Tables & Hostesses

 (Above) I am using the dishes, silverware, and long-stemmed glassware from my mother.  I have decorated my table with a traditional Christmas poinsettia garland.  Thank you  to Bea Rock for helping me transport my dishes and set my table.  Florence Welch

(Above) Thinking back, we remember the special ladies in our lives who provided us with beautiful Christmas celebrations and traditions.  The tea service belonged to Mary Aune, Kris’ grandmother, and the water goblets were a gift from Melissa’s mother, Jean McCombs.  The dinner plates are from a Christmas set that belonged to Justin’s mother, Mary Pankey, and were passed on to her granddaughter, Laura.  The flatware belonged to LeAnne’s grandmother, Ruth Harris.  The angel ornaments and centerpiece rose were created from the music collection of Vyda Mae Eddy, LeAnne’s mother, who was a talented singer.                          					LeAnne Pankey & Melissa Aune

Growing up, I have no memory of my adopted mom cooking a meal due to her illness. However, I do remember that she loved holidays and had me decorate for them as she gave directions from her wheelchair.  Taking part in the Women’s Tea has allowed me to honor her love of holidays while sharing the joy of our Savior’s birth at a beautifully set table with a wonderfully prepared meal like I imagined other families had in their “Norman Rockwell moments”.  The china that I am using and the Rockwell pieces “Dated From Christmases Through The Years” were given to me by my birth mom, with whom I have reunited. Because of Jesus and our church family, we have been blessed through the years with much more than a simple idyllic “Rockwell moment”.  
                                                                Michele Grappin (below)

As I think back on Christmases through my life, I’ve always enjoyed making gingerbread houses with my family.  This is my first year hosting a table for our church’s Advent Tea. I wanted to bring a personal family tradition to my church family by making a gingerbread house and decorating with holly and berries.                                        Madelyn Gucciardi  (Below)

Christmas is a very special time to celebrate with our family and friends; making new traditions and sharing memories of loved ones.  Today I am using my mother-in-law’s      priceless nativity set as my centerpiece.  May the magic of Christmas fill your hearts with love and joy.                           Nancy Woods  (Below)

My table centerpiece with crystal trees pays homage to a special holiday symbol. For most families, “Christmas Through the Years” includes a tree with a topper that    symbolizes the Nativity of Jesus, such as a star which refers to the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the birthplace of Christ.  An angel represents the messenger of God as well as the Angel Gabriel, who visited Mary to share the news that she would give birth to the son of God.  The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit of the season and to Christians, the everlasting life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  
                            Marilyn Swihart  (Below)

(Above) Christmas tree styles have changed over the years, as you can see from the variety of trees on my table, but there is one thing that stays the same and that is the story of our Savior’s miraculous birth as told in Luke 2:6-14.  The meaning of the birth of Jesus is just as important today as it was so many years ago.  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is  given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful   Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”          
                                                       Rebecca Gucciardi >>>

(Above)   The dishes at my table were purchased by my mom’s sister, Aunt Verna.  She used S&H green stamps to buy them in 1950.  My Grandma Thompson used them at every holiday.  My mom and aunt brought them to me after I moved to Imlay City over forty years ago.  They remind me of all the wonderful roast beef dinners served to us.  I have many fond memories of my grandparents, Nina and Percy Thompson. 
                                                                    Joyce Terry.

(Above) My table setting was put together with LOVE from my friends and family.  We are so blessed to have each other!  
                                                         Sandy Friedenstab