Tablescapes, Home Decor, Thrifting, Cooking

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Soft Purple..another color of Spring

 

I have used my robin’s egg blue dishes a lot lately…..and I used them for my table last Easter.  Even though I still really love them, I was ready for a change for this year’s table. 

 

My inspiration was this fabulous tablecloth I found at an estate sale last summer.  It is hand embroidered and I almost let it slip by.  Oh I wish I could easily pull pictures off my old computer as I had a story I was going to tell through pictures.  You will have to imagine what I am going to share.  This beautiful tablecloth was at first left behind by me at the estate sale because it had a big ole 6”  dark brown/black stain in the middle of the cloth.  The price was right ~~ $15 for the linen cloth AND twelve napkins.  I really thought about it but decided it would be of no good if the stain couldn’t be removed.  I figured with the age of the piece it would leave a dark spot, no matter what.  THEN two days later my friend Susan told me she was going back to the sale after something.  Everything was half priced and was there anything I remembered I might want.  “Why YES there was!!”  I could not get out of my mind the beautiful hand embroidered tablecloth.   I asked if she would look in the bedroom closet to see if it was still there.  It was!  Here’s where I wish I had my pictures.  I slipped a safety pin in the middle of the bad stain (so I could easily find the bad spot later) and immersed the cloth into a solution of Oxi Clean.  Before my very eyes, the stain began to dissolve!  Within a few minutes it was totally lifted and I had pretty whiteness throughout.  It did not leave a trace of brown!  I was so happy!  My only surprise was when I examined the napkins.  Only the top napkin had been embroidered.  The remaining eleven were stamped with the design but are left for me to do! LOL or Woe is me! 

Oh my….there is a lot of work involved!  For now, white napkins serve the purpose.

 

After a good washing, I starched and ironed til I was pleased with how it looked.

 

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Just look a all the detailed stitches!

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Much to my guests surprise, (me being the silk plant lady) I used REAL pansies in an old soup tureen.

 

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I “borrowed” the idea I saw on Yvonne’s , Stone Gable blog by making the little egg shell plant holders using the smaller pansies called violas.

I found these little egg cups (or glasses if turned the other way) at a thrift shop last year.

The sweet purple flower dishes were found this spring, but they only had four.

 

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That didn’t bother me.  For the other place settings I simply used my white plates.

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There’s another one of those pesky rabbits jumping over the pansies.  I’m sure he had a nibble before he jumped!

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A closer view of the table shows I started with large white square plates which I used as chargers.  Then I layered

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with a silver charger for interest and brightness.  I ended with our dinner plate on top and a little egg cup with flower at each place setting.

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I am so happy this beautiful lilac stitched tablecloth ended up in my home.  The ladies seemed to enjoy it and it sure set the scene for a lovely table.  Next time I use it hopefully will be when lilacs are in bloom in my area to use as a centerpiece.

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We had SUCH a nice Easter ~~~  our home was FILLED with family and friends.  So much food and lots of laughter and good conversation.  I hope you enjoyed the same.

 

Thank you for stopping by 47th Street today. 

I am joining in with

Marty  at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Bonnie at House of Grace for Twice Owned

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow us Wednesday

and

Susan over at  Between Naps on the Porch and Tablescape Thursday.

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for her Open House Party on Thursdays

 

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Fridays

I know you’ll want to join me to see all the pretties!

Donna

56 comments:

Unknown said...

Purple, in all it's hues, is one of my favorite colors...and it looks just perfect on your table. I'm so glad you were able to snag that tablecloth. Imagine the hours it took for its original owner to lovingly create all those stitches..and the family dinners that took place on that very same cloth. What a great story.

Cathy said...

What a find! The tablecloth looks like something my mother in law would make. Beautifully set table.

April said...

