FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

and I have a link to where you can receive
SWEET NOTHINGS posts in your EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Please go to the NEW BLOG.
thanks, bj

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

MY CHRISTMAS TABLE

SWEET SUSAN is hosting another TERRIFIC
TABLE SCAPE TUESDAY
and I want to play again.....
Be sure to stop by and see all the other pretty tables....
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE setting my table at CHRISTMAS TIME...
I have the SAME dishes as last year, that I posted not too long ago......nothing new added except a little different setting placements, so here is another view of them...
BON APPETITE.....















Notice these are my new place mats and napkins/rings that I won from
SWEET SARAH at THE BEACH COTTAGE
MANY THANKS, AGAIN, SARAH, FOR THIS LOVELY GIFT FROM YOU...
I JUST LOVE IT ALL !



I am thinking the blue and white looks just snazzy with the crispness of the
khaki and white, don't you?
especially with a little CHRISTMAS sparkle and bling added....

Several ladies have asked for the
BURNT SUGAR CAKE
we have at THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS..
here 'tis.....
this is from JENT'S grandmother and she said she learned it from HER grandmother, so this recipe has a little age on it....no wonder it's so good.
*

first heat 1/2 cup sugar until dark brown
Add, SLOWLY, 1/2 cup boiling water...set aside to cool
CREAM: 1 1/2 cups sugar with 1/2 cup butter
ADD: 3 beaten egg yolks
2 cups flour
1 cup cold water
BEAT hard for 5 minutes and
ADD: 1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
ADD: egg whites beaten stiff and add burnt sugar mixture and 1 tea. vanilla with a pinch of salt.
BAKE in 2 round pans or a sheet cake pan for about 30 minutes at 325 degrees.
note: if you want a 3 layer cake, you need to double the recipe to make nice, full layers...

*
FROSTING
Using the pan where the burnt sugar mixture was,
add 2 cups sugar
1 cup WHIPPING CREME (oh, honey!!)
2 teaspoons of butter
Boil to soft ball stage, cool and beat...don't let the icing get too thick before pouring it on your cake..
it sets up REALLY, REALLY fast....
*note: this icing gets very thick and hard, like candy...it is supposed to be like this...
the first time i made it, i thought i had ruined the icing,, scraped it all off and put a carmel icing on it.
JENT told me later that the icing is supposed to be a CANDY ICING....hmmmm!

we all love it and if you try it, I hope YOU like it, too

HAVE A SWEET CHRISTMAS.....
love, bj
OOOOOOO, AND....



WOO HOO....THIS IS FOR YOU, SUSIE Q !!!

64 comments:

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

WOW BJ...you have some beautiful dishes girl..I love the way you tied the ribbon with the bells for napkins rings...of course you know I love the blue and white..it all looks so beautiful girl thanks so much for sharing...I am so glad I folloe you as I get so many great ideas from you and YUMMY Food...just like Pickey..hugs and smiles Gloria

ksarra said...

Yum. Is it too early for a slice of cake??? Your table looks GREAT, I just love the mix and match dishes. Now that's an idea I'll have to try! That way I can have lots of patterns without taking up a lot of space!

Marcela said...

Hi BJ
I wish you a wonderful and blessed day.
Love,
Marcela

Anonymous said...

WOW, you can make a beautiful table. So festive. I have no talent for that. Well, no dishes either. :) You're first class, all the way.

Love Ya,
Chris

Southern Lady said...

Beautiful table settings, BJ ... My favorite plates are the ones with the painted Christmas scenes -- so pretty and old-fashioned looking!

Your cake sounds yummy and Brian Dennehy is too! Did you see him in the movie Welcome to Paradise with Crystal Bernard? If not, you should try to rent it over the holidays ... it's a wonderful family movie.

Sincerely,

Janie

Sue said...

Mornin BJ! I love all your cute Christmasy plates, it makes me want to head over to Homegoods right now!! Their dishes section is to die for! Now you know I drool over anything with the flowerbasket pattern, the blue plates are fabulous!! And yes save a piece of cake for me! xoxo

Kathleen Grace said...

