Xmas 2010 Holiday Tablescape

It’s December 22nd, and the sounds of parang are filling the air around the clock. The streets are jam-packed and people have that frenzied look that comes with too much shopping still to do, and not enough time. We don’t actively celebrate Christmas in my home however we do throw a lunch for my Aunt and entertain a steady stream of visitors 🙂 I’m sure that most of my readers will be doing the same this Saturday 🙂 Whether you are a Trini, or looking to add some twists to your traditional festivities, this tablescape is sure to have something for you 🙂

This time around I was heavily influenced by the sounds of parang and colour of poinsettias. No cotton wool ‘snow’ scenes or ceramic Santas here. As a child growing up in the hills of the scenic Northern Range, my mother grew large poinsettia plants. As the temperatures would start to dip, it would trigger their leaves to flush bright red, a process I found endlessly fascinating. Red is also our national colour, and it ties in beautifully as well with the costumes of many paranderros. When dealing with a colour as strong as red you want to keep patterns and contrasts to a minimum. Work with subtle additions of gold (added here through a poinsettia centerpiece, votive candle holders and napkin rings). Patterned napkins work wonderfully with single-tone napkin rings, solid napkins with multi-toned rings.

As you’re enjoying the company of loved ones and great food put on some CDs of Trinidadian Christmas music, as well as music from the other islands, and light some strategic tea light candles. Having the cases on side tables is sure to trigger conversation, trips down memory lane and musical requests 😉