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Thursday, March 26, 2009

I ALMOST DID IT!


When Susan at Between Naps on the Porch hosts Tablescape Thursday, I always post a hodge podge tablescape. I'm always apologizing for my hodge podge, but I just can't seem to put together a lovely, matched table. I keep trying though. If you want to see some lovely tablescapes, be sure to go to Between Naps on the Porch for the links.



I tried -- really I did! My tablescape today ALMOST matches! Sigh--maybe someday you'll come visit my blog, and everything will match! (But I have serious doubts about my ability to do that!)


I used this tablecloth in last week's tablescape (I didn't want to have to iron another one this week). Of course, last week, my napkins matched my tablecloth. I couldn't let that happen again, so I've used my blue and white toile napkins this week.
Are you tired of seeing me use a mug tree as a centerpiece? I like to have party favors for my guests, and a mug tree just seems to be an easy way to display the party favors. I did spray paint this one white, so it is a LITTLE different!
And just look what my guest favors are on this tablescape! See those precious Easter tags? Have you seen them somewhere before? If not, you need to go over to Lynn's at The Vintage Nest, and see all of her wonderful designs. I ordered these from her Etsy Store. When I ordered, there were only 6 available, so I ordered all of them. (I would have ordered more if they had been available). To my surprise, when I received my order, sweet Lynn had included extras! That's why I am able to give some to my guests as favors. (If I only had the six that I ordered, I would have been selfish and kept all of them for myself).


One year when I was doing my Christmas shopping, I found an outlet store going out of business (where else would a bargain hunter shop?). They had The Spode Blue Room Collection in just about every pattern they've produced, and the price was SO reduced! I was supposed to be shopping for Christmas gifts for other people (not me!), so I went home and told everyone in my family that I love this china, and that a set would be a good Christmas gift for me (With my family, I can't be subtle about something like this-I have to tell my husband AND both of my children, just so I can hope one of them will remember to get what I've requested).




This is the first time that all of them remembered my "hint"! I got three sets of these dinner plates in 3 different patterns! They were all upset with one another for not letting the other know that they were getting me this gift. What they didn't understand is that I LOVED having all 3 sets and I LOVED that they were all different sets, because, as you've noticed, I LOVE to mix things up.
I always use this transferware when I am serving spaghetti, because I have a blue and white transferware shaker that I like to use for Parmesan Cheese. (As I show you around the table, don't forget to look at each of those Easter tags. Aren't they just precious?)


Okay, I think I was doing a pretty good job with my blue and white color scheme. I was all ready to take my pictures, but I couldn't resist adding my Easter egg cups to the setting (I'm using them for salt cellars-of course, I couldn't use them for their intended purpose).

Thank you so much for visiting my tablescape. Don't forget to go to Between Naps on the Porch to get links to a lot of tablescapes (most of them will even be lovely, coordinated and matching tablescapes)! I just love when you visit and leave a comment. laurie

92 comments:

Silvia said...

well i think you did a pretty awesome job ,love it all!and the dishes are to die for.i really never like blue until i started blogging, yours are truly beautiful and the view!!!!,oh you are so lucky....lol.have a great day.
silvia.

"Blossom" said...

What! You hodge podge, no way.
This is beautiful. I just love everthing on this table. And since I am a guest this morning I'll take my tag with me. LOL
Your dishes, napkins and egg holders are so lovely and this is not no way a hodge; whatever you called it.

Kathy said...

Hi Laurie, your blue dish collection is beautiful and the photograph looking out to the pool with the sun shining through the doors is just perfect. The reverse pattern of the tablecloth and napkins (light) compliment the dishes (dark) so well. Together with all the adorable bunnies, eggcups and your flatware I think your tablescape is perfect. Happy TT, Kathy.

xinex said...

I love your not-so-hodgepodge tablescape,. Laurie! I never get tired of your mug tree cause you always have a different theme for it. You give me new ideas each time! Love your blue plate chargers and the spode dinnerware. How lucky of you to get 3 sets! Your family do love you! And thanks for the idea of using egg cups for salt cellars, I never thought of that but it sure is a good idea!...Christine

Lynda said...

Your tablescape is lovely...not hodge podge in the least! I didn't even see the mug tree until you pointed it out! lol!! Very creative to use it for favors. Your dishes and your linens are very pretty!

