carolinajewel's table

Snowy Woods & Pine Cones Re-Post

2012-01-18T16:51:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy that I haven't been a good tablescaper or blogger lately! I am sharing a post from last winter to get me back in the blogging mood!Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost is a favorite poem of many and has inspired many lovely tables already, but I wanted to try a snowy woods table also.

Along with the poem's inspiration, I was inspired by pine cones or pinecones - it seems both spellings are correct. I have always loved pine cones - in fact when my husband and I picked our businesses logo we chose a pine cone.

So here is my snowy wood/pine cone table:

I started with my slightly off-white tablecloth and a beaded snowflake runner. For my "woods" I placed a small pine tree (faux) and covered the terracotta pot in cheesecloth. I placed small snowflake ornaments on the branches. I found these at Tuesday Morning earlier this year. I flanked the pine tree with golden pine cone trees from Target. Then around the base I scattered some pine cone ornaments in sliver and gold. I also threw in a few acorn ornaments while I was at it. I also used wood grained mercury glass votive candleholders purchased from Target a few years ago.

At each place setting, I started with my very favorite beaded place mats -honestly, how did I live without them? On top of that I added a wooden look charger bought at Walmart this fall. Then I used some plates I bought from Target's holiday section this year called Birchwood Chalet. As you can see they have embossed pine cones on them.

At each place, I put a snowy tree candle that I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond. For stemware I used Fostoria Heritage iced beverage glasses because they remind me of icicles and pewter goblets. My flatware is Betsy Patterson by Kirk Stieff which I inherited from my grandmother. And I used off white napkins with pine cone napkin rings from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

On my mantle, I used my ornament tree with snowflake ornaments, surrounded by snowflake candles and snowflake tea lights.

I hope you have enjoyed my take on Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

3 Year Blogiversary - Barely Blue Tablescape

2012-01-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

1/13/12 will be the 3rd anniversary of my blog - as we say in blogland, my 3rd blogiversary!

I have met many wonderful blogging friends and seen so many beautiful tablescapes in the last three years! In honor of the "Big Day" I am re-posting my first post. As most of you know, it is now Tablescape THURSDAY, not Tuesday and here is the LINK. Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration!

I have decided to use this blog to catalog my table settings. The first table of the year is Winter Wonderland: Barely Blue.

I am submitting this for Tablescape Tuesday hosted by Susan (Between Naps on the Porch).
BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH: Tablescape Tuesday
Thanks Susan!

I didn't want all the sparkle to go away after I put up the Christmas decorations, so I decided that I would create a Winter Wonderland of ice and snow. I spay painted limbs silver and used icicle and snowflake ornaments as well as strung acrylic "jewels" in "Barely Blue" shades. I used Tiffany Blue tulle as a table runner over a slightly off-white table cloth and tulle on the mantle. I put blue "marbles" and clear acrylic pieces that look like cracked ice in a vase to hold the limbs.

I put the vase in the center of a silver wreath from Target and filled in the gap between the wreath and the vase with silver and blue Christmas ornaments.

On the mantle, I put limbs in a blue round vase and made a bow from blue and silver sheer ribbon. I hung jewels, icicles and ornaments in silver and blue on the limbs.

Beside the vase I put silver limbs and golden ferns from Target and silver poinsettias and wired pearls from Michaels. At the ends, I used silver mercury glass candle pillars with white fake candles embossed with silver snowflakes.

In the small white vases, I had small silver spray painted limbs with 3 silver ball ornaments.

On the table, I had mercury glass votive holders from Target in silver and icy green/blue, as well as two different types of clear snowflake holders. I also used small blue vases with white silk flower sprays. I also scattered acrylic jewels on the tulle.

At Cracker Barrel a few days after Christmas, I found these plates for 70% off. I originally thought my table would only have blue, silver and white, but these plates in ivory and gold were such a good deal I couldn't pass them up. The gold allowed me to use gold napkins and glassware with both gold and silver embellishment and I used gold and silver chargers. I also found ribbon with golden snowflakes at Michaels for 70% off which I tied for napkin rings.

Before I found the ribbon, I used silver napkin rings.

I will host my garden club on January 20th and use the table as a buffet. I am making cupcakes with fondant snowflakes. I have improvised a cupcake holder/tea tray with two platters and a cake stand from the 70% off Cracker Barrel sale, a flat topped glass bowl and a battery operated tea light.

Flash

No Flash to highlight the "Fire and Ice" effect

Comments and suggestions are welcomed! My table and this blog are a work in progress!

Clara's Dinner Party in the Land of Sweets

2011-11-30T14:16:00.001-05:00

I modified my Nutcracker "Sweet" table from last year. Same idea, but some new tweaks!

I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

This year, I started with a gold tablecloth instead of white to give it a richer feeling. I used the same nutcracker runner and candy garland, but I got a new sleigh from Michael's. Also, behind the Nutcracker in the sleigh I added some gumdrop and candy sprays that I found a few weeks ago.

At each place I used a beaded platinum place mat and a gold charger. On top of these I used my Royal Doulton Canton china with pink peonies "waltzing" across the plate.

I found candy themed ornaments in the Target dollarish section last year and thought they would make good place card holders. I propped them up on individual glass vases and added some snowflake pick in the vases.

My guests are Clara, the Prince, Herr Drosselmeyer, Fritz, Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

On the mantle, I have the Mouse King battling the Nutcracker, while Clara and Herr Drosselmeyer watch - surrounded by Sweets and Snowflakes, of course!

If you would like to see last year's Nutcraker "Sweet" table, it is HERE.

Sorry my pictures are all so small, but my card reader broke and I had to take these with my iPhone! There is always something breaking!

Hope you enjoyed The Nutcraker Table!

November Blue Time Two

2011-11-16T17:03:00.001-05:00

I loved this table from last year and wanted to share it with you again! As usual I will be linking to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Thanks to her for hosting this blog party every week!

"November shadows, shade November change
November spells sweet memory, the season blue remains"
The Avett Brothers "November Blue"

I was interested in doing a Thanksgiving table without using the usual Thanksgiving colors and china. I thought blue would make a pretty table especially with orange as a complementary color. I felt very original until one of my favorite Avett Brothers songs "November Blue" started playing. I think I was subliminally influenced by their music! So I decided to name the tablescape after their song.
Here's the table:

I started with a warm white tablecloth and used copper colored chargers. I then used Spode Blue Italian Dinner and side plates. On top of the dinner plates I used pumpkin salad plates from Walmart (last year's clearance).

I used my Colonial Shell stainless and Pewter goblets finished off with orange napkins with a copper colored leaf napkin ring.

For my centerpiece I used a blue and white china compote topped with a ceramic orange pumpkin.

I added some orange berries and smaller pumpkins too and pumpkin place card holders in both orange and white.

So here is my November Blue tablescape!

Watching on the mantle are two pairs of Pilgrims.

And over to the side is my antique wicker tea cart with a cornucopia tea set and pumpkin mugs.

I hope you enjoyed my November Blue table and that it inspires you to try different colors for the holidays!

Time for Turkeys!

2011-11-09T20:57:00.000-05:00

This week my table has gone from Pheasants to Pumpkins to Turkeys!

I used the green tablecloth I got last year from Bed, Bath & Beyond and added my snakeskin chargers.

With that I used my Spode Woodland Turkey plates, gold rimmed goblets and bronze napkins with coppery oak leaf napkin rings. Of course, I added a turkey tureen for the centerpiece flanked with some gold votive candleholders.

I used turkey place card holders from Clearance at Williams Sonoma last year.

I wasn't thrilled with and of my flatware choices and forgot to any on the table before I snapped these pictures! But I did add some for the place setting shop!

Hope you enjoyed my turkeys! I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.Happy Fall Y'all!

Pumpkin Fest!

2011-11-02T17:40:00.001-04:00

I modified my previous table called Pheasant Fest and made Pumpkin Fest! As usual, I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

If you looked at the previous table, you see that I really only changed the centerpiece and added a pumpkin salad plate - and VOILA - Pheasant Fest becomes Pumpkin Fest!

A pretty ceramic pumpkin sits on the stand that formerly held the Fitz and Floyd Pheasant Teapot.

The pumpkin plates were on clearance at Walmart last year. I did change the napkins from bronze to dark green and added a pumpkin napkin ring. The green is really much prettier than it photographed!Thanks for stopping by and Happy Pumpkin Fest!

Dinner With Edgar Allen Poe

2011-10-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

My table today is creepy and spooky and dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe.

One of my friends had a pumpkin she had made for herself and I loved it, so I commissioned one from her for me! As you can see the pumpkin is covered with words and quotes from Edgar Allen Poe and the raven on top has a locket with his picture. I love the storage bag also!Here is the table inspired by this centerpiece:

White tablecloth, black lace spiderweb runner, purple velvet place mats and black jeweled chargers all make up the eerie table.

I used white china and an orange silk napkin. On each napkin ring is a small "raven." Michaels may call them crows, but in this table they are RAVENS! I used pewter and red cut glass goblets at each place setting.

I used spider webbing and red candles in my candelabras and elevated the Raven Pumpkin on a cake stand. I also scattered clear, black, orange and red jewels everywhere.I made the mantle spooky also -

And also the teacart -

I added a few serving pieces on the table.

And Dinner with Edgar Allen Poe is ready!

Linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch!

Haunted House Cake

2011-10-14T14:24:00.000-04:00

Last night for my Bridge Club I made a Haunted House Caramel Pumpkin Cake and I wanted to share pictures.

I used my NordicWare Christmas Cottage Bundt pan.

You can see how changing the icing and candy decorations it gave it a whole different look!I used the recipe that is sweeping the internet where you just use a 15 oz can of pumpkin and cake mix (any flavor - I used Caramel by Duncan Hines), beat for 2 minutes and bake at 350 deg for 27 minutes. I had baked it before in a rectangular glass baking dish and was happy that it worked in the House Bundt pan also.

