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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I'M STARTING A DIET...RIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS!



Unfortunately, I do this every year. I start eating candy at Halloween, and I don't stop until the new year (of course, that's when I make my annual resolution about dieting, which only lasts for about a week, because at that point, my mouth and stomach are so spoiled from getting candy all of the time that I'm too addicted to quit.) For Tablescape Thursday, I am posting a table that is all about candy! I'll serve a very healthy salad with low fat dressing before we dig into the candy!


Who needs flowers for a centerpiece when you have Halloween candy?



The layers of each place setting include: a butter cloche over a votive candle holder that has been filled with candy; a pumpkin plate; a clear glass plate; a white plate with a candy corn circle on top of it; and my ruffly black place mats (given to me by Christine at Christine's Home and Travel Adventures - thanks Christine, I'm loving these).
I normally use a paper plate or a paper napkin for the design under the glass plate. I did have some Halloween paper plates and napkins, but since I wanted this table to be about CANDY, I printed a picture of candy corn from the internet and cut it in a circle with pinking shears to use for my plate design.





Guests may take home their votive container filled with candy and use it for a candle when the candy is all gone.



Flatware is in a plastic Halloween bag. After guests remove their flatware, they can start filling their bag with candy from the centerpiece. There's my cute pumpkin tag that I showed you in a previous post (Karen Harvey Cox @ A Scrapbook of Inspiration).





Little witches sit atop balls that open up to reveal even more candy!






I purchased the little leaf container that holds a pepper shaker and a salt bowl (and a container for something else) at an antique mall last year. I guess the price was reduced because it looks like it's supposed to have something in the center.






Now y'all know that looking at candy will not make you gain weight, right?
If only all I did was look! Ya know, it's kind of a Catch 22 with Halloween candy. If I buy something I don't like and we don't get many trick-or-treaters, I am stuck with a lot of candy I don't want to eat. If I buy something I do like, I have to buy more before Halloween, because I've already eaten it all!




The only things I bought for this tablescape were the candy (and we all know that was really for me) and the ribbon printed with "BOO". I found the ribbon at Michael's. I've had everything else for too long to remember where I purchased them(including the little bags, which I'm sure were bought on sale after H'ween one year. I found them in my H'ween decor and I had never opened them).

I had such a great telephone call today! Katherine at
Lady Katherine Tea Parlor called, and although I know she is in pain, she sounded so great! You know, when I read a blog for awhile, I start feeling like the blogger is talking to me. Each time I've met a blogger, I am surprised that their voice sounds nothing like what I had imagined. Apparently, my voice REALLY sounds nothing like what others imagine. Although Katherine didn't say anything about my hillbilly Arkansas accent, it has come up with other bloggers I've met. The funny thing about the call from Katherine is that she called my office. When I answered the phone, she asked to speak to Laurie, and I told her that this is Laurie. Katherine said "you don't sound like yourself"! Now remember, I've never spoken with Katherine before. We've only left messages on each other's blogs for so long that we feel that we have spoken. We talked for a long time, and I hope I didn't wear her out, but it was just so much fun to actually talk to her. Even when she's in pain, she is a sweetie! She will not be able to blog for a long time, so please continue to send cards for her in care of me, as shown on my sidebar. Some of you have already sent them, and I have forwarded them to Katherine. She told me that she has received a lot of cards.


Also, don't forget to keep sending cards to Andrew in care of me (also on my sidebar). He and his family are home from the hospital now, but I know he must be very lonely, and his mother, Melanie, relates that he has severe headaches and nausea.


Thank you so much for coming to visit me (I hope you don't feel like you gained 10 pounds while you were here.) (I also hope there is still some candy left in my centerpiece when Halloween night gets here!). I'm linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Fiberdoodles for the Halloween party. Don't forget to go to these blogs for links to more Blogville fun, and hopefully fewer calories than what I have shown! laurie

76 comments:

ellen b said...

What a great SWEET table you have created. Love it. I like what you did with the candy corn. You are cracking me up about your after Christmas Diet. Don't you wish we could take off weight like they take off dollars on after Christmas clearance. Boy would I love even 20% off my weight :0)

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love your table, Laurie! I've already been into the bite size snickers...oh my....

I am so happy you talked with Katherine. Thanks so much for telling us. She's been on my mind.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Laurie,
I am sitting in our Phoenix,AZ hotel and I just had to check my blog! Your tablescape is so darn cute, and now I'm dreaming of candy! Now I picture your voice with a southern draw and that's what is so cool cause I love those southern accents! Hugs to you, Cindy

susan said...

