Placesettings: December dinner for six

This Old Row House is getting festive for December.  I’ve set the table for six with a freshly thrifted linen tablecloth in an eye-popping paisley of magenta, red, olive and deep evergreen.

I have no idea how old this tablecloth is, but the colors and pattern remind me of the 60s or 70s. I could be entirely wrong. It’s not my typical style but I like its outrageous energy. It’s practically a party all by itself.

I’ve topped it with Fire-King jadeite restaurant ware plates, vintage green linen napkins that were never used, and translucent red handled flatware I bought ages ago. The center of the table is filled with McKee and Fenton jadeite candlesticks and Jeannette bud vases topped with red satin Christmas ornaments in three sizes. None of the greens match but it all works.

I think cheese manicotti and a fancy green salad would make a pretty good menu. What would you serve?