The Tablescaper

Corner Cabinet and the winner is…

2012-01-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays.

As I complete my month of BLUE, I’m featuring the corner cabinet in my dining room. In last Sunday’s post (which you can see HERE) I lined the back of my cabinet with shelf lining paper to highlight the contents. In this cabinet the back of the cabinet is painted a contrasting color to the rest of the cabinet, an equally effective way to highlight it’s content.

The top shelf features a very special clock.

This clock was owned by my husband’s grandparents (who were born in Sicily in the late 1800s) and was wound by them everyday. It has no markings but is a priceless treasure in our family.

The teapot and pitcher are current and by Godinger.

Amongst the treasures on the next shelf are unmarked pink salts with no markings. Love their little gold ball feet.

Many long years ago, when my children were toddlers and in Nursery School, my good friend Sheri and I took our little brood of children to an Estate sale in a neighboring town in a snow storm! We stood on line outside the house waiting to get in, but it was well worth the wait. I found this amazing tea set which is Czechoslovakian by Phoenix. I had to have it as…

…it matched my wall paper perfectly (by Waverly and yes, I still have the same wall paper).

Through the years I’ve searched for and added to my collection. One of the interesting things that I’ve learned is that this pattern is featured in different shapes.

This teapot is a rounded rectangular …

…while this one is more of an oval. The accompanying creamer and sugar for each teapot, mirror that shape.

What really amazed me was when I found the above teapot. It would appear that this pattern must have been so popular as to merit imitation. If anyone knows anything more about this china, I’d love to know about it!

Each of the shelves are lined with these wonderful…

…dinner plates, also Czechoslovakian.

Once again, the perfect accompaniment to my dining room. Now you know why after all of these years, I can’t part with this wall paper.

The bottom shelf is home to a bit more of the Czechoslovakian china, a Godinger coffeed pot, and…

…a delicate unmarked bowl.

The bottom shelf also houses one of my Ebay lessons. I thought I was purchasing a china tea set made by Limoges (in wonderfully complimenting colors). Well, it is “Limoges china”. I now read Ebay listings a whole lot more carefully, but it is a pretty set.

I’ve enjoyed my month of BLUE and hope that you have enjoyed getting to see a bit more of my home. It’s been neat reading what each and everyone of you would choose to do with the Chic Shelf Paper. And the winner is…

Sue at Sullivan and Murphy

Please be sure to email me so I can get you the information on your winnings.

So what have all you fine folks be up to in Blogland???

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of Pinecone Respite

2012-01-27T14:26:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. Now that we are in the depths of Winter (although it sure doesn’t feel like it, here in New York) it seems the perfect time to repost one of my favorite Winter posts. I just love the feel of Pinecone Respite and hope you enjoy it as well.

As you may already know, I currently have a GIVE AWAY taking place. You can learn all about it HERE.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2011

Pinecone Respite

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

In the midst of all of this crazy weather…

…we need to take a few moments…

…to snuggle around the table.

Enjoy the company…

…of your family…

…and friends.

The weather is…

…is just wicked.

It’s nice to bring…

…the outdoors…

…in…

…and enjoy the comforts of home.

Ok, so where did all of this stuff come? The flatware is Gibson. I love how it looks like wood. I got the napkin rings at a great sale at Bed, Bath and Beyond this summer.

The pillows are my latest purchase from Pier One. I love how they look like a sweater. The wheat colored tablecloth was a purchase from Walmart many years ago. The overlay is a couple of yards of burlap. But my favorite item on the table is the “runner”. It’s a door mat! Obviously one that’s never been used.

The dinner plates are Bordallo Pinheiro. I got them this Fall at HomeGoods, but they only had eight. If anyone ever sees them, I’d love four more. The pinecone balls were a Christmas Tree purchase this fall. The green goblets and candle holders were purchases from Christmas Tree this summer.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday when the winner of the GIVE AWAY will be announced. If you haven’t already, be sure to enter (see details HERE).

- The Tablescaper

Azzurro Renaissance

2012-01-25T23:28:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

If you’re a regular reader of The Tablescaper, you know that I’ve been embracing a month of BLUE.

In an effort to buy less and enjoy what I have, I resolved to make January a month of BLUE.

I love BLUE dishes and have an awful lot of them. (Side note: I planted these paper whites weeks ago in anticipation of this post, but they still haven’t bloomed. Close, but not quite there. Argh!)

As part of my effort to use what I have, I decided to dedicate January to BLUE.

Since I have a lot of blue dishes, that sounds like an easy challenge.

However, the real challenge was to myself, as I love change.

I love to vary my tablescapes.

Some are elaborate. And some are simple.

So to have all of my tablescapes for a month be of the same theme…

…that being BLUE, was a challenge to myself.

As I wind down my month of BLUE, I have to admit that this tablescape…

…doesn’t actually have a single thing from Italy, (albeit it’s name Azzurro Renaissance)

but to me it feels Italian.

Like an Italian Renaissance.

However, in a very non-renaissance way, I purchased these plates in an antique store in the Hamptons.

Clearly, these plates don’t have a prestigious past. Personally, I was a bit surprised at their lack of lineage but, I’m no snob.

The plates that pair with them best…

…are none other than by Gibson.

Along with one of my very first Dollar Store purchases.

It just goes to show…

..it doesn’t matter what your background is..

It just matters what you do with yourself.

I’m having a GIVE AWAY to celebrate my month of January BLUE ,which I’d love to have YOU win. It’s very easy. All that you have to do is:

Go to my GIVE AWAY post and make a comment on my GIVE AWAY post telling us what you would do with the GIVEAWAY; and,
Become (if you are not already one) a FOLLOWER.

Now that’s not bad. Pretty easy in fact. The winner will be announced this Sunday at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays #84–Giveaway!

2012-01-21T19:53:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays!

In keeping with celebrating all of my BLUE, I’ve been featuring posts with BLUE all of January. I have this great cabinet in my living room (which even turns into a desk as the top drawer opens) that holds a good quantity of my collection of blue and white.

http://chicshelfpaper.com/

I love this cabinet, but I felt like it needed a bit of pop. I wanted to line the back with something that would brighten up the cabinet. I came across this wonderful product. It’s by Chic Shelf Paper.com. They have so many different patterns so you’re sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

But what was really amazing was the terrific customer service and the actual product.