I used Wilton canned frosting in orange and black with the tips included, a candy corn, mellowcreme pumpkin candy mix and marshmallow ghosts to decorate. A photo from Williams-Sonoma for their Haunted Gingerbread kit inspired me.

I had forgotten how black icing can turn your tongue and teeth black, so I warned everyone before they ate! We all had a good laugh!Here is the back of the house.

I hope you enjoyed my Haunted House as much as I enjoyed making it!

Linking with Designs by Gollum. Visit her blog for more great recipes!

Pheasant Fest!

2011-10-05T17:03:00.000-04:00

After an unplanned blogging break, I am ready to show you my newest Fall tablescape, that I am calling Pheasant Fest!

I started with off white table cloth which I layered with my paper runner. I got this years ago at Civil-La-Tea in Gettysburg and I still love it. It has Chinese lantern plants all over it.

At each place, I started with a wooden charger which I topped with Spode Woodland with the Pheasant. I used green and pewter goblets and a bronze colored napkin with a coppery leaf napkin ring. And I added a little gourd-covered goodie bag and each place also.

For my centerpiece, I used a mini cake plate to elevate my Fitz and Floyd Pheasant teapot and surrounded it with a silk leaf garland and scattered some glass pine cone ornaments around.

I added Fitz and Floyd Pheasant candleholders with Indian Corn candles to light the table and some Bobwhite salt and pepper shakers, also from Fitz and Floyd.

Over at the tea cart, I have a cornucopia tea set and pumpkin tea towel to add to the Fall mood.

And on the mantle, Turkey sit among Chinese Lantern Plants and bittersweet branches.

On the Hanging Shelf, more turkey have gathered to celebrate the autumnal season.

I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Fabulous Giveaway!

2011-09-20T14:47:00.000-04:00

My wonderfully talented friend Karen is having a fabulous giveaway on her blog, Lavender and Lovage! Please visit her - you will be charmed by her wonderful recipes and dazzling photography!I TRIED to make the logo and picture below link to her blog, but no success! Here is her link: Lavender and Lovage Giveaway!

Outdoor Tables - Camping Style

2011-09-07T09:15:00.002-04:00

This week carolinajewel's table goes outdoors! Over Labor Day, my husband & I camped at Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We had most of our meals outdoors whether picnicking or cooking at our campsite. This was the view from Newfound Gap Overlook.Here is a shot through the hemlock trees of our picnic site at Chimney Picnic Area.In such a setting any food tastes good! We always use my red and white tablecloth that I ordered from The Vermont Country Store in the early 1980's. It has really held up well! And we got this picnic basket in the early 80's also. At night we had several candlelit dinners-A meal of bratwurst and German Potato Salad prepared over an open fire!As you can see, Randy helped!We visited Cades Cove in the Park and saw a wild turkey and toured the preserved and operational grist mill.We had a great trip to officially end our summer! Now I am looking forward to gearing up for Fall Decorating!Two "plugs" before I go -Audrey Eclectic is having a wonderful give-away off her beautiful folk art at her blog! Please visit her here :AudreyEclectic.Also - my daughter Emily and I have started a hat making business and Etsy Shop called The Chapeau Chateau. Emily started a blog about it here - TheChapeauChateau and you can visit our shop here The Chapeau Chateau.Lastly, I am linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

Summers of my childhood - Watermelons and Crepe Myrtles

2011-08-24T13:45:00.000-04:00

Before saying good-bye to summer, I had to do a table based on Watermelons and Crepe Myrtles. (I had to look up how to spell crepe myrtle and either crape or crepe is acceptable!)

I always associate the two, because I remember one summer my grandmother planting watermelon pink crepe myrtles at her homeplace. So even though the lavender and white crepe myrtles are nice, it is the "watermelon" pink crepe myrtle that reminds me of my childhood!

I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

I started with a white tablecloth and added a large tea towel from Crate & Barrel as a runner of sorts.

As a centerpiece I filled a green glass vase with 2 shades of pink crepe myrtles and a few magnolia leaves.

For each place setting, I used my green ruffled chargers from Crate & Barrel with Gibson white china plates, topped with glass watermelon salad plates from Pier 1.

I used green bubbled glass goblets and clear flatware both from Target along with Vera Bradley "Botanical" print napkins and Target watermelon napkin rings.

On the mantle I draped pink chiffon and filled a green pottery vase with more magnolia and crepe myrtle and flanked the vase with two extra watermelon plates.

Here is my table tribute to my childhood summer memories - Watermelon and Crepe Myrtle!

Parasols and Elephants

2011-08-10T13:11:00.000-04:00

My latest tablescape stars Parasols and Elephants. I was trying to set the tone for an Indian table which I will share with Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

I got the idea from my daughter who hosted a baby shower for a friend recently. She found some cute blue parasols at World Market with elephants on them. I made some blue elephant origami toppers for her cupcakes. Her theme of blue elephants was really cute.

SO, when I went to World Market and all the parasols and paper lanterns were on half price AND I had a 15% coupon of my whole purchase, I bought a green parasol and the yellow lanterns, both with elephants.

I put lots of stones and "jewels" in a vase to steady the parasol (again copying my daughter) and added a string of elephants (also from World Market) and the two paper lanterns.

Here are some shots with the lanterns lit.

Around the base of the vase, I put some more calico World Market elephants.

On top of a white tablecloth, I added different colored napkings, beaded placements and paper chargers with white plates.

I then took colorful place cards and put a drink parasol on each one which I then topped with a little origami elephant, again in all different colors.

I put all the elephants I had on the table: teapots, salt & peppers and figurines.

On the mantle, I draped pink chiffon and added one of the paper lanterns.

With the lantern lit

Here is the table with all the elephants and parasols!

Now if I only had some Indian food!

By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea!

2011-07-26T21:26:00.001-04:00

It's been so hot lately, I need a cool tablescape. And what is more refreshing and cooling than the sea?

I used a white tablecloth and my trusty tiffany blue tulle and added some goodies purchased from 2 recent trips to watery destinations and came up with this table.

I used my silver beaded placemats with blue ruffled placemats from TJ Maxx. Then I added a white Gibson Claremont dinner plate topped with a blue and white seersucker napkin (Target), a blue capiz shell salad plate (Target) and shell butter knife (Big Lots). I added clear plastic flatware and Fostoria Heritage glassware and put a shell place card holder at each place.

With Flash

Without Flash

My place

Around the table I added an oyster plate

And some fish salt and peppers frolicking among the tulle waves

A silver shell dish with spreaders

And a shell pitcher

To make the whole table an under the sea sensation!

And for the centerpiece I used a large clam shell from Target years ago, filled with blue and clear glass vase filler beads, like sea glass with various shells and sea creatures scattered throughout. Two turquoise mercury glass candle holders and light blue candles round out the centerpiece.

And on the mantle, I draped more tulle and a turquoise vase with bubbly, pearl and silver stems, flanked by silver mercury glass candle holders.

And even the wicker tea cart got a sea side tea towel!

Stay cool and have a wonderful Tea Time Tuesday and Tablescape Thursday!

Peach Ice Cream

2011-07-21T11:05:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted a recipe in a while but this one was too good and easy to miss! Peach season is here and what is summer without Peach Ice Cream?

I got the recipe from a GREAT website that I follow on Facebook and Twitter - DeepSouthDish.com. Here is the link to the Peach Ice Cream Recipe CLICK HERE.

There is no cooking and yet it is super creamy and custardy like the cooked versions. The only change I made was to chopped the peaches with my chopper instead of pureeing them. (My food processor has passed on and I haven't replaced it yet.)

I hope you make this yourself - you won't be sorry!

I will be linking to Foodie Friday.

Tea for Elephants

2011-07-13T21:12:00.000-04:00

For this week's Tea Time Tuesday and Tablescape Thursday I am sharing a table I call "Tea for Elephants."

The whole table started when I saw a white elephant tea pot on Target.com. Of course I had to order it and then the day before it arrived, a friend gave me and my husband an antique tea box. As a fan of old movies, I thought of the movie, Elephant Walk where Elizabeth Taylor leaves England to live in Ceylon on a tea plantation. So even though the box has Chinese figures, I thought it would make a great tea table with the elephants.

A taller element was needed, and after looking through my house, I found this Japanese bonsai tree made of jade.

So now I have 3 tea loving cultures mixed in the table - India/Ceylon, China and Japan!

Here are some close ups of the antique box.

Before I could post these pictures I happened to see some cute elephant salt and pepper shakers from Pier 1 and they just happened to have a matching tea pot!

The color of this tea pot actually photographed better, so here is the finished table!

I am guessing that there are lots of cute elephant things right now because of the book and movie Water for Elephants, so I named this table Tea for Elephants!

Hope you enjoyed this culturally mixed table!

Have a Crabby Fourth!

2011-06-28T20:59:00.002-04:00

I can't believe the Fourth of July is just around the corner! I don't know what kind of holiday you are going to have but I am going to have a Crabby Fourth!

I will be linking with Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch and Tea Time Tuesday.

I started with my Flag Day Table that I shared last week (Click Here to see). But I found these cute crab plates at Target and low and behold they looked great on the Flag Day plates!

I kept the same tablecloth, place mats, Colonial shell flatware and clear stemware. But I used red and white striped paper napkins from Target which have a light blue crab on them.

I used a large clam shaped bowl that I got at Target years ago and filled it with light blue vase filler marbles. Then I added 3 red candles and a small crab (actually a spreader) and used this as my centerpiece.

I added various crab items that I had collected through the years (OK, the "cracker" is a lobster, but it's all in the crustacean family!)

The round object above is meant to be a child's sippy cup, but I thought it could hold melted butter or tartar sauce.

On the mantle, I added some Target paper lantern shades.

And I added a small crab plate and a crab tea towel to Uncle Sam's tea cart.

I hope you have a great Fourth of July!

Between Flag Day and the Fourth of July!