Your Christmas table looks so festive and beautiful with all your lovely plates. I love the blue and white with the Khaki too! Tha cake looks absolutely sinful, I'll have two slices please:>)

Picket said...

Morning BJ!!!! The table settings are gorgeous girl and I love the way you did the napkins with the little candycanes coming out...but Bj that setting with the blue flower basket plate with the creamy white and the silver charger...ohhhhh girl....breath taking!!!! I want to know how you put that candy cane frame around your pics girl! lol My grandmother use to make an icing like that and added peanut butter to it.....oh it was delicious...last time me 7 mama tried to make it like her's we sorta burnt it and it made little hard crystals in it but mama wouldn't throw it out and daddy got him a big old piece and said "hon I didn't know you was suppose to put nuts in the frosting!" lol lol
Your Rooster pics are glorious girl...love them & I have always like Brian Dennehy as an actor...but I don't like him to play a mean character! lol Have a great day dear friend!

Anonymous said...

Susan, each place looks great. And, I do love the look of the blue with the khaki.

You are an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Well, BJ. I guess I have to say "duh"! I was thinking about you participating in Susan's Tablescape Tuesday, and typed her name instead of yours. Sorry about that.

Oh, your package went in the mail yesterday. ;-)

squawmama said...

Good Morning BJ... First I want to say WOW!!! What beautiful dishes and settings... I loved them... and second... you're always posting the men I love... Oh that is easy to do because I love so many...LOL LOL Brian Denhenny (?) how cute is he... Well sweetie another day closer to the main event... and your table is all set for it... Have a great day... Love ya,

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Carol said...

Your table is beautiful BJ. I especially like the red ones with the people, very retro looking. Where did you find them?
Enjoy your day!
Smiles,
Carol

SmilingSally said...

I love Christmas china too, and your table settings are delightful!

Anonymous said...

Your Christmas table is beautiful BJ. I love the khaki and white with the blue and white, too.

I'm going to have to get your recipe and try it. You just brought back an image of my Granny, who made burnt sugar cake that was delicious. I've never tried to do it, though. Perhaps I will, with your recipe. Thanks for reminding me of Granny!

Stacey said...

BJ, everything looks so pretty! I'm suddenly realizing this season that I need some solid red plates to mix and match with what I have! Great idea. Love the blue and white too. And I love your prize winning khaki placemats.

Don't you love my sentence structure?

Anonymous said...

I really need to get me some plate chargers..... is that what they are called.... plate lady.... Each setting is so pretty..... love your christmas dishes.... ahhh china..
HUgs
Linda

Dena said...

Oh BJ,

Everything is so pretty and that cake looks delish!!! I love your new snow too!!! :)

Hugs,
Dena

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I got a lot of ideas from all your napkin ties & additions...thanks!

Did you have all thses placesettings at the same table....how creative & too cute!

Tardevil said...

BJ, that table is sooooooo cute!!! Love it all. And I had to go & copy that recipe right down...will be 2009 before I make it, but it will be good nonetheless cuz I like some candy icing! Save me a piece, I'm coming over!

Anonymous said...

Morning, BJness! Oh, what a pretty table! I love everything you've done! I love the mix and match of your dishes - those blue ones are so pretty.
Be a sweetie and I'm so glad you gave Susie Q a little Christmas present.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Rhondi said...

Hi BJ
Your table settings are so festive and beautiful. Your plates are wonderful too.
Hugs, BJ

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Oh wow ! you have done it again girl ! The table is beautiful. I love it .

Becky said...

Girly, you got it goin on! I'm jealous! I love everyone of your place settings. They are all so unique. And yummy, yum, yum on the cake!!!

Deb said...

Hi BJ! So beautiful! I love all the different settings you showed. And the cake is making me hungry! Deb

Carrie said...

What lovely and festive place settings!

Bo said...

