Mid-Atlantic Martha

Tablescape Thursday - Red Birds in the Snow

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

I decided to repost this cheerful Winter's table....we haven't had any snow around here.....what a difference a year makes! Anyway....the winter is still young and we have lot's of snow opportunities still to come. I do love cardinals in winter....don't you?

It's time to play with our dishes again! I love Tablescape Thursday and who knew how many of us there were -- until Susan invited us all to come out of the dish closet and play along. So here we are -- back for another week of dish delights -- and I'm amazed week after week at what everyone displays -- those decorating books and magazines have nothing on many of you tabletop designers!

Here in Virginia, we have snow once again -- and so I've set my kitchen table with a look at "Red Birds in the Snow". Our state bird is the Cardinal....so it just seems fitting. I love red in the kitchen. My grandmother's kitchen was red long before red was popular. I mean back in the 60s! She painted her ceiling red and had red countertops. Her kitchen was always open for morning coffee and conversation with her neighborhood friends - so I always think of her when I see red tablescapes.

Here's a place set just for you!

Usually my two napkin rule is paper for the mouth and cloth for the lap, but today I didn't have any paper napkins that matched ....so I put out two cloth ones. Actually the bigger ones are dish towels from Target ... they were 1/2 price after Christmas and since they matched the tablecloth (also Target 1/2 price), I'm using them today for extra large napkins. The red napkins are ones I got when my dad downsized a few years ago.

Here's a look at a little different style dish cloth. Perfect for our snowy weather!

Here are our red birds on the centerpiece. Actually all those candles were the same color when I purchased them back in the Fall. Don't know why they're changing colors.

They take on a different hue when they're glowing.

Some of you may remember when I got this iron candleholder a few months back from the thriftstore -- it had started out black and had been painted white -- after going back and forth.....I finally decided to return it to black.

Let's do the tabletop strip tease. The napkin rings were purchased from an antique store a few months ago.

Red salad plates came from Marshall's after Christmas sale 2008.

You know about the dish cloth .... the flatware is from Target closeout last Summer.

These white dishes are really more cream colored -- They're orig. from JCPenney's -- but I got them from GoodWill about three years ago -- I had been wanting some white plates for a long time and I was able to get 10 plates, 8 bowls and 8 coffee mugs all matching for less than $20.

A view of all the layers.

I loved finding these red goblets at a Pre-Christmas open house at one of my favorite antique stores. I was able to get 6 for a good price. I've been on a kick with colored glasses lately -- I found these first, then four green ones at GoodWill, then four that were hand painted with flowers on them at GW(I haven't shown you those yet), then I found 6 blue water goblets at GW, then I picked up 6 blue wine stems from Dollar Tree and today I purchased 8 pink Fostoria goblets from e-Bay! Ok...I think I'm over the glasses now. Anybody thirsty? Really, REALLY thirsty?

Did you see this tablecloth at Target around Christmas --- the one close to me had lots of them left after Christmas and I was pleased to find them on sale -- I guess they didn't look Christmasy enough -- but perfect for Winter, I thought!

The only problem was...they only had the larger sized cloths......shhhhhh, don't tell anybody else, but I'm going to let you in on a little secret....

Do you see how I folded the end underneath to make the cloth the right size for my table?

Unless you really look closely it's not terribly obvious.....and you know how the camera makes every wrinkle and bump glaringly apparent. All the things you didn't mean to catch on camera for everyone to see.....

....like the furry leg poking out from under the table.....

.... of my camera shy assistant.

Late afternoon shadows on my table. Soon the sun will set and it will be time.....

....to light the candles.

Cardinals in the pines.

Warming themselves in the glow.

I'm so glad that you visited me today and I hope you'll get the chance to make all the rounds to see what everyone's set on their tables over at "Between Naps On The Porch". You'll find a place set just for you.

See ya!

A Winter Walk in the Woods - Tablescape

2012-01-18T16:16:00.000-08:00

It's Tablescape Thursday again and this week I've set my table for a Winter's Walk in the Woods.

I hope you'll join me.

This is set just for you.

I've seen so many of you use pinecones as placecard holders this year. What a fun idea for our winter tables.

I found these pinecone candle holders this fall at one of my favorite antique/thrift stores "Thru The Garden Gate".

On our walk we may just see a rabbit.....

....or two.

A tan linen tablecloth with Nell Hill woven chargers, Target faux ivory flatware, and my snow white dishes.

Green Jamestown goblets...I've found a complete set of eight gathered over the past two years from Goodwill and thrift stores.

I can't remember where I found these green cloth napkins tucked into the handle of my chargers.....probably Tuesday Morning or Marshall's.

A tabletop overview and.....

....a centerpiece overview.

Time to light the candles and...

....walk back home.

I've been having a difficult time leaving messages on some of your posts. I don't know exactly why, but I'm working on it. Please know how very much I do appreciate your visits....even if you don't hear from me......I'll keep trying.

Thanks to Susan of "Between Naps on the Porch" for all the tabletop fun week after week.

See ya!

Wintery Tablescape

2012-01-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

Last year this time we were up to our knees in snow. This year we've been mostly unseasonably warm...but today it's cold and wet (but only with rain)....so far. It seems the only snowflakes this week.....

.....are on my table!

So I've set a wintery blue table with my Dollar Tree goblets resting on snowflakes.

My snowflake tablecloth that I've had for ages, I don't remember where I got it....but that may be more due to my age than the age of the tablecloth!

I've set the cloth at an angle this week.

Snowflakes have fallen on my navy blue napkins.

Do you dress in layers for cold weather? Well here are the winter layers of dishes... clear pressed glass glass bowls layered over.....

crocheted snowflakes layered over.....

blue glass salad plates layered over......

white dinner plates layered over.....

.....big plastic snowflakes (Dollar Tree) as chargers.

Snowy centerpiece of epsom salts in a old Bath and Bodyworks candle sleeve after the candle has finished burning down and a tea light.....along with an assortment of snowflakes.

A snowy sky view.

Sort of looks like a busy blizzard doesn't it?

Let's light the tealights.....

....and enjoy the sparkle! I'm joining "Between Naps on the Porch" for Tablescape Thursday. Hope you'll follow along and visit lots of tables set just for you!

See ya!

New Year's in Florida

2012-01-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

You may remember my last tablescape post when I said that Santa was taking a vacation on a tropical beach? Well, Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I caught a ride on his southbound sleigh and we spent the New Year in......

Marco Island Florida! We enjoyed the beautiful sunsets from the condo balcony where we stayed.

Here's a daytime view on the other side.

Looking back at our retreat from the beach.

January 1st 2012.....what a wonderful day to be at the beach.

The water was beautiful.

Mr. Mid-Atlantic taking a New Year's dip.

I entered the "Mrs. Manatee" swimsuit competition. Actually, I can't quite believe that I'm posting this picture...but..oh well. Just keeping it real.

Between the time on the beach...

.....and at the pool....we could hardly believe that we were in bathing suits the end of December and beginning of January.....and not in overcoats and snow boots like we were last year!

And for my south Florida friends....

What kind of tree is this? Does this pod thing bloom?

We had a fabulous time bringing in the New Year to the scent of sunscreen and gulf breezes. A great start to 2012. I think Santa had a terrific idea!

See ya!

New Year's Tablescape

2012-01-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

What do you suppose Santa does after Christmas?

After his hard work....I think he deserves a vacation....don't you?

Someplace tropical and warm.

Where he can just take off those fur lined boots and stick his toes in the sand.

Just sit and warm his sore muscles and take a good nap.

After all the bright lights and colors of Christmas.....a change to white and tan is soothing.

How about a beach walk searching for shells to take back to the North Pole.

Plain white dishes and napkins and napkin rings.....

....for beachside dining.

Overview of the table.

I hope Santa enjoys his vacation.....