What a gorgeous tablecloth! I love how you encorporated the colors from it with the purple pansies and purple ribbon. Everything looks so pretty!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

That was the perfect table cloth to use for Easter, Donna! Your table looks wonderful. I'm glad to hear the stain came out, it was definitely worth trying anyway for the price! I might have passed it by myself having seen that.

Unknown said...

I LOVE purple and that table and tablecloth is GORGEOUS! I bought a stained piece of linen last month and sprayed "SHOUT" on the stain and the fabric just melted...desinigrated before my eyes. The spot is small so I may be able to patch it.

Tricia said...

Oh, how gorgeous! Using the purple pansies and violas was such a great idea! And what a fab find that tablecloth was! I don't know what I'd do about all those napkins waiting to be embroidered -- hire a Girl Scout troop? :-) I know your guests felt special around this stunning table!

Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures said...

I LOVE that table cloth!!
Beautiful table!!

Blondie's Journal said...

Your table is stunning, Donna. The tablecloth and flowers look really sweet together and I'm sure you can find matching flowers all summer long! Love them in the soup tureen!!

I like the way you layered the plates and the little egg cups are so sweet. I saw something like this before but never thought to do it!

I'm so glad you had a wonderful Easter!

XO,
Jane

Lynn said...

Your table looks great and I love that lilac tablecloth! your egg cups really turned out cute too-enjoy:@)

Richard Cottrell said...

Ms. D. Thanks for stopping by. I am your newest follower. Your Easter table was divine. I love the Johnny jump ups in the egg cups. I saw that and wanted to copy as well. I would love to been at your house. Thanks so much. Richard at My Old Historic House

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Donna, what a stunning table you sat. I'm so glad you didn't pass the beautiful tablecloth. Guess the napkins being finished will wait for slower days huh? I love how you used the tureen for your centerpiece. I'll have to borrow it for a future tablesetting.

I'm so glad you liked the tour of the shop. It's slowly growing. I'm always try to branch out and try new things. lol. Donna the only publishing I do of the shop is on the blog and facebook. If you have any further ideas please share. I would love to meet you too darling.. someday soon.!! hugs ~lynne~

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Beautiful tablescape. Your linens are gorgeous. I absolutely love the little eggcup bouquets. So creative. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Wow - gorgeous tablecloth! Very elegant.... It was worth the wait, too. I had the same thing happen with a small white tablecloth - used Biz and it took the stain out of my $3 find. Love it! Linda

Sarah said...

Donna, your table is exquisite with the lilac touches. The embroidered cloth is a wonderful piece, as are the sweet plates. I like the viola filled eggs at each place setting. Beautiful table!
~ Sarah

Farica said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog over at Southern Charm! Love your blog!!!! Your table is gorgeous! Just signed up to follow!!

lvroftiques said...

Beautiful tablecloth and tablescape Donna! The work indeed! Can you imagine how many hrs were spent completing that wonderful piece?! And isn't oxy clean the bomb? Works on ironstone too *winks* Vanna

Sue said...

The tablecloth is lovely and I'm going to remember that trick if I happen to need it in the future. The table is beautiful. I think everything goes better with pansies! Very pretty!

Marigene said...

Lovely table, Donna. Someone spent many, many hours embroidering that beautiful tablecloth...how wonderful the stain came out...makes it extra special. Love your centerpiece and the little egg cups filled with pansies.

Paula@SweetPea said...

That tablecloth is some kind of lovely. I'm so glad that it made it to your home where it will be used and enjoyed. Your table looks fabulous, just perfect for Easter.

Anonymous said...

Oh Donna, so glad you got that tablecloth. I love the soft lilac colors. Oxi does miracles on some of the pieces I buy. :) I remember an Easter outfit of mine back in high school that was a lilac and bone colored suit. It had a dirndl skirt and tailored jacket. Have a wonderful week. xo

PAT said...

The cloth is wonderful! Your table is absolutely beautiful!

FrouFrouBritches said...

