I was looking through a Good Housekeeping magazine from December, 1987 and ran across some beautiful Christmas china patterns. (Yes, 1987)

The place settings were very interesting combinations:

solid plates with striped

floral plates with plaid plates - REALLY liked this

floral plates with paisley napkins

holy sprigged plates with a lace square as a napkin with a pink Victoriana nosegay napkin ring (very pretty - my favorite)

gold and white plates (looked like the gold was "sponged" on WOW) gold and white "Olympe" china by Sasaki China was resting on a bough of pine

I apologize I do not know how to post pics. Will ask son if he can help me.

Now that he (son, only child) is older, I enjoy decorating in a more sophisticated palate.

However, DH does love the stuffed toys that sing and dance upon pushing a button in their hand and/or toe so they have a little corner in the den.

I did draw the line when he wanted one where a dog lifts his leg on a snowman!