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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

CHRISTMAS IN APRIL IS FINALLY OVER!


It's Tablescape Thursday all over Blogville! To link to some incredible tablescapes, go see our lovely hostess, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.
I mentioned in a previous post that our family celebrates 5 birthdays and a wedding anniversary during the month of April! My checkbook always feels like we've had Christmas again! This weekend, we celebrated the last two of the family birthdays. Our daughter and our son were born 8 years and 5 days apart! I am not that good at planning, but I did decide that April is the perfect month to have a baby. I didn't have to go through the hot summer being pregnant, and I didn't have to worry about it being too cold or too hot to take a newborn out and about. The 8 years difference occurred because my husband decided to further his education when our daughter was three years old.
I drag out my vintage birthday cards for every birthday celebration at my house. (I think I'm the only one who enjoys looking at them though!)

I also drag out the "write on" plate for every celebration at our house.


If you are getting tired of my blue chargers, I understand. (You know, until I discovered RMS and then blogging, I didn't know that there are people who don't like the color blue!) These "chargers" are really serving plates that I found at a sidewalk sale at a kitchen outlet store years ago. They were $1.00 each, and I bought 15 of them.



The dinner plate is American Heritage Millennium Collection by Churchill, which I bought at a flea market a few years ago. The salad plate is Myott Finlandia. I've been buying this china at junk stores for years, and have a large collection of them now. I have again used tiles for coasters. (When Lowes puts tiles on sale, my husband buys them--we have shelves full of tiles in our garage (he's become a bargain hunter too-you know, one of those bargain hunters that forgets that if you don't need something, it's not a bargain!) We have no plans to tile anything in our house in the near future, so when I want to add something else to a tablescape, I go out to his shop and bring in some tiles.)
The birthday honorees had special goblets at their place settings. Have you ever seen the great glasses that Barb at Grits and Glamour decorates? I just think it is such a great idea! I put a birthday sticker on one side of the goblet, and wrote the honoree's name on the other side (I used one of those markers that is made for mirrors and glass, and after dinner, it washed right off.)


I tried to coordinate our Grandchildren's table with the adult table, substituting paper and plastic for glass and other breakables.

Christmas in April is finally over at my house! I'm glad it only comes twice a year.
Click here to go to Between Naps On The Porch, where you'll find wonderful tablescapes. Thanks so much for coming to my final April birthday party. laurie

64 comments:

Linda Q said...

Wow busy time at your house in April! Like your blue and yellow, even though I am not a big blue person I always enjoy those together. Love yellow! Pretty!
And Laurie, thanks for being so sweet and always stopping in my blog!! Hugs!!
And where have I been, I thought I was already following yours or had you in favs already. Duh me.
I see your blog and now have to catch up, as I see so many things we like are the same and you have fun things!!
Linda Q

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Ohhh my...April is a busy birthday month for your family! I have 5 birthdays in April myself! They all keep me a hoppin'! Hehe!!!

Darlin'...this beautiful table that you set to honor and celebrate your loved ones is so special!!! It's absolutely gorgeous! And by the way, I'm not tired of seeing your pretty cobalt blues chargers...they're perfect for the dishes you chose! Love the yellow dinner plate with the blue...I love blue and yellow together! I think that yellow is my favorite accent color to go with blue! Love your pretty blue & white dessert plate too! The pattern on it is gorgeous!!!

Girl, I think this is a new tablecloth??? I don't recall seeing it before...and I just love it!!! Love how you coordinated the children's table to the adults too...you're such a thoughful hostess!!! And Mama...and Grandma too!!! hehe! I love the bright yellow placemats on the childrens table...where did you find those? Love, love, love them!!!

Thank you so much for sharing another one of your fabulous tablescapes with all of us! I always, always enjoy seeing your tables!!!

Love ya Sweetie,
Chari

Stacey said...

I love your blue and yellow. The blue serving plates for $1.00 were a seriously good bargain. And I've said it before but using those tiles is brilliant!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie,
That does it! I'm packing my bags, I want to be 8 and come live at your house! LOL, I love blue and yellow and white. How can anyone not like blue? That tablecloth is gorgeous! And those pretty dishes, oh you have the best stuff for tables Laurie. Hugs, Cindy

susan said...