Domestic Designer said...

Love the blue and white and the precious easter cups. So cute! Can I have a toy? :) Have a great day!

Linda in AZ * said...

*** It's ALLLLWAYS so fun to visit you AND your tablescapes, Laurie ~~~ BOTH are so delightfully fun and creative!!! Love, Linda ***

Ginger said...

Laurie, I love all your tablescapes. Makes me want to come and eat at your house every week.
The dishes, flatware and glasses are perfect together. I love your Easter tags too, going to visit the Vintage Nest and check her shop out.
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Eve..Yet another wonderful feast for the eye..love that blue and those Easter tags are great..I will have to show Sarah, as she is the Holiday Tag-Maker Queen in AR.
3 Sets, Eve..isn't that Spode overload?? Ok, Ok, you know I am kidding..a girl can nevr have too many dishes. Susie

ellen b. said...

I love your hodgepodge! Those dishes are fabulous!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I think it's beautiful and fresh and pretty. The blue & white is so wonderful! I love the whole thing! Linda

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Well I LOVE your hodge podge -- nobody does it better than you! It's lovely!

Salmagundi said...

I love that you used the egg cups for salt - how clever of you. Family just doesn't understand, do they?, how many dishes we really NEED!!!! I think it is a very put-together table - beautiful. Sally

SmilingSally said...

You've got my attention when you show blue and white. This is gorgeous.

Linda in AZ * said...

*Plz drop me a note! Tnx,Linda *

LillyB said...

Beautiful table!!! Great job girlfriend!!!
Love Lilly

Unknown said...

Hodge Podge???? No way...it's beautiful and eclectic!

Anonymous said...

I love a hodge podge and those egg cups are to die for - Beautiful!

Coloradolady said...

Your table looks wonderful! I love the blue and the cute little eggs.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love love love the blue and white dishes, and how great to have 3 sets. I think the easter tags are just lovely and I'm so glad you added the easter egg cups as salt sellers, I think that gives the table the bling that all tables should have. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Stacey said...

Laurie your table is perfect. The colors, mug tree, tags, egg cups, all of it! I love seeing the view of your pool out there too.

Unknown said...

Mix match and hodge podge are in!!! Everything compliments each other and makes for an interesting table. Love it and your little splash of pink!

Martha said...

A beautiful blue and white tablescape -- but you know I love blue and white -- it is the best!!!! But I do love your little "whimsy" -- the colored egg cups -- keeps the table from being boring!

A great table!

Anonymous said...

Laurie your tables are always beautiful!!!

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

GORGEOUS table! I see my spot right over thee...so I am going to sit and enjoy the view...what is on the menu tonight (wink)? Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan

~CC Catherine said...

Laurie, YOU DID GOOD! YOU DID IT! Not almost, you did it! This table is stunning! And, this is the first time I've seen you use the mug rack for the ctrpiece and for the little table gifts., so I'm glad you shared it! =) How creative you are!!! I think the little salt cellar items gave it that easter theme that everyone is swooning over, so I think it's totally GREAT! ;) Loved it all! ~CC Catherine (I'm like you...the more dishes in a set, the better...even if they mix and match patterns. I have the Blue Italian Spode and I have 12 dinner plates now and am trying to increase my other pieces to serve that many as well. Take Care! Happy TT! ~CC Catherine

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Well my friend...you did it again! Another fabulous tablescape!!! And...one of the things I like best about your tablescapes is the fact that you mix and match...your tables always have a whimsical ambiance...and that my friend, provides the very best dining experience!!! Last week I told you how much I loved your pretty blue embroidered tablecloth...it's just soooo pretty and I think your blue & white toile napkins are perfect with it!!! Of course, then there's the blue spode...ahhhh!!! I love your cute little egg cups! Girl, I seen those cute little bunny tags at Lynne's...don't you just love the little fuzzy ball - bunny tails? They're darling!!!

Hope you're having a terrific Thursday, Sweetie! Was thinking about you today and said a prayer for you and yours...it looked like you could be having some bad weather? We're in the middle of a historic blizzard...so they have named it! Russell even stayed home from work today so he wouldn't get stuck in town! We're getting lots of snow and lots of wind...eeeks!!! So thankful that we still have our power!

