Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Eve Two Ways

I really enjoy working out a tabletop based on one simple item. A Happy New Year mobile found at our local dime store inspired this whimsical tablescape for New Year's Eve.













The placesettings feature Fiesta dinnerware in heather and HLCCA polka dot paired with yellow Harlequin, Ikea flatware and Crate and Barrel cocktail glasses and shaker. I played with egg cups and cordial glasses, because this table works for brunch or supper. Heather is very hard to photograph, so the photos had to be done in daylight to capture this elusive purple hue.















A second New Year's Eve tabletop had a very different evolution. I've admired the vintage Homer Laughlin dinnerware line Black Tulip on the Century shape for quite some time. I've had a platter and a few salad plates for several years. The fall I was able to purchase service for four from a fellow collector. These pieces are debuting for an elegant supper.

















The centerpiece includes Fiesta bulb candleholders in vintage ivory and post-86 black. Vintage champagne saucers, Pottery Barn napkin rings and Oneida Cityscape flatware complete the table.



















Thanks for stopping by for this final tabletop of 2010. It was a very good year for tablescapes! Have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and do come back to the table tomorrow for the first 'scape of 2011.

I'm excited to share these tables for Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper and for Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life !

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Winter Garden

What does a tablescaper do during a blizzard? Snow inspired tabletops, of course!

I felt a little sad to see my roses shivering in the drifts.



Then these hungry little visitors reminded me of some napkin rings in my collection.





I received this beautiful blue vintage tablecloth as a Christmas gift. It's the perfect foundation for a winter garden!











The soothing blue of these Riviera plates cleanses the palate after the red and green of Christmas. The tabletop also includes a Riviera batter jug, serving bowl and salt and pepper shakers.







The Depression Glass includes Moderntone sherberts and a Newport mustard. The candleholders are Dansk.







The French glassware is from my grandmother. I think it's an Avon pattern. The little cordial cups are actually deviled ham containers from the war years. Slag glass was used in the place of metal. The flatware is vintage Bakelite.

Our little visitors earned their seeds by providing both inspiration and entertainment on a snowy day.



My winter garden helps me to think of blooms preparing for spring under the snow...

I'm happy to be sharing these cool blues for the final Tablescape Thursday of 2010 at Between Naps on the Porch!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Leftover Lunch

Are you tired of Christmas tables yet? I had not planned to use this cloth this season, but the arrival of some Homer Laughlin Diner bowls from Santa led to a change in plans. This last red and green table is a bit of a leftover, but I think you will enjoy it just the same.





I've seen this tablecloth many times in ebay, but I was never tempted to own one until I found one mint in the package for just a few dollars at a local shop. The scent of Scotchguard was a little overwhemling after thirty plus years in the package, but a quick wash took care of that issue.

















Sometimes cloths with really strong graphics can be a challenge, but the HLCCA polka dot plates and the scarlet stripe diner bowl were just the ticket to tame this cloth. Other items on the tabletop include Fiesta scarlet flatware, a white milli vase, a snowflake luncheon plate and a scarlet prep bowl. Pier One napkins and napkin rings, Libby red stripe glasses, vintage flocked reindeer and Santa garland complete the table.

I'm sharing this last Christmas table for Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life. Thanks for stopping by for all of the red and green 'scapes this season!