....because all too soon.....it will be time to plan for his next big night. But in the meantime....shhhhhh....Santa's taking a nap! We'll be joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday at "Between Naps on the Porch"

See ya!

Sweet cookies!

2011-12-23T19:06:00.001-08:00

Today I set the table with some very special guests in mind.

I brought out my newest Christmas tree plates....

Red goblets for the "big" girls....(my daughter and me)

Santa cups for the "little ladies - (our twin grandgirls)

Our centerpiece with Santa and three cups....

....of Christmas tree.

An overview of the luncheon table. I think this is the first time the girls have eaten at the dining room table. We had the kitchen table all set up for the after lunch activities.

They were so cute and excited about our "ladies luncheon".

Some "tree" sandwiches. Olive/cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches.

Lunch is served....

....we had sandwiches, Christmas jello salad, pasta salad and chips. And the girls had their first taste of "Christmas milk" (egg nog) which they both loved as much as their mother did as a little girl.

After lunch it was time to get down to the business of....

...baking cookies!

Getting everything ready to roll out the dough, cut and....

decorate with sprinkles.....

.....and more sprinkles!

We made several batches of sugar cookies....

....and molasses cookies. This worked out just about perfect for a three year old attention span.

After the cookies were done the work station was a mess....

....but these two sweet cookies were happy to each have a full cookie tin to take home and share with Daddy....and a few to leave out for a special visitor on Christmas Eve too!
Wishing you sweet times with your family this Christmas season.

See ya!

Tabletops of 2011

2011-12-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

I've packed up all of Christmas except the Nativity. So everything is in "flux" at my house right now....how about yours? I usually leave things up longer, but I won't be having as much time off hanging around the house this next week....so I thought I would go ahead and tackle the task. In the meantime....while things don't look "picture perfect" around here...I thought I would review 2011 tabletop style.

This January tablescape of blues and oranges was the "copy cat" of a picture on an old calendar. I liked the simplicity of style.

Then came this February Valentine's tablescape that was full of reds, a cupid, red ribbons and vintage style postcards.

Along came March and a family table set for our traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. Set with a little leprechan fun.

Spring sprung in April with my bunny and cabbage setting.

Pink and green are just my style for my Mother's Day May table.

June's table was classic blue and white.

Hooray for the red, white and blue for the 4th of July!

How about a trip to the beach for August?

Along comes autumn in September.

A fun trip to the pumpkin patch in October.

We were counting our blessings at Thanksgiving in November.

This table setting brought sweet memories of Christmas with my traditional Christmas dishes.

Looking forward to 2012 and tables set with love for all who gather at our home.....wishing you a joyful and joyfilled 2012! I'm joining Tablescape Thursday over at "Between Naps on the Porch".
See ya

Tablescapes of Christmas Past

2011-12-20T14:44:00.001-08:00

Wow! Between working and all the extra Christmas activities at church and with family ......well I can hardly find the time to set the table! This year I've already shared a children's table and one with my holly dishes I've had for years....so lets have a look at the tables I've set the last couple of years since I started blogging.

This was my very first Christmas tablescape in 2009.

In fact, I believe it was a "Christmas in July" party and of course, I pulled out my favorite holly dishes and antique stems that were from Mr. Mid-Atlantic's grandmother. Bless her heart, she lived to celebrate Christmas 100 times!

My first Christmas dishes and tablecloth.

My church in the snow came from Garden Ridge ages ago.

One last peek before we move on to.....

....a Christmas luncheon setting.

Bunnies aren't just for Easter you know. My snow bunnies are all dressed up with their plaid bows and posing by their little Christmas tree.....

....enjoying the Christmas glow.

How about a romantic Christmas dinner for two?

A silver tray filled with candles, frosted greenery, antique ornaments, and a cute little angel.

The same holly dishes I've set on many a Christmas table. Silverware in sheer bags from the craft store set on top of antique lace trimmed napkins.

All mixed in with ruby goblets and bowls. A very romantic Christmas eve dinner.....wouldn't you agree?

A fun table set with my four grandgirls in mind.

Santa is just opening his sack so he can fill their.....

....Christmas buckets!

A cheerful and bright setting just for four little giggling girls (and Santa of course!)

On to a Victorian Christmas table.

A centerpiece of bottle brush trees and Victorian children.

These are my other Christmas dishes. I love transferware and they jumped in my cart a couple of years ago when I was at Marshall's.

The cups and saucers are from a different transferware pattern....but they all blend together quite nicely.

Or....How about a trip to Williamsburg for Christmas?

My Williamsburg inspired fruited centerpiece. Greenery and fruits....some real and some faux.

Pewter accents of soup tureens and mugs add to the Colonial tavern look.

My Colonial children decorating my "china"....this is actually a paper plate underneath a clear glass plate. A very thrifty way to add to your Christmas china.

I think the Spode Christmas china was the first Christmas china pattern that I ever saw in a store and lingered with longing (and an empty wallet).

A simple Santa centerpiece.

These fun napkins came from Tuesday morning last year....I saw them there this year as well.

It was fun to set my table last year with that Spode pattern I fell in love with years ago....even if it was paper plates under glass again!

What could be more Christmasy than holly (my mother made these napkins for me years ago) and nutcrackers?

One of my Santa mugs.

Nutcracker centerpiece.

An overview of a table filled with traditional reds and greens.

And here we are at our last table of Christmas past.

I did finally get my Christmas tree china (not the Spode, but I do adore these) and after last year, I added salad plates in the same pattern.

Centerpiece....

....one final lingering look at Christmas tables from the past.

I hope that you've enjoyed this tabletop tour. I was so pleased when one of my co-workers came to me last week and said that I had inspired her to set a special Christmas table this year after visiting my blog! She has a two year old daughter and said that she wants to start a memorable tradition for her. What a dear compliment that was and I made her promise to take lots of pictures. My twin grands are coming over for lunch Friday and after lunch we'll bake cookies for them to take home and a couple of "special" ones for Santa. Making memories.....one tablesetting at a time! I'm joining Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch"

See ya!

Traditional Christmas Tablescape

2011-12-13T18:19:00.001-08:00

I've set the table today with my first Christmas dishes and linens purchased around 20 years ago. These are the ones that hold sweet memories of Christmas breakfasts when the kids were home.

Actually it's not like I have a huge collection of Christmas dishes, I only have one other set...but I've gotten Christmas dishes for both my daughter and daughter-in-law as well. As much as I craved a set of Holiday china, it was never in the budget. Especially at Christmas time. I still remember being delighted to find a boxed set for four place settings after Christmas at Kmart for $9.99! I was so excited to finally have a set of Christmas dishes!

Over the years I've added to that little boxed set, finding more settings at Goodwill and on eBay. I even found four tumblers to match. I believe that now I have place settings for ten.

A simple centerpiece for today....just a red poinsettia from the grocery store.....

....white candles (I swear they're really straight)....

....holly from my bushes in my vintage flower ring.

I still love these little dishes....

....they're nothing very fancy, just a Gibson holiday set...

....from a long time ago.

Now, I know another little trick that I could have actually afforded years before I purchased my little set. This may be a Spode pattern that you're familiar with.....

....but when you remove the clear glass top plate.....

....this "china" is actually a set of paper plates purchased at Marshall's (8 for $2.99) --- they have them right now at the one near me.....just a little thrifty tip.....but, back to my tablescape.

Centerpiece overview.

Tabletop overview.

I've layered two tablecloths together.

This top one came from Walmart years and years ago.

And just a few years later I found this holly tablecloth that was a good match. I believe I've used these every Christmas since I purchased them. They're both a little faded....but I'm still using them.

One more shot of my "traditional" Christmas china before....

.....I light the candles.....

.....and wish you a Most Merry Christmas with those you love gathered around your table.