Love ya honey!
Chari

The Stylish House said...

Laurie,
I love this pretty blue & white tablescape, it is lovely. I can understand how you might feel overwhelmed about trying to write to everyone that comments on your posts. I think others will agree blogging should be a fun thing you enjoy, so do what your comfortable with. I am simply happy to view your tablescape and appreciate the effort you put into it!
hugs, Cathy

Linda said...

I love blue, always have and have a lot of it in my home. Your tablescape is lovely.

Cass @ That Old House said...

Your blue & white table is gorgeous! I love the touches of yellow...and really "heart" the egg cups -- how precious.

Hodge Podge? Oh my, I wish I could hodge-podge like that!

Lovely! Cass

Chandy said...

Laurie, you are so funny! That is such a great table! Those dishes are just lovely! Where did you get those blue goblets? So cool!

Tardevil said...

Good job matching everything. Love the bunny centerpiece. It's soooooooo cute! That blue Spode is gorgeous too. Glad they got the hint! ;O) They did good.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie,
You are just the best non matcher tablescaper ever! I love blue and white and I love your plates and toile napkins and egg cups and I could go on and on. Cindy

Free Art Printables said...

It looks great! Jen

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

I love transferware and yours are beautiful! Your table is beautiful!

kari and kijsa said...

This is beautiful!! Those Easter tags are so cute too!!
Love the blue and white-so fresh and classic!!
blessings,
kari & kijsa

Dixie said...

Laurie... I always love your very eclectic table scapes... don't be changin' who you are girl... cause U R Fab-u-loussss!

blessings. Dixie

Sue said...

I love blue and white. Your table looks so pretty and inviting. The egg cups are darling, I need to look for some of those.
Hugs,
Sue

Miss Janice said...

I love your blue china and the blue toile napkins and I also love the mug tree with your party favors! Where did that pool come from???? I have never seen that in your photos before...has it been covered with snow or ice? Love the tablescape Laurie!

Deb said...

Hi Laurie! You did great! Love those little egg cups and I'd love that tablecloth if I'd seen it a million times. Deb

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Looks wonderful! I love the Spode Blue Room dishes. I would be happy to get 3 sets too.

The Muse said...

SUGAR...I say it is Fab...!!!
(besides, sometimes, matching is simply not the best design method).

I love your table decor!

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Laurie, I just love you. You are so fun. I love your table and that you don't like things to match...where do you get your energy? ~Athella

Angie said...

I think you did a wonderful job! Beautiful colors!

Bo said...

Hi Laurie...I ALMOST missed your tablescape because I was so mesmerized by the pool view out of your window...that is gorgeous. Your tablescapes are always so fun to see...and lucky you...3 sets of Spode...you are an excellent hint giver...LOL ;-) Bo

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

I don't know...I see no hodge podge!! I think everything pulls together nicely! Even your little colorful eggs. Those tags are a great touch too! Nice sunny view out the window! Perfect!

Jewel Sauls said...

What a lovely Easter table! I am planning on using egg cups as salt cellars too! Great minds think alike! :D Jewel

xashee's corner said...

oh my! i LOVE your blue and white tablescape!! but then i LOVE ALL your settings! Sooooo LOVELY! :) Thank you for sharing and have an AWESOME day! :)

Melissa Miller said...

Ah Laurie!
Preciousness everywhere with the Easter tags and egg cups!
You always make me smile with your tablescapes.
Love that you got three sets of Blue spode. How pretty they look.

That is so funny what you told me about the kitchen canister. I had mine for years hoping to have a home to try out the style and colors in one day.
Love it! I see it worked out for both of us.

Have a wonderful weekend.
~Melissa :)

Alisa Lucas-Brown said...

Hi Laurie!
I think your table is just lovely! You can't ever go wrong with blue and white and punches of yellow! Timeless classics and everlasting elegance. I think it's beautiful and I might just go break out my blue and white for a spell. Great job!
Alisa

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Girlfriend, I just read your note and I have to tell you that you certainly made my day with all of your sweet compliments! Thank you so much, my friend!!!

You always make me smile...

Love ya,
Chari

Ginny said...

I think your table was lovely! I really like Spode china anything. I have Spode Christmas china. And........I LOVE THE EGG CUPS! I have been looking for pretty egg cups forever. I could only find these plain plastic ones that I detest. Nice job on the table, Laurie.
ginny

Anonymous said...

