New Year's in Florida

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

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!

The End of Summer - tablescape

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!

Sand, Sea and Shore Tablescape

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!