, I always put out hot sauce & red pepper flakes for those who want it spicier. I also put out sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onions, saltines, Ritz crackers, & Fritos. All this talk of chili is making me want a bowl ;) Merry Christmas.

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  58. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse12/10/13, 12:31 AM

    I love your center piece, especially when it's lit up!

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  59. Kristen Pare12/10/13, 6:14 AM

    Oh, that is so pretty! I adore the centerpiece.

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  60. pam {simple details}12/10/13, 9:05 AM

    So wintry and festive, Kim! It's the perfect for your chili dinner, too! We serve the same, except add Fritos. I love your dessert idea, too!

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  61. Anne12/10/13, 11:04 AM

    Speechless....your dining room...wow ...so beautiful! Love your centerpiece! That tray is brilliant and I love how you have filled it with that beautiful Christmas scene! Love your cabinet with that beautiful wavy glass.Always a treat to see this beautiful room! Love the idea of serving chili.....Yum!
    xx
    Anne

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  62. Restoration House Interiors12/10/13, 1:13 PM

    No surprise...great job, Kim! Thanks for sharing your space! XO -Kennesha

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  63. Jemma@athomewithjemma12/10/13, 3:44 PM

    Just beautiful-your centerpiece is indeed a Christmas delight!! Thank you for sharing the beauty of the season!
    Jemma

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  64. Courtney@Golden Boys and Me12/10/13, 8:41 PM

    Kim, Love love love the vintage children as your centerpiece. So festive and charming!
    ~Courtney

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  65. Athena at Minervas Garden12/10/13, 9:49 PM

    I love your dining room decor, especially the stockings and pretty napkins.

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  66. Kathy12/10/13, 10:47 PM

    Cornbread.....hey this is really pretty, your photography skills are crazy good girl...oh and I forgot to tell you came to visit me in my dream, I said what took you so long to get here! Too funny, Happy Holidays my friend....we are headed to Florida for the rest of the month to squeeze all my grands at once, I'm so excited!

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  67. SharonFromMichigan12/12/13, 10:34 AM

    What a lovely table setting! We always do fritos and the little oyster cracker saltines as toppings along with the sharpest cheddar cheese you can find. What about serving old fashioned decorated sugar cookies in Christmas shapes for dessert? The cookies would go nicely with the suggestions of peppermint ice cream. Merry Christmas!

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  68. Tea in Texas12/12/13, 10:41 AM

    Your centerpiece is precious with the vintage figures! The stocking is cute with the red and white stripes! Have a Merry Christmas!

    Pam

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  69. Sharlotte12/12/13, 11:12 PM

    What a wonderful table! I love, love, love your centerpiece. The children are precious and with those lights, it's perfect!

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