Newsletter Subscription

Sunday, January 11, 2009

A LITTLE TABLESCAPE AND A TAG TURNED TABLESCAPE


I did a little tablescape, just so I wouldn't miss out on the fun of Tablescape Tuesday, sponsored by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Being the bargain hunter that I am, when I read that Linens N Things was going out of business, I started looking for bargains on their website. I found a set of china (because you know I needed more china) and immediately ordered it. I am using my new china in on this table. I suspect that this is a knock off of a more expensive pattern, but I am a bargain hunter, so if it's a bargain, I'm okay with faux china if I get a deal on it.



For my centerpiece, I used a boy carrying grapes. I know we are not supposed to make our guests have to look at one another around tall centerpieces, but I've never been able to make a low centerpiece make enough of a statement on my table, so my guests might have to just converse with the people to their right and left and not talk to the one across the table from them! Sorry, guests.



Each salad plate has a different kind of fruit on it. There are apples,



grapes,



and pears.




The dinner plates all have the same little scene of a house.


One thing I like about this china is that there are so many different themes I can go with when I use them. They have leaves, fruits, flowers, houses, and greens (even though my camera makes the green look sort of blue), browns, reds, and golden colors. They may kind of remind you of my decorating (I can't make up my mind what I want to do, so it ends up being a hodge podge of things I like).

~~~~~~~

Kathy at Empty Nester tagged me. If you haven't seen her blog, you must go visit her and see all of her bright ideas. The instructions for the tag are:

1. Go to the the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer. 2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.3. Explain the photo 4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun!


I told Kathy that I would decide whether or not to thank her after I followed the instructions. Boy, you got lucky Kathy! Thank you. (Actually, I got lucky!)


The fourth picture in my fourth folder is a picture of two of my granddaughters. Carly is 5 years old and Brayden is 2 years old. This picture was taken at Brayden's "Farm Girl" birthday party in November


Since it is Tuesday, I'll share the "tablescape" for the Farm Birthday party.


Do you think Brayden enjoyed her birthday cake?



I'd like to pass this tag on the following four great bloggers:

Ann at Life At Ann's Place;

Chari at Happy to Design;

Gloria at Happy to Be; and
Vanna at Delusions of Grandeur.

Thanks so much for coming by to see my tablescape. Be sure to go to Between Naps On the Porch, and link to all of the pretty tablescapes. laurie
P.S.: Does anyone know what happened to Nanette at A Tale of Magical Memories? I've been worried.

65 comments:

Linda Q said...

Great job, I like the tall boy. Even though it is hard to look around things with height I think it gives some depth and interest to tables. Nice colors!
Linda

Anonymous said...

Laurie, you have the prettiest china sets, I love this one, and I agree something tall makes such a great statement. I love the little boy with the grapes. Sorry, Guests! You also have the prettiest Granddaughters! I love your balloon shades in your sunroom, also. Love Ya! Connie

cotedetexas said...

darling granddaughters - I can't wait for those!
love that centerpiece - your tablescape is gorgeous.

thank you so much for your sweet comment, much appreciated!!!
Joni

Anonymous said...

I love the tablescape Laurie. I have that same statue. He makes a great centerpiece.

Your your granddaughters are beautiful!

The farm tablescape is so cute.

Kat said...

I love the China! So pretty and so versatile. And your grandbabies are adorable. What a cute idea for the birthday party and yes I would say Brayden loved the cake. Hugs, Kathy

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie...I love your new china! It's so pretty! And your little centerpiece is charming! As for the picture tag, your granddaughters are just precious! I know that party must have been so much fun! My friend Linda is right...I bet all the other kids on the block wish you were their grandmother! Thanks so much for all of your prayers and support. Hugs to my friend...Debbie

Kathleen Ellis said...

Your first tablescape is beautiful! Love those dishes..and they are very versatile...always a good thing in my book!
Your granddaughters are absolutely beautiful!!! The farmyard theme is very cute!
Have a happy week!
:-)

Dixie said...

I love your new "bargain" dishes! and you're right... you can use them in so many different settings... the theme you chose today is beautiful! thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!