2011-06-22T17:21:00.000-04:00

Today I am sharing my Patriotic Table that I set before Flag Day! I will be posting to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch and Tea Time Tuesday.

I started with a white tablecloth and red place mats. On top of the placemats, I used red, white and blue melamine from CVS from years ago.
The I added clear glassware and Colonial Shell flatware with a white napkin. I used a red, white and blue ribbon for a napkin ring and added a small flag at each place.]

For my centerpiece I used a glass pedestal cake plate with a silver flower arranger on it that was filled with red, white and blue stars and added flags and firework picks.

On the mantle, I used more red, white and blue!

Even the tea cart is decked out to honor Old Glory!

Hope you have enjoyed my Flag Day table!

I Won!

2011-06-15T15:28:00.000-04:00

I few weeks a go I got an exciting email from Betsy at A Perfect Setting. I had won 4 Modern Butterfly place settings from her give-away from Mikasa. Hurray - who doesn't love more dishes!!!

Well, this Tuesday the doorbell rang and my dishes arrived!

I set up my gaming table in the Billards Room (yes, my house is like "Clue") with an ivory cloth and used my new green ruffled chargers from Crate and Barrel. While they are not the same green as in the Modern Butterfly, I thing they complement each other well.

I used ivory napkins with a dragonfly napkin ring, my Betsy Patterson sterling and crystal stemware. There wasn't much room for a centerpiece, so a few flowers in a small vase did the trick!

The set came with dinner plates, salad plates....

rim soups.....

and cup an saucers.

Don't you love how Mikasa Modern Butterfly looks on the red placemats?

And the cup and saucers looked so nice on my dining room sideboard that I had an impromptu tea party!

I want to thank Lifestyle Brands of which Mikasa is a part and Betsy at A Perfect Setting for hosting this give-away. I am so thrilled with my Modern Butterfly!

I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, Tea Time Tuesday at Lady Katherine's, and Mikasa's The Great Dinner Party.

Summer Topiaries

2011-06-08T16:53:00.000-04:00

I have had a bit of a blog break but I am back! Will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, of course!

This table is called Summer Topiaries after the cute placecard holders I got from Target.com.

My spring/early summer colors of yellow and hot pink are still making me happy, so I started with the yellow tablecloth and used the pink chiffon as a runner.

I wanted to make a large topiary for the centerpiece, but work and the beach have gotten in the way, so I pulled out the birdcage and filled it with flowers.

I used green place mats and the white Gibson Claremont china that everyone in blogland has thanks to Gollum.

I used Vera Bradley napkins and green goblets and of course the topiary placecard holders.

And I continued the pink on the mantle.

Everything's Coming Up Roses!

2011-05-04T14:43:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend we had a brunch for a group from our church and two friends brought me roses from their gardens - so everything was coming up roses at my house!

I will be linking to Tea Time Tuesday and Tablescape Thursday.

The roses were all different colors and I almost went with a white tablecloth, but, inspired by the pinks and yellows, I decided to use my yellow tablecloth with the pink chiffon (again!).

On the mantle, I draped more pink chiffon and arranged some of the roses in a glass basket. It made me think of May Day baskets!

In the foyer, my daughter arranged greenery and roses in the epergne.

After the brunch, which I served from the table, I put out gold charger, Royal Doulton Canton china, stemware and flatware to make an "eating" table.

Here are some closer views of the roses in my centerpiece.

Here's hoping thing are rosy with you!

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

In anticipation of the Royal Wedding, my daughter and I created a tablescape which I will be linking to Tea Time Tuesday and Tablescape Thursday.

Since we couldn't find a sapphire blue tablecloth, we started with a white tablecloth and used blue fabric to make a runner. Then we added red and white ribbons to form a Union Jack design. For the centerpiece, we pulled out the "crown jewels" and put them in an apothecary jar which we topped with a tiara.

Then we surrounded the jar with various British and Royal Wedding symbols.

For each place setting, we used a red place mat with a golden charger topped with a Spode Blue Italian (which is really very British) dinner plate. I used Oneida Wordsworth flatware and three different types of stemware.

On each white napkin with a gold napkin ring, I put a Royal Wedding pin. There are several different styles.

Here is the whole table.

I will be going to a brunch at a friend's house to see the wedding. My husband will be sleeping in as he doesn't care and can't figure out why I have turned our dining room in to a tribute to the British Royals! To each their own!!!

Easter Parade

2011-04-20T09:33:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

I have loved the pink and yellow colors of my last table, so I just decided to use them as the foundation for my Easter table -same yellow tablecloth, pink chiffon runner and pink napkins with gold napkin rings, as well as the same gold chargers and Royal Doulton Canton dinner plates with the same flatware and stemware.

BUT I added little yellow chicks throughout the table and the mantle and bird nests.

On top of the Canton plates I put my Cracker Barrel salad plates and put the matching egg cups to be used as a salt cellar and an egg pepper shaker at each place.

And I added an Easter egg place card holder above each plate.

My centerpiece is an egg tree from Target a few years ago filled with Easter egg candles, a few with chicks hatching!

Easter pretties on the hanging shelf

And on the wicker tea cart

Here is the overview

May you all have a wonderful Easter!

I will be linking to Tea Time Tuesday and Tablescape Thursday. Please visit these ladies to see some great tables!

For the Birds!

2011-03-29T16:55:00.001-04:00

My table today is inspired by all the Spring birds!

I used a yellow table cloth with some pink chiffon as a "runner".

For each place setting I used a gold charger and Royal Doulton Canton china. I picked this out before I got married and I still love it! I used pink napkins with gold napkin rings. My flatware is Oneida Stainless Wordsworth and the stemware is Fostoria and gold glasses from TJ Maxx my daughters gave to me a few years ago. At each place I used a Bird Cage place card holder & tealight holder from Target.com.

For my centerpiece, I used a larger birdcage filled with flowers surrounded by the famous Target bird salt and pepper shakers and Bird tealight holders.

I put some pink chiffon on the mantle and a glass basket with pink flowers to coordinate.

I finally got my hanging shelf hung and filled it with Eater do-dads!

My wicker tea cart has some bunnies also!

Hope you are enjoying the Spring and the birds!

Getting Ready for St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-09T16:25:00.000-05:00

Well no sooner than Mardi Gras is over it is time to think about St. Patrick's Day! I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Here is my dining room all ready for the Wearing of the Green! Notice my new Oriental Rug - unrelated to St. Patrick's Day, but notice it anyway!!!

I started with my gold tablecloth (it is SO versatile!) and put a gold charger at each place. On top of that I put felt shamrocks from Michael's.

I added an orange napkin with a metallic napkin ring and a green goblet (from Target a few years ago). My flatware is Wordsworth Stainless by Oneida.

For my centerpiece I used my ornament tree filled with glass ornaments. At the base of the ornament tree, the leprechauns have left some of their gold, jewels and empty bottles of Irish Cheer!

On my large buffet I have some more felt shamrocks which will make nice "trivets."

On the mantle I have green pillar candles on golden candleholders with a green and orange decorative ring from Michael's and vases with Irish flags.

In the bay window I have my antique wicker tea cart with a few shamrock serving pieces and a linen tea towel that my younger daughter bought me in Ireland in January.

Can't wait to see how everyone else is getting ready for St. Patrick's Day!

Mardi Gras Time!

2011-03-02T16:05:00.000-05:00

This week I have our table set for Mardi Gras! Of course, I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, although a little late since I have plans tonight!

I started with my gold tablecloth and added plummy purple place mats which I then covered with my favorite golden beaded place mats. Then I added a gold charger and blogland's favorite china, Gibson Claremont White (Gollum's china). I topped that with a green napkin and metallic gold napkin ring.

I used acrylic flatware because it looked fun and sparkley and purple glasses as well as gold rimmed one - all keeping with the gold, green and purple colors of Mardi Gras.

For the centerpiece I used my silver wine cooler with gold beads sprouting from it and two Mardi Gras masks. I added beads and coins all around the wine cooler.

Here is the table in all it's gold, green and purple glory:

Happy Fat Tuesday next week!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2011-02-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

This week is the end of the Chinese New Year Celebration. So Valentines were put away and I put together a new tablescape for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Interestingly enough, there are still a lot of my Valentine's Day table elements. For Valentine's Day I used a Red and Gold palette and for Chinese New Year I added Light Blue to the Red and Gold!

I changed the darker burgundy tablecloth to one with a brighter red. I used the same gold chargers but on top of those I used light blue melamine plates that actually have an Asian flair. First a light blue plate, then a white/light blue floral print plate, then a blue flower shaped desert plate. And on top of that I used an acrylic martini glass which would be great for either desert or a fruit first course. Maybe lychee nuts!

I used the same gold napkins with red napkin rings and the same stemware, but instead of flatware I used chopsticks, of course. Now if you made me really eat with those you would be in for a laugh! So there will be flatware close by when a meal is served!

For my centerpiece I used the same gold beaded lone place mat I used for Valentine's Day. This time I topped it with 2 blue mercury glass candlesticks and 2 Chinese dog figurines from the Target Dollar-ish Section several years ago.

So Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

Valentine Party with Laurie

2011-02-10T17:32:00.000-05:00

Just for the Valentine's Day Party with Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie!

I took all the snowflakes of my Dining Room table last night just to have something to fresh to show at Laurie's Party. I went with a Red and Gold Valentine theme.

I started with a burgundy red tablecloth I got from Target years ago and then put a runner with cherubs on top. The closest I have to Cupid!

For the centerpeice I used a gold beaded charger from Tuesday Morning clearance. There was only one, so it is perfect for a centerpiece! On top of that is a stacking set of glass cakeplates with hearts along the edge. I accented them with blown glass hearts attached with heart ribbon and then threw red and pink acrylic heart scatters all over. On top is a vase with red roses. I once blogged a tutorial about how to do this centerpiece CLICK HERE.