Be sure to visit Susan our tabletop hostess at "Between Naps on the Porch" to see all the dish delights posted this week for Tablescape Thursday.See ya!

Christmasing the house

2011-12-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

I've been later than usual getting my Christmas decorating done this year. I've also done less than usual as well....but I think I've finally just about done. We'll start out by the lamp post. I love holly at Christmas so this was the little garden flag that attracted my attention this year.

A red door Christmas welcome. Sorry that these pictures weren't taken at the best possible time of the day....but it was just the time I was able to take them.

Mr. Mid-Atlantic's childhood sled and some child sized ice skates I found last year at a vintage store.

The flowers in the planters are still hanging in there.

The simple wreath on the door.

A little tin of mistletoe greets you inside the front door.

A candle in the window.

Our living room tree.

Traditional angel on the top.

Filled with quite an assortment.

My husband collects the Hallmark trucks and motercycle ornaments. I think this is my favorite.

This year's White House Christmas ornament. I have all the ones back to 2000. I'm slowly going backward and have the 1999 ornament ordered and on it's way. Perhaps when I finish the whole collection, I'll post on the designs through the years.

Another White House ornament.

Churches and motercycles......

......victorian girls.....

.....and boys....

....ornaments from vacations.....

.....angels....

.....and more churches and snowflakes, and carolers.....just a little bit of everything on this tree.

The mantle nativity scene.

Holy family and an angel and one of the wisemen.

Love this camel.

Baby Jesus....the reason for the season.

Now we're cooking up some fun in the kitchen.

A side view of the gingerbread house.

Every gingerbread man....

.....needs a gingerbread woman!

Last year I made some cute candy trees.....but I found these cute trees this year at Tuesday Morning that seemed to fit right in.

All topped off with a sugar sweet fairy.

In the dining room we have "Nutcracker corner"

Gotta love a "man in uniform".

Vintage Holiday greeting.

My Christmas table set up for the upcoming Tablescape Thursday.

A sideboard filled with Santas.

Santa's to the left.

Santa's "mug shot".

Santa's to the right.

We even have a Santa tree in the dining room this year.

At first I couldn't find my tree top Santa so I stuck the red bow on top.

But I finally found him...(he was hanging out with the nutcrackers!)....so I stuck him on his rightful spot as king of the Santa tree.

Full of Candy....

....and Santas....

....and shiny red balls....

....and more candy.....

....and Santas.....

....and cupcakes.....

.....full of Christmas dreams.....

.....time to light the trees.....

.....and turn out the lights.

Decorating's all done.....well maybe.....

See ya!

A Little Christmas Cheer

2011-12-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw the December Friendship gifts that Miss Janice posted this past week, I knew they would be perfect little office gifts. I work in a school office and knew that everyone would love these. Just in case you missed the post, this was too good not to share.

We don't officially exchange gifts, but it's always fun to take in something little for everyone. I found these little candy cane gift tags at Target.

Little party favor bags filled with red shred...some peppermints and Twisted Peppermint hand sanitizers from Bath and Bodyworks.

Wouldn't these be cute as little favors for a Christmas luncheon? Or really for anyone who works with the public.....the receptionist at the Dr. office, or hair salon, the lady at the dry cleaner....just anyone you want to spread a little Christmas cheer to over the next few weeks.

Thanks Miss Janice for sharing this idea in time for some of us to copy....Don't you just love all the inspiration from bloggy friends? If you haven't met Miss Janice yet....be sure stop by and browse....you'll be glad you did!

See ya!

Breakfast with Santa

2011-11-30T18:20:00.001-08:00

Now I wouldn't admit this to everyone....but this year I've started my Christmas decorating....with setting the table. Most people hang the lights, the wreath on the door and put up the tree....not me! I'm starting with the dishes!

What could be a more delightful way to start Christmas than Breakfast with Santa!

I've layered one of my Christmas cloths over a plaid one.

Sorry about the glare....I was late getting started this evening. Please join us.

Looks like quite a gathering of Santas on the table.

Each year I add another Santa mug to my collection.

They're all different.

A few are antique (like me)...but none of the ones on the table today.

I believe all of these have been found over the years at Goodwill. Perfect for some hot cocoa.

I found these Santa candy dishes at CVS a couple of years ago. They're perfect for a breakfast muffin....or perhaps some cut fruit.

White salad plates....perfect for a stack of pancakes. When our kids were in high school....their choral groups always did a Santa Breakfast as a fundraiser. The little ones were always so cute. Now I have four grandgirls of my own....wouldn't they have a fun time at this Santa table.

Target flatware.

Pewter Santa napkin rings.

A view from Santa's sleigh.

And now for our guests of honor...

.....making a list....

....checking it twice.....

.....gonna find out.....

....who's naughty....

...who's nice!

Hope you'll have a chance to stop by "Between Naps on the Porch" to see all the pretty tablescapes hosted each week by Susan....I'm pretty sure she's ALWAYS on the nice list!

See ya!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

We love Thanksgiving and welcoming family and friends into our home for celebrating. Unfortunately, this fall has been my worst ever for allergies and I just haven't been posting much since the first part of the month. Just no energy and trying to pace myself for getting ready. Hopefully I'll be getting better as we get into colder weather that seems to kill whatever "gets" me this time of year.

These yellow mums were so pretty most of the autumn season....but they're looking well past their prime now....time for something new.

Love the ornamental cabbages and kales mixed in my front porch pots along with panseys.

Red door welcome.

Fall door arrangement to welcome you inside.

Spunky welcomes in our back door guests.

A gathering of Thanksgiving friends.

Tom turkey guards the kitchen.

Love these cute Publix salt & pepper shakers....I've enjoyed them on tables from my southern blogging friends for the past few years. I mentioned last year to my daughter-in-law that I would like to get a set (they live right outside of Atlanta....Publix country). And she surprised me with these that she found at a Goodwill recently! Aren't they adorable? These were from 2002. I think they have slightly different ones each year. (Is that right you Publix shoppers?) Anyway, I love my new Thanksgiving treasure. Little things make me happy.

Thanksgiving tweeking of the sideboard. I did remember to put candles in the little silver turkeys.

My autumn washstand.

This little squirrel gathering acorns was from Cracker Barrel a few years back. He's happily getting ready for a Thanksgiving feast.

A jar full of fallness....acorns...Indian corn.....and a mini pumpkin.

Antique postcard of Thanksgiving greetings.

Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I are celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary this Saturday.....but since our wedding was on Thanksgiving eve, that's when we celebrate with a big oyster roast with the family .....this year we hosted 29 family members ranging from 2 to 86. We ate and laughed and danced. Most of the activity was outside. Not very fancy, but tables set up under the carport. Rick spent the evening grilling a bushel of oysters. We also had Brunswick stew, pigs in a blanket and my sister-in-law brought ham and turkey rolls and a wonderful eggplant dish. We also had apple cake and pumpkin muffins. Assorted beverages of wine, soft drinks, beer, water and juice boxes.

Inside there were a couple of tables set up with a shrimp cheeseball, a pimento cheese spread assorted crackers and mini quiches and my sister made microwave smores for the kids. Just a few things to munch on for those who came inside from the cold. The wind was wicked Wednesday night, otherwise it would have been a perfect evening for outside fun. Next year....a fire pit!

On Thanksgiving day the grandgirls were all over here playing and eating lunch while we were getting ready for the big feast for 15 of us for Thanksgiving dinner. This is the 25th Thanksgiving we've hosted in our home.

This year I set up three different tables for us. This was a card table with just a simple lantern and leaves centerpiece. Wish I had a table (and room) big enough for all of us....but we were still close enough to enjoy a room full of family.

The second table was my dining room table set with good china, silver and crystal.

Same centerpiece as our anniverasy table, except a pumpkin replaces the bride and groom.

