Many Faces of White

Part of the fun of traveling or just eating away from home is paying attention to tables as you never know from where a new idea for your next tablescape is going to come.  Let’s take a look at some of the tables we’ve enjoyed our last few days traveling.

While most eateries use lots of white for dishes and linens, it is interesting to note the different presentations.

Here, a touch of color appears in the centerpiece, and while I’m sure the water bottles are not intended as part of the decor, their shape and color does add something to the overall effect.  I wouldn’t mind having one of those to add to my collection of bottles that so often appear on my own tables.

Look at how this charger adds a touch of glamor

and  a classic banded plate lends a quiet sophistication.

More playful on a white background are patterned plates

as are ones with interesting shapes.  Hmmm, I like what’s on this plate, too!

Here, I have no idea what the dishes will be, but I am wondering what will go in all these glasses and thinking how glad I am not to have to wash them!  Whatever the table setting I’m betting on a more contemporary look if the shape of the utensils and the simple silver napkin ring are any indication.

So you see, just as we all are different so are the many ways of preparing a table.

I can’t wait to take a look at Let’s Dish, Tablescape  Thursday and Thursday Favorite Things for further inspiration!

Antiquing for You II

How could I not think of all you tablescapers as I browsed the bounty of Round Top and its environs.  At every turn I saw something that reminded me of someone.  As you look through the finds, do you see what made me think of you?

These dishes caught my eye, and I could imagine them in a number of playful settings.  Wouldn’t they be great on a quilt or on a porch or by the lake or in a cozy dining room?  Now that I think about it, I wish I had considered buying them because they would be fun additions to what I have.

And this simple but beautiful tableware would be a hit with the elegant touches many of you would add.

Some vendors created attractive displays to make their wares even more appealing.  You French country people would love this (thanks, Judy, for the photo)

as well as this.  Are those really canning jars atop the candle holders?  Think about how they would sparkle at night with a votive inside!

Take a look at these pitchers and bowls from another era.  Wouldn’t it be fun to work some of them into a focal point on the table?

They would look terrific on these vintage tablecloths.  This was a wonderful collection, and I could imagine how excited some of you would have been over this find.

After a late bite from these gals, it was time to mosey on back to Houston, but not before having a last look around.

That’s when I spotted this

and this painted screen door which made my heart sing.  Wouldn’t you know she was already sold, otherwise she’d have come home with me.  Think she would have like an invite to one of our tables?

Joining Let’s Dish, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Blog Hop

An Unexpected Angel

There I was on Christmas morning at the grocery store shopping for the fruit I had forgotten the day before.  Surprisingly, I was not the only one doing some last minute gathering.

The smell of freshly brewed Starbucks coffee wafted through the store, and on the way out I treated myself to an eggnog latte thinking it an appropriate way to start Christmas.  When the gal with a big smile and a hearty voice said, “Good morning, how are you?”, I burst into tears before I could answer.

“Why, girl, what is the matter with you?  It’s Christmas!”

“I just learned my mother died.”  Though the news had come several hours earlier, I had not cried, but now the tears were flowing, in front of a stranger no less.

“Oh, girl, what a perfect Christmas present!  You mean your mother passed to the other side on Jesus’ birthday?  You couldn’t ask for a better gift than that, and I just know He welcomed her with open arms.”

While her words didn’t stop the tears, they gave me a new way of looking at Mother’s death.  In many ways it was a gift.  Recent months were difficult, and just the day before my prayer was for her not to suffer, to be at peace.  Perhaps her going to sleep was God’s way of answering.

I am grateful for the eleven years she was close by.  They provided an opportunity for healing, for forgiveness and for us to say I love you.  When relationships have been difficult, you can’t ask for more than that.

And, I am grateful for the angel at the Starbucks counter whose words helped me through a difficult morning.  Her presence just goes to show that blessings may come in most unexpected places.

Trees Top the Table

Hopes that these trees fresh from the studio would provide the inspiration for a holiday table were rewarded.

With the trees not being the traditional reds and greens, it took a little effort to find just the right combinations for holiday decor. This cranberry runner topped with flexible gold mesh and ornaments of pink and turquoise do the trick.  All were pieces that had been used at one time or another which meant the only investment was time.

With the centerpiece in place, it was time to move on and set the table for the annual Christmas brunch enjoyed by friends who have walked many miles together, sharing their joy, problems and concerns along the way.

Dark green chargers are first on the table

followed by a favorite fun collection of holiday tableware, Santa plates

and cups and saucers that are almost but not quite red and green, at least not in the traditional sense.

Now the table is set, friends have gathered, brunch is ready to be served,

the door is open wide, so won’t you come join us for laughter and cheer?

Here’s wishing you the happiest of holidays with friends and family.

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Joining Tablescape Thursday and Pink Saturday

The Table Fairy

I dubbed him the table fairy, the one in our Foodie Adventure group who stayed up later than the rest of us and surprised us each morning with a lovely tablescape.

In this beautiful villa were many wonderful accessories to work with, and the table fairy managed to find just the right ones.

The table was at first simple , adorned with woven baskets filled with fruit

and little vases of flowers made the salt and pepper tray look not so plain.

Each day, however, became more special as the table fairy really started to show his creative flair .

Pink tulips and candles would do any tablescaper proud

as they add  a touch of elegance to the morning gathering.

My favorite of his creations was this.  I don’t what the wooden piece is, but it was perfect filled with flowers and fruit.