Donna, that tablecloth is gorgeous! It looks just like something my Hubby's Nannie would make. Love it! The story behind it is pretty wonderful too. don't ya just love it when you finally decide to get something and it's still sitting there waiting on you when you go back to get it? YAY! It's like it was meant to be or something.

I love looking at beautiful tablescapes. Sadly, my china has never been out of the cabinet....YET!

I love the flowers in the soup tureen. And the egg shell plant holders are BRILLIANT! What a great idea!

Diann said...

The tablecloth is gorgeous! Your whole table looks lovely!

Julie Harward said...

Thanks for your visit. I love your table. the flowers with the bunny jumping over is really cute! :D

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady. You know your Tablescapes alway make me Happy so gorgeous! You have some Beautiful China sweet lady.I also love the soup tureen for holding your flowers ~~~I hope you can come see my new Tablescape I just put on my blog.
I hope you and you lovely family have a Great Week.
xxoo
Diane

Donna at the Scarlet Petticoat said...

i enjoyed your story about the auction and the tablecloth! some things are just meant to be! the tablecloth is really gorgeous, i am a big fan of lilacs and the setting looks like spring but, it has an elegance too. i cannot wait to see the tablescape you do with real lilacs!!!!

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

I am so glad for you that beauty was still there! I would of gotten it too. Who could of passed that up? The table is just perfect! I have used Yvonne's egg shell planters so much. I just love that idea! It sounds like you had a wonderful Easter in your beautiful home! And yes, I did miss you too!

Miss Char said...

Donna, this table takes my breath away. I love the tablecloth and the story that goes with it. You outdid yourself this time girl!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty table, and pansies are so pretty. If I had to finish the other napkins, they would never have been done. :-D
Thanks for stopping by. I have never used a cleaning company before - only an individual a couple of times. Hiring someone else to do the job very often is not in my budget. Finally got an appointment set - will see how it goes.
Enjoy your evening.

Jacqueline said...

What a gorgeous table. I love the eggs with the violas in them. I love these flowers as they look like happy little faces. Such a pretty table it makes. It makes me feel like spring.

Your tablecloth is gorgeous too. Wow.

Kristens Creations said...

Thank you Donna! I came by the other day and sure meant to leave you a comment...must of gotten distracted. That happens often! lol...I love this pretty tablescape! The yellow and purple look so good together. Just beatiful...Kristen

Marie Arden said...

Love that stitching on the table cloth and the violas in the egg shells. I saw that on Yvonne's blog too but haven't tried it yet.
Happy Spring

Marlis said...

Your table is so elegant and pretty. I would have gone after that cloth myself. With the spot in the middle, you could have covered it with something! I'm glad it came out. Yvonne's little plants in the egg shells is such a darling idea. Lovely lovely table.

A Perfect Setting said...

Your tablecloth was such a great find! It looks so lovely with your dishes and design. Gosh, I would have to pay someone to finish those napkins, sounds like a lot of work involved, but they will be worth it!! Such a lovely table, pansies look great!

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Donna...funny I was just making my rounds tonight and you were next on my rounds and there you pop up. Been a little busy around my house lately:) Not sure if you knew but COuntry Woman mag was at my house and it has just been a whirlwind the past few weeks.
Well you certainly had a gorgeous table scape. You did not miss a beat here, and that table cloth, I would love that find! Cute little egg votives too...I did something similar last year for my boys.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

What a story and the tablecloth is gorgeous. Too bad the napkins are waiting to be finished. Your photos are great and no I am not reading the manual. Just taking a lot of shots on different settings and deleting hundreds. Waiting for the Scott Kelly book to get here that I was told to try.

Entertaining Women said...

This lovely tablescape absolutely sings of the joys and beauties of Spring. There is another product called 'Vintage Soak' (see my post this week) that will redeem vintage linens that look completely lost. I'm so glad that you bought the cloth and the napkins. I hope that you stitch the remaining napkins some day...I'd love to see them on a table. Thank you for sharing your beautiful design. Cherry Kay

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I am loving this beautiful tbcloth, wow, and all embroidered, it's gorgeous my friend...congrats for your terrific find. Your entire table is great with the flowers that go with the tbcloth too...just so delicate and sweet.
Hugs
FABBY

Karie said...