This is just great. I love your "write on" plate. People who don't like blue...really...I'm confused :)

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laurie, It s beautiful! You didn't mention the lovely tablecloth - love that too! I'm into children and adult tables now, too. Linda

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Wow...so much to look at...your tables are beautiful...I love the idea of the tiles for coasters...what a neat idea...I'm off to Lowes...
Thanks
Becky

Jewel Sauls said...

What a great Birthday celebration! I love your vintage cards - what a great idea!!!! And I also love the bust with decorated with "Happy Birthday" ribbon around his neck!!! Your table is beautiful. People not liking blue???? Hope they live somewhere cloudy, like Seattle or Forks.
Love how your kids' table coordinates with the big table. :D Jewel

Denise said...

I love all of the birthday decorations! Both of the tables are beautiful

XXDenise

Joyce said...

I love to look at vintage cards too. You are one busy gal this month. It all looks so pretty. Enjoy the festivities and thanks for sharing.
Joyce

Chandy said...

Laurie, you have an incredible eye for dinnerware and tablescaping! Your chargers are beautiful and though I'm not a big blue fan, I LOVE yours! I bet your family just can't wait to come over to your house so they can feel special dining in such exquisite tables. I would! ;-)

Oh, you know what I get links to even your previous posts so I get to see your other tablescapes and that one with your Wedgwood Christmas plates, LOVE THEM!

Have a great Friday!

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

We do the March thing around here! Laurie, your tables are perfect! How do you find the time to decorate for everything! I can't even find the time to clean my house properly! I'm so envious of all you organized people! Well, I'm back, and we had a wonderful time at the Biltmore! I'll be posting pics soon! God Bless you today Laurie! Lauralu :)

The Raggedy Girl said...

Wow that is a lot of celebrating for one month. I love the blue chargers and the whole table is just lovely. I so like to see all the Table Scapes each week. The vintage cards are just sweet.

The Raggedy Girl

Domestic Designer said...

Boy you do get hit hard in April! Your tables look great! I love blue and I love your chargers.Have a great day!

KBeau said...

Boy, I know what you mean about those April birthdays. I have six to celebrate. Whew!

Beautiful tables, Laurie. As always.

Anonymous said...

Tiles as coasters, stickers on glasses.....your ideas never cease to amaze me Laurie. :) Wonderful! We celebrated a birthday this week too. My youngest son was born on his father's birthday. Happy Thursday. ~ Lynn

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Beautiful table, Laurie...Happy April Birthday's!!!!

Kimmy (Xanti's Mom) was born April 24th. Mother's birthday, April 21. A few days before April 24, 1967, Mother decided she needed to come to St Louis car shopping a day before her b'day. I believe she believed if she traipsed me all over St Louis, I would go into labor and deliver an April 21 baby...but Kimmy, who has always been intuitive....decided she wanted her day to be April 24.
Kimmy's husband is a twin, born in September....6 years later, his mother gave birth to another set of twins on the same date! Can you imagine those birthday parties!!

Anonymous said...

I am sure your family enjoys all the special touches you bring to make them feel loved and special on their birthdays!

You always to a great job on your tablescapes and, no, I am not tired of the blue chargers!!

I am with Chari- I think you must have a new table cloth to help celebrate all these birthdays- so pretty!

blessings
mary

the pleasures of homemaking said...

That's a lot of birthdays! I love the table you set, love the stickers on the glass, the cute party hats and the vintage birthday cards are so cute! You put a lot of thought and effort into making their birthdays super special!

Manuela

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Laurie, Very pretty! I love the yellows and blues. Wow! you have alot of b-days to celebrate in April. I bet it does feel like Christmas! Kristen

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, you always have the most beautiful tables. I love all of your dishes and your tableclothes are both just gorgeous. They remind me of Debbie's at Confessions. Your write on plate is really precious, what a great idea, and the glasses you decorated, so clever. I just love it all. Hugs, Marty

~*~Leanne~*~ said...

You know how to celebrate your table is beautiful. I love the blue and yellow.
August is our b-day month all 3 kids, my husband and myself. The birthday's are spread out so we eat cake all month long.
Have a happy day,
Leanne

SmilingSally said...

