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.