Graduation Celebration!

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

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

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?

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

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

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!