The product’s original use is to line drawers, so it isn’t that wide. I wanted to use it to line the back of this cabinet.

I left a message on their web site. They promptly called me and easily solved the problem by giving me the directions to insert in my order.

Another amazing aspect of this product, is that for a very minimal cost they will cut the paper for you so that it fits your exact dimensions.

My product came perfectly cut.

It came with this little tool that made it all the easier to install.

When you receive it, they suggest that you lay it out (and weigh it down) so as to uncurl it. (Don’t worry, those little ripples disappear as you hang it.)

In a very short period of time, I went from this…

…to this.

It’s very easy to work with. You only remove approximately six inches of the backing at a time.

And ta da, you’re done!

I love the final result.

It’s so wonderful to find a product that does what it claims to do…

…and that has a great Customer Service Department.

I’m having a giveaway of a $50.00 gift certificate to chicshelfpaper.com.

All you have to do is become a Follower (or double check that you already are a Follower) and leave me comment on this post about what you think you’ll use the product for. Once your product arrives, you’re requested to do a post revealing how you used the product.

The winner will be revealed in next Sunday’s Seasonal Sundays. It seems to perfect way to complete my January celebration of BLUE.

Now don’t worry if BLUE is not your color. Take a peak at chicshelfpaper.com as they have over 300 choices. Dream on what project you want to complete. The product could easily be used for drawer lining or backing a cabinet or….?

So, while I’ve been working on my little project, what have all of you folks been up to?

Smiling Sally for Blue Mondays; Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday; Showoff for DIY Project Parade; Everything Under the Moon for Bedazzle Me Monday; The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday;A Stroll Through Life for Tabletop Tuesday;Cozy Home Scenes for Cozy Home Party; Bunny Jeans Decor for The Bunny Hop Party;Ivy and Elephants for What’s it Wednesday; Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday;Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday ;Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home;Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday;Kristen's Creation for Share Your Creations Thursday;No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday;2805 for Potpourri Fridays;Common Ground for Vintage Friday;At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday;Chick on a Shoestring for Flaunt It Friday;Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday;Simply Sweet Home Friday Favorites;Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of A Chilly Winter

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I’m reposting from last year at this time. It’s finally a chilly winter this year, but thankfully the chilliness took a long time in coming. I usually enjoying linking to Chari at Happy to Design with my repost for “Sunday Favorites", but Chari hasn’t done a lot of blogging lately. Lots of family things going on and we all know that family must come first. If Chari has her link up, I’ll be joining her.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

A Chilly Winter

It’s so cold out there…

….that you can almost hear the branches SNAP.

This winter sends a shiver down your spine.

Hope you’re toasty warm…

…with a loved one nearby…

….and perhaps enjoying a lovely glass of wine (can you see the snowflakes on the glass?).

As the flakes come floating down…

…snuggle in for a long winter’s rest.

The inspiration for my tablescape today was the tablecloth and the mercury glass candle holders.

I purchase both this weekend from Ikea. The tablecloth is actually a throw.

I love it’s texture and the way it almost hugs the table.

It inspired me set this winter table with a bit of a shabby chic flare.

The winter white branch swag was from an after Christmas sale.

The little beads on the napkin rings (Century 21) look like little ice crystals.

For once I didn’t feel compelled to polish my Nana’s silver – just enjoyed it’s patina.

More snow is headed our way, so we may as well make the best of it.

This Sunday, as I do every Sunday, I’ll be hosting Seasonal Sundays. It’s an interesting combination of posts. Some are seasonal décor, some are seasonal foods, some are seasonal tables and some are just what you’ve been up to this season. Be sure to come back on Sunday for Seasonal Sundays as I’ll be featuring a GIVE AWAY!

- The Tablescaper

Cornflower Blue

2012-01-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of my blues for January, today’s table is cornflower blue.

As you may recall, in an effort to use more of what I have, I decided to make my tables for January all about BLUE.

My tables for the last few weeks have been blue and white, but I’m an equal opportunity lover of blue! LOL!

I love this shade of blue, which I call cornflower blue.

Yes, it’s winter and some tend to use only strong colors, but to me, this table is so peaceful and relaxing.

I think the wintery months put less demands upon us and allow us to be more relaxed.

The real star of the show is this amazing tablecloth by April Cornell. I love her linens. They are amazing.

In keeping with my New Year’s resolution, nothing on this table is new (well, OK the flowers are), however I have a confession to make. I have made a few purchases lately (see Kathleen, I did come clean, but none are on this table.)

There is no way, that I wouldn’t make any purchases. I’m trying to limit my purchases and make them more thoughtful.

So let’s take a look at all of the layers. I so love these napkin rings. They were such a steal, .99 at Christmas Tree. Are they the perfect accompaniment to these linens or what?

The first layer is this awesome quilted salad plate. Can you believe it’s not marked – at all? they were a HomeGoods purchase a few years ago that I instantly fell in love with.

Next are my Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates. It’s amazing how many things these plate go with.

And then, Vera Bradley chargers which just steal my heart away with their gorgeous shade of blue and wonderful detail and shape. I wish Vera Bradley produced more dishware. Their things are extraordinary. The footed cake plate featured towards the beginning of the post is also Vera Bradley, however the tea pot is Bordallo Pinheiro.

And low and behold, on the very bottom of the stack is a wonderful cabbage leaf placemat. They were a birthday gift last year from my dear friend Nancy. Man, does she know me or what?

The moment I spied these glasses (at Christmas Tree) I wanted them. They so reminded me of glasses by April Cornell from years back that I had passed up. Is it any wonder how well they coordinate with the tablecloth?

These amazing glasses are so fun to use. They are very bulbous, but are short so you can really hold them in the palm of your hand (another Christmas Tree purchase).

I love how this flatware matches perfectly (it’s by Gibson, yet another Christmas Tree purchase).

This amazing pitcher was purchase this past Fall on my trip to Brimfield.

This pitcher is by Villeroy and Boch. Oh, how I miss that store!

This Sunday, as I do every Sunday, I’ll be hosting Seasonal Sundays. It’s an interesting combination of posts. Some are seasonal décor, some are seasonal foods, some are seasonal tables and some are just what you’ve been up to this season.Be sure to come back on Sunday for Seasonal Sunday as I’ll be featuring a GIVE AWAY!

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays #83–Kitchen Blues

2012-01-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays #83.

