End of Summer 2010 Tablescape

It's time to set the table once again for Tablescape Thursday -- thanks to Susan of "Between Naps On The Porch", there's lots of "dishing" here in blogland. Since we're coming up on Labor Day weekend, the "last" week-end of Summer, many of you are probably planning a special tablescape. Most years we might be planning something outdoors, but here in the Mid-Atlantic, it has not been a good summer for cook-outs, bar-b-ques or picnics. It's just been too darn hot! We've broken all the records for hot weather this year -- so in keeping with the Summer of 2010, I've set a tropical tablescape.



Welcome to my tropical tablescape.



As always, there's a place set just for you!




My green cloth napkins came from Target a few months ago and the parrot napkin rings came from a favorite local antique store that's going to close up the end of this month. I'm going to miss that place!




I found these green placemats a couple of years ago in Atlanta.



Paper napkins for my "two napkin rule" are placed in everyday stemware. A friend of mine told me that a little tea room that she goes to also places paper napkins at each place with the instructions that lipstick should be blotted with paper so as not to stain their cloth napkins. Maybe this is something that is catching on -- it always has made a lot on sense to me.



My flamingo friends look quite at home here on my tropical Mid-Atlantic tablescape.




The centerpiece also contains this vintage pair of flamingos I found earlier this summer.



Yesterday, I went to the local grocery store (Martin's) to see if I could find some bright tropical colored flowers for this my table this week. I spotted this bunch right away!



I set the bowl of flowers and flamingos on a framed sheet of bright scrapbooking paper.




An overview of the centerpiece.



Overview of the table.




Loving these bright happy colors.



Even the vintage flamingos look more cheerful among these fun colors .... don't you think?




I do have to tell you that as I was arranging these flowers, the blue ones had so much food coloring, that they turned my fingers blue!




This bamboo flatware has been a favorite of mine for the past couple of years. It seems to especially compliment the more casual tablescapes.



And I think this may be my all time favorite tip I've picked up from Tablescaping. I know that I've shown you before, but it's always fun to layer......




....a clear glass dinner plate over.....




....a fun patterned paper one! I found these plates and napkins at Target earlier in the summer. I especially like looking out for Caspari designs too.




Can't seem to get enough of these flowers.



Just gazing across the tabletop.....




....from morning.....




....until evening!

Hoping that everyone has a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend! Despite the heat, the Summer of 2010 has been a very happy one for us. But I have to admit, I'm looking forward to a bit cooler weather and I'm really a Fall kind of gal. I know that we'll have some wonderful Indian Summer days ahead to savor...but I'm ready for pumpkins and fall leaves....how about you?

Be sure to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" to find lots of fun tablescapes this week.

See ya!