The table fairy centered his creation among pink and purple flowers from the living room, and his effort drew  appreciative response from the breakfast crowd.

Naturally, the women were more than a little impressed with the table fairy’s handiwork, and even the men acknowledged it though they were challenged to figure out what they could contribute in order not to be completely outdone!

Now, I’m wondering if he does this same work at home during late night hours!

Joining Tablescape Thursday, Tabletop Tuesday and Pink Saturday

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Spreading the Love

Why we blog is interesting, and I’m sure everyone who has the nerve and energy to do so has a different reason.  For me, the intent was to keep in touch with people in both of the places where I live, but along the way something happened.  I began hearing more from people who were unfamiliar to me, and over the months relationships have evolved.  I still prefer face time, but I am so grateful to my blog friends for having become a part of my life.

One such special friend can be found here, and I am flattered and privileged  to have received her love today.  I love her blog, er blogs.  She writes five of them, and each offers something special.  She is not only a whiz with words but quite good with a camera.  Visiting her blog is for me like having morning coffee with a good friend.

She suggested sharing the link to a first blog.    My first WordPress post was February 24, 2010, and would you believe it was a tablescape!

I’m not sure why I chose that as a subject other than I like to do fun tables for dinner guests.  Since that first one, others have followed almost every week and linked to other wonderful creations at Susan’s Tablescape Thursday. What a coincidence that Jeanne showed her love today and gave me the opportunity to show again that first post which had only two photos!  Since then my camera has been a lot busier as photos tell as much as words.

Jeanne’s idea to introduce her readers to other blogs is a good one.  I have many favorites, and if you are curious about them and my interests, click on any of the ones listed on the right under Ideas and Inspiration.  There’s much there from which to be inspired.  Happy reading!

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On Being Present

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

Buddha quotes

Again and again I am reminded to be in the present, to live each moment with awareness.  I hear the message, but it is so hard to do. As I try to be in the moment, my mind often wanders to something that has happened or that needs to be done.  I think about what to fix for dinner or the laundry waiting to be folded or  running over to check on my mother or returning a phone call.  Sometimes I’m even thinking about the next blog, what to write or whether to write at all.  With all the chatter that goes on in my head, am I missing out on what’s right before me?  Maybe it’s a  grandchild’s smile or a bird song or the silence of the moment or the hubby’s little kindness.  Maybe it’s recognizing the need of another and responding to it.  Maybe it’s acknowledging my own needs.

Why it is so difficult to be in the present moment when each is so precious and cannot be reclaimed is beyond me.  What I do know is that the flashes of awareness when they happen are very special.  They make me feel content, happy, sometimes sad, all of which are emotions indicating that I am present.

How about you?  Do you live successfully in the moment?  What hints can you share that might help the rest of us, not only on this Sunday but throughout each of our days?

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How Cute is This?

No matter what your function, here’s an idea from a recent book club lunch that will make your meal a smashing success.

Cute little boxes (these are from Michael’s)  tied with a bow

are set at each place.  Already everyone is smiling looking forward to what’s inside because the presentation is so cute.

The vittles are surrounded by colorful tissue which make the contents even more of a mystery.

Cupcakes just might have smushed inside the box, so they make the perfect centerpiece to say nothing about being a tempting dessert.  I’ll eat everything in the box to get one of these beauties.  The hard part is deciding which one to choose.

All in all a most simple idea that is clever and adds a dose of fun to lunch.

Take a peak at Tablescape Thursday for other ideas.

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Warming up the Night

Recent nights have been cool enough to suggest warm foods set on a not too serious table.  This was to be a chili night, and the question was how to make a simple meal fun.

I found the answer in a piece of handwoven cloth recently brought from Peru.  Who knew it would be just the right dimension for the table?

The jugs in the design made me think of pitchers, and goodness knows I have many in all shapes and sizes.  Here are the ones that came to the table this night.

Hmmm, the decision now is what dishes to use.  The Peruvian fabric suggests something fun, and that’s exactly what this handmade pottery from Ravello, Italy, is all about.  All the pieces have a different animal pattern and color combinations, and they all mix together for that touch of whimsy.

Add a napkin folded to hold the utensils and a few candles  among the pitchers to keep them from looking so lonely, and the table is all set.

Speaking of candles, I love these simple little holders from Ikea.  Depending on how they are turned, they work great for tealights, votives or tapers.  You can’t beat that, and the price is right, too!

Did my hubby really choose a bottle of Silver Oak to go with the chili?  Well, bless his heart!

Check out other creative posts at Tablescape Thursday and Masterpiece Monday.

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Eat More Pie!

Did you know today is National Pie Day?  Me either until hearing it on NPR in an interview with Beth Howard who is evidently very well known in the world of pies.  She views pie as a tool for healing, for building relationships and making the world a better place.  I never thought about pie in quite those terms, and her comments were enough to make me look at her website The World Needs More Pie. There’s quite a story there as she has made pie baking a meaningful and serious vocation.    Beth’s skills are not limited to the kitchen.  Her profile describes her  as a pie baker, writer, TV producer and host.  She has a docu-reality series called The American Pie in which she finds and interviews fellow pie bakers and pie lovers.    Now, that’s what I call a sweet creation.

In addition to all else, Beth is also a blogger, and like many of us, she writes about people and places that are interesting to her, and, yes, there are bits about pie.  I wonder which came first, the blog or the pies.  Maybe she will tell us!

I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking about making a pie, probably a coconut cream.  Want to join me in a slice this Sunday afternoon?

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