People who don't like BLUE? Not many of them! The Majority of the world pick BLUE as their favorite color choice.

xashee's corner said...

i LOVE your blue chargers, but then i absolutely LOVE blue glass!! AND what a deal on them too! the birthday setting is ADORABLE!! i really ADORE ALLLLLL your table settings though!! :)
my two sons are 10 years apart! lol i must have liked the months that start with A cuz one is born in April and the other in August!! both on the same day too! too funny!!! :)
i checked out your AWESOME plate post too, i got to keep up on your blogging you know! hehe
Thank you so very much for sharing another BEAUTIFUL setting!! Have a FANTASTIC day!! :)

~CC Catherine said...

Laurie, You've captivated me again in your writing....and I felt like I got to enjoy the festivities right along with yoU! I love visiting you my friend! Your table is lovely., and I really like the tile under the stemware, especially because the blue ties in with your theme. I'm in "AWE" of those chargers., and totally know what you mean about how cruel some people can be when they let you know what "they" don't like! ;) It's a good thing that my skin is adjustable...flexible I mean.....ummm...that sounds like I have flabby skin, doesn't it. I probably do, ha! Well...you get what I mean! ;) Make sure you stop over to my place to sign up for my blog giveaway... Hugs! ~CC Catherine

Bo said...

Hi Dear Laurie! You had me running over here lickety-split for a look-see after reading your post title
...LOL...you are so fun...The tablescape is beautiful...I think beans & franks would taste gourmet served there...haha! ;-) Bo

ellen b said...

Oh I always enjoy seeing you pull out your great stash of dishes for us to see! Love all the blues. The tablecloths are wonderful, too! So now you have 7 months off!! Enjoy...

Bridget said...

Laurie, you are just the bestest! I want you to throw me a birthday party. lol I love your vintage birthday cards, they create such a celebratory mood for your tablescape!
Hugs, Bridget

Ginny said...

Oh Laurie, I loved your table setting. I had a piece of that Finlandia china in my hand at Home Goods the other day. I had an elderly lady friend who has since passed, but she had an entire set of it and I loved going to her house and having coffee and rolls before I actually cleaned her house, and we used her Finlandia china. I think she used it for everyday, but somehow, to me it was special. I always like the look of that china.
Your birthday celebrations are great. Birthdays are special and should be made special as you do!

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

Everything is very pretty. Love the blue and yellow combo. Looks like your birthday parties are very special!

Maryrose said...

Laurie,
I love your birhday celebration. How special that is for the special birthday girl/boy. Your table is lovely and for the record I love blue.
Happy Thursday,
Maryrose

xinex said...

OMG, I found someone who has just as much plates as I do. I am glad I am not the only who is sick...LOL! Love your plate collection and happy birthday to your son and daughter. Looks like April is just as busy in your household as ours. As you know John and I are both born on the same day of April, Tina is born a week before us, my sister's 3 kids are all born in April and my sis in law is born in April. Hmmmm, I wonder what happens 9 months before April!...Christine

Rue said...

Hi Laurie :)

I keep all the old birthday cards too! In fact I founs some from my ex I had to throw out recently LOLOL I'm such a stinkin' pack rat you never know what you'll find ;)

Love your tablescapes! I don't hate blue, but I don't use it in my home because my mom had so much of it in all her homes I think I just wanted something different, but I love it in other people's homes :)

xoxo,
rue

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love how you go all out for birthdays! I love everything you have & share with us. I can't believe that someone doesn't like blue! Must be something definitely wrong with them. lol.

Anonymous said...

well honey,I am happy for you.I know how over the top you are with everything.I know you must be morn out.Now------rest...........
I love that glass.you did a fabulous job.i wouldn't wash it off.i need to do me some with red polka dots,huh?
and how precious to do the kids table as much like yours as possible.honey,you are just the best....ann

Lady Katherine said...