blissfully, Dixie

LillyB said...

Your table is beautiful! The boy with the grapes is an awesome touch!! p.s. I don't need to see the folks across from me...with my big mouth they hear me anyhow!LOL
Your grand babies are beautiful!
I love your table scape!!!

Bo said...

Good morning Laurie...Who made up that rule about a tall centerpiece? Some short person? LOL...I think it's a good way to hide Uncle Zelmo who chews with his mouth open...That china LOOKS very expensive. Your granddears are model-beautiful!! Great tablescape & photo tag... ;-) Bo

JudyBug said...

Those are the most gorgeous dishes! I live about 60 miles from the closest "Linen" store and didn't even think of looking online. Well, duh me!

Anonymous said...

Love the square plates and all the designs on them. Keeps my eyes happy. Your tall boy makes a great centerpiece. I also really like the birthday theme and your granddaughters are adorable. Happy Tuesday to you!!

Anonymous said...

I love your plates! Your tablescape turned out lovely! I love the boy with the grapes!

xoxoxoxoxoxo
Donna Marie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

You know I love these dishes...:-) darling children.. I'm off to work...hugs ~lynne~

xinex said...

Ooooh Laurie, your granddaughters are so cute and precious and so blonde! Were you that blonde when you were little? They're so huggable! And those plates are gorgeous! Love the colors and the patterns!...Christine

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

"but I've never been able to make a low centerpiece make enough of a statement on my table, so my guests might have to just converse with the people to their right and left and not talk to the one across the table from them!"

Love it! And couldn't agree more!;o)

Your granddaughters are stunningly beautiful Laurie...they took my breath away for a moment.

Anonymous said...

Hi, "oh-talented-one with T-H-E cutest Gerber-granddaughters"!!! It may be your "First Tabletop Tuesday", but certainly NOT your first tablescape, for sure!!! ~~~ This is so charming & yes, w/o variations in heighth, I think something always looks "off~~~ At a recent holiday dinner, the hostess had a faaabulous centerpiece~~~ maybe "just a tad too tall" in terms of blocking others, but WOW, it was "just a taaad", and sooooooo creative n' beautiful that I just enjoyed the visual feast from THAT!!! Yummy, Laurie~~~ Big, warm hugs, Linda

santamaker said...

Love, love, love the LNT dishes! So cute and fun. Here I am trying to get rid of my dishes and you're buying more! Not fair! Actually I'm getting rid of ugly dishes so that I can make room for cute ones like those!
Your Grand daughters are so cuuuuuuute!

Anonymous said...

BTW, LOVVVVE Bo's comment about hiding Uncle Zelmo's awful chewing!!!

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

I love the boy with grape centerpiece! Poh-pooh on the rules... the centerpiece can ALWAYS be moved.... I don't follow rules.. I do what I like. I LOVE your table...the plates th centerpiece...the napkins/placemats..

I wish I was a dish collector when our Linens and Things closed... I am a recent dishaholic-in training...lol

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Laurie, first of all your granddaughters are absolutely picture perfect and adorable....especially with cake and icing on the face. I love those kind of sweet moments. And your table and plates are amazing. I love square plates. I don't have any but I love them. Great deal you got, I like that centerpiece too. Great ideas...it just looks lovely!
Blessings,
Debbie

"Blossom" said...

Those dishes are to die for.
Great tablescape.
Blossom

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Your grandchildren are adorable. I love your centerpiece--it's brilliant and beautiful. The dishes are so pretty--my favorite is the one with the house. I have those green glasses somewhere, but in pink.
Hugs.

Deb said...

Hi Laurie! Beautiful tablescape! I love your China! Faux or not! Get tag the girls are beautiful! DEb

Helen said...

I certainly spent more than a few dollars at our going out of business Linens 'N Things, but your plates are the absolute best I've seen. I also love the big tall guy in the middle!

A Hint of Home said...

Very cute tablescape. I like your dishes and centerpiece. I move mine when needed.

Anonymous said...

LAURIE THOSE DISHES ARE JUST SIMPLY FABULOUS.I LOVE----------------THEM.HEY,MY BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP.RIGHT----------------DREAM ON,HUH????THANK YOU FOR TAGGING ME DEAR.LOV YA...ANN

Glenda said...

I have always heard "rules" were made to be broken. If you have room, and choose to, you could always place a taller than average "centerpiece" on the end or a corner of your table. I like yours just fine where it is.