I totally understand the candy dilemma. I love those butter cloches!!! You are so clever to print the candy corns and put them under the glass plates. Your tables are always pretty, but they are also FUN! Hope you have a happy Halloween and either lots or no trick or treaters--depending on what kind of candy you bought! :)

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Yum Laurie! This looks wonderful -- well I guess I'd better waddle on away from this temptation!

Carol said...

Your Halloween table is 'spooktacular'!

Ginny said...

I absolutely looove the table. I especially think the butter cloch over votive is a great idea! You really do have a gift for decor. I am so envious! I look at all the talented bloggers out there, and I wonder where in the heck you guys get such good inspirations and ideas. I certainly do not have that gift! Great job, Laurie.

Salmagundi said...

Oh! I know what you are talking about. I bought a huge bag of individually wrapped M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, etc. etc. The grandkids, my daughter & my husband have practically wiped it out. I hid what was left this afternoon. I've been good only eating one Snickers, but it is so hard. I know I'm going to have to buy another bag before Saturday. Happy Halloween! Sally

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love your table setting! I prefer savory over sweet, but when the holidays pop up I tend to buy a little candy (or a lot) just to have on hand, then end up over eating. Usually the Grands are in and out more, but with school,etc. going on - not so much. Awww! You don't have a "hillbilly" accent!
Hope you are having a great evening.
Glenda

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Forgot to say - Got a card off today for Katherine.
Glenda

Tardevil said...

Love your Halloween table. The plates are adorable. I want to come to your party! But then, I can't afford to gain 10 lbs! I'm glad you got to talk to Katherine, and I do hope she will feel better soon! Happy Halloween!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! Oh, another wonderful table! I love how you put the candy corn pictures under your glass plates! So creative! Now I must tell you, I love your idea about dieting! Well, do it after Christmas!
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Laurie, this is just the cutest thing I have ever seen. I would love to be there and fill my bag with some of all those wonderful treats. Now of course I would probably walk out with one of those little butter cloches in my bag, you know how that goes. Also, I am thrilled that Katherine is doing a little better. I will continue to remember her in prayer and Andrew also. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

Kammy said...

Laurie ~
I didn't know you had a sweet tooth - I do too...I could help you eat all that candy....I love the idea of decorating with candy...I will have to try that...LOL ! Love your idea of the napkin or paper plate under the glass - now that is thrifty ! I am so jealous that you have two tables to decorate......
Hugs ~ Kammy

Debby@Just Breathe said...

After Christmas, sounds like the perfect plan to me only it would have been nice to get off last years holiday weight!

Love the table setting.

Jewel Sauls said...

Laurie, I am with you on the after Christmas diet! Love all your decorations!!!! The candy corn "plate" is just the best!!! :D Jewel

Kat said...

Laurie, this is really adorable. What neat ideas for party favors. And I love the candy centerpiece - Willy Wonka's got nothing on you lol! And you don't start eating candy until Halloween? I think I start at Easter and don't stop. Good news about Katherine - that's so funny that she said you didn't sound like yourself! Have a wonderful, fun and safe Halloween! Kathy

Sarah said...

Well, if this isn't the "sweetest" table! You always share such creative ideas. I can see that you know how to have fun in life. I'm afraid I've been hitting the candy corn container far too often of late. But I've hit upon a new idea to slow me down. I'm mixing a few kernels into a bowl of popcorn. It gives me a salty/sweet taste, which keeps me from eating a bowl of candy corn! Love this post! ~ Sarah

Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern said...

Laurie,
What a great looking table! Looks perfect for Halloween. Thanks for sharing and happy TT to you!

Kathysue said...

All I have to say is I would love to come to ANY party you have at your warm and festive home. You always make every occaion more than Special. Hugs kathysue

xinex said...

Your tablescape is so cute, Laurie and you are so funny, so entertaining. I love your goblets!...Christine

santamaker said...

Trick or Treat! Gimme something good to eat! Hand ovah the candy and no one gets hurt! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a fun and creative table. So many great elements. I love the self-serve candy table. I am going to use that!
Thanks,
Yvonne

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

That is a cute tablescape. I like the little ribbon with "Boo" on it. I'm glad you got to talk with Kathleen and that she is feeling better.

Cindy J. said...

