Vintage Tablescape {Christmas Card Placemats}

 Do you save your Christmas cards year after year?

I have been saving mine for 20+ years. There is a big sack of them in my craft closet, so I decided to do something with them this year.

 Our family breakfast table was the perfect spot for my idea. 

I traced a round placemat that I already had onto poster board.

I sorted through the bag of cards, and picked some favorites. I just used the front of the card and began placing them over the posterboard circle.

 When I was pleased with the configuration, I stuck them in place with tape runner or any adhesive would work. I secured some of the edges with decorative tape (the one I used is a music score).

If you'd like to see my sheet music placemats, you may click here.

To make them waterproof, I sprayed them with a matte sealer.

 Once dry, I started putting the tablescape together. Using fresh greenery for a base, the Santa on the Rocking Horse gets center stage.

 Isn't he the cutest thing? This was the first Christmas decoration my husband and I purchased for our home as newlyweds.

 

I still love him...

 I used wire chargers, so you can see the Christmas cards through them.

My mother started our collection of Spode Christmas Tree pottery, and added to it each Christmas until we owned every piece they make!

 I hung 6 vintage ornaments that belonged to my Grandmother on the chandelier. It's also draped with fresh greenery 

and some ribbon to keep it secure.

 Here, I used red holly plates from Target (years ago). The goblets are a subtle green glass from Mexico. They also work well for cocktails!

I tucked a colorful candy cane and a sprig of greenery

 under each napkin ring.

 Option 2...I tried a soft green plate instead of the red, and put the smaller bread plate on top.

 It's fun to play with options. 

These plates are Chris Madden collection from JCPenney.

 My family uses them daily along with our Scripture plates.

 Each placemat is different and unique. I tried to put variety in each one.

 The colors add a whimsy and I think it's fun for the Breakfast table!

For those of you with young ones,  here's a fun activity. 

Have them put the cards into groups.

Santa...angels...baby Jesus...Christmas trees, etc.

Depending on their age, you may have to help them get started.

My kids loved this game, and we played with Christmas cards all month!

I was a Kindergarten teacher in my previous life.

These are a few I came across that are so beautiful, I had to share.

 I think I'll frame them and set them around the house. 

My aunt does this with some of her cards, 

and I actually thought they were prints!

There are so many ways you can recycle your Christmas cards.

What do you do with yours?

Happy Christmas decorating!
Linking to these parties:
Between Naps on the Porch
The Tablescaper
Better Late than Never Christmas Party @ Top This Top That