I think I spied some muscadines on your table. Love them and haven't had any in years. Even though they are cultivated, they grow wild in some areas of the South, and are delicious.

Your china, flatware, and glassware worked together to produce a beautiful table.

I "almost" feel sorry for the boys as these two beauties (Carly and Brayden) get older. The ones I really do feel sorry for are the parents. They may have a hard time keeping the boys away.

What a wonderfully themed party, and you can tell the "birthday girl" had a blast.

Anonymous said...

Your table looks beautiful and my favorite is the little boy =) so break the rules and go for it.

Lady Katherine said...

I love him, the boy with the grapes, I mean! The dishes are so wonderful! This is so great Laurie! Just wonderful!

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Hi Laurie - Oh I think the grape boy adds to that Tuscan luncheon in the garden feel! I love those plates! And those two sweet granddaughters of yours! Oh they are beautiful!! yes, a lucky choice on pictures - we get to admire those little cuties! :) ~ Laurie

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Laurie,
Oh my your new plates are soooo pretty! I love the fruit patterns and shape.
~Beautifully done. You are really good at this!
~Melissa :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! I adore your new dishes! I'm like you - faux or whatever - if I like 'em that's all that matters. You've set a gorgeous table with them and I love the little boy statue as the centerpiece! I like the height too.
Now, those little grandbabies are just the prettiest little things.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Lisa (aka) French said...

I like the centerpiece and i know they shouldn't be too tall but oh well (lol) Those grands are CUTE!! Great deal on the china too! French;)

The Kramer Angle said...

One of these days I'm going to have to take my old chipped china, place a napkin over the chippy spots and get in on the tablescape fun! It's sort of intimidating though because yours are always so beautiful!

Love the grape boy.

Four Paws and Co said...

The dishes were a wonderful find! Your little granddaughters are just too precious! I loved all the pictures. ♥ Diane

Ginger said...

Your tablescape is really special. I love your "bargain" dishes.
Your granddaughters are beautiful and the color of their hair is amazing...they sure look like they are having a ball. Cute idea for a birthday party.

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

Your grand-daughters are adorable.

I love your 1st tablescape. I was hoping to do my 2nd. But, I've been sick since Friday. Oh, well. Maybe next Tuesday.

Your new china is very pretty. I love the different kinds of fruit. And the little house is so cute. Isn't this fun!!

Hugs, Terrie

Kathleen said...

I love your new dishes! So many colors to work with!
And your grands are beautiful..
Thanks for stopping in at my blog..
Kathleen

Tardevil said...

Oops...I just tagged Gloria too. Guess I wasn't quick enough. As you might have guessed, I love those dishes. I know...DUH!!! Love the centerpiece too.

Tardevil said...

And I forgot to say...those grandbabies are beautiful! Love those animal balloons at her party too...that is too cute!

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Your grandaughter's are absolutely precious!!! Beautiful little girls!

Great china! And I love the centerpiece! He's skinny enough, guests can peek around him! :) ~hugs, Rhonda

Belinda said...

That is such pretty china, Laurie...and if you got any kind of bargain on it, all the better! You really put together a stunning tablescape using it. :-) I like the tall centerpiece too!

Your granddaughters are little beauties! And what farmgirl wouldn't adore a farmyard themed birthday party?!

~CC Catherine said...

Laurie, Thanks for visiting my site today! 8=) I totally am in to bargain shopping as well! Good thinking on your part to check out Linens and Things online for the sale items! The Fruit dishware is totally so multi-purpose for changing up your Tablescape colors for future themes. Fruited dishware for me creates a very inviting and pleasant ambiance! Looking forward to following you~ ~CC Catherine (PS, your granddaughters are gorgeous! You must meet my grandchildren Tyler and Cate soon in pics! My Cate is just 4 weeks old this week)

Carrie said...

I love your new linens and new dishes...the designs are very fresh and appealing.

Kathy said...

Laurie, your table is gorgeous! And the birthday table is absolutely darling - so are the grandbabies!
Kathy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie,