Well honey,i don't see how you did all this with whats going on in your family.I am praying for your entire family.
And as for this TT.It is wonderful.I love your transferware.And those egg cups are so precious,they look like Mckinsey/childs don't they/Darling...Ann

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie...Well, you know I LOVE your Spode plates! How wonderful to have 3 sets! I always say that if a huge crowd comes over, I'll just take a few more plates off the wall!! lol The Easter tags are sooo cute! And I like it that things aren't so matchy matchy on your tablescpapes! Have a wonderful weekend...hugs...Debbie

Four Paws and Co said...

OMG, Laurie, thanks for the giggles! Love your tablescape & hodge podge - IT'S NOT! It's beautiful & awesome job there lady!!! ♥♥♥

joyh82 said...

Beautiful! Love tbe blue and white pitcher and the whole thing..

puddin07 said...

Wow! Laurie, you have more blue & white transferware than I do! You've been holding out, I had no idea! I just love Spode, and the table is beautiful. The easter tags are so cute! I also love the B&W pitcher with the yellow flowers. Your table is not hodge-podge at all! Love Ya! Connie

Unknown said...

You know I love that blue and white!
What a great story. It makes it even better. : )

Have a great weekend!
~Liz

Nicole ~ said...

Laurie, your table looks beautiful!! And, your dishes are BEAUTIFUL, what a nice family you have.

You always make me laugh!! Have a wonderful weekend.

Anonymous said...

Ah Laurie I always love your tablescapes as the are tablescapes for real people! Your mug tree is a fabulous idea- Please keep the Laurie tablescapes coming!!

blessings
mary

niartist said...

I LOVE IT LAURIE! The mixed and matched look is so beautiful, IMHO, and I'm definitely saying that this is an A+ in my book! Great work - as usual!

Diana LaMarre said...

How nice to get three different sets. It makes a much more interesting table.

Very clever to use the egg cups as salt cellars!

Tardevil said...

Hi Laurie:
Thanks for stopping by! I'm sorry to hear your family members are having health problems. I have had the blood test for Down's Syndrome, but I'm still waiting on the results. They say there are a lot of false positives for women my age, but I don't know. I hope to hear Monday. I have the ultrasound where they measure the baby on 4/7, so hopefully, we'll find out the sex. Thanks for checking on me. I hope you're doing well! :O) Have a good weekend.

Helen said...

Your posts are ALWAYS among my favorites .... the way you 'talk' and present images (in that great large format) ~ wonderful!

Deb said...

Hi Laurie! You asked about the indoor grill, my father gave it to me long years ago but I've just lately started to use it. I looked to see if there was a brand name but it's not. But it is worth having, I love the way it cooks. Deb

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, thanks so much for stopping by and I wish you were here to have a piece of chocolate pie with me. Isn't it funny how some things we learn and others just seem to escape us. I can make meringue, but a loaf of bread is a whole nother matter. Can't do it to save me. Have a super weekend. Hugs, Marty

HalfCrazy said...

Hi there!

I like the blue arrangement. I especially love the blue table cloth! I think I know its texture!

I love how you can view the pool through the windows while eating. You can watch the kids while eating!

Much Love,

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

Laurie, This is so.. pretty! I love blue and white. Your silverware is beautiful. And I adore your egg cups. You have a beautiful blog.
Hugs, Terrie

Anonymous said...

Look at the designs on those plates! YOu really love blue, huh :-)

Those tags sure are cute with their "pom,pom" tails :-)

The Painted Garden said...

Hi Laurie,

Oh - goodness Laurie - this is by no means a hodge podge - it is a mini work of art and not only charming - but beautiful. Just like a painting - you have created harmony and balance and the egg cups added the perfect touch of whimsy.
Have a lovely week.
Blessings,
Erin

Debra from Bungalow said...

What are you talkin about??? The table is beautiful...I love the blue and white mix and the cute Easter pieces. What time is dinner?

Claudie said...

Happy Belated TT Laurie
Your table is not a hodge podge at all. I love it just the way it is.
Your bunnies are so darn cute and your big wooden bunny is to die for.
I love it all.
Love Claudie
oxo

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Hope you are having a great weekend! Stop by my blog .... I have something special for you! ~Susan

Alicia Robbins said...

