“Snow was falling gently on the streets……, and people were hurrying home, their arms filled with gaily wrapped boxes and paper parcels from toy stores, candy shops, and bakeries. For it was Christmas Eve, and as twilight fell, the children throughout Germany waited in hushed expectation for night to arrive, and with it their gifts from the Christ Child.”
You might recognize this sentence. This is the first line from the book, “The Nutcracker”, by Prussian author E.T.A. Hoffmann written in 1816 and first performed in December of 1892.
And who doesn’t remember the dance of the sugar plum fairy and the nutcracker soldiers and of course, the Mouse King.
My table setting is perhaps reminiscent of the dinner that went before the gift giving, bed time and dream sequence.
Let’s start with the Menu….which begins with a roast Goose which would have most likely been on the menu in the 1800’s.
Since the children dream of sugar plums, I’ve added a recipe for this sweet delicacy.
I don’t know about you… but growing up, I thought sugar plums were a sort of pastel colored confectionary candy.
They are not.
They are a traditional “candy” made with dried fruit, toasted nuts and then these round balls are rolled in coarse sugar.
They are more like a fruit cake or energy bar made into balls and rolled in the sugar.
You can choose your preferred dried fruit…your imagination is your guide.
AND they are not pastel, but brownish in color, depending on the dried fruit you use.
They were considered a rare delicacy, made mostly by the wealthier families.
Sugar Plums
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried plums (or dried prunes)
- 1/4 cup dried apricots (or cranberries)
- 1/4 cup dried figs (or dried dates)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cardamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- dash salt
- 1/2-1 cup coarse sugar (for rolling the balls)
Instructions
- Using a food processor, chop the toasted almonds, plums, apricots, and figs, being careful to use pulse about 15-20 times. Do not let the mixture form a ball.
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cinnamon, cardamon, salt and honey. Add to the fruit and nut mixture, mixing using your hands. (I used plastic gloves)
- Form small balls with your hands or you can use a small ice cream or cookie scoop. (about 1/4-ounce portions) If making these sugar plums ahead of time, place the small balls on a cookie rack (uncovered) until ready to serve. Just before serving, roll the balls in the coarse sugar and serve immediately.
- The Sugar plums may be stored on a cooling/cookie rack or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for up to a week. After a week, store in an airtight container for up to a month.
So let’s begin with what the dining table might have looked like in the 1800’s.
Or at least in my mind this is what I would want the table to look like.
We start with the natural wood of my table, and topped it with copper chargers.
I also carried the copper theme by using my copper flatware and copper mules for egg nog.
The double napkins reflect the glitter gold on the dinnerware and glassware, which are all gold rimmed.
I love the old world look of the gold/copper rimmed wine glasses.
The napkin rings are gold, copper and crystal, reminiscent of that era.
Of course there has to be a nutcracker and he definitely is having a look of knight in shining armor as he sports a gold “JOY” dangle.
A white and gold Saint Nicholas holding a gold “NOEL” dangle, stands guard waiting for the formal dinner to end and the festivities with the children to begin.
Individual gold capped salt & pepper shakers sit at each place setting.
The centerpiece is surrounded by gold/copper flickering candle holders.
Poinsettias and eucalyptus line the center of the table.
On each corner of the table, you will see a porcelain white and gold coffee pot and the creamer and sugar sitting in small bowls to catch drips.
I have had the 12 place setting of dinnerware for years as it was a wedding gift. A salad plate sits on the dinner plate.
For a bit of greenery, I placed a sprig of rosemary from my herb garden, along with a name tag.
Nothing is new on this Christmas table setting. You may remember seeing the napkins, nutcracker and Saint Nickolas here on last years Silver and Gold Tablescape.
I was able to use pieces I have had for several years.
Now I want to go see the Nutcracker Ballet again….which is a Christmas tradition in our home.
I never tire of the story and marvel at the interpretations of the dancers.
Do you like the ballet story of Clara and her adventures?
AND have you ever made roast goose?
Just askin’.
Have a Blessed Holiday.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Blessings to all
Kari @
A special thanks to Rita of Panoply for putting together 18 stylists this Holiday season.
It is always an inspiration.
Kari, this is a gorgeously classic tablescape right here. I love the china with its simple band of gold, and it plays so well with the copper metallic. The crystal, napkins and rings all are in keeping with a clean, bright look. Very smart to leave the wood table and decorate the center with poinsettias and eucalyptus for a beautifully natural look. I wish you the serenity of a Christmas season that matches the beauty of your decorated table. Thank you for being a part of this group in this past year. Your friendship is cherished.
Kari, your table is full of elegant touches! I’m a fan of copper, and you’ve used some beautiful pieces on your table. Love seeing your elegant nutcracker and thanks for the information on sugar plums. All new info to me. Happy Holidays!
Kari, I am so happy to see you happy and healthy and enjoying styling a table for the holidays again this year! This is such an elegant table. you might suggest it as a nod to the 1800’s,but it is perfectly fitting for today’s holiday celebrations, also! Your elegant nutcracker and St. Nicholas are perfect sentries for all of the copper and gold on your table! Merry Christmas, and a very Happy 2023 to you and the Captain!
This is a lovely, elegant table, that would be at home in any century! The details are sumptuous and layered, providing visual and textural delight. Metallic sheen and glitter would be magical in the evening by candlelight! Anyone would be thrilled to share the table with you. Such a pleasure to join you in the hop! Merry Christmas!