Now that all of the holiday decorations are down, do you rush right in and re-decorate? Are you on to the next holiday? I see some blogs have their Valentine’s decorations up.

Or do you just re-accessorize your space with pieces from your various collections.

As much as I love stuff, I’ve got to admit, I’m enjoying having some clear surfaces. I’m sure this phase won’t last for long. LOL!

I usually have some type of display out on this counter, but at the moment, having it empty gives me an opportunity to enjoy the kitchen itself more.

I use this pot rack on which to store whatever seasonal dishes I have out. By having them in such an accessible place, everyone in the house knows which plates to use. It won’t be empty for long! There is a cozy spot for each of my fluffy ones. We have radiant heat in the floor so the kitchen is truly one of their favorite spots in the house.

Of course there needs to be a place for the fluffy ones’ food. Blue Room Spode collection above.

Here’s the table, at which you’ve all seen many a tablescape, without a tablescape!

And you’re sure to find a tea cup here and there.

One of the things…

… that I love about my kitchen is…

… all of the little nooks and crannies…

… in which to display some of my favorite things !

I love my kitchen. I think it’s pretty neat that we re-did the kitchen about NINE years ago and I still love it!

There really is nothing I would change. There aren’t not too many projects that I can say that about, let alone one that was done nine years ago.

The gas fire place is another of my favorite aspects of my kitchen. It’s one of my children’s favorite aspects too! You can be all warm and cozy with the flip of a switch.

A decorative painter provided extra personalization, including a portrait of our home featured on a blue and white platter. Her shadowing techniques have fooled many an eye.

I was completely obsessed with the details. The roping in the cabinetry is reflected in the window casing. The drapery finials coordinate with the deep cherry cabinetry.

One of the details that confounded me was the chandelier. Despite MUCH shopping and internet searching, I could not find a chandelier that finished off my kitchen. Finally, with my selection of china, this chandelier was made for me by Wayne, a wonderful friend of ours.

Neither that counter, nor that table will be empty for long! Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to.

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of Cocoa Blue

2012-01-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

As I continue my theme of a blue January, it tickles me that my many of my posts from last year at this time were BLUE. I’m joining Chari at Happy to Design with my repost for “Sunday Favorites" with my repost of Cocoa Blue. It’s real warm and inviting, almost like a cup of cocoa.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2011

Cocoa Blue

On this cold frosty evening it’s time to gather around your table.

Coming off the holidays…

…I was looking forward to doing some tablescapes that weren’t theme oriented.

But truth be told, I was having a bit of trouble…

…finding that spark.

Low and behold I found this runner by Waverly at Marshall’s and…

…finally the sparks I had been looking for.

All of the components were at home…

…ready to be pulled together.

The flatware was the most recent purchase, (Calypso by Towel – at Christmas Tree) thanks to the lead from my fellow tablescaper and shrewd shopper Kathleen of Cuisine Kathleen. The beading on the Calypso flatware coordinates so well with the beading on the Emma light blue salad plate.

The chargers are by Persona, the chocolate colored plate and bowl are Leafy Vine by Casual Home by Savino, the salad plate is Emma by Pottery Barn.

I purchased the napkin rings this past fall from Christmas Tree.

Hope you’re enjoying a snowy evening.

See you Sunday for Seasonal Sundays. It’s my Sunday

meme and it gives bloggers a chance to share what the season means

to them. Looking forward to what you’re doing in the New Year.

- The Tablescaper

The SHAPES of Blue

2012-01-11T18:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. Today my table is all about the SHAPES of blue, rather than the shades of blue.

As you may recall, I challenged myself to do all of my tablescapes for the month of January in BLUE. No, I’m not blue (meaning depressed), it’s just that I have a LOT of blue tableware and really thought it way high time to get it all into action.

Part of the challenge is that each one has to be unique and different.

This week’s tablescape has a contemporary flair to it with…

…angles (love how the little block pattern in the dish is repeated in the runner) and…

…square plates and..

…round goblets and candle holders.

If you peak through the mesh of the runner, you’ll see that even the pattern on pattern in the tablecloth is geometric.

True to my New Year’s resolution there is nothing new on the table (don’t know how long this will last, but I’m two tablescapes into the the New Year) .

Last Spring I purchased the cobalt dinner plates through a fantastic sale at Pfaltzgraff (Mikasa and Pfalzgraff are owned by the same company). I had seen the salad plates at Christmas Tree with the sweet little birdie several times, but I kept holding off. Really, just how many sets of blue plates can one have? Well, when when the went to clearance for around a dollar a piece, I just couldn’t resist any longer.

Aren’t these guys adorable? I think it’s neat for each place to have their own set (long ago HomeGoods purchase).

These glass bowls were purchased a number of years ago at a non-chain dollar store. Sadly, they’re no longer in business.

The napkin rings were on clearance (I think .99@) at Bed, Bath and Beyond from sometime in this past year. The napkins were a HomeGoods purchase.

The glasses were a purchase, also from HomeGoods, in the beginning of my serious collecting (probably about 7 years ago).

Hope to see you Sunday!

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of A Breakfast Tray

2012-01-08T07:39:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. I so enjoy joining Chari in her reprise theme. To me it’s ironic how the blue of my breakfast scape of a year ago is so perfect with my January pledge this year of BLUE! I’m joining Chari at Happy to Design with my repost for “Sunday Favorites".

If you’re looking for Seasonal Sundays, click HERE.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2011

A Breakfast Tray

The holidays are over and life is starting to get back to normal.

Rather than a large elaborate tablescape, a simple breakfast tray seemed more in order.

On some mornings, there is nothing like a few links of sausage and…

… stack of golden pancakes (courtesy of Mr. Scaper).

A few moments in the microwave takes the chill off of the maple syrup.

A glass of OJ and…

…a cup of coffee seem the essentials to start any day.

As the trees come down…

and the boxes of decorations get stowed away,…

…be sure to take a few moments and enjoy your breakfast.

Tray is from Ikea
Dishes are my everyday Johnson Bros. Old Britain Castle
Flatware is my everyday Oneida
Egg cup is vintage
Napkin ring is from Bombay
Napkin is from Pier One
Butter pat that syrup pitcher rests upon is from Anthropologie

Be sure to go check out Seasonal Sundays!