For the place setting, I used gold chargers and Spode Pink Tower. The stemware- gold/silver Greek Key goblets and red wine hocks. Completed with my faux Grand Baroque silverplate and gold napkins with a red napkin ring. Someone asked last night where I got the Spode Pink Tower and I will answer them directly but in case you wonder too - I was lucky enough to get a whole set before Spode discontinued it. Wouldn't it figure that after I pick a new everyday pattern - one that has been in constant production since the 1830's - that Spode would discontinue it? SIGH!

I was very happy with the results!

Around my house I have a few Valentine touches along with the winter and snowflakes!

My parlor

And in the bay window on my parlor

Aren't the wine glasses gorgeous? My daughter Emily had them shipped to me from Ireland where she went with her college. They arrived the day before my birthday from Celtic Crystal!

In my foyer I have some more glass hearts.

And that's about it for my Valentine's Day decor!

To see more fun Valentine post go to Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-09T17:33:00.000-05:00

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

My dining room table is still Waltzing with Snowflakes (click if you missed it last week), so I am recycling some Valentine's Day table pictures from year's past!

My china is Spode Pink Tower. That's what I consider our everyday china. I got it for our 20th Anniversary. I think it matches my dining room perfectly. The goblets with the gold and silver Greek key design were a gift from my daughters and they got them from TJ Maxx. The red wine hocks were from Ross-Simons years ago.

Here is my Parlor mantle in a Valentine's Day mood also seen above:

The Valentine's Day Chintz vases are from Ross.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Waltz of the Snowflakes

2011-02-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

One more snowy tablescape before Spring gets here! Punxsutawney Phil says it is right around the corner! Hurray! But for now here is my Waltz of the Snowflakes tablescape:

I made a few changes to my Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening Tablescape. I kept the same tablecloth and beaded placemats as well as the same napkins, stemware and flatware. But I used snowflake napkin rings, clear acrylic snowflakes as chargers and my snowflake plates.

With flash

Without Flash

For my centerpiece I used my ornament holder with different snowflake ornaments on top of the beaded snowflake table runner. I added some silver glitter ornament balls and some silver snowflake ribbon.

Next week I am ready to move on to Valentine's Day! Hope you had a great Groundhog Day and let's hope Punxsutawney Phil is right this year!

I am linking with Between Naps on the Porch.

Robert Burns Day: My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose

2011-01-26T10:16:00.001-05:00

In honor of Robert Burns' Birthday yesterday, I am "recycling" a post from last year. But I will add a recipe I made in lieu of haggis for our Burns Supper - Hot Toddy Chicken with Pancetta and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. I made it with bacon instead of Pancetta but it was still delicious and seemed appropriate with the Scottish themed table, especially if you use Scotch. The recipe is at the end of the post.

My table today is inspired by Robert Burns and this poem -

My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose
by Robert Burns

O my Luve's like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve's like the melodie
That’s sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I:
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry:

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only Luve
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

Robert Burns Day is celebrated by Scots on or near his birthday, January 25th. Some of the foods traditionally served are haggis, cock-a-leekie soup, Scotch Broth and Scotch Whisky.

Now to be honest, I have never had haggis and don't intend to serve it any time soon. But as I hit the after-Christmas sales, I found this plaid tablecloth at Tuesday Morning for 50% off and these plaid napkins and gold napkin rings for 75% off. It seemed like such a shame to put them away for a whole year until I could use them. So I thought maybe a Scottish theme - then I discovered that Robert Burns Day was right around the corner. Red roses for the centerpiece seemed a natural due to the poem above!

My flatware is "Betsy Patterson" by Kirk Steiff. It was my grandmother's wedding silver which has a place for engraving, but she never had the initials engraved. I thought this would be the perfect flatware since Patterson seemed like a Scottish surname. I did a little research and Betsy Patterson was actually the daughter of an Irish immigrant, who was the wealthiest man in Maryland in the early 1800's. Betsy married Napoleon Bonaparte's brother. I still think the flatware looks nice with the rest of the table, so it's staying Scottish or not! And you will all recognize my "Gollum" china from Big Lots. My stemware is Fostoria Heritage and a pattern with gold and silver Greek keys from TJ Maxx.

So here's using red and green plaid at other times, not just Christmas AND here's to Robert Burns day!

And here is the recipe for Hot Toddy Chicken with Pancetta and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is from my friend Karen whose wonderful blog is Lavender and Lovage!
Ingredients:Servings:6

Hot Toddy Chicken
12 slices pancetta
6 boneless chicken breasts, with skin
salt and black pepper
3 1/2 ounces butter, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lemons, juice and zest of
1/4 pint whiskey, of your choice
2 tablespoons honey
6 fluid ounces hot chicken stock
1 tablespoon flour

Garlic Mash
1 1/2 lbs potatoes, cut into small chunks
4 tablespoons single cream
2 ounces butter, softened
2 -4 garlic cloves, peeled & crushed
salt and black pepper
parsley, to garnish

Directions:
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
1 Cook the pancetta in a frying pan until crisp; set aside on kitchen paper.
2 Season the chicken well with salt & black pepper.Melt half of the butter & oil in a large frying pan - add the lemon zest & the chicken SKIN SIDE DOWN and fry until the skin is crispy & golden, about 5 minutes.Turn over and cook on the other side for about 3 minutes. Drain and place the chicken and the lemon zest on to a plate lined with kitchen paper & set aside.
3 Take the frying pan off the heat & add the whisky - return the pan to the heat for about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice, honey & the hot chicken stock. Mix the remaining butter with the flour and gradually whisk in to the whisky sauce in the pan until thickened slightly.
4 Return the chicken & lemon zest to the pan & simmer without a lid for about 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the chicken over half way through.
5 Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until very soft. Drain & keeping the potatoes in the pan, add the butter, salt, pepper, garlic & cream to the potatoes inthe pan. Whisk until smooth or mash with a metal potato masher until smooth and there are no lumps remaining. Check seasoning and add more if necessary. Replace lid and keep warm.
6 Divide the garlic mash onto 6 warm dinner plates, top with the chicken and then 2 slices of pancetta for each serving. Drizzle over the hot toddy sauce & garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with lightly steamed winter greens.

Linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

2011-01-11T17:50:00.002-05:00

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost is a favorite poem of many and has inspired many lovely tables already, but I wanted to try a snowy woods table also.

Along with the poem's inspiration, I was inspired by pine cones or pinecones - it seems both spellings are correct. I have always loved pine cones - in fact when my husband and I picked our businesses logo we chose a pine cone.

So here is my snowy wood/pine cone table:

I started with my slightly off-white tablecloth and a beaded snowflake runner. For my "woods" I placed a small pine tree (faux) and covered the terracotta pot in cheesecloth. I placed small snowflake ornaments on the branches. I found these at Tuesday Morning earlier this year. I flanked the pine tree with golden pine cone trees from Target. Then around the base I scattered some pine cone ornaments in sliver and gold. I also threw in a few acorn ornaments while I was at it. I also used wood grained mercury glass votive candleholders purchased from Target a few years ago.

At each place setting, I started with my very favorite beaded place mats -honestly, how did I live without them? On top of that I added a wooden look charger bought at Walmart this fall. Then I used some plates I bought from Target's holiday section this year called Birchwood Chalet. As you can see they have embossed pine cones on them.

At each place, I put a snowy tree candle that I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond. For stemware I used Fostoria Heritage iced beverage glasses because they remind me of icicles and pewter goblets. My flatware is Betsy Patterson by Kirk Stieff which I inherited from my grandmother. And I used off white napkins with pine cone napkin rings from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

On my mantle, I used my ornament tree with snowflake ornaments, surrounded by snowflake candles and snowflake tea lights.

I hope you have enjoyed my take on Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

"Gingerbread" House

2011-01-07T09:30:00.001-05:00

Before we leave Christmas altogether, I wanted to share this "Gingerbread" House on Foodie Friday on Designs by Gollum. and Lady Katherine Tea Party for Tea Time Tuesday.

I got this cake pan from Williams Sonoma and it came with a gingerbread cake recipe, but our Christmas tradition is rum cake, so I just baked my rum cake recipe in the pan. The chimney actually goes all the way down, just like a regular Bundt pan! Here is another link to the Rum Cake recipe - shared many times by me!

It worked perfectly and then my daughter decorated it with icing and gum drops. Then she topped it all off with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Loved the pan - no sticking and all I did was spray with Baker's Joy.

So here is the Gingerbread House that is really a Rum House, but that just doesn't sound right!!!

Happy New Year Tablescape

2011-01-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I wasn't home for New Year's Eve, but that didn't stop me from doing a New Year's Eve tablescape!

I started with a gold tablecloth and added my favorite beaded placemats, topped by gold chargers which are topped by silverplated chargers and finally ivory plates with gold snowflakes ( Cracker Barrel a few years ago).

At each place I used gold placecard holders and a champagne bucket candle. I found the candles at Bed Bath & Beyond.

For my centerpiece I used my gold ornament tree with snowflakes and New Year's Eve party hats, champagne glasses and an hourglass.

At the base of the ornament tree is a little box that says Happy New Year!

No matter where you were at New Year's, I hope it was great!!!!

I am linking to Between Naps on the Porch.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! The photo above was taken in 2004 when we had a White Day-after-Christmas. Here's hoping this will be a White Christmas - the weatherman says it's a possibility! Our house was built in 1883 and we are restoring it back to the 1883 look. The exterior is painted in the original colors.

All of the wallpaper in our house is from Bradford & Co. which produces authentic reproduction Victorian patterns.

Step into the foyer

The marble-topped turtle table was my great-grandmother's which I inherited from my grandmother. We fill the epergne with fruit and greenery for Christmas. The staircase has a garland of faux holly adorning it.

Here is a dresser which we use as a hall tree all decked out.

Farther back in the foyer, the top of a cabinet has a winter village on it.

Stepping into the parlor, watch out...

You are under the mistletoe!

On the tea table in front of the sofa is one of my favorite Christmas tea sets.

