Hi there, good to see you here! I think your placesetting is starting off beautifully!
You need to go and look at Purplemoon Karen's albums. I am linking to the Christmas table settings, but there are lots to look at, just scroll around. She may come by and give you more ideas!
Good luck and have fun with this project! There are albums for Valentines day too;^)

Here is a link that might be useful: Christmas

That looks beautiful so far. I was going to suggest you browse our Forum tablesetting albums and see other Christmas ones but jaybird was fast and got it done for me.
LOL. Good, I'm feeling lazy today.

Keep us posted... we'll be your cheering squad to WIN
the contest.
hugs, Karen

"There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found . . ."
I guess that's not very elegant though.

"The toy shop door is locked up tight
And everything is quiet for the night
When suddenly the clock strikes twelve
The fun's begun."

Wooden soldiers on parade!

But that's not very elegant either.

I'm trying!

Good to see you, calico! Have you seen the "garden sparklers" that some GJers have taken off on now over on the GJ forum? Maybe you could make one with gold wire/beads/stars/a beautiful pc of glassware ...wherever your imagination takes you...for a centerpc ... & tie in napkin rings with the same wire/beads??? Just brainstormin' here!

But you'll get lots of great ideas just browsing (purplemoon's hard labor) holiday album...that jaybird linked for you! Have fun & enjoy this project for fair! Jeanne s.

Whoops...here's the link!

OA...funny "magic"...silk hat is "nice"...love it!

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Junk Garden Sparklers

That looks so pretty!
Have you looked through the blogs? Google Christmas Tablescapes and you will get tons of ideas!

Actually, OA, there were some Christmas tables with a top hat centerpiece that were very "elegant" and "magical". I think Tam Gypsy and Kathleen were both lucky enough to find those hats and used them on their tablescapes.

Lots of candles and sparkling ornaments always add magic too.

I love how you've tied the bow around it all, very pretty. Maybe a "silkier" napkin and perhaps some fluffy layers of tulle over the table cloth. Just "imagining" here.

I agree with the others, check the albums, look at Between Naps on the Porch's blog for posts from Christmas, even check out Photobucket, Flicker, and other picture sites or just google for more ideas like Kathleen said.

I'm so excited for you, sure hope you win. Keep us posted, okay?

Luvs

That's just beautiful now! but why didn't you show it with the cream placemat?

Like Jeanne, my thought for a 'magical' element would be sparklers or something glittery/starry, IYKWIM.

Love the bow!!!!!!

I just thought about something we used to do back in the dark ages when I was a kid. Mom always set a beautiful table, so for different occasions, we would take a piece of nylon net out into the yard. Squirt different designs onto it with Elmer's Glue and then put glitter over the glue. They were beautiful!!
For an updated idea, you could use silver or gold nylon net, glue, and the little star shaped glitter that you can get in craft stores. You could do just a scrolly design over the fabric...maybe two or three layers of net...it's cheap!! The under layers could be regular glitter, and just use the pricier glitter shapes on the top layer.
I agree with Luvs about a silkier napkin too.....
This is fun...I really hope you win a BIG blue ribbon!!

That is going to be a lovely table and you have a great start to it.

One thing I've seen that I think looks 'magical' is where someone removed the glass top from their table, placed a string of clear mini lights with white cords on the table, covered that with white sheer fabric all draped nicely, then placed low-ball glasses on the table upside down to support the glass top, and replaced the top. The lights really looked lovely seen thru the glass top. I'll continue to look for a pic and it may be in Karen's album.

Forgot to say there was a floor length white tablecloth on the table first with all that layered on top.

Here's a photo of a dessert table done as luckygal suggested. I did this a couple of years ago for a Christmas dinner.

Thanks for all of the ideas. I won't be able to go shopping until Saturday. But, I have a list going. I will be going to HL and a couple of GW's. I think I am going to go for the Valentine's table also. I am getting a little excited about this. I have until August 12 to get this set up. I love the idea of a top hat and the sparklers !!

Check out Tam's top hat table setting. It was gorgeous! I don't remember seeing Kathleen's table with the top hat. Anyone have a link to it?

I bet those sparklers will be really pretty on your table. I hope you'll come back after your shopping trip and let us know what you get!

Oh my gosh, I just saw the glass top table. I love that idea. Not sure if I can have access to a plug in, maybe I can find some battery lights.

I am so excited !!!!

Thanks,
Kim

Oh my gosh, I just saw the glass top table. I love that idea. Not sure if I can have access to a plug in, maybe I can find some battery lights.

I am so excited !!!!

Thanks,
Kim

I went to a tablescaping event last winter. I have the photos I took on my photobucket account. You are welcome to look here for ideas.

Kath

Here is a link that might be useful: Tablescape Extravaganza

I did 2 with the wicker hat. I think Tam's hat is different than mine.
Here's one...

The other is the table I did for St Patrick's Day. If you want I can link it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Top hat link

Kathleen-love the top hat centerpiece, actually I love everything about your table. I will definatly incorporate some of your ideas into my table. Thanks for sharing.

Kath-wow there were alot of beautiful tables at that event. Will have to go through each one more carefully when I have more time. SSHHH.....don't tell anyone I am at work right now and had to take a peak. LOL !!!

I plan to do some shopping Saturday, so hopefully I can work with the setting on Sunday.

Thanks again all,
Kim