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays #82–Blue and White in the Sunroom

2012-01-07T19:06:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays # 82.

So now that the holidays are over, including the Epiphany, what are you up to? My house is in a bit of a tumult, as we are defrocking it from the Christmas holidays. Just after Thanksgiving I shared all of my boxes coming down so I knew you didn’t want to see those again.

I’ve been asked to share more photos of my home, and not just my tables, on my blog so today I’m sharing a corner of my sunroom. This post is also in keeping with one of my New Year’s resolutions, to use more of what I have.These vignettes are not new creations, and there’s not a single new item amongst them. These regularly are a part of my sunroom. I’ve shared some of my tea pots before, but just a small sampling of them, so today I share a bit more of the collection.

This post also follows a theme I started in this week’s tablescape post. I LOVE blue china and have a ton of it. I’ve challenged myself to make each of my tablescapes this month be BLUE. It seems only fitting that my Seasonal Sunday post be BLUE too!

These items have been collected through the years. Some hold some very special sentimental value. The little china lady in her blue dress, orange bonnet and holding a basket, sat atop my Mother’s dresser throughout my childhood.

The little basket weave pitcher was purchased in an antique store while visiting in Austin, Texas.

My Great Aunt Mary, who lives in California, brought me this little blue and white tea pot from her collection on one of her visits , as she knew how much I love blue and white tea pots.

On my trip this past fall to Brimfield, this coffee pot was added to my collection (Bristol, Crown Ducal, England).

This square bowl was added to the collection, not only for it’s beauty but as I was intrigued by it’s markings. 'Made in France-Saar Economic Union', shows that it was made between 1947 and 1956 when the Saar region was an economic and political union that was part of France. In 1957 the Saar region voted to rejoin Germany.

A bunch of sock darners that were my Nana’s are clustered in this little pitcher.

Some items were purchased…

…just because I like them!

I’m trying to appreciate and enjoy my home more. What have you been up to?

- The Tablescaper

Starting the New Year with Blue

2012-01-04T22:03:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

As the New Year begins, we all tend to make various resolutions. Last year I called them intentions, but it’s the same idea.

One of my resolutions (which is one I also made last year, funny how often that happens) is to buy less and use more of what I have.

That resolution is particularly focused on tablescaping.

With that thought in mind, I started to look at my vast collection of dishes. I have so many dishes that I’ve never used.

And many dishes that I have used, but want to use in a different way.

I love blue and white dishes. I have a ton of blue and white dishes.

I seem to have a pretty decent supply of light blue ones too.

So, in an effort to not only follow my resolution of using more of what I already have, but to embrace it, I’ve decided to make January a study in BLUE.

As many of you know, each week I post a different tablescape. With very few (maybe two?) exceptions I have posted a different tablescape every week since I started blogging. Over two and half years, that’s a lot of tables.

And of course over the course of those two and a half years, there have been a number of blue tables.

Here’s the thing. Just in case you haven’t noticed, I like variety. A lot of variety. They do say variety is the spice of life.

So my little challenge will be use BLUE in all of my tables throughout January AND to make them varied.

We’ll see how I do. No, I don’t have them preplanned. I have a concept or two, but that’s it. So it truly will be a challenge for me.

But, I’ve got a lot of dishes! LOL!

So join me over the next several weeks as I explore BLUE!

So where the above plates are from is obvious, what else? The little lidded coupes are from Target (they came three on a little tray, got them in clearance). The tablecloth is vintage, from my Mom’s collection. The vase and the candlestick holders my children purchased for me for my birthday or Mother’s Day (they’re close together so I’m not sure which) at a local yearly tag sale. Sterling flatware was my Mother-in-law’s, Towele Fontana. What else? Oh, the glasses. The cut glass ones were from Horchow. The goblets are vintage, purchased at a Depression Glass show. The napkins are from quite a number of years ago from clearance at William Sonoma. The napkin rings and salt and pepper shakers are from Bombay. Miss that store and all of it’s BLUE!

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays #81–New Year’s Review

2011-12-31T19:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays # 81. As we approach a New Year, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year. I’m reflecting on my past year of tablescapes. While this does not come close to including all of this past year’s tablescapes, it highlights some of my favorites. If you’d like to see the details and the complete post about each tablescape, just click on the photos.

Warning: Yikes! Totally photo heavy post!

We started off the New Year with a kiss of winter.

Some warm cozy colors.

A bit of shabby chic winter.

And then along comes Valentine’s Day.

A night of sharing yummy treats from Eataly.

Slipping from winter to Spring with graceful swans,

rich colors,

and a celebration of the royal wedding.

Before you knew it, it was Memorial Day.

Spring, glorious Spring.

Vibrant and dramatic.

As we drift off into the romance of Summer.

The glory of Summer.

The enjoyment of all forms of water.

And again, before you knew it, there was…

…Fall.

The rustle of leaves.

Pumpkins and gourds.

The frights and fun of Halloween.

The magnificence of the celebration of a time of thanks.

I’m not including any photos from this past month as I feel you’ve just seen them. I look forward to seeing all of your New Year’s posts, whether they be a reflection on the year that has passed, your celebration for the incoming year or your intentions for the year that has yet to come (plus I’m sure there will be some more sharing of your holiday celebrations.)

– The Tablescaper

Reprise of Christmas Tree Splendor

2011-12-30T00:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. I love this week between Christmas and New Year’s. I get to share time with my children and just slow down. I don’t believe in taking my decoration down until after the Epiphany. The Epiphany is on January 6th and is the 12th day after Christmas and celebrates the visit of the the three wise men to the baby Jesus. In my continuing celebration of Christmas, I’m bringing my repost to Chari at Happy to Design for “Sunday Favorites".

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Christmas Tree Spode Splendor

As anyone who regularly visits The Tablescaper knows, I have many sets of dishes.

I love to mix and match.

I have numerous different patterns of Christmas dishes, but…

…the only full set of Christmas dishes that I had was Christmas Lenox.

I wanted a complete set to use in my kitchen throughout the holidays. And for once, not to be mixing and matching (as much as I love it, for daily use, it doesn’t always come off.) Clearly the Lenox was too formal for everyday.

There is only one store that I go to, on the day after Christmas for the sales.

It’s a small local shop that carries china. What a surprise. LOL!

Through the years I had picked up a few pieces of Christmas Tree Spode, including these ramekins.