By now, most of you are familier with my two napkin setting.....paper for the mouth.....cloth for the lap.

Things are a little less formal in the kitchen.

This table was set for the four grandgirls and parents.

But I promised Stella (our oldest grand) that next year they could have their very own "kids table" with no parents allowed! They'll get the card table next year.

Thanksgiving was a bounty of food.....lots of food....

....and eating....

.....and eating...

.....and eating...

....lots and lots.....

.....of eating.

.....until we just couldn't....

eat another bite!

Afterwards the grandgirls burnt off all the calories dancing the evening away.....the rest of us watched and washed dishes.

Now the house is quiet....our Atlanta kids left this morning around 7:30....Mr. Mid-Atlantic is back in bed....the dogs are curled up for a nap.....and I've got dishes to put away. Hope your Thanksgiving was blessed with love and warmth and hugs and laughter.

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - Vintage Japan

2011-11-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

When I was looking at my calendar this week...I saw that Thursday is Culture Day in Japan. Now I have no idea what that is exactly...nor how it is celebrated, however, in honor of the day, I decided to repost a tablescape I set awhile back. I hope you'll enjoy!

It's almost time for Tablescape Thursday again -- it's always fun to see everyone's tabletop creations. This week I've set the table just for two. Won't you be my guest?

Welcome to this vintage (mostly) oriental table.

Of course I set a place for you....afterall, I was expecting you!

I didn't have any oriental looking napkins, so I spread these to look like a fan.

I've had these for awhile -- but I've never taken the wrapper off, I never quite got the hang of using chopsticks...how about you? Do you get more in you mouth than on your lap?

Finding a beautiful set of cups and saucers when we were clearing out my father-in-laws estate was the start of this tablescape.

The hand painting is beautiful.

Marking on the bottom of the cup -- even that's pretty....whatever it means.

I found this runner, actually probably a dresser scarf, at the little antique, vintage store that's going out of business. The handwork is gorgeous and appears quite old -- it's not in perfect condition -- the linen has some tiny holes and there is some frayed edging, but I still will enjoy it ....someone spent hours cross-stitching this.

Even the border is beautiful and seems to perfectly compliment.....

....these antique bowls I found at another antique store.

I love these delicate scenes painted on the bowls.

We can definately read the bottom of these bowls.

Our centerpiece of vintage ladies and a pretty fan that was my mother-in-laws.

Aren't the colors pretty?

Again, I think of the hours someone spent painting this lovely scene.

I found these two Japanese ladies at the same store going out of business. I don't know exactly how old they are, but I knew they would grace this tablescape well.

Loved the detail to her dress front....

....and back view.

Look at her beautiful face.

They're both holding musical instruments. I suppose with four granddaughters....perhaps at least one of them will be interested in collecting dolls.

View from across the tabletop.

Overview of the centerpiece.

Tabletop overview.

We'll say "good-night" in the soft tealight glow from my oriental tea house.

Be sure to visit Susan this week at "Between Naps on the Porch" for lots of dish inspirations.

See ya!

Halloween Fun

2011-10-31T18:07:00.001-07:00

It's so fun to have Halloween with the grandtwins around. Saturday night we invited them over for a festive supper.

A few treats at their places.

A fun book for Halloween bedtime reading.

The girls dressed for the season...we had a fun supper with mummy dogs and brunswick stew. I didn't get any pictures of the food (as usual).

A few decorations for the season.

Skull under glass.

Did you know that you could catch ghosts with candy corn?

A vintage looking postcard.

A frightful crew on the sideboard.

Guarding the Halloween treats.

The girls all dressed for Halloween fun -- loved the Ghost Princess and Pumpkin Princess costumes our daughter made for these two precious cuties.

Hope all your goblins were were good ones! Wishing you all treats and no tricks!

See ya!

I'm sharing this with Marty's Fall cloche party and Tabletop Tuesday.

From the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T17:39:00.001-07:00

This week I welcome you to my Pumpkin Patch tablescape. Sometimes Halloween is all about the scary, but this year I'm feeling a little nostalgia for those sweet and friendly Halloweens from childhood.

So pull up a pumpkin and have a seat! I've enjoyed all the pumpkin plates I've seen the past few years....so last week when I was at Walmart....I picked a few. I had a hard time choosing between the fall leaf plates and these. But in the end....the pumpkins were the ones that made their way into my basket.

And I do believe farmer "Jack" approves!

It seems like this little black cat is the only one scared at this table. Why even the crows aren't scared of farmer Jack!

A crop duster view of the patch.

And it looks like a "bumper crop" of pumpkins. I love the variety of colors we can find now.....I love the traditional orange, of course. But now the greens and whites are such a fun addition. I found a Cinderella pumpkin for my front porch this year. Love the squatty look of them as well as their muted clay color. What's your favorite pumpkin color and shape?

For this table I brought out my bamboo flatware. I know you all are probably getting sick of this black and white checked tablecloth....but I've enjoyed it as my anchor for the past few weeks....I'll move on soon.

Added these pewter goblets with my black and orange napkins.....perfect for the season!

Isn't farmer Jack a friendly fella....from sun up.....

....to sun down.

Guess we'll all just sit here with Linus and wait for The Great Pumpkin to arrive.

Hope everyone has a great Halloween....scary and spooky......or sweet and friendly....however you like it....they're all fun! I'll be joining Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch"....where the tables I find there are always a real "treat".

See ya!

Fall Festival with the Grands

2011-10-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

We had a perfect Autumn weekend here in the Mid-Atlantic -- just right for our annual Fall Festival at Church. The twins had so much fun.

Big grins all around.

Pumpkin painting was a blast -- they also got their faces painted and made a few crafts.

We ate chili and hot dogs and went on a fun after dark hayride....

....and made a few new "friends" as well!

Hope you're enjoying this delightful fall weather....looking forward to the trees bursting forth in their grand autumn colors.

See ya

Happy Jacks at the Table

2011-10-19T15:52:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad to participate in Tablescape Thursday again. The last one I posted was a repeat -- but this week I've got a new table to add to the fun. Actually I took the same colors and dishes from my last years "Wicked" repeat....and updated it to.....

....a table full of "Happy Jacks"...... Jack-O-Lanterns that is.

The Jacks and I invite you to share our table.

You can just see this little shy Jack peeking from behind the glass and napkin.

How about a dish breakdown. Starting with these green plates.

Followed by these black and white checked plates.

....and last of all the same black dinner plates......

.....and the same placemats too......

....but I did change the flatware to this black "Treble Clef" and I've added the newish checked tablecloth too.

....now on to my three smiling Jacks. This is my oldest one.....I guess I've had him for at least 25 years....no telling where I found him.

These two Jacks have hung out on my porch for many a Halloween night too......and they're still smiling! (And bringing flowers too!)

Tabletop overview.

Candy corn colored flowers.....

.... with a candy corn pick.

Time to dim the lights.....

.....and enjoy some grins with the Jacks!

I've been so busy the past couple of weeks that I've been terrible about getting around and making comments and responding to your very sweet comments....hope you don't think I'm rude.....really, just crazy busy....some fun and some not....but you know I love ya'll ---and I'll be back to "getting around" real soon.....in the meantime wander on over to "Between Naps on the Porch" and check out all the tables set all across blogland.....where there's always a place set for you!

See ya!

MacBeth and a Halloween Decorator

2011-10-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

I've been AWOL for a bit. Last week Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I were in Atlanta. First on our agenda was to see Macbeth at The Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern. We know "Macbeth" pretty well.....just call me "Mother Macbeth". Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I are pretty proud of him. And playing Macbeth is pretty exciting for Andrew too. One of his prized roles at the Tavern. (I will say it is pretty weird to see your son beheaded!)

Andrew and his real life "Lady Macbeth" -- (Although Megan is MUCH nicer....otherwise we may have been uneasy overnight guests.....just a little Macbeth humor)

The grands looked mighty cute in their Halloween shirts.