Santas and Sleighs decorate the parlor mantle

And in the bay window is our Christmas tree. It is always a production putting up the tree. This year it fell after it was decorated, but luckily no ornaments were damaged.

Next is the Billiards Room which we use as a Family Room

Here is a close-up of the mantle.

The small room off the Billiards Room

Then the Dining Room

The tea cart in the Dining Room is full of snowmen.

The smaller buffet has some Christmas tea sets.

The sunroom in the back of the house has the Village of Bethlehem. Lots of people have a creche, but we have the whole village, complete with a desert!

Next is my husband's favorite room. Since he is a military history buff, we decorate the library with nutcrackers.

Merry Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

Jewel's Jeweled Fruit Christmas

2010-12-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't had time to change the table this week, so I am "recycling" a table from last Christmas. The fruit decorations from Michaels last year were called Jeweled Fruit, so I thought that it would be a fitting name for the tablescape!

My centerpiece is some red and gold berries in my silver wine cooler.

My china is Christmas Tree Grove by Spode. I feel in love with this pattern several years ago. The colors really fit my Victorian house and wallpaper.

On the Dining Room Mantle is a white creche surrounded by more red berries and acrylic jewels with little Christmas trees in urns.

I am linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Merry Christmas!

Nutcracker "Sweet" Tablescape

2010-12-07T22:33:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went with my younger daughter and her friend to our local ballet performance of The Nutcracker. I thought a tablescape inspired by this music and ballet would be fun!

I started with a white tablecloth and added a nutcracker runner on it. I draped some faux candy garlands down the length of the table ( the Land of Sweets).

I chose one of our nutcrackers with a light burgundy coat to ride in the sleigh for the centerpiece. The sleigh is resting on a silver snowflake wreath ( The Waltz of the Snowflakes) and some cheesecloth. I was trying to represent not only snow and the dreamy quality of the story. I filled the inside of the sleigh with peppermints and some faux candy picks.

At each place I used my square beaded platinum chargers from Target topped by a gold plastic chargers. My china is Canton by Royal Doulton which is covered in pink peonies (The Waltz of the Flowers) and goes well with the pink accents throughout. I used clear acrylic handled flatware for an icy feel and one pattern of stemware with gold and silver accents and the other with a faceted look. I used pink napkins and metallic gold napkin rings with a faux candy pick placed in each. I also used mini nutcracker place card holders.

I surrounded the centerpiece sleigh with various glass tree toppers.

On the mantle in the dining room, I used nutcrackers from Target to continue the theme. These I had to buy, but all the elements on the table were from "shopping my house."

The Nutcracker faces the Mouse King

Clara & Herr Drosselmeyer look on surrounded by snowflakes and candy.

I hope you enjoyed my Nutcracker "Sweet" tablescape and will visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

Tartan Christmas

2010-11-30T22:58:00.000-05:00

My dining room table is all ready for the Christmas season even if the rest of the house has some works still to be done! Here is my table decked out for a Tartan Christmas!

As usual I will be joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Make sure you stop by her blog to see all the wonderful tablescapes!

I started this table with a plaid tablecloth I bought on clearance last year. Next I added some square beaded chargers from Target. They are a warm silver. Next goes a gold beaded charger, then a plaid napkin from Bed, Bath & Beyond clearance last year and finally Original Christmas Tree plates by Cuthbertson.

I used Colonial Shell flatware by Reed & Barton and Kirk Stieff pewter goblets as well as wine hocks from Ross-Simons from years ago. I placed an ivory napkin in the pewter goblet, because I liked how it looked and who doesn't need more napkins?

For my centerpiece, I used a Santa cookie jar surrounded by a red beaded wreath and flanked by evergreen boughs with pine cones and small plaid bows.

So here is my Tartan Christmas table - I hope I was able to capture both warmth and elegance in this tablescape!

Fall Cakelets

2010-11-18T12:26:00.001-05:00

Last week I shared with you my Nordic Cornucopia Pan from Williams Sonoma and this week and I am sharing my Fall Cakelet pan from the same source.

I will be linking this to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Be sure and check our all the wonderful links!

Here are two view of my Fall Cakelet Pan:
Concave

Convex

The designs are Pine Cone, Acorn, Pumpkin and Walnut.

I modified the recipe which came with the pan which called for maple sugar and a maple frosting;
I used brown sugar instead and canned whipped cream cheese frosting instead.

Fall Cakelets

1 3/4 c. All Purpose Flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp, salt
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. milk
12 Tbsp. unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. sugar
3 eggs

Have all ingredients at ROOM TEMPURATURE.

Position a rack in the lower third of your oven and Preheat to 350 degrees.

Prepare pan by coating all the nooks and crannies with Wilton's Cake Release. I used Baker's Joy once and it caused bubbles in the finished product. You can also grease and flour the pan.

Sift all the dry ingredients together.

Add the vanilla to the milk.

In a mixer with a paddle blade, cream the butter for a minute on medium speed, then add the sugars and cream for 5 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure that each is integrated into the butter mixture before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl often.

Cut the mixer onto low speed and add 1/3 of the flour mixture slowly. Scrape down the bowl. When all the flour is incorporated, add 1/2 the milk slowly and beat until it is incorporated. Scrape down the bowl.

Add the next 1/3 of the flour mixture slowly and scrape when it is incorporated. Then add the other 1/2 of the milk and scrape when it is incorporated. Slowly add the last 1/3 of the flour mixture.

Scrape down the bowl and make sure all ingredients have been incorporated.

Spoon a scant 1 1/2 Tbsp. batter into each cakelet mold. I have a small scooper which is the perfect amount. Don't over-fill the molds. Tap the pan several times to release bubbles and level the batter.

Bake for 12 mins. until center is set on each cakelet.

Let cool on wire rack for 10-15 mins. Then place the wire rack on the top of the pan and invert.

Wash and re-prepare the pan. This is the worst part, but they are so cute it is worth it!
Repeat until all the batter is gone. Makes about 60 cakelets (2 1/2 pans).

Williams Sonoma suggests you trim off the little bit that peaks up before you frost them, but I didn't want to lose any of the cakelet so I just slapped the frosting on and let that "level" things out.

Also, you don't need to frost - the cakelets are good on their own.

If you don't want to buy the pan, you could bake them in a mini-muffin pan. The cakelets are very light and fluffy.

Here is a close-up of some of the finished cakelets.

And here is a whole platter:

Turkey Table!

2010-11-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

This week's table is a bit of a presto-chango from last weeks November Blue Table. I kept the tablecloth, napkins, flatware, pewter goblets and added turkeys!

Of course I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday so be sure and check out all the great tables.

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a table featuring Woodland by Spode with Turkeys.

Here is a close-up of the place setting:

I added a red wine hock glass at each place which shows better in the full table pictures.

And I changed out the pumpkin centerpiece to a big turkey.

This picture shows the mantle in the background

and my small buffet

Hope you all have a Great Thanksgiving!

My Cake Runneth Over

2010-11-11T17:02:00.000-05:00

For my Bridge Club dessert I decided to serve Rum Cake and fruit. I made my cake in a new toy, er, necessary cake pan that I just got. I decided to serve the cake and the fruit on the same platter and here it is:

My rum cake is the tried and true Bicardi Cake recipe:

1 box yellow Pudding in the mix cake mix (I can never find the non-pudding kind anymore)
3 eggs
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. oil
1/2 c. rum (I use light - the recipe calls for dark, so use what you like)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Prepare pan with butter and flour, Wilton's Cake Release or Baker's Joy spray
Mix ingredients until combined. Then beat on medium 2 minutes.
Pour into prepared pan and bake 50 mins to 1 hour until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool 15 mins in pan.

Prepare glaze:

1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. water
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. rum

Bring to boil and let boil for 5 mins.

Pour most of glaze over warm cake still in pan and let it absorb. Then turn cake out and pour the rest on the top of the cake.

Here is my new pan:

And here is a closer look at the cake:

I am linking to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Be sure and check out all the wonderful ideas on her site!

November Blue Tablescape

2010-11-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

I loved this table from last year and wanted to share it with you again! As usual I will be linking to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Thanks to her for hosting this blog party every week!

Step into My Parlor

2010-11-03T16:21:00.000-04:00

Step into my parlor for a Pumpkin Tea Party!

I will be joining Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Be sure and see all the wonderful ideas on that site!

In the bay window of my parlor I have a tea table and it is decorated for the season!

My pumpkin teaset is from Cracker Barrell many years ago.

And the mugs and plates were from Dollar General last year.

Rounding out the decor are some glass pumpkins which catch the light from the bay window!

Across the room is my mantle, which I call the "Pumpkin Patch" this time of year!

And on the tea table in front of the sofa you could be served either tea or hot chocolate.

The turkey tea pot was from Cracker Barrel and the chocolate set was a gift from my aunt. It was passed down to her from her family.

We could play some Pumpkin Carols on the old organ for a musical tea party!

I hope you have enjoyed my parlor and make sure to visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch!

Pheasantly Surprised!

2010-10-13T21:40:00.000-04:00

Another Fall Tablescape for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch!

You may remember that I had the Spode Woodland Turkey plates, but I had to get the Pheasant ones also! And at my TJ Maxx this weekend I found this wonderful beaded runner. So a new tablescape was born!

I should have put one of my pheasants as the centerpiece instead of the turkey - oh well, maybe next time!

I found these chargers at WalMart earlier this season. Here is what they look like without a plate:

With the plate:

The whole place setting

Here is a closeup of some cornucopia salt and pepper shakers I got from Cracker Barrel last year.

Hope you all visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for lots of wonderful tables!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2010-10-06T19:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall! I am linking to Susan's Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch! Be sure to check out all the great tablescapes!

Things are busy here, but Fall is my favorite season, so I have been decorating like crazy!

Above is my mantle in the Parlor and here are some views of my Billiards Room.

And here is one of the Fall Looks for my Dining Room table!

Hope you enjoy this wonderful season!

