Tablescapes, Home Decor, Thrifting, Cooking

Monday, November 3, 2008

Setting a Pretty Table

From what I can tell through BlogLand I have a lot of company. I love, love, love dishes. It's the first thing I head towards at an antique store, thrift store or garage sale. My eyes can move around a store display quickly to see if there is something good. I will pick something up and my mom or sister in law will say "I didn't see that". I guess I really do have an eye for spotting treasures.
When my mother had a very landmark birthday recently I wanted to honor her with a special brunch....after all she is part of the reason I have this dish problem. I am quite sure I learned that from her. She and about four of her friends drove to my house so we could have a day together.
I started out with my brown transferware which I love and looks so fallish. I realized I didn't have enough cups to match and after playing with the table for awhile, I realized since I was using a deep rusty red tablecloth I could mix in my red transferware cups. Oh! I liked it.
If I am hosting a special meal I like to start setting the table the night before so I have time to tweek details. I loved using the faux pears at each place setting (which my guests took home, along with fall recipe cards in which I had shared two of our courses.) In the fall I get such a thrill out of using these old silver pheasant salt and pepper shakers. My mother's parents gave those to her as a wedding present. Click on photo to enlarge.
We had such a fun day and all the ladies really appreciated the fact that I went to the effort of using lovely dishes. Is there any other way?

12 comments:

southerninspiration said...

OOOhhh, I love this post...and you wondered if you'd have anything to share???? You kid yourself, sweetie. I love what you are doing with your blog!
I am a fan of dishes, too, as you know. Coming up soon, I'll be posting how I used some of my favs above my cabinets for decorating!
Suzanne

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Donna, thanks for stopping by again. And I'll say this time, welcome to blogging! You'll be out there meeting all sorts of new people before you know it. Looks like you'll have lots to share with us too!

sheila from life @ #17 said...

my favourite touch? the pears you sat on the place settings...that was just the perfect finishing, um, touch :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Brown transferware and red toile...Are you my long lost twin? I love your table setting!

Anonymous said...

Your table looks lovely. The dishes are fabulous.

Cathy said...

Donna, you know I love plates and I love the table setting. Looks great!

Cathy

Beaufort Belle said...

Donna, you are such a good daughter :D ... one of these days WE WILL MEET UP when you come to visit NC...even if it is at the airport!! LOL

The dishes look fabulous. I wish I could be a dish freak because there are so many I would have for all kinds of seasons and events. Luckily, I have plain white so I just adjust the tablescape instead of dishes :::sigh:::

Your blog is looking fantastic!! You are doing a marvelous job!

Miss Janice said...

I want those dishes, but this economy is getting in my way...
Miss Janice

Ginger Cookies and a Good Book said...

Just lovely....

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

Wow, beautiful table! Hope you join in on Tablescape Tuesday sometime! :-) Loved your cornucopia post, also...never knew all that great info! Susan

"Blossom" said...

These are beautiful arrangements.
I would be deligthed to know that I had change so much that you didn't reconized me. Don't fret
about it.
blossom

LillyB said...

Oh how beautiful! I too am a self proclaimed dish lover!!! These dishes are gorgeous!!!!