Hi Laurie, Thanks for stop by to check on me. I am mending very well and going strong on my thearpy, for I visit Doc on May 5 to see if I am ready to start my surgeries. I had a huge set back when I got hurt. But I am hoping a few more days and I will be back to the point I was before I got hurt. I been working on some project. Can't wait to get finished to post them on my blog. I may have to just start showing as I do. lol Hoping Doc gives me a little more time before surgery.
Now, I just love the dinner and salad pate. The goblet is so wonderful. Love the cloth and napkins. I need to find a bargain on some napkins! I am looking for some blue ones. Love yours. The cake is great! I have some blue chargers similar to yours, just have not climbed up to the shelf to get them down, lol Love how you store your dishes. I have similar shelves. I have promised hubby no more dishes for a while for I have bought a lot since December. Just have not had them on my blog yet. Instead I off to buy sheep this weekend, even though we said we would not buy, until after this year of surgeries. I will get to watch them from the window! Yeah! Hugs to you for thinking of me.

Unknown said...

This is just wonderful. I love to do a children's table for my four sweet grandbabies! It does make them feel so special. Your blue and yellow is so pleasant. Thank you so much for sharing.

Charla

Robin said...

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! I just love everything you have done...from the vintage birthday cards, tablecloths, china, personalized goblets and especially your blue chargers!

{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Robin :o)

Soosie said...

Laurie Eve..That is so funny..I have Finlandia(the blue and white) and
the yellow medallion plates..I got the yellow medallion at a grocery store 20 years ago..I just have the dinner plates..Finlandia is my everyday..APRIL is busy with our family too..Whew! Now May with 4..
Great posting..Susie
GO KRIS ALLEN from Conway!:>)

Dawn Marie said...

Happy Birthday to your children!

I love what you do for them, its got to be so fun at your house. I'm not tired of your decorations, I think you do a great job.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Laurie,
I hate it when I'm late and am the 41st comment...bummer!!!

Your birthday celebration is divine!!! The banner is wonderful, the blue and yellow combo is scrumpious and the children's table is darling!!! Can you tell I love it all?!!! I think I have commented before on how badly I want grandchildren!!! I mean I WANT GRANDCHILDREN!!! I already have the table and chairs I have even been working on a room in my house for just that purpose. I don't think you should get to have all the fun;)!!!

If you dom't mind I am going to copy your idea about the birthday cards...too cute!!! Thank you for sharing this special celebration...BEAUTIFUL!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Judi said...

Laurie
I love your birthday ideas! That is a lot of birthdays but at least look how many you got over in one blow!...*g*..candles..you know blow..*s*...ummm...love your plates and your painting on the glass ideas too. Vintage cards...ahhhh so perfect!
Thank you for sharing
have a lovely day...and I hope you get something special for you too...
Judi

Kathleen said...

Wow! You really know how to celebrate..and I am sure you have created wonderful memories for your children!
No, I am not tired of blue...I like it..Your table is lovely..and FUN!!
So what's going on in May???

Salmagundi said...

My Goodness!! I was gone just a few days and I missed so many of your great posts. Let's see -- Happy Birthday again at your house - love that you go all out. I'm afraid my family is lucky if they have a meal on the table with no decorations. Loved all of the plates on the walls. And, of course, Vanna's family room is just like I would love to have mine look; but it never will, I'm afraid. Have a great weekend. Sally

The Muse said...

I will never tire of your blue chargers! And I must say I do love that you incorporate your decorations with your lovely household decor :)

I am a sucker for that color combo!

Brian + Cheryl B. said...

I would love to have some blue serving plates/chargers like you do!!!! They would go wonderously with my good china - white with blue trim and silver rim's . . .
I'll keep looking. Would even love to get them at the price you did!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! You've been a busy mommy, haven't you? I'm sure your birthday month has been so much fun! I do know you've set the tables beautifully! The grandchildren's table is just as charming as the adult's! I know they must have felt special too!
You know, I've had those cobalt blue glasses forever. Don't even remember where they came from! :(
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Using old birthday cards is the cutest idea. I love it all!!
Enjoyed reading Christine's post about you all too...Look at you girl Im saying it again...You are great little...Social Butterfly. ~Athella

Unknown said...

There are people who don't like blue?
Why I never! Snort! :)

Pretty birthday party!

~Liz

Connie said...