New Harmonies Table Decorations

2010-08-11T13:50:00.001-04:00

I have had no time to blog or visit blogs this summer - I have missed SO much!!! I have been decorating tables and here is one that was very special. Our Arts Council is having an exhibit from the Smithsonian Museum's Museums on Mainstreet Program called New Harmonies which celebrates American Root Music - jazz, bluegrass, gospel, blues, etc. We had a Grand Opening for the exhibit and I did the table decorations.

I am linking this to Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH.

Also Linking to Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters.

For the centerpiece I used a fiddle and a mandolin. I was lucky enough to have my daughter's violin/fiddle and one of her friend's loaned us the mandolin. Getting them to lean just the way I wanted was a bit of a challenge. I finally used 2 glass cake plates with lips which could hold up the instruments, a vase to hold up the mandolin's neck and a ham holder to more securely hold the fiddle. All of these got covered with black fabric which blended with the black table cloths.

Around the tables I used pennants made of old sheet music glued to ribbon and then attached to the edge of the table.

The wall above the table looked really blank, so at the last minute a friend loaned me a grapevine wreath she had made and I stuck some miniature musical instruments (Christmas ornaments I had to dig out) and a mini watering can and some fans made of old sheet music. I made a bow out of Ivory & Black striped and black swirled ribbon to go with the old sheet music and VOILA - the wall was no longer blank!

For the flowers, I wanted to use sunflowers, preferably free sunflowers, but by last weekend all the sunflowers around here were past their prime. So I got several bouquets of grocery store flowers which had a few sunflowers in them and used those plus flowers and greenery from my yard and my friends.

I put magnolia leaves behind the musical instruments and the the flowers in galvanized tin containers from the Target dollarish section (bought these a few years ago.) The flowers I used were: Sunflowers, Mums, Black-eyed Susans, Zinnias, Berries, Goldenrod, Asters, Acuba and Cotton Blossoms. Yes, I went out to a cotton field on the day of the event to cut cotton blossoms! I thought they added to the American Root theme!

For refreshments, the committee used napkins and plastic cups in yellow, orange and green to complement the flowers. I think they really stand out nicely against the black tablecloths.

The event was a BIG success with lots of visitors. The Exhibit is amazing as was the live music and food! Happy Tablescape to all of you!

Fourth Of July Fun!

2010-07-02T18:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I am linking this (very late) to Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

I started with my gold tablecloth and used my Colonial flag placemats. I used a Spode Blue Italian dinner plate topped with a Spode Pink Tower salad plate for a red, off-white and blue setting. Colonial shell flatware, Pewter goblets and red wine hocks complete the setting.

Here is the whole table:

And here is the dining room mantle:

Here are some close-ups of the centerpiece and candles on the table:

I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July Weekend!

Graduation Celebration!

2010-06-23T18:26:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago my older daughter Carmen graduated Salem College. We have had a wonderful time celebrating!

I am linking this post to Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

The celebrations started Friday night at the Baccalaureate Service followed by the President's Reception.

The next morning we had the Graduation Ceremony outside in the May Dell. It was a little rainy, but that didn't put a damper on our happiness!

After a luncheon at the college, we moved here out of her dorm and into her first apartment! She starts her first "real" job July 1st and we are all excited for her.

Then it was back to our hometown for a dinner at our house. Our theme was Daisies, since that is the college official flower.

Here is the foyer table with the epergne filled with daisies and hydrangeas.

Here is the dining room table loaded down with the food.

Here are some close ups of the centerpiece.

Dining Room Mantle

Happy Graduation Cake!

The Sun Room with Paper Daisies all around

Daisies in the Parlor

A good time was had by all - especially the graduate and her proud parents!

Crab Bisque

2010-06-17T17:54:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day weekend the whole family went to the beach for a long weekend. While we were there we made some Crab Bisque which I thought I would share for Foodie Friday.

Make sure you stop by by Gollum's at Designs by Gollum.

I used this recipe from Recipezaar: Lobster or Crab Bisque

It was so good! A great way to celebrate being at the beach with all my family!

Make sure you visit Designs by Gollum for more great Foodie Posts!

Memories of Proms Past

2010-05-05T17:40:00.000-04:00

MEMORIES OF PROMS PAST!

For Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH. Be sure and visit her blog to see all the wonderful tablescapes!

My younger daughter, who is a freshman in college, is going to the prom at her old high school this weekend. Since this is not "her" prom, just her date's, I won't be hosting the after-prom breakfast I have had for the last couple of years. So I thought I would stroll down Memory Lane and tour Proms Past!

This was in 2006. The theme was something like "Tropical Beach." This was the first use of my blue and green goblets, which now are used all summer long, especially on our porch! I got them at CVS Pharmacy for 75 cents each. I made punch and served it from the silver punch bowl passed down from my grandmother. I used a paper plaid runner that has luckily survived to this day with no spills!!!

For my centerpiece, I hollowed out a pineapple to act as my vase. I got a mixed bouquet from Sam's Club (back when mine carried flowers) and arranged them in the pineapple.

Thanks for sharing this prom past with me! Sorry to be gone so long from my blog, but life does get hectic!!!!

Be sure to visit Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH for more great tables!

Easter Parade or How Many Salt & Peppers Can She Use?

2010-03-24T17:53:00.000-04:00

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

Here is my Easter table and I have to warn you if you have high blood pressure - there are a lot of salt shakers on this table!!!

It all started with a simple white tablecloth, gold chargers, white Big Lots dishes and my bunny salad plates from Cracker Barrel last year. I used some Fosteria stemware as well as some antique goblets a friend was giving away. I thought it needed more color, so I added striped napkins from Target (clearance last summer). THEN I used the matching Cracker Barrel egg cups as individual salt cellars along with my grandmother's salt spoons and an egg from Cracker Barrel as individual pepper shakers. Sounds pretty standard so far.

A seated view

Then I decided to use my Target bird salt & peppers - the ones that everyone in Blogland owns with the matching bird tealight holders. They tied in well with the nests I got from Tuesday Morning.

Well, I have a set for each end of the table, so we already have lots of salt and pepper for the table! But this set is just so cute and Eastery I had to put it on there too!!!

I also use this little green glass rabbit as a butter dish complete with a spreader that one of my daughter's gave me as a birthday gift.

My centerpiece is a large glass tray with a glass pedestal plate on it with a smaller pedestal plate on it with an antique glass basket on it. I have added a wreath and egg candles all around. The ramekins I will fill with Easter candy before the big day!

Here is another overview shot of the table:

And here is the dining room mantle!

I hope you like this Easter table even with the high sodium content!

St. Patrick's Day Decor

2010-03-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

Today, I will take you on a little tour of some of my St. Patrick's Day decorations for the Blog Crawl at Cusine Kathleen ! Be sure to visit her blog for lots of St. Patty's Day Posts!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Here in the foyer, a leprechaun has left his hat! Don't try it on or you'll get green sparkles in your hair!

One the antique dresser that we use as a hall tree, there are several seasonal items.

Here's the mantle in the billiards room.

And the buffet in the same room.

Here's how I had it last year - I think I liked it better!

And you have to be on the lookout for pots of gold around the house!

I love my nutcrackers.

Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day everyone and special thanks to Kathleen!

Tea Time Shortbreads

2010-03-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

It's Tea Time Tuesday at Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor. Be sure and visit her blog for other tea time treats!

I made Tea Time Shortbreads 1965 (Canadian) (click for recipe). These are a nice soft tea cookie with a distintive orange aroma and mini chocolate chips! Perfect for your next tea!

I used a tea set given to me years ago and a Spode Tower Pink plate, cup and saucer.

Be sure to visit Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor for more tea sets and snacks!

Luck of the Irish Tablescape

2010-03-10T18:06:00.000-05:00

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

Although neither my husband nor myself are Irish, we love to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. For this year's table I chose the colors of the Irish flag - orange, white and green.

I used my Gibson "Gollum" dishes and green stemware that I got when I was married (can't remember the name or maker!). I used two napkins - one in orange and one in green. The napkin rings are part of the Gibson set and then I tucked mini flags in the napkin ring.

For my centerpiece, I used an ornament tree with Dept 56 glass ornaments in the shape of shamrocks and leprechauns. I placed this on a brass tray and scattered gold and green coins and green acrylic jewels.

I put green pillar candles on golden candleholders and used wreaths from Michael's in green with a dash of orange.

I used a few shamrock themed serving dishes on the table.

This is my favorite - from TJ Maxx a few years ago.

On my mantle, I used my silver wine cooler with the golden bead stems (remember Mardi Gras?) and draped them with green St. Patrick's Day beads and tucked in two Irish flags.

I haven't decided on the menu this year - maybe Shepherd's Pie??? At least the table is already set!!!!

A funny story - I noticed this morning that it was so easy to photograph the table. It hit me as I was uploading these pictures that all the chairs have been pushed from the table because we had a reception for a local civic group. Oh well, all the better to see the table, right????

Celebrity Goat Farm Open House

2010-03-08T20:39:00.000-05:00

It's time for Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer. Be sure and visit her to see all the wonderful posts!

Last Saturday, I went to my cousin's goat dairy in Siler City for their Open House. It was such a nice day and everything at Celebrity Goat Dairy was such fun! There were baby goats, chickens, roosters, llamas and even a peacock. We often have our family Thanksgiving here. Click on the website to find out about the Inn and Sunday Dinners.

I had a nice bowl of chili and bought some crab apple jelly and took lots of pictures of goats. They have the most expressive faces!

Some of the many chickens

A two week old goat

Some young goats sunning themselves

A small herd of goats

Not even a week old goats!!!

Rooster

Love the goatee!

So cute!

Now visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer!

Tea Time Treats Re-Post

2010-02-24T21:16:00.002-05:00

I am reposting this for Tea Time Tuesday at Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor. Be sure and visit her blog for other tea time treats!

It's Foodie Friday hosted by Gollum at Designs by Gollum.