Oh BJ...you did Susan & the rest of us proud with these table settings! Your frames around them just added a magic touch! Thanks for Brian D. he's still a hottie!
;-) Bo

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Oh, what a joy to look at these beautiful dishes and the beautiful way you've put them together. I can't thank you enough for the burnt sugar cake recipe--I have been looking for one! All of your goodies are delicious!
Hugs,
Gollum

jill jill bo bill said...

Gracious sakes!!! I feel so lazy when I look at your beautiful Christmasy stuff. Oh, wat. I AM lazy this year. About the signature: I had to get Carissa from Good and Crazy People(she is on my blogroll) to help . She had helped so many people, she actually did a post specifically giving step by step instructions. Hope that helps!!!

Anonymous said...

Your table just looks so pretty! Do I recognize that glass dome over a pretty decoration? I think so and it brings back a fun memory. Your snow flakes falling are very appropriate for today, huh! Merry Christmas!
Love,
Martha

niartist said...

bj-
Your table is just lovely, I especially like all the beautiful napkin rings, and the bells. Just wonderful presentation, and I'm filled with great ideas! So glad you posted this today! Oooo, and thanks for the recipes too!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

So many great Christmas dishes! I loved all of them. And your napkin rings look beautiful. The cake recipe sounds deicious and how great that it has been handed down. laurie

Unknown said...

Hi BJ
Your Christmas table is lovely! I love how every setting is unique. I think it takes a real talent to mix and match and make it work.

Good job!

~Liz

nikkicrumpet said...

Wow...you people must eat A LOT if you need 4 plates at one seat! I love that little santa mug with the waving santa on the inside...TOO CUTE! And I love all the ideas for the napkin ring thingies!

Salmagundi said...

Of course, I loved all of your dishes; but its your touch putting them all together that makes them special. That cake looks wonderful - sounds a little complicated for me - can I just have a piece of yours? Sally

Ginger said...

Your table settings are so pretty. I really love your dishes. I got rid of all my plate chargers and dishes when we downsized, now I wish I had some of them back.
I was reading your profile and you and I have a favorite movie listed (Bridges of Madison County). I don't know what it is with that movie, but I watch it all the time. It's so relaxing...maybe because there's no violence in it and I love the covered bridges and farm scenes.
I like the way you did your pictures with the Christmas frames around them.
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Your tablescapes are just beautiful! I just absolutely love it all. I hope you have a great evening.

Andi said...

Your table looks beautiful BJ! I love all your dishes.

Hope Susie Q drops by to see her surprise!!!

Andi said...

By the way...I don't think you ever claimed your award I presented you a couple of posts back on my blog. Stop by and check it out!

Anonymous said...

I Bj! I love the way you did up your sweet napkins! I also really like your chargers. All these photos are pleasant to my eyes!! Enjoy...

The Muse said...

Hi BJ XO :) How are you!? I bet you are floating around your lovely home all a flutter with the Christmas spirit! LOL
What a fantastic display this Tuesday! Once again....great pairings!

Susie Q said...

Here I am oohing and ahing over all your beautiful tablesettings...then I ooh and ahh over your delicious cake...THEN! Bam! That is my boyfriend! My Brian love!! That is when I really oohed and ahhed!! Thank you sweet, sweet BJ! This surprise put such a smile on my face! You are a dear friend and I love ya!

Sue

Sue said...

I really liked the blue dishs with the khaki and white striped napkins...very nice combo...But seeing Brian at the end for Susie Q....well, that was priceless....

Neabear said...

Such pretty tablescapes. Now I want some Christmas dishes. :-( that is my sad face because I don't have any. I used to think why get stuff you only use once a year. Now that I am in blogland I know better. Thanks for sharing.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

BJ...love allll you wonderful Christmas dishes! And the napkin rings are soooo cute! Just love your creativity and you always make me smile! :-) Susan

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your holiday table is so festive BJ! Can I come for dinner? Especially if you are serving that wonderful cake!
Hugs,
Penny

Ruthie said...

Beautiful! The dishes are so much more elegant when you put all the special table decorations with them. Wow. Great job!

Hugs.

imjacobsmom said...