Sooooo cute and so creative, my goodness you should write a book on creative tablescapes and parties! I sure would like to be added to the list for your wonderful book.. went there the other day and saw that you had changed it to private. Been under the weather a bit...I sure love to visit your wonderful home! Love, Cindy

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love your post & your candy tablescape. My kind of tablescape!!! I too love Halloween candy & I had to laugh about your trick or treat candy problem. I have the same problem each year. This year I bought candy that my kids like & I don't. That way if there is any left over, they will eat it & not me. I love how your guests can take home candy from your tablescape as a treat. Great idea!!!

Connie said...

Laurie,
I love your certer pieces. Your tables are so colorful and I like that.
I had to laugh at you when you spoke of a diet, etc. and addicted to sugar, etc. I am sitting here with the spoon in the peanut butter and that is really pathetic !
Every night, too.
I'll be thinking of you, lol.

Phyllis @Around the House said...

well I don't even know where to start, I just love love it all, the picture of the candy corn with the clear glass plate on it was genius, I love the butter clouches at each place setting, so clever< I am trying to remember, oh the ghost napkins and the pumpkin napkin rings sooooo cute, thanks so much for sharing, i loved visiting

Four Paws and Co said...

You have the best ideas! Loved your candy tablescape & I bet your guests are tickled pink when they sit down with all that tempting candy to nibble on.

I bought a ton of candy - hmmmm, we seem to have giant mice that are eating all the good stuff & at this rate, I'm going to have to go candy shopping again before halloween! ☺

Dixie said...

Very creative Laurie... love the pinked photos under the plates... very cute!

now... about that diet theory... i'm with ya girl!

Kathleen said...

Love that table! What fun..and the goody bags for take homes, great idea!
Those domes are great!
You are so good to remind everyone about the cards...
Wrap that chocolate around an apple..it becomes Health food!
Happy Halloween, Laurie!

Decor To Adore said...

What a spooktacularly bootiful table!

Cynthia said...

Your table is sweet. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

Maggie said...

Hi Laurie,
Loved your table what a feast for the eyes, I didn't know where to look first.
Thanks for joining in our giveaway at QCI come by on Sunday to see the result!
Maggie @ QCI

black eyed susans kitchen said...

You have the best sense of humor! I agree...candy is a wonderful centerpiece. Your tablescape is a lot of fun.
Susan

Rettabug said...

I hear ya' on the candy consumption! I refrained from buying Good & Plenty this year....my very most favorite, but I still have had more than my share of goodies.

I love the look your rippled placemats gave to the table.
What a great idea to print off your candy corn backing for your clear plates....cool.

I think those jack-o-lantern plates have a sexy, come hither look to them....what a hoot!
Your stemware is awesome, too, as are all your photo frames. GREAT JOB!!!

I hope you don't mind me borrowing your idea of putting the flatware in a bag....I just saw some cute turkey ones at Wal-Mart awhile ago. The g'kidlets will get a kick out of that.

Rettabug said...

Oh...I forgot to mention our church collects all the "leftover" Halloween candy...(the stuff we don't like) & takes it to our local homeless shelter, Haven of Rest. They love getting treats!!!
Just a thought, in case you have any left. :P

Lorrie said...

I know what you mean about the candy. I try to buy stuff I don't particularly like, but that doesn't always work!

A fun table!

Lorrie

Designs on 47th Street said...

Laurie, I have missed you! How did we stray? Luckily I was able to get right on to your blog today. Your posts always make me smile and this one certainly did too. Great fun and great photos.

Even this silk plant lady agrees with the can't go wrong with a candy centerpiece!

Donna

The Fajdich Times said...

Love your tables. You did an awsome job:)

9405018--Pat said...

Your table is adorable.....made me smile...thanks for sharing...Pat H

SmilingSally said...

Laurie, Serve some diet drink along with that low fat salad, and we can eat all the candy we want.

calories + diet drink + salad = SKINNY!

Linda Q said...

Hi Laurie,
So so cute, I love some of your "thinking outside the box" little touches, they make it!
Linda Q

Tootsie said...

what a wonderful table!!! this is truely awesome Laurie!!!

Janean said...

Get OUT! Your photos are FAB! One of my very favorite movies is "It's a Wonderful Life" too. Yay!

Jeanette said...

I love the ruffle placemats. The whole table is so FAB!

Envoy-ette said...

One of those plates looks like it's drunk on candy! LOL
(we should be so lucky)

Anonymous said...