We had a great time at the pumpkin patch with them....too bad it was a unexpected stop and I didn't have my camera with me.

Stella and I did some fun Halloween decorating around the house to "surprise" her parents one night. We put some streamers up on her bedroom door....fun to run through and scare your little sister.

We cut out spiders to crawl over the back of the chairs.

More streamers and bats for the light.

All sorts of Halloween fun for the kitchen window.

Stella gave the bats some spooky faces.

Another spider in an unexpected spot....ready to scare someone.

And of course a few ghosts hanging around waiting for the "big haunting day". It was fun to let Stella decorate however her heart desired and she announced, "Nana, this was the bestest activity of all!" Isn't it fun to entertain a five year old with some crepe paper, black card stock, window clings and a little childhood imagination? Such a blessing these sweet times are.

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - A Wicked repeat.

2011-10-04T18:14:00.001-07:00

Hope you don't mind a repeat tablescape from 2010. This week we're going to see the musical "Wicked" for the second time. It's a fun show and a part of our season's Broadway touring theater package for this year. Actually -- how perfect for this month of Halloween. Then later on this week we'll be in Atlanta for Macbeth at the Atlanta Shakesphere Tavern. And of course....more witches!

This was the playbill from the 2010 show.

As you can tell....black and green are the colors of the show.....

....so they're also the colors of my wicked table as well.

Sitting in the center pretty as you please is sweet Glinda --- formerly know as "Galinda" She's thinking about how "Popular" she is!

And on this side we have Elphaba -- you may know her as the wicked witch of the west.

And these shoes are certainly no ruby slippers!

Watch out for the monkey --- even though he hasn't gotten his wings.....yet.

Who's that "defying gravity"?

Had to use the flash to get a better view.

If you've seen the play you know that perhaps that "wicked" witch isn't quite so wicked after all.....and Glenda is not entirely nice either.

Thanks Susan of "Between Naps on the Porch" for providing us this forum each week for dish delights! Hope you'll have a great weekend ....looking forward to reporting on all the fun and witchey drama!

See ya!

Hubby's Birthday Tablescape

2011-09-27T17:10:00.001-07:00

It's time for Tablescape Thursday again. This weeks table is set for Mr. Mid-Atlantic's upcoming birthday. Now Mr. Mid-Atlantic's very patient with my dishes and setting and resetting the table....so this one's for him.

Setting a manly table can be a bit of a challenge for a gal who loves pink....but here goes.....

Mr. Mid-Atlantic plays cards with the guys a couple of nights each month....so this table has a Poker night theme.

Let's see each set up for "Poker night". Aren't these fun theme plates? Well actually they're paper plates set under clear glass ones.

a fun and thrifty way to set a theme. It's been dark and rainy all day, so I had to turn on the lights....you can see the plate a bit better without the glass glare.

Black dinner plates came from K-mart last year.

These gold rimmed glass chargers were an eBay purchase about 5 years ago. I was able to get 12 and I've used them a lot over the years.

Black and white checked tablecloth and the black iron "Treble clef" flatware were also eBay purchases.

I found these pilsner glasses at Goodwill this summer.

Cards made a fun coaster.

How's this for a manly sort of centerpiece?

I found this plate of cards on another Goodwill trip.

An old cigar box set on top of a pillar candle holder.

A pretty good hand held by an antique flower frog.

A bouquet of cigars. Mr. Mid-Atlantic does like a cigar every now and then....but he's always polite about puffing outside.

Love this old box.

A backside view.

A couple of overviews.

These black and gold napkins seemed to pull it all together. They were found a couple of years ago at Tuesday Morning.

Happy Birthday Mr. Mid-Atlantic....hope it's a real winner!

Be sure to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" for this weeks tabletop fun!

See ya!

Happy Fall Tablescape

2011-09-18T16:39:00.001-07:00

Last week was an early autumn tablescape that I re-posted from 2010 -- and since the calendar for this week has the official start of autumn, today I'm posting my first fall table of 2011. This was a fun table to put together because I'm just unboxing some of my fall decor -- I'm still unpacking, but all of this is from storage, nothing new.

Welcome to the first table of fall. This is the season that feels like "one foot in summer and one foot in fall". The mornings can be crisp and feel like fall, but the flowers are still blooming and the trees are still full of their summer green leaves. And the days can still warm up enough to be delightful convertible weather.

As always, I've set a place just for you!

Some of you know my "two napkin" rule......paper for the mouth.....

....cloth for the lap. (This saves me from lots of cloth napkin disasters.....lip stick.....red sauces....butter - you know the stains that are impossible to get out!)

Overview of the table top......

.....and the centerpiece. I thought I would include some pumpkins among the last hydrangea blossoms with a few bunches of grapes thrown in as well. This all reminds me of this transition time of year.

A layering of dishes and Target flatwear on antique Irish linen placemats.

I found these little apple plates last year at Cracker Barrel -- I think they had been marked down to the 75% off shelf.

They make perfect coasters....

So I "picked" the last four apples they had. One golden, two granny smith green and one red.

Shall we do the tabletop "strip tease"?

This small dish came from Tuesday Morning about 3 years ago -- they ended up costing 99 cents each.

They have a pretty golden scalloped edge.

These green plates are heavy glass....they were another find on the sale shelf at Cracker Barrel a couple of years ago at the end of summer.

Can you see the embossed olives branches in the glass?

These come from a set of J.C. Penny dishes I found at Goodwill about five years ago. We use them everyday.

The light green glass chargers were on sale at one of my favorite little boutiques in Virginia Beach. We usually go there every fall, but it looks like we won't be making that trip this year.

I found this pretty shabby chic basket at a vintage and thrift store early in the summer.

Loved how well these paper napkins coordinated with.....

these cloth ones I've had for a couple of years. I believe these came from Tuesday Morning.

The only purchase I made this week was for these napkins from the grocery store....$1.99! That makes for a very thrifty tablescape.

Be sure to visit all the wonderful tables set this week brought to you by Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch".
Happy Fall Y'all!

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - Early Autumn

2011-09-14T05:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy week here....so I hope a repeat tablescape is ok.... I love sunflowers during this "one foot in summer...one foot in fall season". Hope everyone's having a great week.

What do you suppose it is that brings us back week after week with anticipation to Tablescape Thursday? Is it the enjoyment of the "creating" or the inspiration of seeing other tablescapes. Whatever keeps bringing us back, I want to thank Susan for hostessing this wonderful spot each week for us to enjoy!

Welcome to my early autumn table this week. We're just beginning to have a little bit of "crispness" to our early mornings around here. (I know because the "boys" get me up every morning at 6 for their pre-breakfast walk). The rest of the day is still warm and up in the 80's ....just a fleeting "hint" of fall for early risers.

I used two matching tablerunners as my placemats this week. These were from an Atlanta thrifting excersion with my DIL over a year ago.

You know I've set a place for you!

Fall plaid napkins found at Yankee Candle Store in Williamsburg last fall.

A layering of Sunflower salad plate (Marshall's Summer 2009) over Cream JCPenney ironstone (Goodwill a couple of years ago) over Nell Hill's woven trays/placemats (on line this summer).

Bamboo flatware (Marshall's 2009)

Sunflowers and fall mums -- Martin's Grocery store

Green water goblets (Goodwill 2009)

Overview of the centerpiece

Overview of the table.

Tabletop view.

Love the fresh flowers -- I don't often use flowers for my centerpieces, because I don't have a pretty cutting garden like many of you do -- mine are usually from the grocery store.

This basket is vintage, it was from my grandmother's house -- she kept it by her phone with pads and pencils and sissors, stamps and stationary in it.