BJ, cute ideas for your table! I amy have to "borrow" a few. I am definitely taking that cake recipe. I can't wait to try that frosting! ~ Robyn

BittersweetPunkin said...

Hi BJ...I got all the way down to the R's on my blogroll and was going to visit the rest tomorrow but them I saw that you came over to visit ME so here I am!! Love all your table settings and that cake looks yummy!! Hugs,
Robin

Anonymous said...

Good morning BJ, I didn't get to you and many others yesterday. We ran the roads all day. sigh. When I came home I was whipped. I adore your post with the wonderful place settings. More than that your framing and holly make every photo special. I need to take classes on how to do these things. sigh.

Today is my last appt. with the knee Dr. My time will be my own at last. At least for a while. No more therapy either. More computer time yay!!!

Have a wonderful day. Oh I will be doing Dec. 15th. I haven't shared my decorations yet. I am waiting. I hate waiting. Smile!

Christmas love...Jeanne

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Beautiful BJ! I love ALL your dishes! They would look so fun all together on your table and folks could chose what place setting they wanted to sit at! I don't know which one I'd pick... hmmm...

Holiday hugs, Sherry

Anonymous said...

No way could I pick a favorite BJ. All so pretty and special. One of these days you are going to get the shock of your life. The doorbell is going to ring, you go to open it...and there will be standing Brian. :) Lynn

Helen said...

Hi there, BJ! I have decided that your china photos are the best holiday gift ever. You have the ability to put everything together perfectly...take care, Helen.

Jorgelina said...

I love all your cute Christmas plates.
Have a wonderful day.

Unknown said...

So very pretty! The cake recipe...yum!
First time to your blog, I enjoyed it!

Bo said...

yoohoo BJ...where are you??? It's 5:00 PM and still no post from you...I hope all is well in your neck of the cotton fields...maybe you're just busy. Hugs, ♥ Bo

Sandi McBride said...

What a beautiful table...so many lovely dishes. Thanks for the recipe...I'll be trying my hand at that one! I was going to say that SusieQ was going to have a tantrum, lol!
hugs
Sandi

Betty said...

Hello BJ! I love your tablescapes, wish you lived closer so you could come help me!
Take care of yourself!
Merry CHRISTmas.

Betty

Rue said...

Hi Bj :)

The placemats and napkins that you won from Sarah look beautiful on your Christmas tablescape! I would never have thought to do that. It reminds me to think outside the box when I decorate :)

I'll bet Sue was surprised to see her boyfriend here LOL

love to you,
ruzzer

Anonymous said...

BJ,

Your table decorations are adorable. I'm so jealous that you can put all that together and make it look so perfect.

Gretchen
birdnestcottage.typepad.com

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Beautiful table Bj and I love your snowy festive blog design! Have a great weekend!

Tootsie said...

I WANT THOSE BLUE DISHES!!!! THEY ARE FANTASTIC! Girl...I didn't know you had a blog! I would have been here like a bad smell all the time!!!!

Bonnie said...

Deanna from Timeless Treasures sent me over. Your table scapes are beautiful! Thanks, I'll b back, I am putting your blog on my reader!

Bonnie My initials are BJ too!

Glenda said...

Sympathies for your computer problems.
Your Santa has about the longest beard I think I've ever seen. Blends perfectly with his robe. Very stately looking.
Loved all the napkin treatments. Lots of good ideas to borrow. I added your recipe to my recipe folder with a notation of where I acquired it, lest I forget. Thanks for a most useful and gorgeous post.

Anonymous said...

Dear BJ~~~ What a pleasant surprise to stop here, and see this is YOUR space! (I love fun surprises!). Your Christmas dishes n' table settings are just scrumptuous~~~ beautifully done & totally delightful, & yes, I agree ~~~ the taupe & white striped placemats look verrrry sharp w/ the blue n' white china! Yummy! Happy to "see" you again, too ~ that's such a lovely a pic of you that I now know that, for sure, you are all totally well & happy n' HEALTHY! ("HOOAH", old friend!). Sincerest holiday blessings to you and all your love ones! Warmly, Linda