Well Laurie, You have outdone yourself with this darling table. It's so cute,....cute...cute! We don't get little children for trick or treating out here in the boonies so I don't buy candy. I enjoyed yours....xoxo

Lori (All That Splatters) said...

Love the theme! How clever to print out the picture of the candy corn and laying it under the glass plate. I love it!! So many ideas for future tablescapes! Thank you!

Ginger said...

Laurie, that is about the cutest tablescape I've ever seen. I would of never thought about using candy instead of flowers, but I love it. You are so darn creative.
Cute how you put the flatware in the plastic candy bag.
I love candy too, and eat way too much of it.
Great job...you should be a decorator, or party planner. I know you've heard that before, but you really have a knack for it.
I'm glad you mentioned Katherine. I am going to look her up. I mailed a card today.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Laurie, my box came today and I am just thrilled. Now the cakeplate and server are stunning and then the surprise of the fabulous candy and the cutest notepad I have ever seen. I am just so thrilled. I have a couple of things to post about, so I will get some pics up next week. Thank you again so much. I am thrilled to pieces. Hugs, Marty

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Wonderful table! Happy Halloween!

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

Laurie, Coming to your blog reminds me why I love blogging. You are so fun and full of great ideas. I have so much catching up to do. And I have to go find some candy! LOL
Luv Ya! Terrie

The Style Sisters said...

Loving these ideas! So many wonderful ideas.

I am having a giveaway on my blog today...set of 12 holiday berry wreath napkin rings in either white or red. Come on by and take a peek.

Karin

Dining Delight said...

Anyone who sits down to that wonderfully yummy table is going to throw any thoughts of diets out the window! I can't believe how you can make candy look like a meal! I'm sure you can get all the food groups accounted for there can't you? I really like how your guests can take the votive holders home and put candy in them! Great idea!

DD

Unknown said...

Laurie,
You set the most magical tables. I adore your centerpieces too. I felt honored to see my pumpkin tag in the middle of this magnificent Halloween spread. You even make Halloween look classy. I love it.
Karen

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Laurie...You never cease to amaze me...this is stunning!!! Where do you get all of your wonderful ideas?

I love the candy and the flatware in the bags...all of the color...everything is just perfect!!!

Have a wonderful night sweet lady!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Donna said...

Well, I do feel like I gained 10 lbs but it was well worth it to see your beautiful tablescape!! Oh, what a sweet tooth I have!

Glad you enjoyed my Sleepy Hollow post, and that you also got a kick out of the "one way" sign!!

Have a great weekend!!

Donna

Bill said...

Hi Laurie,
Such a fun post! As always, you've set a creative and visually appealing table. Your posts are always cleverly written with great humor and thoughtfulness. Glad to hear that you spoke with Lady Katherine and that she seemed to be in good spirits.

I also enjoyed your estate sale post ... WOW ... what a house! I wish I'd known about that one; I'd have gladly driven an hour to tour such a special (and historic) home!

Hope your weekend goes well. Enjoy the candy ... I'm planning to buy all my favorites on the way home today ... I might just turn out all the lights to discourage little visitors from coming to the door! I won't really do that ... I don't think I'll really do that ... ;)

Bill

Dawn Marie said...

I LOVE your table..its so Happy feeling. That is so funny about candy. I'm just about out--all my adult kids take it as they come over and so do the grandkids.

I'm glad Katherine is doing well. Oh and yes your Estate Sale Post was unreal. I cant imagine the fun of seeing a home like that.

joyh82 said...

I hear ya about the diet. This is such a bad time of year. I love your tablescape and all the added little touches. Looks so festive and fun!

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Laurie, thanks for checking on us! I'm fine, Kevin is pretty good, he had a small infection in one of his incisions but is doing better. We have had a hard time finding out anything about the mass. The doctors sure don't get in a hurry! He has an appointment on Wed. morning so we should know something then. Thanks so much for your prayers!

Now for this tablescape! It's wonderful!! I just love all the cute details! Oh and that candy centerpiece is perfect!!!I'm the same way about the candy, I can't quit eating it either...Have a wonderful Halloween!! Kristen

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Hi Laurie!

LOVE your table. Everything is just wonderful!

I received my beautiful cake plate and server yesterday! Thank you so much!! It is even more stunning in person! As a matter of fact I will be featuring it on my "Pink Saturday" post tomorrow!

Thanks again for such a wonderful gift!