Laurie,
I thought I died and went home! I have that tablecloth and a set of blue spode (and also the red, nothing says Christmas table like spode.lol.) And I love the idea of using the egg holders for salt cellars. How great is that!!! No hodge podge on your table.
Have a Lovely Day~
Alicia

Tomarie said...

Laurie~ I adore the tablescape!! The tags are precious! I LOVE those egg cups!! They are so cute!!!! I personally like things that are "mixed up" and yet go together. I love your great skills in getting three different sets...I bow to you! LOL! :-) L~

Shabby Chick said...

Hi,

I just came by to say thank you for visiting my blog after Donna (An Enchanted Cottage) posted pics of my envelope cushion. I haven't sold any yet but I'm doing a craft fair later in the year so fingers crossed!

Your tablescape looks gorgeous to me, far better than anything I've done :-S

Mel xxx

the pleasures of homemaking said...

Well I think it turned out just lovely and everything doesn't have to match! You know I love those dishes! The tags are so cute!

Manuela

Heidi Pocketbook said...

I think it's gorgeous! I'd love to sit down to a table like that☺

Simply Debbie said...

HAPPY MONDAY MORNING LAURIE,
I HAVE A FRIENDSHIP AWARD FOR YOU ON MY TODAY'S POST WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE TO GET THERE.
BLESSINGS
HUGS
LOVE
debbie

santamaker said...

Wow, Laurie, you've got such great taste in China! LOL..I recognize those dishes from my china cabinet! Are you sure you got them for Christmas, or did you sneak into my dining room ?
Soo pretty.
Hope you're having a great week, girl!

Kathy said...

Hi Laurie, you were asking about those lacy chargers on my last tablescape, they do not have any makers name on the back, but I did see that Marty over at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot
.com/ has just posted a source for these same chargers you might want to take a look, Have a wonderful week, Kathy.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, I am so glad you stopped by and you're going to order the chargers. I just thought they were very inexpensive and so pretty. It will be so neat to see someone else have some. I did see on someone's blog that they had them, but I can't remember who, but they did say they were tin and she loved them. Let me know when you get yours what you think. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie,
The table is beautiful! You have a real knack for bringing it all together!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie,
the blogging note you put in your side bar is just so true. I read it and thought yes we do what we can and we want it to be fun. No obligations, just shared interests and friendship. Thanks for posting it there. Cindy

Free Art Printables said...

I love the blue china! It's so pretty! Jen

Dawn Marie said...

I like your tablescape and dont think its hodge podge at all. I love the cards and my favorite besides the pool view---are those blue glasses. I think lemon ice water would look awesome in those.

Debra Facer said...

Laurie, Is was so nice to see you had come to visit. I hope you have been doing well. I think your tablescape is beautiful, you always do a great job. And that backyard, wow! Thanks for coming by. Hug Deb

Kathleen Ellis said...

Hi Laurie!
What a great tablescape...I love the "mixing"! How wonderful that you got 3 sets, all different, and that they remembered! I have to be pretty obvious with my family, too!
Thanks for checking in on me...I was away...just returned yesterday. I don't like to publicize being away til I get back...you just never know!
I had a wonderful time away with my hubby for 7 days!
Now...back to reality! It always takes me a few days to get back into the swing of things!
Have a great week!
;-D

bj said...

oH, my goodness...this is one of the prettiest tables i've seen!! Just beautiful! I love love those blue dishes and sure would like to know where you got the beautiful flatware....?? I would love some to go with MY blue and white dishes.
You always have a beautiful and interesting table!

JudyBug said...

I love it all! I think the mug tree is just the neatest idea. I love your dishes...everything!

My internet is finally back up and I'm one happy camper!
JudyBug

Connie said...

Hi Laurie,
I just love your egg cups ! When I see something that cute, I always try to think what else I could use them for.
Love your table setting ~~ so spring!

Anonymous said...

Is that a cement pond in your back yard? :) I think that is the best table scape I have ever seen and who in the world did those sweet Bunny Tail tags? She is so clever... :)

Laurie, I love your tablescapes and how you add a sweet touch of whimsy to them. Next time I have a party I am calling you to decorate for me. Happy Weekend. ~ Lynn