I have been participating in an event for the Cooking Forum at Recipezaar called Afternoon Tea and Light Suppers: The BIG Tea-Party. I have made and photographed 2 of the tea time treats I signed up for. I will do the third one this weekend.

First I made Sweet and Spicy Texas Pecans. Click for the recipe.

These were delicious! As you can see by my review, I made them a little spicier than the recipe called for.

The tea set shown in the back is one I got years ago from the Ross Simons catalog.

The next treat I tried was Hawaiian Tea Sandwiches Filling. Click for recipe. I used pecans for the nuts and served this filling on Pepperidge Farm Very Thin whole wheat bread.
So good!

I used a Churchill Blue Willow tea pot, creamer and sugar dish with Spode Blue Italian salad plate in this picture.

Both my tea time treats were wonderful! I hope you enjoy them also.

Shrimp Creole for Foodie Friday

2010-02-18T21:25:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Mardi Gras this past Tuesday, I am sharing my recipe for Shrimp Creole for Foodie Friday hosted by Gollum at Designs by Gollum.

My Shrimp Creole recipe is adapted from the "Time Life Cooking of Creole and Acadia".

Shrimp Creole
Serves 2-4

1 28 ounce canned crushed or diced tomatoes
1 1/2 pounds uncooked medium sized shrimp
Olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped celery
2 tsp finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup water
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground red cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Creole seasoning
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup cold water

4 cups cooked white rice

Shell and devein the shrimp. Rinse and dry.

In a heavy pan, heat enough olive oil to just cover the bottom of the pan. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until the onion are translucent. Stir in the tomatoes, water, bay leaves, paprika, red pepper, Creole seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened enough to hold its shape on a spoon.

Add the shrimp and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and firm. Don't over cook or the shrimp will get tough.

Stir the cornstarch and cold water to recombine and add to the mixture. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the bay leaves and serve immediately over rice.

Enjoy! Mardi Gras decorations optional!!!

Mardi Gras at My House!

2010-02-16T07:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all!

Using the Mardi Gras colors of Green, Purple and Gold, I started with a gold tablecloth and green napkins with metallic gold napkin rings. I used plain white Gibson china on metallic gold chargers and Grand Baroque silverplate. For stemware I used green goblets from Target, purple Fostoria glasses given to me by my grandmother years ago and saucer champagnes from my wedding crystal by Lennox with a gold rim.

My centerpiece is a silver wine cooler with metallic gold bead stem in it "wearing" Mardi Gras masks that I have saved through the years. I scattered a few beads and doubloons and Voila! Mardi Gras!

What's on the menu? Shrimp Creole, but I don't have any pictures yet. Here is a picture of Jambalaya from last year though!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Happy Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T17:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

For my Chinese New Year table, I started with a red tablecloth and gold napkins. I used two blue candlesicks with red pillar candles in the center with 2 little Chinese dog figurines from the Target $ section and a red and gold Chinese food take-out box I found at our local party store. I put a red and gold fan on one side and scattered some gold glitter ornaments around.

For dinnerware, I used some blue melamine from Target. Solid blue on the bottom, topped with a white salad plate with a blue chrysanthemum design and a solid blue chrysanthemum bread and butter plate on top of that. I used chopsicks and an etched patterned glass.

Then I remembered I had these glasses. Can't decide which I like better so I took pictures of each.

With a gold charger

Here are more view of the table.

Happy Year of the Tiger to all!

Valentine's Day - Tablescape Thursday

2010-02-10T17:09:00.000-05:00

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

Last week I showed you the centerpiece, now the whole table!

My china is Spode Pink Tower. That's what I consider our everyday china. I got it for our 20th Anniversary. I think it matches my dining room perfectly. The goblets with the gold and silver Greek key design were a gift from my daughters and they got them from TJ Maxx. The red wine hocks were from Ross-Simons years ago.

My dining room mantle still has my silver and gold snowflake design on it:

But my Parlor mantle is in the Valentine's Day mood:

The Valentine's Day Chintz vases are from Ross.

And look what is blooming just in time for the big day!!!

I know most people grow them for Christmas - I planted this in early December. Talk about being a Late Bloomer!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Snow Day Foodie Friday

2010-02-04T21:05:00.003-05:00

For Foodie Friday hosted by Gollum at Designs by Gollum.

Last weekend at my house when the snow was falling.....

I got out my snowflake muffin pan from Target......

and some "just add milk" muffin mix and made snowflake shaped muffins.....

served on my snowflake plates.......

and had hot chocolate out of my snowflakes mugs!

No recipes needed! Stay warm!!!

Tablescape Thursday - Valentine's Day Centerpiece

2010-02-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

Here is a post from last year about making my Valentine's Day Centerpiece. Hope you enjoy it. Next Tablescape Thursday, the whole table!!!!

Last year, when I took my Valentine's Day Centerpiece apart I took pictures as sort of a step by step. I thought I would share them on this blog.

First I gather the materials: a tray, my glass stacking cake plates, a round glass vase, a sherry or cordial glass, blown glass hearts in silver, red and pink (purchase from WalMart several years ago), ribbon, red and clear glass hearts.

First, I fill the glass vase about half way with loose hearts.

Then, I carefully slip the sherry glass into the vase, nestled among the hearts.

I add a few more hearts around the sherry glass.

I have tied ribbon through the hanging loop of 4 hearts and then tied a decorative bow over the knots.

I lay the ribbons on the smallest cake plate and then put the round vase on top.

I have 2 slightly longer ribbons connecting 4 more hearts that I lay over the medium cake plate.

Repeat with 2 even slightly longer ribbons and the largest cake plate.

Place the stacked cake plates on a tray and decorate the tray and the largest cake plate with red and clear glass hearts.

Carefully pour some water in the sherry glass if you are using fresh flowers. If using silk, obviously the water is not needed. I have used camellias from my yard, purchased tulips and silk roses.

Robert Burn's My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose

2010-01-17T21:30:00.005-05:00

Once again it's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

My table today is inspired by Robert Burns and this poem -

My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose
by Robert Burns

O my Luve's like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve's like the melodie
That’s sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I:
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry:

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only Luve
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

Robert Burns Day is celebrated by Scots on or near his birthday, January 25th. Some of the foods traditionally served are haggis, cock-a-leekie soup, Scotch Broth and Scotch Whisky.

Now to be honest, I have never had haggis and don't intend to serve it any time soon. But as I hit the after-Christmas sales, I found this plaid tablecloth at Tuesday Morning for 50% off and these plaid napkins and gold napkin rings for 75% off. It seemed like such a shame to put them away for a whole year until I could use them. So I thought maybe a Scottish theme - then I discovered that Robert Burns Day was right around the corner. Red roses for the centerpiece seemed a natural due to the poem above!

My flatware is "Betsy Patterson" by Kirk Steiff. It was my grandmother's wedding silver which has a place for engraving, but she never had the initials engraved. I thought this would be the perfect flatware since Patterson seemed like a Scottish surname. I did a little research and Betsy Patterson was actually the daughter of an Irish immigrant, who was the wealthiest man in Maryland in the early 1800's. Betsy married Napoleon Bonaparte's brother. I still think the flatware looks nice with the rest of the table, so it's staying Scottish or not! And you will all recognize my "Gollum" china from Big Lots. My stemware is Fostoria Heritage and a pattern with gold and silver Greek keys from TJ Maxx.

So here's using red and green plaid at other times, not just Christmas AND here's to Robert Burn's day!

Make sure you visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more tablescapes!

My Blogiversary - Barely Blue Winter Wonderland

2010-01-13T17:36:00.001-05:00

Today is my one year anniversary of my blog! I can't believe it. I have made so many special friends and seen SO many gorgeous tables! I am so busy at work right now, I haven't been able to come up with a good way to celebrate........SO, I am just posting my first blog entry again.

I have decided to use this blog to catalog my table settings. The first table of the year is Winter Wonderland: Barely Blue.

I am submitting this for Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan (Between Naps on the Porch).

Thanks Susan!

I didn't want all the sparkle to go away after I put up the Christmas decorations, so I decided that I would create a Winter Wonderland of ice and snow. I spay painted limbs silver and used icicle and snowflake ornaments as well as strung acrylic "jewels" in "Barely Blue" shades. I used Tiffany Blue tulle as a table runner over a slightly off-white table cloth and tulle on the mantle. I put blue "marbles" and clear acrylic pieces that look like cracked ice in a vase to hold the limbs.

I put the vase in the center of a silver wreath from Target and filled in the gap between the wreath and the vase with silver and blue Christmas ornaments.

On the mantle, I put limbs in a blue round vase and made a bow from blue and silver sheer ribbon. I hung jewels, icicles and ornaments in silver and blue on the limbs.

Beside the vase I put silver limbs and golden ferns from Target and silver poinsettias and wired pearls from Michaels. At the ends, I used silver mercury glass candle pillars with white fake candles embossed with silver snowflakes.

In the small white vases, I had small silver spray painted limbs with 3 silver ball ornaments.

On the table, I had mercury glass votive holders from Target in silver and icy green/blue, as well as two different types of clear snowflake holders. I also used small blue vases with white silk flower sprays. I also scattered acrylic jewels on the tulle.

At Cracker Barrel a few days after Christmas, I found these plates for 70% off. I originally thought my table would only have blue, silver and white, but these plates in ivory and gold were such a good deal I couldn't pass them up. The gold allowed me to use gold napkins and glassware with both gold and silver embellishment and I used gold and silver chargers. I also found ribbon with golden snowflakes at Michaels for 70% off which I tied for napkin rings.

Before I found the ribbon, I used silver napkin rings.

I will host my garden club on January 20th and use the table as a buffet. I am making cupcakes with fondant snowflakes. I have improvised a cupcake holder/tea tray with two platters and a cake stand from the 70% off Cracker Barrel sale, a flat topped glass bowl and a battery operated tea light.

Flash

No Flash to highlight the "Fire and Ice" effect

Comments and suggestions are welcomed! My table and this blog are a work in progress!