Just beautiful. I love the tablecloth. It is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Karie

Rettabug said...

Just perfect, Donna! Every inch of this table is elegant & creative & beautifully accessorized. I agree, we need more adjectives to describe our delight!

The little egg cups are just darling with their flowers in place. I remember seeing that but didn't remember in time to actually DO it. Good Job!

Anonymous said...

A beautiful table. I do love purple. I'm just so glad you went back for the tablecloth. It is gorgeous! Go Oxyclean!!!!!! ;0)

Pam Kessler said...

What a pretty tablecloth. I think it's amusing that the other napkins weren't embroidered yet. You gotta love Oxyclean.

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Donna,
thank you for visiting and leaving that nice comment. So I came to your wonderful blog. Your tablesetting is gorgeous. What a beautiful find is this tablecloth with lilacs. I would love to give you a big bouquet of my lilacs. The whole tablesetting is so very gracious. I love the way you used the ribbon and the flowers. Very very nice. Thank you so much for sharing.
Best greetings, Johanna

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Donna, Thank you for sharing your beautiful tablecloth and tablescape at my party. I know you are so happy that you were able to get the tablecloth. It is gorgeous!
Hugs,
Sherry

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

What a lovely table, and the eggs with the violas make it so springy. Your tablecloth is gorgeous! I soaked tablecloths that had been stained for 40 years, and they came clean with oxyclean!

Donna said...

Hi Donna! Your tablecloth is stunning! I swear by OxiClean when it comes to removing stains! Thanks for the sweet comments on our crazy Baby! Your Magnolia is indeed a beautiful b&w kitty!! Have a great weekend!... Donna

Carolyn said...

Beautiful table! And that tablecloth is gorgeous!!! Are the flowers lilacs? They remind me of lilacs -- one of my favorite flowers.

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

What a beautiful table cloth and table setting! It's fit for a Royal dinner! Thanks for stopping by today, I enjoyed your visit!

Mary

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

What a special table this is! The tablecloth is wonderful! And those darling flowered plates!

Sue said...

I love anything pertaining to lilacs! Your tablecloth is so very pretty and I'm glad your stain came out. I use a combination of Biz and Oxi Clean as a soak for stubborn yellow spots and stains on vintage linens. I found that recipe on the Colorado Lady's blog a few years ago. Works wonders on all those pretty linens I find at sales.
Donna, your table looks magnificent all done up in white. I grew some baby tears in my egg shells for Marty's first blog party two years ago and this year I put jelly beans in one for a centerpiece on my Easter breakfast table. I like that you used real pansies for your centerpiece. They are one of my favorite flowers.
xo Sue

Debra@CommonGround said...

Gorgeous tablecloth and settings, love that purle/yellow color scheme. Thanks so much for linking up with VIF! xo Debra

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

You created the sweetest tablescape! Love the color palette :D

Savannah Granny said...

Oh, you were soooo smart to get that tablecloth. It is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing. The table turned out beautifully. How neat to sit down to those sweet flowers at each plate. Such a great touch.
Thanks for visiting my garden. I am enjoying the garden and the mild weather. It won't be long before the heat takes a toll on me and the garden.
have a great week. Ginger :)

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

What a gorgeous tablecloth and setting! I love the dishes and the details on the cloth are amazing! Thanks for sharing this at FNF :)

Rettabug said...

Hi Donna!

Just popping by to wish you a very Happy Mothers Day!

Hugs,
Rett

Farah said...

Hi Donna...

beautiful table cloth... its simply gorgeous and so elegant table setting... very decent and beautiful...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I am sure you will be glad if you come to me and played with flowers of your choice at
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah