Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Spring "Manly" Tablescape!


I had a bit of a challenge this week because I wanted to do a tablescape for an upcoming birthday dinner for my father and father-in-law. I was hoping for something both springish and not so girlish. Mostly in the spring we see the flowers and bunnies, chicks, etc. Love it all, but not the look I was going for.


This is a placesetting. I have my clear glass charger with a gold rim - next a pewter dinner plate - next a china salad plate with a bird scene. I asked my pocketbook if I could pleeeeeeeze get some of the spode woodlands salad plates with the birds or dogs on them. But my pocketbook said "nooooooo waaaaaaaay". I just hate it when my pocketbook is cranky ... don't you? Anyway, pocketbook said, "You'll just have to be thrifty - and you only have $25 to spend." So off to e-Bay I went and after several days of looking, I found these china bird scene salad plates - eight for $24. These are dated 1940. It give me the look I was hoping for. I also have my pewter goblets again and the restaurant supply flatwear. The napkins are a mint green and each of the plates has just a touch of this green in it.


I found this tan linen tablecloth at "Finders Keepers" in Atlanta last Saturday. It just barely covers the top of my table - so I layered it over a dark green tablecloth. I love the white edgeing - it's not too lacey. I can "see" this for a summer beach look tablescape sometime in the future.


You might remember these two pheasants I got on e-bay a couple of weeks ago for 99 cents! I have them as my centerpiece. First I've got my picture frame with some brown crinkaline. The female is elevated on a small footed plate. These birds hava a wonderful bronze glaze on them that doesn't seem to show up in the photos. The person who sold them said they had been sitting on a bookcase for the past twenty years and just needed a new home. When they're not on the table, they've been on the mantle of our greatroom. This side also shows a large china egg box.


On this side of the birds I've got a small nest of eggs hopefully this helps with the "spring" look.


This is a close-up of the china egg that was given to me several years ago by a special friend at work for Easter. She has since passed away, so it is very special to me. She was a wonderful lady from Scotland who used to teach at the Adult Education Center where I work.


These next pictures show the six plates I'm using. Each has a different bird with a young bird. We're saying that each one is a "Daddy bird" with his young one (Since this is our Dad's birthdays!)








Our last picture is an overview (sideways!) of the table. Sort of plain - but I'm hoping that I've got the look of a man's birthday celebration. Our dad's mean the world to us and we're so glad that we get to celebrate their birthdays again - they both have some medical issues, but are doing pretty well. My dad will be 84 and my father-in-law will be 86. We're so blessed! To see more tablescapes, please go to "Tablescape Thursday" hosted by Susan of Between Naps On The Porch.

34 comments:

  1. Gorgeous tablescape, I love the pheasants and it does look beautiful and manly at the same time. Love the ebay finds, they are all wonderful. Happy Birthday to both dads, that is so special to still have them. I hope they both have a very special day. Hugs, Marty

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  2. I think you hit the nail on the head! Those plates were a steal and the pewter goblets are perfect. Very thoughtful tablescape!

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  3. Great job, Martha. So nice for a dinner to honor dads. You must really have planned ahead to have time to get those plates from an eBay auction. I'm afraid I'm more last minute!

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  4. Hi Martha...I think you set a very manly table that any lady would love to dine at also... A GREAT eBay find on those bird plates! How nice that you both still have your dads to celebrate with...it is certainly worthy of a special birthday dinner... ;-) Bo

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  5. Hi Martha This table is awesome girl love it all Happy BD to you Dad and DIL...this will indeed be a specail dinner for them...thanks for sharing...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  6. Oh I just love pewter and this is so elegant and manly at the same time! You hit the nail on the head girl!! Fabulous...

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  7. Martha,
    This is my first visit to your blog. You did a wonderful job pulling this tablescape together. I especially like the pewter goblets and the bird plates. I understand about a cranky pocketbook I like to keep mine happy and my hubby too! I am sure the two guests of honor enjoyed their special meal. Cathy

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  8. You were a good girl and listened to your pocketbook. Sometimes I tape the mouth of mine closed, after I have removed my credit card!
    I think my pocketbook is a man, as it always says no to dishes! :)
    I love your table, and you achieved your goal...very manly, I am sure they loved it.
    Happy Bday to your Sr citizens!