Last year, on the day after Christmas, they had such a great sale, that I took the plunge and bought the entire set. And yes, Kathleen, that means a set of 12 – cups, saucers, dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls.

As this December approached I eagerly awaited the debut of my new set.

I decided I wanted to do something a bit different with the table linens. It’s hard to find a more traditional set of Christmas china than Christmas Tree Spode. I wanted to give it a bit of flair. I was thrilled to find this tablecloth and napkins by April Cornell. The black background sets it apart from your more traditional Christmas linens.

The use of the olive tinted glasses harmonizes with the table linens and the Spode. They were a great find this Summer at Christmas Tree.

The flatware (also used in last week’s tablescape) was a long ago purchase from Walmart.

I can’t remember where I got the little stockings…

…probably HomeGoods.

The hurricanes were a purchase several years ago from HomeGoods.

And jolly old St. Nick was a gift.

Hope you’re enjoying the splendor of the season.

* Note: Last year April Cornell ran a Christmas tablescaping contest and this table won first place in the professional division.

See you Sunday for Seasonal Sundays. It’s my Sunday

meme and it gives bloggers a chance to share what the season means

to them. I can’t wait to see all of your year end posts, along with your great intentions

for the New Year!

- The Tablescaper

Christmas Eve Dinner 2011

2011-12-28T17:17:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

I sincerely hope that you and your families had a magnificent Christmas.

My Christmas table for my family was all things plaid!

As my family is of German descent, our big celebration has always been on Christmas Eve.

After a beautiful mass, at which my youngest daughter sang with the choir, we all gathered at my home for the celebration.

We started with light hors d'oeuvres of a cheese platter and a tower of shrimp cocktail. Then Santa stopped by for a quick visit.

Our first course was sushi! I know, a bit different for a Christmas dinner, but we all love it. I used the tiny poinsettia plates for the soy sauce and wasabi.

The main course was filet mignon, steamed lobster (the little tree ramekins were for the melted butter), twice baked potatoes and asparagus. All served with lots and lots of champagne!

After dinner we exchange gifts and then leisurely drift into dessert.

Since dinner is so elaborate, I like to go a little light on dessert.

My sister-in-law Anne is a masterful baker and always brings a large platter of magnificent cookies. I also served an Edible Arrangement and lemon sorbet in lemons.

It was a delightful evening.

Merry Christmas.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays #80 –Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:50:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Tablescaper and Merry Christmas.

My son gave me an early Christmas present.

Last year, for his Eagle Scout project, he organized a Christmas Concert at a Nursing Home. There were over 25 student musicians. There were over 20 student volunteers to escort the residents to the concert and back to their rooms after the concert. He had volunteers from all over our town bake over 500 bags of homemade Christmas cookies which were distributed to the residents and staff of the nursing home.

This is not just any nursing home. This nursing home is where my father in law and then my dad were residents and where my mom is currently a resident.

Last year, he did it for his Eagle Scout project. This year he did it again – just because.

Merry Christmas.

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of A Feast fit for a King, on the Eve of the Birth of the Newborn King

2011-12-24T10:09:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. As we all hustle and bustle around with the last minute touches, I’m sharing with you a very special post – my Christmas Eve celebration from last year. I’m bringing my repost to Chari at Happy to Design for “Sunday Favorites".

I will have Seasonal Sundays up early, by 4pm today, so that if you decide to join in you can. That being said, today and tomorrow are extremely special days. A time to focus on our dear Lord and our family. Don’t let blogging interfere with any of that.

Merry Christmas.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2010

A Feast fit for a King, on the Eve of the Birth of the Newborn King

Hark the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

I have been blessed to spend every

Christmas Eve of my life with my

brothers.

Being of German decent, we have

always had our main celebration

of Christmas, on Christmas Eve. When

we were young, our Mom and Dad

always hosted Christmas Eve.

I am now fortunate, to carry on the

tradition of hosting Christmas Eve in

my home.

After a lovely mass, at which my

daughter sang in the choir, we

gathered at our home.

Way too many hors d’oeuvres were

followed by our first course of clams

and oysters on the half shell and

shrimp cocktail.

Our main course was Poached Salmon

with a Dill Sauce;

Linguine with white clam sauce;

and Lobsters.

It seems that real lobster eaters have a

preference; tails or claws. So that

everyone can have their preference, I

serve a platter of tails and a platter of

claws.

I truly hope that each of you enjoyed a

blessed Christmas with those that are

closest to you.

Merry Christmas. Glory to the newborn

King!

If you have the chance to join me Sunday for Seasonal Sundays, I’d love to have you. If your day is full, I completely understand.

Merry Christmas.

- The Tablescaper

Christmas Luncheon 2011

2011-12-21T22:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Tablescaper. Merry Christmas to you!

Each year I host my annual Ladies Christmas Luncheon. It’s an opportunity for me to share the spirit of the season with my friends.

This year, instead of place cards, by each chair a stocking is hung.

The stocking has a dual purpose. It has the initials of guest who is to sit at that place and the stocking contains the party favor (shhh…the party favor is a Christmas ornament, but you’ve got to keep a secret as the luncheon is tomorrow).

If you’ve read my prior posts about my Christmas Luncheon you know that a number of years ago it occurred to me that, although I host a lavish Christmas Eve with my wonderful family, something was missing.

It’s important to me to spend some time in this wondrous crazy season with my friends, as well as with my family.

Unfortunately, with how things timed out this year, I won’t be sharing photos of the food with you today. It’s hard enough to share this photos, with the luncheon being tomorrow!

Each guest will be greeted with a special cocktail (details to come!).

Our first course will be Lobster Bisque.

Our main course will be Chicken Piccata, fingerling potatoes, and asparagus.

Dessert will be cheese cake, Buche de Noel, and cream puffs. The cake plate looks a bit funny empty, but trust me, it won’t be for long!

And of course, everyone will be welcome to share treats from our candy selection (it tempts all of our visitors – and residents too!).

I think it’s neat how you can use the same china each year, but in a totally different way.

I have several sets of Christmas china, but I don’t think a year has passed where I didn’t use my Lenox.

These amazing chargers from Villeroy and Boch get a work out every year as well.

Last year, with my Christmas Eve table in mind, I purchased a set of gold flatware.