Kari, I love your elegant table with your mix of gold and copper in contrast to the wood of your table! The sparkling crystal and etched stemware are beautiful. Saint Nicholas and Mr. Nutcracker standing sentry are perfect bookends and nod to the season, but whisk them away and your table would be perfect to ring in the New Year! As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you again. Wishing you a very Merry December and Christmas❣️🎄
thank you Mary. I love the nutcracker and several years ago I was surprised to find that sugar plums were not pastel sweets. But now I can also use the round sugar plums as appetizers on New Years too!!! Always a pleasure to hop with you. Merry Christmas! and thanks for stopping by.
Kari,
First of all, how are you doing? I was thrilled to see that you were participating in this blog hop!
PURE ELEGANCE is all I can say …Well, no…DROP DEAD GORGEOUS also!! LOVE it!
Thanks for sharing!! Have a wonderful Holiday season!!
Hugs,
Deb
I’m doing well thank you Debbie…one day at a time. Thank you for your kind comments and for stopping by. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Kari, your table is so elegant and beautiful. I love to mix metals and the gold and copper complement each other. I like seeing the nutcracker and Saint Nickolas on your table. I love the sprig of rosemary on the plate. I had nothing new on my table, it is just all well loved. Everything is so lovely, my dear friend. Your new photo is so gorgeous! It is always fun to join you at the table! Merry December ♥️
Thanks Pam…I love re-using my treasured items. They are like family…sounds weird but tis true. If I knew how to use a filter, I would have removed freckles and blemishes in my photo, but I do like keeping it real and it is what it is. thank you for your kind comments my dear friend. Happy Holidays!
Kari, the mixture of metals for this tablescape adds such bling and distinction to this tablescape. The copper and gold complement and yet contrasts each other, especially placed on the warm tone of the wood table. The crystal votive holders and the white and gold nutcracker soldier solidify the tablescape into a sophisticated work of art. Very lovely, Kari. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.
thank you Marsha…I love mixing metals and the old dinnerware needed to be brought out of storage as it has been at least 20 years since I used it last. LOL Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Kari, what a beautiful table decked out with copper and gold. Two stunning colors together. those goblets are gorgeous. How special to have the lovely dinnerware as a wedding gift. The crystal is so pretty. The rosemary and name tag is perfect for seating. The nutcracker is adorable.I love the formal look of your Christmas table. Always a pleasure joining you on these blog hops. Christmas blessings to you Kari.
I liked the addition of the rosemary from my herb garden as it gives a light fragrance and looks kinda like a tree. thank you for stopping by and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Kari, what a rich, elegant table and centerpiece! I love how you styled both copper and gold into the tablescape. So chic! I thought sugar plums were what you did, and very much appreciate the recipe. I’m taking my mom to see the ballet later this month and can’t wait! I have a collection of nutcrackers, plus Byers Carolers and lots of ornaments, so your theme really touched my heart.
I have Byers envy of your pieces Debbee…your carolers and your historical figures. And I actually made the sugar plums and they were good but tasted a lot like an energy bar. (a little sweet) I adore the Nutcracker…and have seen several renditions and have loved them all. After all it is all in the story. thank you for stopping by my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Your table is styled so prettily, and I love the combination of gold and copper. Your foliage runner with the unique candle holders are breathtaking! Thanks for including the recipe for sugar plums because I’ve never had one before, and I didn’t know what they’re made of, either. I have a recipe for energy balls I like, so I might try making sugar plums. I like how your nutcracker matches your china. Pretty! Merry Christmas!
thank you Ricki Jill….I don’t know what I thought sugarplums were but it was not what they actually are…. but they were good…actually anything with dried fruit and nuts has to be good in my book. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Oh Kari, this is so beautiful and elegant! I love the gold and copper together! So many pretties grace your table and I loved your description of the Nutcracker and fantasizing about this dinner in the 1800s. I did not know about real sugarplums, I always thought they were just pretend! They don’t sound very good to me 😂 I love the way you styled the butter plates with a sprig of rosemary, it looks like a little Christmas tree! Your nutcracker and Saint Nickolas are beautiful. I hope you and yours have a very Merry & Blessed holiday!
Jenna, I always have such fun planning and setting these tables. You are right the rosemary resembles a Christmas tree and I love the bit of fragrance it gives off. Makes it smell more like Christmas is in the air. Try the sugar plums…they can be sweet rolling them in sugar so I left some plain and liked the dried fruit and nuts just the same. Merry Christmas dear friend.
Kari, what an elegant Christmas table! It truly sparkles in anticipation of holiday celebrations–pinned! Wishing you a joyous Christmas season! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
thank you Cecilia…Christmas is so special it deserves a sparkle here sand there…Plus the bonus is the reason for the season. Jesus. thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Dear Kari,
First, I must tell you I love the new photo of you at the top. I knew you couldn’t have long red hair forever. lol You still look as lovely as ever even with all you have been through.
Now for your table setting, it is elegant and reminds me of the way my grandmother set her table. She was of German descent.
Bless you and keep you safe during the coming holidays. Merry Christmas to you and The Captain!
Sandy
Awww, thanks dear friend…the photo is me, warts and all and the hair is a lot shorter these days. Thank you for your kind comments and I didn’t know your grandmother was of German descent. Thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas to you and Ron. Hugs and Blessings
Such an elegant table, very pretty.
thank you Carole! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
This is beautiful. I adore your treasures and the settings are so lovely
thank you Rosemary for your kind comments and for stopping by. Blessings and have a very Merry Christmas!
Kari, it doesn’t have to be new to be lovely and you demonstrate that so well. It’s so nice to use pieces that have wonderful memories associated with them and Christmas is the perfect time to do that. Love all the copper touches on the table from the chargers to the cups. Your crystal is beautiful and so elegant. Lovely to visit with you today. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Lynne
You are so right Lynne…and I have so much “stuff” that when I drag it out it seems like new …as it has been a long while since I used it. Thank you for stopping by and Merry Christmas to you too!