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  9. I love your bird theme! It's so great that you're having a party for your father and father-in-law. I can't believe you got those pheasants for 99 cents! I would also love to get some of the Woodland pieces.

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  10. I love the plates Martha. Thank you for stopppin by.

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  11. Hi Martha,
    This is a beautiful tablescape!
    I know they will love it for the birthday celebrations.

    Did you say 99 cents? ~WOW~ I am impressed. They are gorgeous and perfect for your centerpiece.

    Lovely TT post!
    Thanks for the kind words on mine as well. I really appreciate it.
    ~Melissa :)

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  12. The first thing I thought when I saw the tablescape... how masculine, its not often that we think of the guys in the picture, and you sure did a great job of making a table that any man would be comfortable eating at... thanks so much for the inspiration and for sharing! ~Katy

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  13. I love your tablescape. It is perfect for your father and father-in-law. Thanks for sharing!

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  14. Wow, this was awesome! I liked everything but the pheasants put it over the top and made it look professional. I think it's much harder to do a manly tablescape than the girly ones. I love the Spode dishes as well. When you get them, they will look perfect with your pheasants.

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  15. What a great find on those beautiful dishes! Perfect for a very manly birthday celebration. I'm so happy you found a spot for your little Easter Egg that your friend gave you. It is beautiful.

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  16. Loved this table -- the bird plates are just perfect -- and would be good for Father's Day as well! Love the pheasants centerpiece.
    A great table.

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  17. You got the manly look - but still beautiful....or should I say handsome. Your e-bay purchases are perfect - the birds and pheasants - so lodge-feeling - or English pub. Great job! Linda

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  18. Looks like you nailed it! A pretty and masculine tablescape for your dads! Great job!!! Those dishes are fabulous!
    Happy April!
    ;-D

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  19. I also have one of those talking pocketbooks and it keeps me in line also. I love those plates and I hope the Birthday was a fun celebration. Thanks for visiting my first tablescape too. Isn't this all so much fun?
    Joyce

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  20. it looks perfect, love how you did your centerpiece too~

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  21. Hi Martha! It's so good to be back and to see you've come to visit me! I love your table and you have certainly acheived the manly look! Those bird plates are wonderful! Are they antiques! Have a wonderful dinner party and I'm sure the men will be so pleased!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  22. Hi Martha - I'll bet the men felt sooo manly at this table! It's a wonderful tablescape. I love your plates and goblets but my favorite is the way the white cloth is like a giant scarf. Softens everything but is still tailored. Lovely! :)Nancy
    PS Loved your next post too with that adorable granddaughter!

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  23. What a bargain you got in the plates ! Love your table dear.

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  24. Oh, I just love this table! It's very manly. The pheasants are the perfect centerpiece.

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  25. Great finds & your Dad's will definitely love this. I think you got your spring look without being girly or cute.

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  26. What a pretty centerpiece! I really like the pheasant dishes, too!

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  27. Very nice and masculine. You did a great job!

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  28. This was special, I can just see the love that went into it. love it!

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  29. Martha...bet your Dad and FIL love this table! It's masculine and yet elegant. I love it! I love your bird plates...don't you just love good ole eBay! Great snag on those! Great centerpiece, too! Thanks for a fantastic TT! Susan

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  30. Love the masculine table setting! So .. can I say pretty??

    The dads will love it, too. (I just helped my Mom celebrate her 88th on 3/31, and my Dad will be 89 in May. It is such a blessing to have them with me still.)

    Yay for Ebay, too -- those bird plates are grand.
    (See? Didn't say PRETTY.)
    Cass

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  31. Hi Martha...

    Just wanted to stop by to say thank you for taking a peek at my Dollar Store tablescape and for your sweet comments!

    My friend, this tablescape is just perfect for your father's birthdays! I love the pheasant centerpiece and that sweet little painted egg given to you by your friend! Girl, you got a deal on the bird plates...they're gorgeous! Such beautiful table or hmmm...should I say "handsome" table since it's for the men! Hehe!!! A big happy birthday to both of your dads...have a great time celebrating, my friend!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

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  32. Oh your tablescape is lovely! What a wonderful idea, and everything just flows together so well. Your plates are very nice.

    I think the men will enjoy it very much. Have a wonderful weekend, Nicole

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  33. What a wonderful table! Love those bird plates, and the pewter goblets. And the centerpiece is terrific! I'm sure your men will love it. :)

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