Tablescapes, Home Decor, Thrifting, Cooking

Thursday, May 14, 2009

A Gardening Tablescape

Several years ago I realized a dream of mine by opening a little store.  With the help of an enthusiastic friend we started a tiny but quaint shop called Through the Garden Gate in our little down town district.  As the name implies it was filled with things we loved that had to do with birds and flowers and warmth of home.  My silk florals were sold there as well, so it definitely had a garden feel.

We decided we wanted to add a line of dishes.  While scouring market we came upon a line from a company called Hartstone.  They are now out of business, but they carried pieces that fit so well into our look.  It was at this time, ten years ago that I heard the word Tablescape for the first time.

For Mother’s Day last weekend our family gathered for a quiet little brunch for ten….as quiet as you can get it with three children six and under!  We really don’t enjoy going to a restaurant on a busy day, waiting for a table with three hungry little boys.  Eating at home was a better option.

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I started my table with these dishes I found the day after Easter for a dollar a piece.  Oh, how I wished I had picked up more than eight.  I had to improvise by adding some white ones to have enough.

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I used seed packets for color and to carry on the gardening theme.

The fabric was a fat quarter I picked up while in Texas.  I just folded the ends under.  It gave some fun color beneath the lidded glass centerpiece.

 

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Here is a closeup of some of the salad plates.

I just love their whimsical look.

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I didn’t have enough matching napkins and napkin rings, so I made do by mixing others.spring dishes 003

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These are the little salt and pepper shakers I found for $1 at an antique store close out.   Did I show you these before?

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This pitcher is one of my all time favorites.

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These candlesticks were a find from my mom’s church auction last summer.  I was almost the only one bidding.  I may have paid $2.50 for these, but not even sure it was that much!  What fun I had at that sale!spring dishes 008

 

Thank you Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday once again.  It truly is a favorite of mine.  I love seeing what all of you do with your tables.

19 comments:

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Good morning. What a lovely table. I love the gardening theme. And that vase is wonderful. I like how you mixed and matched things. Isn't it funny when you pick up plates or napkins and then later think "darn I wished I would have gotten more!" Anyhow your table looks great!
Blessings,
Debbie

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Donna, You know how much I love a garden theme. I love adding the seed packets. The colors of your tablescape are very pretty. i'm off to work. I have to pay for all of my flowers. LOL
Hugs, Terrie

Anonymous said...

How adorable. I love the garden theme plates and oh, what cute salt & pepper shakers. Very lovely indeed.

Myrna said...

Darling tablescape! I like how you were "forced" into mixing and matching..it really made it that much more interesting in whimsical!
Great job!
Blessings!
Myrna

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Oh, I LOVE that pitcher too...soo pretty! :)

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Hey, Hey Donna! I'm sorry I just couldn't resist singing! Anyway I love your table girl! Those plates are adorable! I love the way they all have different poses on them! How is the bluebird project going? You take care and have a blessed day! Lauralu :)

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Donna, the salad plates are adorable! Love the seed packets in the middle of the table. Too cute! By the way, I'm really into birds right now too. I have put out a bird bath and some feeders. They are so much fun to watch! Kristen

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

I like to mix and match too! I like those salad plates! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan

Brenda Pruitt said...

Are those gorgeous plates Fiestaware? I've been eying them on the internet, wanting some bright yellow ones!
Brenda

Domestic Designer said...

Oh I love it. The salad plates are so cute!

Cathy said...

Looks great Donna! I especially love the antique bird s&p.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Donna, those salad plates are so cute! I want to know where you found those pretty pastel plates for $1! Your tablescape is so pretty, and those candlesticks are gorgeous (did you say $2.50?)! laurie

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

Those plates are fabulous and I absolutely love the pitcher!

Tootsie said...

now this is just down right cute!!! love what you did with the seed packs! have a wonderful weekend!

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Your whimsical garden tablescape theme is so pretty. Loved the plates with the little people gardening. I think I have seen those plates somewhere before...but I don't know where...Your little bird salt and pepper shakers are too cute!

Kammy said...

Hello !
Sorry I am so late, it takes me longer and longer to look at everyones scape ! I love your centerpiece with the birds ! Those salt and pepper shakers for $1 are cool ! You really mixed and matched well !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Q said...

Such a pretty table. I also love to do up the table. I do a fun scape for every meal even if it is only a sliced pear! Thank you for introducing me to Tablescape Thursday. I just love adding elements to my table too...seed packets are just wonderful! I love salad plates for fun and color and easy storage!
Thanks again,
Sherry

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Those plates are just adorable!

Lori (All That Splatters) said...

What a pretty tablescape! Great idea to use the seed packets as part of your centerpiece!