In decorating our home this season several scenes from the 1954 holiday classic film Irving Berlin’s White Christmas have been interpreted in various ways. In the formal dining room, the final scene of the movie was selected. The Columbia Inn dining room features garlands, wreaths, and other holiday decor. In this post, I will share How To Recreate The White Christmas Table Centerpiece.
In the movie’s tear-jerking final scene a circular centerpiece sits on each of the tables. It features a candle, greenery and darling Santa. The best close up shot is directly after the surprised General Waverly enters the room.
The Materials List
Here is the list of materials needed to create the centerpiece. While I used quite a few vintage elements there are similar new reproductions available at craft supply stores.
- Cake tin (Goodwill)
- White spray paint
- Round styrofoam disc. (Found at WalMart)
- Tall red candle. (Found at Hobby Lobby)
- Greenery
- Decor picks
- Small embellishments such as presents or little ornaments.
- Santa
Tools
- Hot glue gun
- Wire clippers
- Heavy-duty shears
How To Recreate The White Christmas Table Centerpiece
Begin by spray painting the cake pan white both inside and out. Let dry completely.
Cut the styrofoam disc to snuggly fit inside the cake pan.
Remove the plastic wrapper from the candle. Place it into the back center of the styrofoam.
In other areas of the house recently decorated I used just the flowers of a few faux poinsettias as well as some berry picks. Both came with faux leaves that weren’t used. I removed the leaves from the plastic stems and hot glued them onto the top of the styrofoam.
Next, add in evergreen and mercury picks for height. You may need to trim them down with the wire cutters.
Make sure they are spaced away from the candle for safety purposes.
Nestle in your Santa. This right jolly old elf belonged to my great grandmother, Lenora. For this reason, I opted to not hot glue him down.
Layer in additional greenery.
I used vintage plastic candle rings found at an estate sale.
Since the centerpiece will be viewed from all angles it is important to look at it from each side. A birds-eye view is good too. Use the presents/ornaments to fill in any bare areas.
From this angle, Santa looks like he is driving a parade float. LOL!
Remember to never leave a lit candle unattended.
You can see I spaced the picks out of the flames reach.
This centerpiece is perfect for anyone who loves White Christmas or enjoys traditional, vintage-inspired holiday decor.
May all your days be merry and bright!
Laura
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I can walk into that movie midway — no, even shortly before the scene you describe, walk in cold, not even paying attention to the film. And I will start to cry. I don’t know why it hits such a personal chord that I cry on cue when it comes up, but I do. It is just my favorite and I’ve seen it so many times, I can say the words with them!
But I have to admit that in all the times watching, I never noticed the table centerpieces! And you made a wonderful version of them! I’ll be looking extra hard for them now, through the tears, of course!
Oh I love that movie and you amaze me that you notice every detail. Your version of the table decor is perfect and I love you step by step instructions.
Have you noticed that there’s an editing error in that scene?
Fun!
Your attention to details in recreating the White Christmas movie scenes is amazing!
Laura,
You’re doing a fantastic job making your own White Christmas. This is an amazing likeness.
Cindy