This year, I added the green glassware. The glasses with the gold ball is by Lenox and was purchased on a shopping extravaganza with our dear Kathleen of Cuisine Kathleen.

The Italian crystal flutes are a very recent purchase from HomeGoods. Way too close to Christmas, but they were so spectacular, I couldn’t resist.

The napkin rings are from quite some time ago at Christmas Tree.

I hope that you get to spend some special time with your friends at this blessed time of year.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays # 79 - The Last Sunday of Advent

2011-12-17T17:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays. This Sunday marks the last Sunday of Advent …

…and so, we will light the last candle on our Advent wreath.

Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in his First Advent is the focus of the season.

Expectation,

anticipation,

preparation,

longing.

I hope that you are busy with your preparations in expectation and anticipation of this joyous season.

Looking forward to seeing all of your preparations.

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of Candy Land

2011-12-16T22:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. Today I’m sharing with you a very fun post from last year. At this time of year, what could be more fun than Candy Land! I’m bringing my repost to Chari at Happy to Design for “Sunday Favorites".

Don’t forget to come back for Seasonal Sundays. The link will be up by 7 pm Saturday night.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2010

Candy Land –Seasonal Sundays #30

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays # 30.

At this point, I hope that all of you are filled to an abundance with Christmas joy.

I’m also hoping that everyone isn’t too exhausted to share their photos of their celebrations with us at Seasonal Sundays! LOL!

This was our Christmas Eve table for the young people. Most of them are almost young men and women, so it’s a bit hard to call it a Children’s Table. Our crowd was smaller than ever this year and we all could have squeezed in the dining room, so I gave my children the choice of sitting in the dining room or continuing with their own table in the kitchen. You see they made their choice.

I love the child like wonder and fantasy that fills this table. Santa Claus is coming to town!

We best leave a few carrots for the reindeer.

With at tablescape that you could almost bite into.

Ornaments from Walmart served as napkin rings. The little round bowls were a recent Christmas Tree Shop purchase, whereas the red square plate and napkin are Christmas Tree Shop purchases from years ago.

The green round mats were also a Christmas Tree Shop purchase from this year, but the candy cane chargers were another Christmas Tree Shop purchase from years ago.

I can’t remember where I got these tumblers. I think Crate and Barrel – many years ago. The glass has a nice thin edge and I would love to have more, but have never seen them again.

The flatware was a very recent indulgence from HomeGoods. I just couldn’t resist.

I purchased Santa and his reindeer last year at an after Christmas Sale at the local Villeroy and Bach store, which is sadly no longer there. I must say, they are magnificent.

I hope that your Christmas was merry and…

…that Santa made all your dreams come true.

Merry Christmas. May your hearts be filled with Christmas joy.

See you Sunday for Seasonal Sundays. It’s my Sunday

meme and it gives bloggers a chance to share what the season means

to them.

- The Tablescaper

A Christmas Tea

2011-12-14T18:43:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

As your days are harried and full of preparations, pull up a chair and relax.

Have a cup of tea.

Let the crazy day of preparations slip away.

Perhaps a slice of cake?

Don’t think about the gifts to be bought…

…or long list of things yet to be done.

Instead, relax with me and…

…enjoy the splendor of the season.

I’m sure you’d like a sweet of some sort?

In this hurried season, be sure to take the time…

…to notice the details.

Join me Sunday to share how you’re enjoying this festive season, at Seasonal Sundays.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold
Bernideen at Tea Time for Tea in the Garden Saturday
Mary of Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Cielo of The House in the Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Terri at Artful Affirmations for Tea Time Tuesday
Martha at Martha’s Favorites for Tea Cup Tuesday
Pam at A Breath of Fresh Air for Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday
Katherine at Lady Katherine Tea Parlor for Tea Time Tuesday
Wanda Lee at The Plumed Pen for Tuesday Tea for Two
Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday
Trish of Sweetology for Tea Party Tuesday

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays # 78–Mantle Change Up

2011-12-10T18:51:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays!

It’s that time of year when we trim the house from head to toe. I don’t know about you, but when I usually find something that works, I stick with it. However, sometimes you need to change things up a bit.

I’ve been decorating my mantle the same way for many years.

It would feature a beautiful Lladro nativity scene that was my Mother-in-law’s.

As lovely as it was, it was time for a change.

I’ve been collecting some mercury glass through the years. This year I found this set of mercury glass trees at Costco.

They seemed to complete the collection.

I got these mercury glass candle stick holders from Ikea.

I added some silver branches to compliment the mercury glass.

These little votives complete the scene.

I’m enjoying my change up.

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve been up to.

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of Ladies Christmas Luncheon

2011-12-09T23:37:00.001-05:00

Christmas is a very special time of year. It’s a time to honor God and to enjoy our families. As I look back upon the year, I realize that I’m very thankful for my many friendships. Each year I host a Ladies Christmas Luncheon to say thank you to my very close friends. Following is my luncheon for my friends this past Christmas.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010

Ladies Christmas Luncheon 2010

Welcome to my Ladies Christmas Luncheon!

When you arrive, I have a cocktail waiting for you.

I love to make my guests feel special by having an interesting cocktail to welcome them.

This year we had Pomegranate Martinis.

A number of years ago, as I made my way through the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I realized that something was missing.

I host a lavish Christmas Eve and a smaller event on Christmas Day, both for my family.

But, as much as I love my family, I realized that the “something” I was missing, was the that I needed to celebrate this wonderful time with my friends, as well. That began my annual Ladies Christmas Luncheon.

While we’re busy decorating and shopping and wrapping and baking and writing cards and everything else we put into this holiday…

…don’t forget to take time to celebrate your friendships.

Each place was marked with a little gift for each of my friends.

And this year the weather was fair, so our Kathleen of Cuisine Kathleen was able to join in my celebration. It was wonderful to have her with us.

I was anxious to use my new Mikasa plates that I got from Christmas Tree Shop. I chose the mistletoe design…

…and the holly design.

I like the crisp white background.

The napkins were a Century 21 purchase. The holly napkin rings are from Walmart, many years ago.

We started with shrimp cocktail followed by creamed mushroom chicken tarragon upon a pastry shell (but I realize you can’t even see the pastry - LOL!); grilled baby zucchini topped with pomegranates; and a salad of mixed Spring greens with red pears, parmesan shavings, candied walnuts and a lemon, olive oil dressing.

Lots of red and green! It’s so hard to take food photos in the midst of entertaining, but I snagged this one so could share it with you. The grilled zucchini don’t look too appetizing, but they were tasty!

Hope that you make time to enjoy the season – with your family AND your friends.

Merry Christmas to all of my friends in blogland. I wish I could gather all of my friends from blogland around my table. Please know that you are there in spirit.

- The Tablescaper

Polka Dots for Christmas

2011-12-07T21:47:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

The holidays are filled with opportunities to entertain.

Maybe you’re having some friends over for super or for brunch.

They don’t always need to be formal events with fine china.

Polka dots seem to lighten up any occasion.

Adding a small holiday bowl or plate atop the stack of non-holiday plates changes the entire character.

Both these straw mats and casual flatware are usually reserved for Summer, but integrating them into this tablescape made it more playful.

Poinsettias have such vibrant colors and are very traditional. Kick them up a notch by placing them in an interesting container, in this case a polka dot pitcher.

Don’t feel confined to using large pillar candles in hurricanes or elegant tapers in silver candle stick holders. These thin tapers in their ice cube like holders add a punch of fun to the table. They were an were inexpensive purchase from Ikea.

Have fun with the holidays!

Life is in the details.

Add a coaster, add a wine charm. Each layer just makes it that much more special.

Even the wine glasses have little balls or polka dots down their stem.

Hope you have fun with your holiday entertaining!

And now the scoop on where it’s all from. The inspiration started with the little gift shaped bowl . I got them at Christmas Tree for some crazy price of $1.69 or something like that. Then my awesome Christmas gift of the red square dinner plates arrived from my good friend and fellow blogger Kathleen, of Cuisine Kathleen. She got them at Pfaltzgraff on-line. I’m only showing 6, but of course she knows me and got me 12. I wanted to add polka dots. They are so playful the green polka dot salad plates are a long ago purchase from Target. The green placemats were an end of season sale at Bed, Bath and Beyond. The flatware, pitcher, and tablecloth are all from HomeGoods. As I mentioned above, the little candles and candlestick holders are from Ikea. I picked the napkin rings up at a great little shop in Texas a few years ago. I don’t have a clue where the red napkins are from and the red goblets are from a store that sadly is no longer in business. I’ve got to admit, when I bought the place mats and flatware, I never thought they’d make their way to a Christmas tablescape!

Join me Sunday to share how you’re getting ready for this season of merriment, at Seasonal Sundays.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold
Mary of Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Cielo of The House in the Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sunday #77 – Readying the Outside

2011-12-03T18:40:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays.

I love how Christmas is a holiday that we decorate for …

…both inside and out!

Even our garage get decorated! None of our outside decorations would have happened but for my sweet and Christmas loving son.

Hope that you and your family are enjoying readying your home for this special time of year.

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of Reindeer and Red

2011-12-03T00:25:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. The color of the season is RED! I’m resposting one of my favorite posts. I love the counter play of the red against the white. I’m bringing my repost to Chari at Happy to Design for “Sunday Favorites".

Don’t forget to come back for Seasonal Sundays. The link will be up by 7 pm Saturday night.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2010

Reindeers and Red

This is one of those tablescapes that I’ve been planning in my head for ages.

It all started with these white cake plates with a swirly red edge that I saw at Crate and Barrel. I loved them but they were a bit pricey.

To my sheer excitement, an incredible copy showed up at Christmas Tree Shop last year.

Amazingly, I didn’t use them last year, but was concocting the look I wanted in my head.

Please tell me that I’m not the only crazy one out there in blog land that goes to bed dreaming up new tablescapes.

I found these wonderful reindeer at HomeGoods in August…

…and sometime this Fall the plate below the reindeer appeared at HomeGoods as well.

I had this Scandinavian concept brewing in my head.

The milk glass goblets were from an antique shop on a trip to Pennsylvania last year.

The placemats were a recent purchase at Christmas Tree.

I didn’t want to hide the adorable pattern…

…so I set the flatware to the side.

The flatware was a long ago Walmart purchase.

The nesting set of bowls was also a recent Christmas Tree purchase.

The red snowflakes were purchased at a Cracker Barrel on our recent trip to Annapolis.

And all the while, I was dreaming up this tablescape in my head! LOL!

I hope you’re enjoying this magical season as much as I am.

See you Sunday for Seasonal Sundays. It’s my Sunday

meme and it gives bloggers a chance to share what the season means

to them.

- The Tablescaper

A Black Toile Christmas

2011-11-30T22:50:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. Life has been a bit crazy here. I have three children. Between yesterday and today, one was sent home from school with a head cold and the other two were diagnosed with bronchitis. So, between the multiple trips to the doctor’s office and pharmacy and having all three home, there was no time for tablescaping. Thankfully none of it is catastrophic, but it certainly sets life on a curve.

I don’t think I’ve ever missed Tablescape Thursday since I started blogging, so rather than missing I’m posting a table that I did for a benefit house tour a couple of years ago. Black certainly isn’t a color I think of for Christmas, but I think it turned out beautifully.

Pardon the quality of the photos. These were long before my current camera.

My most favorite room of the house was the kitchen!

The interplay of black and white toile with bursts of red enhance the coziness of the kitchen.

The black and white toile charger is the perfect frame to the red plate that encircles a snowy homestead.

Warm yourself by the hearth, with the modern conveniences built in right next store!

Ahh, the wonders of a gas fireplace. With just the flick of a switch you have the perfect combination of innovation and ambience.

Even the Santas don black and white toile.

A magical perch within the hearth.

A bear from Harrods must enjoy his porridge, even if it is in a New York kitchen.

What’s that coming out of the oven?

And now it’s time to bake!

It’s been such a lovely time.

I’ve been tweaking this picture, but it sure doesn’t do the room justice. Somehow getting the warmth of the room with the wreaths hanging about proved to be a photography challenge so you’ll have to deal with my amateur attempts to enlighten my darken photographs. I wanted you to feel the full warmth of the room

Join me Sunday to share how you’re getting ready for this season of merriment, at Seasonal Sundays.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold
Mary of Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Cielo of The House in the Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays #76 - Post Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T16:30:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays.

I hope that you all had a blessed Thanksgiving with your friends and family. We put this little guy together to entertain the twin 5 year olds that were attending Thanksgiving dinner with us.

My post Thanksgiving days haven’t been very exciting. A good portion of Friday was spent on the computer trying to scoop up Black Friday specials. And now the daunting task of packing away all things Harvest.

I try to be organized when I’m putting things away, but my real inclination is just to stash it…

…and move on to the next holiday.

I have a full third floor in my home so no attic. Being a huge pack rat, I had an attic built in the peak of my garage for all of our seasonal décor. We’ve been very fortunate to have moderate temperatures here in the Northeast. It sure made all of the putting away and bringing out a whole lot more pleasant.

So, we’re still in the early stages, but it won’t be long until Santa is amongst us.

What have you been up to? Shopping? Decorating? Or like me, somewhere in-between?

- The Tablescaper

A Burgundy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T20:56:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

I truly hope that you and your family are enjoying a blessed Thanksgiving this year.

Regardless of the many fictitious and romanticized stories surrounding the origins of Thanksgiving,…

…it is a wonderful thing that once a year our entire nation pauses to give thanks.

And to enjoy the bounty that surrounds us.

The inspiration for this table started with this Ralph Lauren tablecloth.

I was thrilled that these turkey towels cum napkins (a purchase last year from Christmas Tree) blended so well.

They provided the opportunity to use my Pottery Barn chargers. I purchased them quite a number of years ago at the Pottery Barn outlet. The Portuguese taupe dinner plates are a recent purchase from HomeGoods. I’m such a color person that I’m not usually drawn to neutral shades, but sometimes that’s just what you need to pull it all together. On a shopping trip this Summer with my good buddy, Kathleen of Cuisine Kathleen, I scored these salad plates on clearance at Pier 1. I love how they match the Pottery Barn chargers.

The stack is topped off with transferware plates from my trip to Brimfield!

The little glass turkeys were a Christmas Tree this year. The goblets were from HomeGoods several years ago.

This fine fellow I just purchased yesterday! He’s a tureen by Spode (and was only $40.00 on a Pre-Black Friday sale). I’m plenty thankful for my purchase!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Join me Sunday to share how you are warming up your home, this season of thanks, at Seasonal Sundays.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold
Mary of Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Cielo of The House in the Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays # 75–Thanksgiving Mantel

2011-11-19T17:33:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays #76.

I hope that you are all readying your homes in anticipation of Thanksgiving.

It’s a wonderful time of year for us to gather with friends and family…

…to give thanks for all that has been bestowed upon us.

I wanted to do something different for my Thanksgiving mantel.

I was pretty done with rusts, golds, and oranges.

I came across this amazing deep burgundy feather wreath in AC Moore and it was the beginning!

Coincidentally the next day, in my local consignment shop, I came across this wonderful green turkey transferware plate. The rest just flowed together!

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving.

- The Tablescaper

Reprise of Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Tablescaper. There is something about the rich, glorious colors of the harvest season which seem to crescendo on Thanksgiving. I’m joining Chari at Happy to Design for “Sunday Favorites" as I repost my Thanksgiving table from last year.

Don’t forget to come back for Seasonal Sundays. The link will be up by 7 pm Saturday night.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

No matter where you are this Thanksgiving,

I hope you are gathered around a table of…

… family…

…friends…

…faith…

…hospitality…

…and of course, good food!

This wonderful season reminds us to…

…count our blessings.

Knowing that there are those that care for me is one of my blessings.

Gathering around the table with my family is one of my blessings.

Being able to dine at a glorious feast at the home of my brother and sister-in-law is one of my blessings.

Having my Mom with us at Thanksgiving is one of my blessings.

Being able to share my tables with those of you in blogland is one of my blessings.

Thank you dear Lord, for allowing me to be so blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Last weekend I was happy to entertain my husband’s cousins at this table. It was a wonderful evening. We feasted on Butternut Squash soup, Cornish Game hens stuffed with wild rice and broccoli. Dessert included a pumpkin roll, pumpkin pie, maple leaf cookies and an apple tart.

See you Sunday for Seasonal Sundays. It’s my Sunday

meme and it gives bloggers a chance to share what the season means

to them.

Did you see this week’s tablescape? If you missed it, click on the photo.

- The Tablescaper

Pheasant Fullness

2011-11-16T17:36:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Tablescaper.

We usually think of large groups of people gathered around our table at Thanksgiving.

Sometimes, Thanksgiving is not a day of many people.

Perhaps, it’s just a table for two.

This table for two seemed the perfect opportunity to showcase these amazing teal dishes that I picked up in a thrift store this Summer. Unfortunately there weren’t many.

Regardless of your numbers,…

…you can still celebrate in style.

I love the richness of this table for two.

The tablecloth echoes the dramatic colors of the attending fowl.

The pheasant proudly preside over the lushness.

Regardless of the number around your table this Thanksgiving…

I hope that yours is blessed.

Many long years ago, when I first moved into my home, I hosted my first Thanksgiving. It was long before my tablescaping days, but I put together these little cornucopias which were at each person’s place.

I guess it was shades of things to come! LOL!

Ok, so the low down on the origins of this table. I’ve had the turkey plates for many years. They were a dollar store purchase. As I was playing around with all of my Thanksgiving natured items, I couldn’t get over how well the little turkey plates went with this tablecloth. I believe the cloth is by Raymond Waites, but it’s not labeled so I’m not sure. The chargers are from Target. I love how the flatware (HomeGoods) mirrors the edge of the charger. As I said in the post, the teal plates are from a thrift shop. It must have been a regular dining set, from Italy, and got donated when the pieces started breaking. Despite its odd numbers of items, I couldn’t resist it’ color. Shortly thereafter I came across the napkins in HomeGoods. Clearly they had to go with the teal dishes, so they followed me home. The purple dinner plates, most of the pheasants, and the brown napkins were from HomeGoods a year or so ago. The two little salt and pepper pheasants that sit upon the footed pheasant cake plate were my Mom’s. She always had them on her Thanksgiving table. What else? Oh, the turned wood candlestick holders were bought a year or so ago at our local consignment shop. When I see them in boutiques and antique stores, I know I got a bargain. The goblets were from Horchow and the napkin rings (metal and leather!) were a quarter a piece the other day at Christmas Tree.

Join me Sunday to share how you are warming up your home, this season of thanks, at Seasonal Sundays.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday
Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold
Mary of Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Cielo of The House in the Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday

- The Tablescaper