Get ready for Holiday Tablescapes!

The holidays are here and I'm looking forward to one of my favorite activities of the season - decorating the dining table. To me, the feast isn't the same unless the table is set with colorful linens, amusing napkin rings, fine china and an eye-catching centerpiece, all displayed in a coordinated theme.

This is why I am so excited to be going to Blumz in Ferndale next month for their class, "Setting the Holiday Table . . . with Style!" This more-than-a-floral shop's event will have the professionals demonstrating creative napkin folding and fresh new ways to accessorize your table.

I've always found table settings fascinating. Even back in junior high, in my home economics class (so long ago, it was before boys could join us, so any future Emerils or Wolfgang Pucks were sadly stuck in shop class), I always volunteered to arrange the plates and silverware. I seriously don't remember what grade I received in meal preparation, but I do fondly recall my teacher inspecting a few of our final products and remarking, "I can tell Barbara set the table". At the age of 12, I could think of receiving no higher praise.

A little out there? Maybe. But, the interest in table settings never waned. Over the years, I have accumulated many unique serving pieces and always with the purpose of creating another festive dining tableau. When I first heard Sandra Lee, of the Food Network, describe her latest assembly of dishes, glasses, linens and themed-accessories as a "tablescape", I knew my somewhat unusual fascination had a name. . . and, even better, I was not alone!

That's one of the things that led me to afternoon tea. I love a table filled with polished silver, teapots, lace and candles. I can even forgive a less than spectacularly tasting meal, if the table setting from which we are eating is worthy of a photograph. Fortunately, I married a man who is a gourmet cook and so our friends and family don't have to suffer a poorly cooked meal at the expense of a fancy tablescape.

Today, the fun began. I went out and bought a new tablecloth for Thanksgiving Day dinner. With a gold leaf pattern on an amber-hued silk backdrop, I searched my china cabinet for plates and cups that will serve this festive covering. I'm also reworking a pumpkin centerpiece from last month into a harvest-themed focal point.

But, as you can see from my picture, I've only just started. This year, I need some new inspiration and I know I'll find it at Blumz! You should come, too. Send me an email if you are going and I'll look to see you there.

For more information, see the Blumz website. Here's date and time:

PRE-REGISTRATION Required by 12/11/2011Reserve Tickets In advance: $10.00 DONATION ea OR Bring 3 or more Canned Food Items for a local food bank Pay at the door: $25.00 Date - Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011Time - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Location - Blumz... Ferndale,503 E. Nine Mile Road