Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tablescape Thursday - Sunflower Supper



Ok - I admit it -- I'm a Tablescape Thursday addict! I love the tablescapes at Susan's (Between Naps On the Porch) and the opportunity to visit each of you and your delightful dish creations. I can spend hours just looking and dreaming. Lately, I think I've become somewhat "predictable" with my own tablescapes - lots of pinks and roses, pastels and white tablecloths. I do love them, but it's time to try something different.


Here we are approaching the tablescape where the sunflower is the center of attention. Did you gasp to see no tablecloth there? I do love my tablecloths, but I also adore the pretty grain of wood in this old oak table.


A first look at the sunflower tablescape. I always have thought that sunflowers were one of those flowers that seems to have a "face". And a happy one at that. They just seem to be a cheerful sort of flower to me. Can you see faces in flowers?


My inspiration for this table started with these two matching runners. I found them at a furniture and housegoods consignment shop this past March in Atlanta - called "Finders Keepers". I believe that I got the two of them for $10. I've crossed them over each other on the table.


I loved the late afternoon shadows on the dishes.


A tall vase of flowers. The sunflowers were from Kroger's - a "managers special" for $3.50 (they still look good after 3 days) - also some $1 green mum stems and the last of the Black Eyed Susans from my yard.



Some little sparrows playing around the base of my flower vase - think they're looking for sunflower seeds.


A close up of a place setting. Sea grass mats, clear dinner plates, sunflower salad plates, bamboo flatware, Libby water glasses, dark green cloth napkins.


These salad plates were purchased at Marshall's for $2.99 each. My house is dangerously close to a Marshall's (I could walk).


You can see that the plates are not perfectly round - they have an interesting shape to each plate. I enjoy the imperfection of them.


A really close view of the handpainting and the look of layering.


Overview shot.



As it gets darker the candles are placed on the table and lit.


A look by complete candle light.



Sunflowers by candle glow.

For more tablescapes - be sure to check out all the fun at Susan's - you'll find plenty of dishes to inspire you.

See ya!

24 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh- everything looks so pretty. I love the grain of wood too.

    Where can I find bamboo flatware like that?

    I have been on a quest!

    Laura

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  2. I am so with you and really love TT also. Always such wonderful eye candy. Your sunflower table is just gorgeous. I love the flowers and the salad plates are just perfect. Such a pretty tablescape. Hugs, Marty

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  3. OH girl I just love the looks of this table...also I think daisy's have smiling faces and love them also...Love the plates and girl I would be in BIG time trouble if I lived by Marshalls...my is 60 miles away from me...and Len says Thank God for that...as I also love Ross...I was at Marshalls on Sunday and got more dishes in Black/white for my Grand daughter's BD...again Len said Thank God..ha ha!! Great Table today and I love the tiger oak of your table...may you have a great day my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  4. I love sunflowers. They are so cheery and this table looks beautiful. I am a bright colors person anyway, so this is right up my alley. The little birds and the bamboo flatware just tie it all in together and even in the candlelight the sunflowers just shine. Gorgeous job Martha..I love it!

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  5. Your sunflower table is wonderful, Martha. I love those plates. It sure is a good thing our Marshall's is down at the lake almost 3 hours away from home and the Home Goods is at least 40 minutes! I'd be in more trouble than I am!

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  6. OH I love sunflowers and your table is so sweet!

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  7. Sunflowers are a happy flower...you must smile when you see one. I live 55 minutes from the nearest Marshall's...thank goodness, otherwise I would be there all the time.

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  8. Well, I guess it's about time to pull out the old sunflowers. :) I love them, too. They remind me of the first sign of fall. Your table is lovely.
    D

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  9. This is a wonderful table! I love the bare wood and crossing the runners...beautiful! I intially thought the sunflower plate, which I love, was from pottery barn! They look close to them! I also like the bamboo handles with the plates! Beautiful job! I think pansies have "faces" too. :)

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  10. I am loving the sunflower tablescape! I like seeing the wood table too!

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  11. Martha! Your table is beautiful! Yes, I love your oak table too. Your crossed table runners is a grand idea for protecting your table, yet leaving the wood visible. the little birds are perfect!

    And I think your sunflower plates are by the same maker as my orange ones I featured a couple of weeks ago. I think they are very pretty and more versatile in the yellow!

    Very nice job! Thank you for inviting us!
    Love, Dana and Daisy

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  12. i love sunflowers, always so cheerful!

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  13. Hi Martha,
    I think the crossed runners are my favorite elements, but I like so many things you've done here. The flowers are gorgeous and your flatware was the perfect choice. The "afternoon shadows" picture is my favorite ... beautiful!!!

    Bill

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  14. The sunflower plates are PERFECT for the whole setting. I have a Marshalls close by too and know just how dangerous that can be :)

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  15. Hi Martha! Oh, I love your sunflower theme! Those flowers are so lovely and I see those little birds just waiting for them to dry out so they can get at those seeds. Your plates are perfect! Don't you just love Home Goods? I know I do. I love your table and you always set a lovely table.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  16. Martha, it's so pretty. To me, the majestic sunflower denotes happiness and joy and bright days. I love them and it's so good to see you use them in such an attactive and inviting tablescape.
    Happy Twirls

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  17. Oh Martha! What a beautiful job you did! Those little birdies at the base of you gorgeous vase of sunflowers...wonderful!
    Isn't it beautiful when the candles are lit in the evening? Makes such a dramatic difference.
    I need to get back into tablescaping. At least now and then. I really don't have that many dishes..but...still it doesn't take a lot for a place setting for two. I must do some checking out at garage sales...to date..nothing so I focused on other things..but...back to dishes! :) This post was an inspiration to me. LOVE it!

    Thank you for your sweet comments on Mele and the patio. The patio is very large and this is just a tiny section by the door..

    I love it when you visit...you are alway so sweet with your praise...and make me feel wonderful. :)
    YOU are precious!
    Mona

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  18. A very nice departure! Love the sunflowers. The plates are beautiful. I love how you put the birds at the base of the flowers. At night the candles just made the golden colors of the sunflowers glow! Very nice!

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  19. Oh no, if I could walk to Marshalls, I'd be in trouble. Oh, please don't paint that gorgeously-grained table white! So many do, and I love the way it shines with all that texture showing through. Just kidding, I know you wouldn't paint it. It's far too pretty. Such a pretty tablescape. Oh, and I'm not predictable. Red and blue and yellow and green. Always seems to be the primary colors for me!
    Brenda

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  20. So very pretty! Sunflowers are a happy flower and to see them on plates is so nice. I love the way your table looked with the candles lit and the room dark...very pretty!

    Mary

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  21. Pretty sunflower dishes and flowers!....Christine

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  22. What a beautiful table. I'm so drawn to sunflowers this time of the year. These plates are out of sight.. love, love, love them. I love your runner and the birds in the center are just tooooo cute for words.. hope you're having a super day my friend..hugs ~lynne~

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  23. Beautiful sunflower theme. I think sunflowers are absolutely magnificent. How funny that those "Tuscan" plates are Made in China, but aren't most things Made in China these days?

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  24. sunflowers are my favorite flower...they are so symmetrical and sturdy...offering sustenance to the woodland creatures...i am forever requesting them for holidays !

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