One final look at our "Early Autumn" table. As I look back at last year, when I used these same dishes for a tablescape, I find that my style has changed somewhat over the past year. More mixture of patterns and textures. I enjoy seeing how other's have inspired me to try different things.

Be sure to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" starting each Wednesday evening around 8 o'clock (Eastern Standard Time) or so for a whole variety of tablescapes. It's a real dish delight!

See ya!

The End of Summer - tablescape

2011-09-05T17:41:00.001-07:00

It's time to set the table once again for Tablescape Thursday. I've set an end of Summer table this week. Do you count Labor Day as the end of Summer or the calendar date of September 22nd? Either way, it will soon be Fall.

Welcome to my "last trip to the beach" tablescape. Actually September has often been one of our favorite months for taking a weekend beach escape. Many years we've had splendid beach weather and when our children were older, we would go for the 1st weekend after Labor Day. After I retire, we will have to start that tradition back up again.

I've set a place for you --- so tell me, did you have a visit to the ocean this summer? I seem to linger over the last days of Summer...sort of like lingering at the table after a wonderful meal with friends.

For this table, my flower ring has become a shell ring.

Rather than a setting of tropical colors....I've set the soft colors of sand and shells at sunset.

Most of the shells have come from our Spring Florida trips -- days when we get our first taste of coming lazy summer afternoons.

My big shell wasn't a treasure found on the beach....it was found at an antique store here in Richmond.

These vintage flamingos are a part of my summer decor....soon to be packed up for another year.

Layers of silver, white and lace.

My china pattern is Stanford Court. I love the shell pattern.

While I do have the matching salad plates, sometimes I mix in something else. These glass plates were from my husband's grandmother.

The etching shows up a bit better against the table.

You can see the white on white design of the tissue linen placemats through the gold rimmed glass chargers.

From afternoon....

....to evening......

....the last days of Summer are a magical time spent at the beach.

Hope you will be able to linger through these last summer days and enjoy a few moments in your favorite spots.

Be sure to visit "Between Naps on the Porch" to see many tables prepared for you. There are always such creative inspirations to be discovered there.

See ya!

Here we go!

2011-08-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Looks like we're in for some wild weather here in the Mid-Atlantic. Hoping everyone stays safe as Irene blows through. We're expecting the worst here in Virginia tomorrow evening. Hopefully by then Irene will have downgraded a bit. We're about two hours inland so we won't get the worst.....Prayers for all our coastal friends and family.

See ya! Be safe everybody!

Update Saturday morning: so far, so good. We are experiencing a rather gentle rain this morning. A little windy. Took our two very reluctant dogs for a walk this morning while it wasn't too bad -- knowing that there will be no walking this afternoon! We're predicted to get our worst here around 4 this afternoon. If we can keep our electricity I will be quite happy and grateful --- no "Pioneer Woman" here.

Update Sunday afternoon: We did ok. Never lost electricity more than a few minutes -- lucky us! Most people did. We did lose cable last night and it just came back up. Beautiful day today. Poor S-I-L works for the power company....he's very tired -- came in at 6 a.m. and had to back out at 2 p.m. It will be like this for a few days I guess.

Hope all my blogging friends from the east coast are doing well.

Flower Garden Tablescape

2011-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's time to set the table again. This week I've picked a flower garden setting for my tabletop.

Welcome to the garden.

A place for you.

A closer look at the centerpiece. I know that I gasped when I found this flower ring at an antique store back in June. I had been looking for one for the past couple of years in some of the local shops and had not been able to find anything and the ones I did find on ebay were not within my budget. I had about given up and there this was! Meant to go home with me.

The ring part that hold the flowers is frosted glass and the candle holders are clear. This was in perfect condition without a chip or crack anywhere. I am delighted! It's odd that some of the flowers look yellow in these pictures ....actually they're a creamy white.

In the very center I've set my ceramic pineapple from Bath and Body Works. The colonial sign of welcome.

Pink stemware.

Even the dragonfly napkin rings are a pinkish purple shade. These came from Pier 1 when I got my white chargers a couple of weeks ago. Even as I purchased them, I was setting this table in my mind.

These berry bowls were purchesed this summer from ebay especially to go with this mismatched china set. The salad bowls actually had three berry bowls to match, I purchased these 4 to mix with them for a setting of 6 (and one spare). This set is my "birthday china" since all of it was purchased during June right around my birthday.

This is the marking on the back. I have no idea how old they may be.

One Saturday morning in June Mr. Mid-Atlantic handed me some cash and set me loose in the antique store while he went to another establishment in the same shopping center. One of the treasures I found were these salad bowls and three berry bowls to match.

This the the marking on the back.

These dinner plates were another ebay purchase from a gift card I got for my birthday.

And their marking. I loved the way these all mixed together. None are the same patterns, but they seem to blend together nicely. If anyone knows anything about these patterns I would love to have some history.

These pink glass plates I've had for sometime and the chargers are the ones I purchased a few weeks ago at Pier 1. I became a little obsessed with them when I kept seeing them on tablescape posts. I resisted as long as I could!

The tablecloth is vintage with pink roses stenciled on them.

A couple of overhead photos of the table. Why is it that there always seems to be one "bow legged" candle in the batch?

As evening falls the candles are lit.....

....and the "blue hour" begins in the garden.

For more tablesettings to enchant you, be sure to stop by "Between Naps on the Porch" where Tablescape Thursday is hosted by Susan each week.

In this busy week be sure to take time to "smell the roses"....mine will be pink!

See ya!

Sand, Sea and Shore Tablescape

2011-08-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's time to set the table again and this week I've set a table by the sea! Well, not really, just wishful thinking....but we love the water, ocean, river, lake....whatever. It's time to grab a few relaxing days as summer wanes. So here we go......

Welcome to the table.....

.....a place set for you!

....I'll take a seat right over here. The "napkins" are kitchen towels found at the grocery store for $1 each.

Things are busy on the beach today....

....This little guy is happy to join us, as long as he isn't dinner!

....sand castles.....

....sand pipers....

....and a comfy sea side seat.

Blue stemware from the Dollar Tree.

Layers of dishes and shell flatware.

I found four fish dishes at Goodwill last week. The little cups for cocktail sauce are votive candle holders. Whatever works...right?

The blue salad plates are from Walmart.

White ruffled plates from Tuesday Morning.

Green dinner plates from Kroger.....I can find dishes just about anywhere!

My new chargers from Pier One. Love these!

A couple of table overviews.

Hope you're enjoying these last days of Summer. Be sure to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" this week to see tables set from sea to shining sea!

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday at McDonald's

2011-08-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love Tablescape Thursday -- This week I think I will repost a table from last year. Since we've all been in the "rooster" mode this week thanks to Shelia's Rooster & Hen party, I thought it was only fair to let the other barnyard friends in on the fun so...let's take a trip to McDonald's....No No! Not the golden arches....I mean McDonald's farm!

Ready for a country breakfast?

Old McDonald had a farm...E-I-E-I-O......

....and on his farm he has some roosters -- E-I-E-I-O....With a rooster here and a rooster there....

....roosters, roosters everywhere! Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O...

...and on his farm he had some hens -- E-I-E-I-O... with eggs over here and chicks over there... scrambled eggs....poached eggs....eggs just everywhere! Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O...

...and on his farm he had some pigs...E-I-E-I-O! With some big hogs here....

.... and some piglets there....bacon and sausage everywhere! Old McDonald had a farm ...E-I-E-I-O!

....and on his farm he had a cow...E-I-E-I-O...

...and the milk goes here....

....and the cream goes there....

...milk in old milk bottles everywhere! Old McDonald had a farm ...E-I-E-I-O!

....and in his garden he had some strawberries....E-I-E-I-O....

....with a cobbler here and jam over there...strawberries, strawberries everywhere! Old McDonald had a garden E-I-E-I-O!

It's always fun to have good friends like you at my table!