Hi Laurie,
My you have been a busy gal. Happy Birthday to your family. Your table always looks so nice !!!
I have to tell you something funny. I have learned so much at all these sites. I never knew that dishes and table settings were
so popular. My gosh, it is an art !!!
I am embarrassed to say that cooking for one involves one plate and some silverware. Since my kids all left, I have slowly left the kitchen and eat on the run. People and friends of mine usually pick a place to eat out and it seems to work out well.
I was in Pier One this week and found myself looking closely at all the dishes
and some of them are beautiful. What nice traditions you have, truly.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hello my dear friend...Girl my month of April birthday use to be like that...but so many are gone now ...so only a Daughter left to do for April and she thinks I should spend like its Christmas..She the one I told you who shops my house when she needs something to borrow..but I never seen it again...Now as she leaves I just say Good bye Gina, Good bye stuff..You know girl I don't think I have ever met somone like you that does some many special things things for your family..Its always so great seeing all the love you give to them...Your a great Mom my friend...Always so much fun coming by and seeing you...May you have a great weekend my friend...now go sleep with the BOSS...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Life on the Edge said...

Oh how pretty! I do love the blue and yellow together. I can't imagine that there are people out there who don't like blue! That's practically unAmerican! lol

I like the idea of having tile pieces to use as coasters.

I really enjoyed your beautiful table setting!

Kady

Cass @ That Old House said...

There are people who don't like blue? I think they need professional help, don't you?

LOVE the fabulous color and pattern on both of these tables -- and the kids' table looks just as good as the adults'!

Love the birthday goblets, too.

Now that April is over, what will you do with all the time and money you will have in May? :-)
Cass

Mary said...

First of all, how can anyone not like blue? Seriously?! I think both your tables are absolutely beautiful! And I'll bet you're glad that it's now May. ;)

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous table setting. lovely!!

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

LOVE all teh patterns on the table! I alos love that Happy Birthday banner & your vintage cards. My family doesn't really "get" my things either but like you, I do it anyway.


Thansk for the sweet comment about my Gizzy. He will alwyas be missed but Rudy is helping me to deal w/ it.

Four Paws and Co said...

This is beautiful Laurie! The "big" tablecloth is gorgeous! Where'd you find it??? ♥ Diane

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Just read the sweet note that you left about my cherub in a jar...Thank you for the compliments, Sweetie!!!

So what's on your agenda for this fine Friday, Girlfriend? Do you have plans for the weekend? Russ is still working on his Dad's place...we have renters! Yay!!! That takes a load off, financially, to get it rented!

Darlin', I don't know if I mentioned it in my last note, but I really enjoyed all of your vintage cards...I just love that pretty decorative card holder...I need to find one of those! I love vintage cards of any kind...you have a beautiful collection!!! Thanks for sharing them with us...

Love ya,
Chari

Unknown said...

Wow,everything looks so pretty and festive! Love those blue plates and that tablecloth is beautiful. Your urn is really unique, I love it!

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Laurie,
I love the French country palette of your tablescape and how you coordinated the children's table as well. How thoughtful! And I'm not tired of your blue chargers, they're stunning. I think I need to keep a lookout for more dishes, I'm running out of dishes for TT! Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hi. I really love hearing from you. ttyl!

puddin 07 said...

Laurie, I love everything you do, and I cannot believe how energetic you are! I love blue and yellow and how you coordinate the grownup's table with the children's table! Your family and friends are so blessed to have you! Love Ya! Connie

Nicole ~ said...

Laurie, I love your tablescapes!! I love how you created a separate, but coordinating table for your grandchildren. That is a lot of activity happening in April, I can see how your checkbook would feel lighter. I almost forgot, I love your plates and chargers!! They are so pretty!!

Kathleen Ellis said...

Lovely! I like blue...and blue with yellow...really like yellow. In my house there's more pink than blue and some people don't like that, either...oh well..they don't live here or at your place...right?! Each one gets to decorate with their colors! That's the beauty of it all!

Love those butterfly napkin rings!
;-D

Miss Janice said...

Well I just love all this Birthday celebration stuff! Those blue chargers are gorgeous and I love the china and the darling flatware. There are so many extra touches here...the customized beverage goblet, the tile coasters...I love it all:)