Hugs,
Diann :)

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Hi Laurie! Glenda and I went to the bead show at the Agricenter last weekend and she told me about Amy. I am so sorry. I don't know what to say. I will be praying for her family and friends. It has been 7 years since I lost my sister and yet I miss her like it was yesterday. How do people make it thru something like this without the Lord? I wanted to stop by and say hi! I'm sorry I've been MIA. I just haven't had the time or the subjects to blog about. Hopefully next week I'll be back. I miss you and next time you're planning a trip over let me know! Glenda and I had a great time. I've been busy making jewelry with everything I bought at the bead show. Everyone has gotten so professional! I think I'm outta my league! God Bless You Laurie and how much you care for everyone! You're a special lady! Love Ya! Lauralu :)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie this is cute as a bug's ear...I haven't had time to even think about a table for Halloween let alone put one together. I'll just enjoy every one else's this year..lol... Happy Halloween..
hugs ~lynne~

Judi said...

Oh Laurie!!
I LOVE your tablescape and your whole menu! If I were not on my diet thingy I would want to be there.
You have used such creativity and imagination and its all so wonderful. Wouldn't any child love to be there also?

I've often wondered what we all sound like if we got together to talk...I didn't think of you as having a hillbilly accent..*g*... What fun!

Thank you for sharing your Halloween table and news about the other bloggers. We will keep them strongly in our thoughts and prayers.

Happy Boooo Halloween!
Judi

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

What a fun fun table! This is so cute! I made the mistake of using carmel candy corn as filler around a candle - it's half gone! We keep lifting the candle out and snatching some candy corn!

I've sent you a card for Katherine. It's good to hear an update on her!

Manuela

Monica said...

Hi Laurie!
Oh my gosh! Sooo pretty and colored! Love your exquisite touches to a fun table!
Thanks also for stopping by.
Have a safe day.
Monica.

Sharlotte said...

Your table is PERFECT! I love all your special touches...the printed candy corn under the clear glass, the flatware in candy bags, votives filled with candy. You are so creative! I hope you have a fun evening with all your treats! Thanks for sharing!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Laurie...LOVE your Halloween table...now I need to go eat candy! :-) Brilliant idea printing out the candy corn pics...love seeing how you use them under the clear glass! You can have an endless array of new dishes that way...great idea! :-) Happy Halloween...although, it's just about gone for another year, now.
Susan

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Miss Laurie..

I've so missed popping over to visit that I really thought I should get with it...

Oh YES...I do love your Halloween tablescape and I'll be delighted to join you...really...you can skip the salad so we can just move right onto the candy. No sense in using up valuable tummy real estate for healthy stuff! :-)

Huggies,
Spencer

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

What a lovely table setting. I really like the stand in the middle and the votives under the glass. How charming! My friend and I have entered table setting in our county fair for several years now and it's so fun to see ideas from other bloggers. Thank you for sharing with us.

Andi's English Attic said...

An absolutely scrumptious table. Thanks for sharing. xx

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Girlfriend...

I'm so happy to hear about Katherine...thank you so much for giving us an update! She has been in my prayers!!! So wonderful that you got to visit with her over the phone...I just know that you made her day!!!

Well my friend, I've been having to do a bit of "catching up" over here at your place! I'm sorry that I've missed a few of your posts! This is really one of the prettiest Halloween tablescapes that I've seen! I like that you kept it sweet and fun!!! I'm really not into all the gorry...spooky stuff! Now, I have to tell you that these have got to be the cutest little pumpkin plates that I've ever seen! They're just so fun...and so happy! Of course, I love all the pretty orange and black together...your place settings are framed out beautifully with the black ruffled mats...love those! Ohhh...and I love your goblets...they are charming and so perfect with your Halloween tablescape!!! Girlfriend, where did you find the little cloches that you set at each place setting? I love, love LOVE those!!! And...I love the cute black checked napkins!!! Pretty, pretty, PRETTY centerpiece...love the tall apothecary jar filled with goodies! Girl, you did a great job with this pretty tablescape...it's not only beautiful but so festive too!!! I love it!!!

Love ya,
Chari

Lady Katherine said...

Just love the table and candy! I love the tray! Your so sweet Laurie! I loved talking with you too. Thanks for everything. Now you forgot to tell them you do not sound like a hillbilly, plus I love hillbillies. lol You also for got to tell them I sound like one. lol

kanishk said...

love your table, Laurie! I've already been into the bite size snickers
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