So.....how would you like those eggs today?

An overview of our country breakfast table.

Overview of the barnyard.

Old McDonald had a dog and Bingo was his name-o....B-I-N-G....oh....that's another song isn't it?

Hope you'll visit our hostess Susan at "Between Naps On The Porch" where you'll find lots of fun tablescapes this week...whether you're a city girl or a country gal --- you're sure to find one that suits your fancy. Hope you didn't mind a "second" trip to the farm!

See ya!

Roos around the house

2011-08-07T17:42:00.001-07:00

I'm joining Shelia over at "Note Songs" for her Heart of The Home blog party -- all about the yard birds as she calls them. First up are my vintage salt & pepper roos (or perhaps hens).

Next is my pair of pot holder roos.

My wooden window roo is watching for the first light of dawn so he can wake up the household. Along with a little chick in training.

Here's my big boy roo -- he stands about 2 1/2 feet tall and is bigger than my dogs.

My laundry roo and hen.

Hand painted handsome guy.

Miss sittin' pretty.

Mr. Yankee Doodle Roo.

You've heard of Spring chicks.....well they certainly need a Spring roo!

How about a plate of roo?

Table top roos. You can see some roos on my wallpaper border too. (One of these days I'm getting rid of that -- it's been on my list since we moved in....almost 19 years ago *sigh*)

A little pitcher roo perfect for breakfast juice.

Mr. Spunkyroo -- he just looks like a dog -- but he's really a rooster in disguise waking me up each morning when the sun comes up.

Looking forward to seeing all the roosters, chicks and hens over at Note Songs. Thanks for a fun event Shelia!

I'm also joining the ever sweet Marty at "Tabletop Tuesday" on A Stroll thru Life --- these roos are not all on the table....but you know how those Roosters and hens are....just everywhere!

Kindergarten and Pirate Princesses

2011-08-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

This has been a milestone week for three of our grandgirls. Stella, our oldest grandchild started school this week. Sorry this picture is small.

She was certainly all smiles for her first day of school. She's been ready for some time. Georgia schools start earlier than we do here in Virginia. Our kids are still having their break until September. I think I like the Georgia schedule better though. Start the first of August...a week off in September...a week off for Thanksgiving....two weeks at Christmas....a week off in February.....a week off in April (not attached to Easter) and then out right after Memorial day. Our kids start the day after Labor day...2 1/2 days at Thanksgiving....two weeks at Christmas, then a long haul until Easter for a week then they get out the middle of June. They have a few single days and half days here and there, but only two breaks that are a full week or longer.

Then today is our twin grandgirls birthday. They had their party on Saturday with a Pirate theme. It was a blast....and quite warm. They had fun in the bounce house, playing ring toss, pin the patch on the pirate and buried treasure in the sand box. Then inside for some Pirate cake.

Lighting the candles....

......making their wishes....

....then digging in!

A Pirate must have a few tatoos.

Who cares if you wear your patch over your eye....or on top of your head!

A gathering of all the mateys and deck hands.

Even Miss Lilly got into the act....

...Pirate mascot.

Party over and two little worn out pirates say......"Arrrrrrrgh Matey!"

See ya!

Summer Swan Tablescape

2011-08-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

It's time to join all the other tablescapers across blogland and set the table. Until I met Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch", I never knew how many of us loved playing with our dishes!

This week I've set a table that I've been building in my mind ever since I found my centerpiece swan a few weeks ago. I couple of years ago I set a romantic swan table for two...but this is more casual....sort of "tavern" style.

Won't you join me?

Is there anything more elegant than swans drifting along on a pond? Perhaps that's why you find them depicted in ballet. Grace....elegance....beauty. (Of course you may not feel that way if you've seen "Black Swan").

I found this table topper on ebay a couple of years ago. I fell in love the pairs of swans. They mate for life and are often considered a symbol of eternal love.

I found both my set of etched wine glasses and etched water/iced tea glasses at our local Goodwill. In fact, I've found quite a few sets of nice crystal glasses there.

A closer view of the wine stems etched with grapes. About a month after I found these I saw the same exact glasses pictured in Victoria Magazine.

When I found this at the antique shop the tag said it was a duck. When I went to the counter to pay for this, we had quite a discussion about whether it was a duck or a swan. All the women said swan. The only guy there said he thought it was a duck. What do you see?

Let's break down the layers. I have a white battenburg napkin layered over black and white checked ones. The bow napkin rings were found at a local antique store several years ago. I use them often.

My ruffled salad plates were from Tuesday Morning about 5 years ago.

I found my black pleated dinner plates at Kmart a couple of years back ....I've mostly used them at Halloween.

I was finally able to find these chargers in stock at Pier One last week. I think these are some of the prettiest ones I've seen and I knew that if they ever had some....they would come home with me. I'm sure I'll be using these a lot! I've been drooling over these ever since the first time I saw them on a Tablescape Thursday posting. Over the past few months I've seen them on more and more tables. Isn't it funny how so many of us are attracted to the same things....remember the "Gollum" dishes and the Target birdies?

Overview of the table. I found the checked tablecloth on ebay....another tablecloth I believe you'll be seeing a lot.

Simple swan centerpiece.

The way the two layers of napkins fluffed up sort of reminded me of birds wings.

I enjoyed setting this table, it sort of reminded me of.....

....watching swans glide ever so beautifully across the water.

I hope you'll visit the tables prepared for you at "Between Naps on the Porch" this week. There's always something to inspire us to set a beautiful table.

See ya!

Good-bye July!

2011-07-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

I've always loved the 4th of July....it's my next to favorite holiday (right after Thanksgiving). It seems such a shame to take down the red, white and blue on the 5th of July......

.....so I just leave it up all month.

I've been told that I was born a week before my "due date" and my birthday is June 27th......exactly one week before....

....the birthday of the U.S.A!

.....yes, indeed......

.....I could have been.....

....a "Yankee Doodle Gal!"

.....well, it's all packed up in the tub to go in the storage shed.....

.....until next year when we do it all again! Good-bye July.....

See ya!

Beachy Tablescape

2011-07-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

It's tablescape time again. We've been so hot here as have many of you. So, let's go to the beach to cool off.

Welcome to my surf, sand and shell table.

Come and join us.

Instead of napkin rings....we'll use napkin starfish.

A sheer aqua tablecloth layered over a white one.

A very simple centerpiece of starfish, shells, sand, tea lights and candle.

A closer peek.

White battenburg napkins on white Gibson dishes.

I found these etched iced tea glasses at Goodwill a few weeks ago. The coasters are just like ones my grandmother had and used with her iced tea spoons. These are a perfect resting place for the spoons after you've used them. My placemat/trays were ordered from Nell Hill last summer.

A closer look at the glasses -- there were only five...I guess that's why someone was getting rid of them. Ok by me!

I love this shell pitcher in the summer time.

Overviews of the table and centerpiece.

Hope you're finding great ways to stay cool this summer....perhaps some cool ocean breezes are blowing your way. I hope you'll find time to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" this week for many tablescapes of summertime inspiration.

Good night from the beach! (I wish)

See ya!

On the River

2011-07-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

We've had fun enjoying Mr. Mid-Atlantic's new (to us) boat this summer. A couple of weeks ago we took our daughter and her family out for a Saturday afternoon of fun. He keeps it at a "boatel" about an hour from here. He calls up and they put it in the water for us. Usually it's already in when we get there, but we got there before that this time so this shows them placing it in the water.

Captain Mid-Atlantic fuels her up and.....

.....we're off! Mom has one twin.

And dad has the other.

Kendall has her chance at steering.

An osprey nest along the way.

Keelyn takes her turn.

Hope you're finding a way to stay cool in all this heat. We're actually invited to an outdoor wedding today....I might melt! (I'm sure to be wishing for river breezes). So how are you keeping cool?

