Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Tablescape Thursday

This my first post for Tablescape Thursday ......within the blog Between Naps on the Porch.  You will find the Tablescape Thursday button on the right to click on and visit Susan's blog to see the tablescapes.

My blog is new and this is actually the third day so I am very new at this and still learning and have so far to go.  Please, be patient and hopefully, I will get better each day.


My first tablescape is for Valentine's Day and is actually for a dinner party that I will be giving for six. The table is set with my everyday dishes, Desert Rose by Franciscan, made by Johnson Brothers in England.  I think the pink blossoms seem romatic and help to soften the red. My dishes are not the vintage ones from the 1940's and 50's, but rather the newer ones.  It seems that some of the older variety of this pattern were found to contain lead....ugh..!! I found it interesting that this pattern, Desert Rose was first introduced the very year I was born.  Perhaps that is why I bonded with it.



The flatware is also Franciscan stainless in the Desert Rose pattern.  The place mats were purchased recently at Kohls while on sale, as were the napkins. The centerpiece is a crystal cut glass eggnog bowl, an antique gift from my mom. The mirrored tray is from Target and still available.  It is a very nice tray to own as you can use it for many things.  I found the mail boxes also at Target in the Dollar Spot.  Before the party, I plan to put each guest's name on the flag and use as the place card.   Each place setting has a box of candy to be taken home as a little present from Mr. Bob and myself.  The candy box is resting in a clear glass heart shaped dish that will be used to serve the strawberry and spinach salad.



Also, on the plate is a long stemed rose that lights up when touched......a fun way to get the conversation started as I finish preparations for the meal.
The drinking glasses are Franciscan and used by us everyday.  Even dishes that are used daily can be enjoyed on special occasions, to prove that fine china and sterling are not necessary to set a pretty  table.



The Annalee mice that adorn the table and buffet are so cute and really make the table very whimsical.  I found the Annalee figures at TJ Max and it was love at first sighting.










I found the red heart strand of lights at Big Lots and could not resist them as the cost was so low compared to others that I had seen.  The tulips were literally in our garage and Mr. Bob was throwing them in the trash.  After a little soak in soapy water, and a little drying time, they were "good to go".  The lights add an element of softness to the room with the candle glow.



A couple of Annalee mice complete the Valentine theme for my party.

Thank you for looking and I hope to see you again soon.

16 comments:

Meredith said...

What a festive table...so pretty!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Phyllis, You certainly put a great deal of work into this table with a beautiful result! Welcome to blogging! I am having so much fun and have met so many new friends all around the world in just a short time! I see that you like musical soundtracks, as do I. I was laughing at your previous post when you said you came to the realization that red and white would make pink paint! That is just so like me. I think I am your first follower but I am sure you will get many more. Linda

Sarah said...

Phyllis, welcome to TT. Your table is full of charm for the holidays. From the Desert Rose flatware and pottery to each special detail, you have set the mood for Valentine's Day. Glad you are joining in the fun. TT is what started me on my blogging journey. ~ Sarah

Tricia said...

So glad you decided to join the party at Susan's this week! Your guests will be delighted with the festive you've set -- and the boxes of valentine candy! I've always loved Desert Rose, too. How fun that you even have the stainless to match!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Phyllis, congratulations on your debut tablescape! I love using my mother-in-law's Desert Rose dishes, so your tables feels "familiar!" The crystal bowl is gorgeous -- and those little mail boxes are really fun.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm happy to have you as my newest follower!

Savannah Granny said...

Welcome to blogging and TT. I am pretty new as well. You will have a great time.
Your table scape is beautiful. I also have Desert Rose as an everyday china. I love that pattern and find it so versatile. I love all the festive touches. Hugs, Ginger

Savannah Granny said...

Forgot, I am your newest follower. Come on over and follow me as well. Hugs, Ginger

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Phyllis: I just love your table. It is so cute and romantic looking. Thank you for joining my blog. I have joined yours, however, my picture did not come out. I want to invite you to join our Tea Cup Tuesday. I am sure you will have a great time and the ladies will love seeing all your pretty things. Blessings, Martha

My Shabby Rose Cottage said...

VEry sweet tablescape. I love Desert Rose!!!

I am following your blog!

Come on over to mine and sign up for a giveaway!

http://myshabbyrosecottage.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentine-give-way.html

Warm Hugs,
Linda

Susan Freeman said...

Hi Phyllis! Welcome to blogging and it looks as though you are off to a great start with that beautiful tablescape!! I have the same mirror as you do over your buffet. I am your newest follower and I would love it if you stopped by to visit me.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Designs on 47th Street said...

Hi Phyllis, I just found you from Miss Char's blog (Grace and Favor). You have set a beautiful table. I love seeing all the work you have put into this.

Welcome to blogging. I know you will enjoy it. There are so many nice people out in blogland!

One suggestion...you might want to try to make your pictures larger..just a thought. :)

Donna

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Welcome to Blogville! Your have some wonderful treasures that are perfect for a V'tine table - can't get much better than Desert Rose for V'tine decor. your V'tine mice are adorable. Your sideboard is gorgeous. Thank you for joining Favorite Things. laurie

Angela McInnis said...

Uh, oh, Phyllis, I think we might be long lost sisters! The china, the eggnog bowl, mirrored tray, AL mice....loooove them all. (I was born in Memphis...were you?! lol)
Such a fun table and so thoughtful of you to have this party for your friends! Take pictures and post!
Angela

Marigene said...

Beautiful table for your first TT...can't wait to see what your next one will be.

Entertaining Women said...

Welcome to blog world! You've done a beautiful job on your first contribution to Tablescape Thursday. I can tell that you had a ball combining all the wonderful, whimsical elements for your table. I've collected Anna Lees for years; they are precious and always bring a smile. Your vintage punch bowl is such a treasure! Thank you for sharing your lovely design. Cherry Kay

Unknown said...

I'm sure your guests really enjoyed the evening! Wish I could have tagged along...