Thanks for stopping by and the nice comments you left! Now, I love your new dishes and I think I need to check out linen n things. The table setting is beautiful and who cares about height,you can always move it after the guests start to eat. Your grandbabies are really darling too and so is that cute tablescape you made for the birthday party. Cindy in cold cold Wisconsin.

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

I just love your china. Fruits on china love it! Your centerpiece is awesome. Plus your granddaughters are just cuties!

Salmagundi said...

These new dishes are so fun! Looking forward to lots of different tablescapes using them. Sally

joyh82 said...

What pretty place settings. Love
the china and centerpiece. Your grandchildrens photos are adorable too!

Anonymous said...

Laurie, what a wonderful picture of two of your beautiful grand babies. What a cute theme for her party. Love your new dishes, I wish I had thought to check their website, those are gorgeous. The little boy is so sweet, I think he makes a wonderful statement. Heck who isn't willing to visit to their side for such a beautiful dining experience. Love, Cindy

Kristen said...

I have square plates too but mine are white. I even get square paper plates when I need them.

Your granddaughters are beautiful!

Kristen said...

Oh yea...I saw your header plate at Belks the other day! Mr C thought I was crazy when I said I know someone with that plate. He said yeah, who? I said Laurie. He said Laurie who? I said you know Bargin Hunter. He laughed and I did too....but I do feel like I'm getting to know you :-)

xashee's corner said...

i am not sure how i came across your blog but i sure am glad i did!! i have totally enjoyed reading you for the last half hour or more!! hehe Your photos are INCREDIBLE too! i will definitely come 'round some more! Thank you so very much for sharing a bit of your world!! hope you have an AWESOME day! :D

Elizabeth said...

Hi Laurie. Yes, everyone tells me just how wonderful it is being a Grandmomma. I can hardly wait!

Anonymous said...

Hey Laurie, I love the square plates and the pattern is lovely! Your grandaughters have beautiful eyes and amazing eyebrows for such wee ones. I remember when my second son was that small, he had the same blonde hair as your girls, but his hair turned dark a few years later and now he has a dark brown beard to go with it (and he's only 20, good grief!).

Victoria

Anonymous said...

I love your plates! I just looked on Linens 'N Things' website and they're not there anymore. Is there a manufacturer and pattern name on the back on your plates, or were they exclusive to Linens 'N Things?

Lynette said...

Laurie - those dishes are BEAUTIFUL!!! I love them - they are so you! And, I love the little statue as the center piece - he is great there - perfect!!
And your photo tag - what precious little grandbabies!!

OK - did you watch AI and did bikini girl just make you want to knock her out? UGH - men are sooo predictable!!

The Muse said...

First of all...i am a total fruit fanatic! LOL it drives my family...FRUITY LOL....
so iadore the china!

And i say, you have a table set for a most pleasing evening!

BUT I am soooo loving the kids table..i want to party! we can recite
breast poetry... LOL
Chicken breast...LOL

The Kramer Angle said...

I was thinking of you today because I was at the weekly country auction I go to and there were boxes and boxes of brand new table settings just sitting out in the field calling your name. One setting was a cowboy theme and it was so cute! You'll be so sad when I tell you the entire lot went for $10!

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Hey Laurie! your grandbabies are ADORABLE! I certainly enjoy your blog just as it is! and I love your tablescape! the china is too cute! and I love the garden statue in the middle! I buy garden angel statues at 80% off at Hobby Lobby then paint them up to use for Christmas decor! love ya! lauralu!

Miss Janice said...

Laurie, I love your tablescape and I agree that a larger centerpiece makes more of a statement. It is certainly proper to remove a grand centerpiece before dining. I love the centerpiece and those great dishes from Linen's and Things.

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

Hi Laurie...great tablescape...I'm in love with your china! The birthday party looked like so much fun. Your grandbabies are absolutely adorable! Love the centerpiece. I like tall centerpieces, too. I usually just move them when it's time to eat. Thanks for TWO wonderful tablescapes this week! Susan

Donna said...

Laurie - Carly and Brayden are absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! What a sweet picture! It looks like a fun time was had that day!... Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

The Stylish House said...

Laurie,
I arrived a bit late, but didn't want to miss the fun. Nice tablescape, the tall centerpiece is fine. Love the dishes, but miss the store. Have a Happy Easter! Cathy