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - Strawberry Fair

2011-07-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, when I set the table for the 4th of July, I used some Johnson Brothers transferware named Strawberry Fair. These dishes came from my in laws. They used it at their summer river cottage. I've always loved it, and evidently some of you did too. In fact, I had a special request from a fellow blogger, Deanna at "Home Haven Ministry" who asked me to "pretty please" do a Strawberry Fair tablescape.....now who could possibly resist a special request tablescape? Not me! So....Deanna....this one's for you! If you have not met Deanna yet, please stop by to say hello.

Welcome to my strawberry table.

Obviously the star of this table is the strawberry.

I love vintage tablecloths and this strawberry print is the perfect compliment to Strawberry Fair dishes.

This white pitcher belonged to my grandmother. She used to fill it with flowers for her foyer.

A place for you.

As you can see -- I do have quite a few pieces. Not all are on this table -- not shown are a couple of platters and a vegetable bowl, I also have some soup bowls, but I'm down to only five now :( This is the luncheon plate and dinner plate.

We just thought square plates were a new design. Not so!

Even the backs are pretty.

I've used these red napkins with white edging that came from my dad in many tablescapes. These were always his favorite ones.

The flatware came from Target a few years back ....I wish they would bring these back in some more colors.

Bread plates under berry bowls filled with....strawberries.

A closer peek at this pretty pattern. It's one you really don't see all that often.

Tea cups are covered in strawberries inside and out.

I love the soft colors mixed with the bright berries.

Overview shots of flowers....

....and dishes.

Thanks for joining my strawberry table this week and be sure to check out all the other pretty dishes and settings posted for your pleasure at Susan's "Between Naps on the Porch". Thanks Deanna....for your special request. It was fun to set the table with you in mind.

I haven't been able to do much visiting lately.....we're at VBS every night this week, but I'll try to catch up with all of you soon.

See ya!

Outdoor tablescape....Indoors.

2011-07-12T17:08:00.001-07:00

It's time for Tablescape Thursday again and tables are being set all across blogland. Sometimes its funny how well things come together even when they weren't purchased at the same time or planned that way. This week I've set my table in a way that would be really cute for an outdoor poolside table.....except I don't have a pool and our backyard is a work in progress with a new carport being built and driveway paved. So I've set my outdoor tablescape....inside.

Welcome to my colorful summer table.

You know I always set a place just for you.

I found a set of these plastic plates and bowls at BJs this spring and thought they would be perfect for the grandgirls.

Here's an overview of the indoor/outdoor table. Let's see how things came together.

The green cloth napkins came from Target last fall and the metal flower napkin rings came from Pier I this spring (around Easter).

I got some pink ones and some yellow ones.

The colorful paper napkins were a hostess gift from a friend a couple of years ago. The fun plastic straw glasses came from Target....all four of the grandgirls love these.

Two pink and two aqua blue. They had lots of colors -- when my sister was here with her grandson he liked the glass too---so I got one for him (he's 10) and two more for him to take back for his younger sister and brother.

For my birthday, my son and DIL brought me this cute runner and two tiered server from Target.

I added two of these green bamboo placemats that I found at Ross about three years ago in Atlanta.

Love the colors in this server.

I thought it would be cute with some little sandwiches for the grandgirls.....

.....and of course cookies! (The twins started calling me Nana Cookie awhile back)

Don't you love it when an odd assortment of things come together to make a bright and cheerful tablescape? How fun is that!

Be sure to check out all the tables this week at "Between Naps on the Porch", it's always fun to peek at all the tables each week!

See ya!

4th of July Tablescape

2011-07-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

I love holidays and the 4th of July is one of my favorites! We had already celebrated earlier with our family and Mr. Mid-Atlantic and I both had colds so we just stayed at home this year....We had terrible thunderstorms around here so all the fireworks displays were rained out anyway.....but, I still had fun decorating and setting the table....just for you!

Before the rain started I got some outdoor pictures of my garden flag.....

....and these cute little tin firecrackers for the yard.

I found these at "Through the Garden Gate", one of my favorite local antique, vintage and "what-not" stores.

....I may just leave them up all July.

My little Spunky Man is ready to greet you at the door.

A couple of flags in my door arrangement.

Welcome to our red, white and blue table!

Red, white and blue checked cloth layered over a red one.

Come and have a seat....our menu for our celebration was hot dogs, hamburgers, bbq, corn bread, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, Paula Deen Ooey, gooey cake topped with strawberries, blueberries and cool whip with plenty of iced tea (sweet and un-sweet).

Plates are topped with a paper flag napkin found at Tuesday Morning.

Red salad plates from several years ago - Marshall's.

Red Johnson Brothers transferware -- Strawberry Fair. These belonged to my in-laws.

With my two napkin rule (paper for the mouth, cloth for the lap) - the navy blue napkin with a white star was purchased a couple of years ago at Kohls.

Shell everyday stainless flatware.

red antique goblets.

Antique Betsy Ross postcard.

Wooden stars from Kohls many years ago.

I found three of these (only two designs) at Through The Garden Gate.

I believe this little drum came from Peebles about 10 years ago.

A patriotic nutcracker from my collection.

I've had this patriotic rooster forever too.

The other design on this cute little card/ornament.

It's kind of hard to see, but this is The Statue of Liberty. Antique store several years ago.

overview of the table.

Tip top view of the centerpieces.

One last look --- I sort of put everything patriotic I had on the table....these things will be split up and placed in several places around for the rest of July. I try to keep them out all month.

And lastly a little picture hanging in my kitchen that says, "I'm proud to be an American"......hope you had a wonderful Independence day gathered around tables and backyards, porches and pools with those you love, thankful for our freedoms and liberties! Hooray for the red, white and blue!

I hope you'll get the chance to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" to see all the tablesettings this week. There's sure to lots of inspiration and ideas for your next gathering. Congratulations Susan for 150 weeks of hosting tablescapes!

See ya!

Giving Birth to Independence Day

2011-07-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

It's always a delight to visit Colonial Williamsburg (we honeymooned there almost 36 years ago) -- but it's certainly a wonderful place to visit on or close to Independence Day. We were able to walk around for the day last week when our son's family was here. Our first stop was the Govenor's Palace. This was the home to 7 royal governors and after independence, Govenors Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson until the capitol was moved to Richmond.

Our guide for the day in her Colonial dress. The furnishings that are shown are from the time of the last royal govenor, John Murray the 4th Earl of Dunmore. I had a hard time with the interior pictures because I either had to get close up...or get pictures of the other people on the tour in them. So you don't really get a sense of the size of these rooms.

The entryway is where most business would take place .... few people ever got past this point. You can see the dark wood and the display of swords....

....and muskets - rather imposing wouldn't you say?

A peek into the pantry --- wouldn't I love that sort of storage?

The family dining room -- don't you love the floor covering?

This table is being set off the ball room for evening refreshment.

This was one of the beds in the upper chambers.

Lots of beautiful millwork.

Loved the blue and white tiles surrounding this upstairs fireplace.

Beautiful crystal and silver chandelier.

Standing so close I had to get two pictures of this gorgeous bedding.

Ourdoor grounds.

The kitchen was, of course,not connected to the house but an outbuilding. Another guide in colonial dress.

And, yes, she really does cook all this food -- it' real. Wish I had taken a closer shot of the baked apples --- the dough was cut and shaped to make them look like pineapples.

More dish storage.

Love all the pewter plates.

The capital building. Virginia was the first colony to speak for American Independence. This is where on May 15, 1776 fundamental liberties were debated and ended in the creation of a new government. Virginia instructed its delegation at the Philadelphia Contenental Congress to move the question of freedom.

More Colonial interaction on the very ground where the rumblings and debates on independence first started .... giving birth to the freedoms we all enjoy today.

Happy 4th of July everyone!