Tea Time in Monet's Garden

2010-01-06T17:25:00.003-05:00

It's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

I am recycling a post from last year for this week's tablescape. Here it is:

As part of a tablesetting challenge at Recipezaar, I created this tea tablesetting inspired by this print:

Here is my table:

I used blue tulle to represent the water. The tea set is from Ross-Simons.The tea set has colors from the print and the two green vases add a touch of lily pad green. At first I tried to make lotus folded pink napkins, but my pink napkins aren't completely square and I didn't have any starch, so the lotus blossoms were a bit flabby. Then I remembered that I had these circular pink and green paper napkins from Target that I bought on clearance last spring. They add a nice touch also. The plates are from Yankee Candle and I bought them from Bed, Bath & Beyond for 10 cents each a few years back. I suppose they are meant to hold candles, but they don't say that they aren't food safe and they look like plates to me.

I couldn't find anything around the house to represent the periwinkle blue/lavender colors in the print. Those aren't shades I use a lot. On the whole, I am pleased with my effort!

Silver and Gold Snowflakes for New Year's Eve

2009-12-29T17:28:00.004-05:00

It's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Thanks Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week!

Here is my New Year's Eve Table decked out in silver, gold and snowflakes. If the pictures are cut off to the right, you may click on them to see the full view.

I have put on my gold tablecloth and used a beaded snowflake runner I got at Target for 50% off. I used my gold ornament tree and hung silver and gold glitter ornaments and some New Year's hats and saucer champagne ornaments from KMart (also 50% off). I used both gold and silver chargers and my snowflake plates that I got from Cracker Barrel last year. I have my water goblets with the silver and Greek Key trim and some saucer champagne glasses. I used ivory napkins with silver snowflake napkin rings. Between the plates and the chargers I used large plastic snowflakes from the Dollar Store. I saw these used by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer last year, so when I saw them this year I grabbed them ! Thanks Susan for a great idea!

Here is a close up of the centerpiece:

I love these ornaments!

Happy New Year to all! :D Jewel

Christmas Food Traditions

2009-12-26T08:54:00.004-05:00

Thank you Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum!

For this LATE Christmas Foodie Post, I want to share two Christmas Food Traditions with you. The first is Rum Cake.

My mother made this when I was young and I have kept this tradition going with my family.

The recipe is from the Bicardi Rum Company but I make it with light rum instead of dark rum as they suggest.

Rum Cake:

cake
1 box yellow cake mix (not butter recipe or pudding in the mix) I prefer Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Classic Yellow Cake
1 3 1/2 oz. box vanilla instant pudding mix
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup rum
4 eggs

glaze
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup rum

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a large Bundt cake pan. Do not just use PAM or the cake will stick.

In a large mixing bowl combine all the cake ingredient. Mix with hand or stand mixer on medium for 2 minutes.

Pour batter into pan and bake for 45 minutes or until it tests done with a toothpick.

As soon as cake comes out of the oven, combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.

The standard recipe calls for turning the cake out onto a platter with a lip, poking holes in it with a fork and slowly pouring the glaze over the top of the cake. BUT here is how my mother taught me to do it: Just slowly pour the glaze on the cake in the Bundt pan while still warm. Let it soak in for a bit and then turn it out onto a cake plate or platter.

This cake is very moist and is even better the next day.

The next food tradition is our Christmas morning quiche.

I don't really have a recipe for this.

I use a Pillsbury pie crusts and unroll it into the quiche pan and blind bake it for about 10 mins at 325 degrees.

I spread a bit of Dijon mustard over the partially baked pie crust and spread a pound of sausage, cooked and drained over this. Then I add shredded cheese (whatever we have in the refrigerator) all over the top. Then I beat 4 eggs with some milk, salt and pepper and pour this over the sausage and cheese.

For a festive Christmas touch I add red and green bell peppers (which my daughters usually pick out as they eat!)

Thanks Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday!

I hope you all had a wonderful Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Tablescape

2009-12-24T07:15:00.004-05:00

It's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

Here is my Christmas tablescape! I don't have time to reduce my pictures so they are all cut off. Click the photo for a full view.

Centerpiece:

My china is Christmas Tree Grove by Spode.

Dining Room Mantle

Various serving pieces on the buffets:

My teacart full of snowmen:

Sorry not much time to type, but it is a busy season and day!

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends! :D Jewel

Deck the Halls

2009-12-21T21:27:00.002-05:00

I have been so busy I have been taking an unexpected blog break! I do want to share some Christmas decor with all of you though!

Susan at thoughtsfromovertherainbow is hosting Deck the Halls, so make sure you visit her blog and see all the Decking going on.

It has been so grey and rainy lately I haven't taken a lot of pictures. But here are some pictures from Christmas Past.

The pictures are cut off, so click on them to see the whole room.

Here is my foyer:

One of my Christmas teasets - possibly my favorite:

The Billiards Room

The Library

Parlor

Our Sunroom becomes the Town of Bethlehem

I will save my dining room for Tablescape Thursday, but in the meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed this tour of my home!

Foodie Friday - Turkeys

2009-11-18T19:31:00.004-05:00

Thank you Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum!

Today, I want to talk Turkey, but not the kind you are thinking! I not only have lots of ceramic turkeys that I decorate with in the fall, I like to decorate foods to look like turkeys!

Here are two examples:

Turkey Cheese Ball

I got this idea from a magazine decades ago, but made it my own way with port wine cheese and crackers that were easily found.

Here is a picture

and here is my recipe Turkey Cheese Ball.

Here is a very easy Turkey Cake that I also got the idea from a magazine, but completely changed. The key to this cake is finding the Stella D'Oro breakfast cookies. I found them in Rite Aid of all places!!!!

Here is the platter I made the cake on

I used a Triple Chocolate Cake from Sam's Club and added round cookies to fill in the hole in the middle.

Then I added the cookies and candies to make the "turkey."

Here is the recipe No Bake Turkey Cake .

I hope this has inspired you to cook some turkey shaped treats of your own! :D Jewel

Tablescape Thursday - Turkey Time!

2009-11-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

t's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

I decided to use my Spode Woodland Turkey China in a different tablesetting this week. I got this green tablecloth at Bed, Bath & Beyond and the bronze napkins on clearace at WalMart. The goblets (which I use for all seasons) were a gift from my girls Christmas 2007. I kept the alligator texture chargers and the turkey flatware holders for my touch of whimsy. Instead of the turkey centerpiece I had used since September, I put out a large cornucopia (thank goodness for spell check or it would have had to be a horn of plenty) filled with gourds and fruit.

Here is my latest fall table:

As you can see I have both the dinner and salad plates.

A close-up of the centerpiece:

Notice the arrangement on the little cabinet. I did this with a grocery store bouquet and leaves from my yard.

Now the tables I have shared with you on this blog have only shown my Spode Woodland Turkey plates. I do have a set of "everyday" turkey dinner plates from Churchill China that we use from September through November.

Then I have these salad plates by Johnson Bros. "Autumn Monarch"

And I have a Johnson Bros. Deviled Egg Plate "His Majesty"

With all these turkey plates, I know you are asking, "Which will she use for the actual Thanksgiving dinner meal?" Well, wouldn't you know, we have a family reunion on Thanksgiving every year, so I don't have an official Thanksgiving meal at my house! It is a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and tradition though. This year, as we have for many Thanksgivings, we are going to my cousin's Celebrity Goat Dairy, which has not only goat and a cheese dairy, but a bed and breakfast and inn. It is absolutely wonderful and all of us can't wait!

So from my old Victorian, I am wishing all of you a Happy Turkey Tablescape Thursday! :D Jewel

Foodie Friday - Fall Feast

2009-11-05T20:41:00.003-05:00

Thank you Gollum for hosting Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum!

I am sharing one of my favorite Fall meals. I served this menu at a dinner party last fall.

Here is the Menu:

And here are pictures of the meal:

Of course, I used my Spode Woodland Turkey Plates.

Click Here for the Menu and the Recipes.

Here the Brown Rice Salad is in a Spode Pink Tower Bowl.

Here is a not very good picture of the Pumpkin Bars.

I used a Martha Stewart recipe for a Wild Rice Salad for my recipe and changed it to Brown Rice and added the dried cranberries. In the Cornish Game Hen recipe using Apple Jelly was my own crazy idea that actually worked!

I first had the Zesty Carrots at my friend Rhonda's house, but someone else had posted the same recipe on Recipezaar.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my Fall Feast! Now visit Designs by Gollum!

Tablescape Thursday - Halloween Party

2009-10-28T17:18:00.004-04:00

t's Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH!

These are picture of my 18 year old daughter's Halloween Party from last year. She had several friends over for snacks and candy. We set the dining room table up for a buffet.

Used my ornament tree for a centerpiece.

Served Nacho Bean Dip

(spreaders for the bean dip)

and Pumpkin Cupcakes, both of which I have shared with you before.

Had candlelight

Almost everything we used to serve with was from Target and belongs to her, not me! Yes, this dishaholism can be passed to the next generation!!!!

Have a Happy Halloween! :D Jewel

Metamorphosis Monday - Havest Moon Pumpkin

2009-10-25T14:42:00.002-04:00

Metamorphosis Monday is sponsored by Susan at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH . Make sure to visit her blog and see all the wonderful transformations!

Several years ago I admired this Harvest Moon pumpkin in a page I had torn out of Country Living magazine and stored in my Fall idea file. So, eventually I decided to try to copy it. The original is charcoal on a real white pumpkin as you can see below.

I wanted to be able to enjoy my Harvest Moon pumpkin for many years, so I started with a white faux pumpkin from Micheals. I first painted the stem two shade of brown to look more realistic. Then to mimic the charcoal effect I used black, white and great acrylic paints to paint the facial features.

Here is my pumpkin below

and on my mantle -

Just a little paint turned a plain white pumpkin into something I had admired for years!

Enjoy all the other transformations at BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH .