So I am a schizophrenic decorator.  As I tell my dh there are a looooot of houses in my head. : )  Some lovely images locked inside there come from Mary Carol Garrity’s Nell Hill’s  shop and the books she has written showcasing her signature style. Back Porch Musing features a photo tour of the Kansas shop  Pat at Back Porch has a very similar style herself. Her home was just nominated as best decorated for Christmas by the Old Painted Cottage. 

 
You can see a picture of a table setting using a covered sugar bowl as an individual soup tureen.  Mary Carol is a big fan of using traditional pieces in unconventional ways.  You likely deduced that is a huge draw for me. <g>  A favorite holiday title of mine is Nell Hill’s Christmas at Home.  Any of her books provide lots of inspiration however.