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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

TABLESCAPE ~ SUMMER ISN’T OVER YET

Cuisine Kathleen issued her Summer challenge this week (at least, I think it’s this week.  Some of you may remember that I did two “white plus one” tablescapes, because my first one was posted a few weeks before the week of the challenge.  So…if you’re not sure when the Summer challenge is, you’d best not rely on me.)

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with Laurie

I have not used my shell dishes all summer, so I’m glad to get the chance to use them now.  When I think of summer, I think of a trip to the beach.  We weren’t able to go to the beach this summer, so this tablescape is our only trip to the beach this year.

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with Laurie 

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with LaurieThe glass fish “snack plates” were from an estate sale.  I served a green salad in them.  I know you are wondering about up my upside down knife and fork, which I have placed on the dinner plate.  No, it’s not a new trend (you know I’m not a trend-setter).  I’ve always thought there should be a salad knife as well as a salad fork.  Many times, I have to use my dinner fork to try to cut something in my salad.  Then, when the salad plate is removed, I have no place to put my used dinner knife, other than the table.  I guess I could just hold it in my hand, but then, I know I’d end up waving it around in the air while I talk, and I’m pretty sure that would be frowned upon!

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

So, this extra fork and knife are for the salad, and they are upside down, because they have our initial engraved on the back (I guess that would be European style), and if I placed them with the tines facing away from the diner, the “R” would be upside down.  I ordered these a few years ago from the The Lazy Peacock Etsy.  I guess the monogram doesn’t have to show, but I wanted it to, so I threw the rules out the window and turned them upside down (in two directions!).

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with Laurei

I served spaghetti with meat sauce in my shell-shaped dinner plates.  I bought these on sale at Kohl’s a couple of years ago.  They are Shoreline Collection by Home Studio.  I can’t remember where I got the placemats.  I’ve had them a long time.  I had eight, but because of spills, I’m down to five of them.

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with Laurie

The dessert shells were my mother’s.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t serve any dessert small enough to fit in those shells (after all, dessert is the best part of the meal), so I used them for butter.

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with Laurie

If these wood napkin rings were washable, I could have used them for rolls.  I ordered these on-line one time, and when they arrived, I was shocked at how big they were.  (Nope, I didn’t read any measurements, although they were probably available.)

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with Laurie

The centerpiece is simply a sand castle candle holder, surrounded by found sea shells, dumped onto a tray.  (Yes, I really did just dump them!)

Summer Table-Bargain Hunting with laurie

Thank you for stopping by.  laurie

EDITED TO ADD:  On August 24, 1969, I married my best friend! (I was a child bride!)

wedding photo_thumb[3][1]

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I’m linking to Let’s Dish Wednesday at Cuisine Kathleen, Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters, and Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, and Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful Summer table Laurie, whether or not it is Let's Dish Summer.:-)

I did a late Summer post and didn't know it is Summer Challenge week.

hidden art of homemaking said...

Laurie, This certainly says summer. I really like those fish plates and your silverplate with your initial..I am going to use your idea of a salad knife..that's a good idea especially with all of the different greens we use in salads nowdays...great table..
Love, Mona

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh how pretty. Love your sandcastle centerpiece and the shell and fish dishes are fabulou. You always do it all up right. Hugs, Marty

Carol said...

I can just imagine a wonderful seafood meal being enjoyed at this pretty table. Marty nailed it when she said you do it up right. You always inspire!

Smiles,
Carol

ellen b. said...

Glad to hear summer isn't over yet! :)
I'm hoping for some lazy dayz of summer yet.
Love the summer setting, Laurie!

xinex said...

Your shell plates are so pretty, Laurie, but I really like the placemats. Nice sandcastle centerpiece too!...Christine

Sarah said...

Laurie, I always think of the beach with summer too, but no beach trips for us either. Hopefully I'll get to join my cousins at the beach in September.
Your shell plates are fun, and you've added the perfect beachy details. Yep, I do feel as if I've been to the beach. '-)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I see so many things I love about your table! You know I love everything about the ocean and the place mats are really special! And what fun to have a sandcastle on the table! I'll have to keep my eyes open for a candle holder like that! Sweet hugs!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Laurie, I too was worried that I had the wrong week, but we got it right this time! Your beachy table is taking me away to fun in the sun and sand. Love your centerpiece! Yes, those older dishes hold much smaller servings which would probably be a good idea now, but I'll take my dessert on the big shell, please! Linda

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love those shell dishes! They set a very pretty summer table! Love the engraved knives and I say show them off!
hugs, Linda

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Very pretty Laurie!
Your always so clever, with your tables and your writing.
I still need to fit a trip to the beach in this summer.
Boy it's going fast around here.
Hugs my friend,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table! I really like those shell plates.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Laurie, your beach tablescape does take me away to the beach. We haven't been able to go this summer either but I'm hoping to get there in Sept. I have a set of those same clear fish plates that I have had FOREVER! I found some small glass containers to fit them at a restaurant supply house to hold cocktail sauce and have used them to serve shrimp.

Phyllis @Around the House said...

I do love seaside tablescapes, I think they are my favorite and I have not done one this summer, well maybe I still have time and maybe that should be my goal, lol, along with the rest of the tasks that need to be done....thanks for reminding me with your beautiful table...love the fish plates...Phyllis

Diane said...

I cannot believe you just dumped the shells into the centerpiece. I could have spent all day arranging them and they would not have looked that good - lol! Love all of your shell pieces and the sandcastle. Also, the food sounded really good!

Beeutiful by Design said...

I love the shell theme and especially the plates! We are heading to the beach next week and I cannot wait.

Unknown said...

Love your shell plates....
a very nice beachy table!
Blessings My Friend,

thepaintedapron.com said...

Well Laurie, I think that a salad knife is just brilliant! And of course you must place the silver upside down to show the monogram, makes perfect sense to me! I love all your shell plates, shapes and sizes. That's funny about the napkin rings, I think they're really cute! Love your sandcastle too! If you had gone to the beach this year it most likely would have rained, it's been VERY rainy! Love your table,
Jenna

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I have done 2 shell tabls this summer and a post on decorating with shells (have a HUGE shell collection:):) I love, love your table and ALL the details. I remember those Kohls shell plates. Love them. XO, Pinky

Dewena said...

If those glass fish snack plates go missing, you know where to look (I collect Italian pottery fish plates). And the dinner plates might just disappear too.

What an elegant table and the colors are more like early fall at the beach instead of June.

I'm pinning these for when I use my fishes next.

Lulu said...

I have fish plates, too, so you know I like yours. They and the shells are a perfect combination just right for summer.

Entertaining Women said...

Okay, I must be slow...I've never bought shell plates because I don't ever have an opportunity to serve fish (Sweet Mister doesn't like fish). I just never thought of pasta....now that I can do! Thanks for the inspiration and for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

cairncottage said...

I love anything "beach" related! The shell and fish plates are adorable. Wish I could find some like that! Have an awesome weekend!
Ann @ Cairn Cottage (http://cairncottage.blogspot.com/)

Kathleen said...

That is def summer fun and yes, you had the date right!
Love all your shells and fish plates. Could you put a doily or something on the shell you wanted to use for rolls? There has to be somewat to do it.
Thanks so much for taking the summer fun challenge! You did it well!