Monday, February 28, 2011

Break's over....and I'm back.

I took a two week blogging break to take care of some things ....meetings.....reports....Dr. appointment -- I won't bore you with all the details of that.... but there were some fun times too! And that's what I'll share. I missed you, and it's nice to be back!






Our Sunday School class has started a "pilot" of a program we're thinking of starting Church-wide next fall. We have two sets of four couples who are meeting once a month at each other's homes for dinner and devotions. The host provides the main dish and beverages (I also had a few appitizers), #2 brings salad and bread, #3 brings dessert and #4 has the devotion for the evening. Our house was first to kick off. This was the table set for six. Our dinner was lasagna, spinach salad, Italian bread and strawberry cake for dessert.







My "staged" tablescapes are usually quite full, but I went for a much simpler table setting for this dinner. I found this tealight candleabra in a Yankee Candle catalog. I filled the cups with epson salt and the tealights. Sorry that I got busy and didn't get a lit picture.


















Red glasses were a find at a "pre-Christmas" open house at a local antique store a couple of years ago. Love them for all the "red" holidays.













Black and white checked napkins over...




















black and white checked salad plates.


















Plain white dinner plates.


















Fun black iron flatwear.













We really had a fun gathering and great fellowship. Can't wait for our next dinner on the 11th. This time I bring the devotions. Have you ever been a part of a dinner group with your Church? I think this will be a good way to get to know our newer members too as we match them up with a group. One of our group is in his early 90's, recently widowed and he really enjoyed the evening out.










It's always a pleasure to have a visit from two of our granddarlings!
















Although mama had to hold them still in order to get a non blurry picture. They're on the move!










This past weekend we had a gathering from work to honor our boss who retired in December. That was such a busy time, we decided to wait until after the holidays and better weather. This is a picture of my co-worker and co-party planner, Betsy and Mr. Mid-Atlantic.















I've been blessed with great bosses since I started working with the school system, but I have to admit, Elaine's been one of the really special ones. We're really going to miss her leadership.










Everyone brought finger foods to share -- this was the table ready and waiting. Grocery store flowers in pinks and greens.

















Sideboard waiting for the sweets -- we had pound cake with cherry pie filling and triple chocolate cheese cake.


















The kitchen table was set up for the "bar" area for those who wanted wine or mixers for drinks.


















And a little coffee and Russian tea station for those who didn't.




















Napkins in pinks, white, and black & white checks made a pretty "skirt".


















This little white pineapple is a scented candle from Bath and Bodyworks on line. $12.50. I haven't lit the candle yet, but I love the pineapple!


















A close-up of the flowers.


















Antique depression glass plates.


















I found this sheer overlay tablecloth at a favorite gift shop at Virginia Beach this fall -- The Ragged Robin.


















Let the party begin!

















A spring flower arrangement and gift certificates to several local eateries.

















Many good wishes for the new retiree.
















Even grown-ups enjoy "party favors".


















A tray filled with "tea and toast".


















Little ball jars filled with Russian Tea mix.


















Little bottles of champagne or spumante.



















My party assistant was plum tuckered out! Well we're caught up on what's been going on in my Mid-Atlantic world....now I've got quite a bit of catching up to see what's been going on in your little corner of blogland! It's good to be back!

I hope Susan doesn't mind but I'm going to add this post to Tablescape Thursday over at "Between Naps On The Porch". Be sure to check out all the tables set this week for inspiration or just for fun!.

See ya!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Taking a break....

.....I've got some pressing things to take care of, so I'll be taking about a two week break. I'll be back the first part of March with some pictures (I hope) of a couple of upcoming events.

See you soon!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tablescape Thursday - Valentine's with the Grands.

It's time to set the table again for Tablescape Thursday! Sometimes it's difficult to coordinate schedules for our family and we just grab a close date. This past Sunday we celebrated an early Valentine's celebration dinner with our daughter's family.












Valentine table full of festive reds and pinks. Both of our twin grandgirls were delighted when they saw this festive table. Future tablescapers perhaps?














Keelyn exclaimed, "An Angel!" when she spotted the cherub centerpiece.













Curled red ribbon left over from my Christmas bows and vintage inspired Valentine postcards from Victorian Trading Post add to the Valentine theme.













I added a few paper heart doilies found at Hallmark.












Larger paper hearts decorated the adult place settings. You can see here that the smaller ones also did double duty as coasters for the beverages.














As you can see, I covered this with my clear glass plates.













Red hearts with white dishes make a festive and thrifty Valentine's china.













Pink stems hold the paper Valentine napkins. I have a two napkin rule....paper for the mouth.....













....and cloth for the lap. These are napkins that my parents used for years. Red has always been Dad's favorite color and these seemed to make their way to the table for most all of the family dinner gatherings. I'm so glad to have them! Isn't it funny how such ordinary little things can trigger delightful memories.













Found these fun little straw on the outside glasses for the twins at Target. These were actually easier for them than their little cups.













Each girl had a homemade Valentine and book. I still enjoy making valentines -- remember being a kid and making valentines out of construction paper and doilies, felt tip markers...and glitter.....lots and lots of glitter?













They were delighted with these heart shaped plates from Target.













A closer view of our Valentine's cherub.













He's all ready for handing out Valentine's.















An overview of the Love table.






Wishing you and those you love a warm and wonderful Valentine's day. Be sure to check out lots of tables set with love this week at "Between Naps on the Porch" hosted by our most gracious hostess Susan. Thanks Susan for allowing us this fun week after week and celebration after celebration!

See ya!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Chinese New Year - Tablescape Thursday

This week is Chinese New Year and I hope you don't mind seeing this repost from last year. It was one of my favorites. I've had a very busy couple of weeks and have been terrible about responding and before I knew it -- it's Tablescape Thursday again!


Here's my Happy Chinese New Year table! Even if it is a year old.


I've set a place for you. Let's have Chinese take out to celebrate the new year of the Rabbit!


This table is filled with black, white and red. I really like that combination however, it's one I seldom use. It's fun to break out of the usual mold every now and then.


From this angle, we see a pretty little oriental girl with the target birdies.


Our couple sit back to back for our centerpiece. I found these book-ends at a local antique store a couple of years ago.


Between them is a red cinnamon scented candle and the target birds on either side.


Our pretty little girl with her fan.


Our handsome young man is reading his book. I love their red pajamas.


I tried to fold the napkins to mimic the fan held by the girl. The napkins were purchased from Tuesday Morning.


This tea cup was given to me by my husband when we were dating.


I purchased two more cups from eBay. I need to find a pretty oriental tea pot.


I got a set of chop sticks from Marshall's - 5 pr. for $2.99.

These salad plates also came from Marshall's - they were $3.99 ea. I've used them in lots of tablescapes.


The red plates were purchased on sale after Christmas 2008 from Marshall's.


The cork backed placemats were on clearance at Tuesday Morning - 4 for $3.99.


A look at the layers.


Lighting the red candle and mercury votives from Target - 99 cents ea.


An overhead look by candle glow.



Good-night from our Chinese New Year's table. Be sure to visit all the other tables set for you over at "Between Naps On The Porch".

See ya!