Creating a Pretty, Little Beverage Station for My Home Office

Do you ever read blogs on the weekends or do you mainly just read doing the week? I often post on the weekend so was just wondering if you like to get a blog post in your Inbox on the weekend.  (Pssst: If you haven't already, subscribe to get an email whenever I post here: Subscribe for Post Updates. It's completely free and will let you know when a new post is up with a link to the blog.) A few months … [Read more...]




Tulips and Butterflies: Entertaining on the Porch with a Spring Tablescape

Welcome to the 655th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! It's been so pretty and sunny all week, including this morning. But wouldn't you know, just as I was finishing this table setting today, it turned quite dark out. It looked more like 8:00 at night than 3:00 in the afternoon. I'm not complaining, though. We did get a nice bit of rain and we really … [Read more...]




Celebrating Spring and Easter in Soft, Subtle Shades of Tan, Beige and Cream

Welcome to the 652nd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! A few months back Diann, a lovely BNOTP reader, shared some photos with me of an adorable table setting she put together for Easter last year. With Easter just a couple of weeks away, I've been looking forward to sharing it for Tablescape Thursday.   This table isn't exactly your … [Read more...]




Mischievous Bunnies in a Spring Garden

Welcome to the 651st Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! This Saturday will be the official first day of spring! I know we may have some chilly days still ahead, but I can't help but get excited that spring is almost here! This week I put together a lighthearted table that would work well for spring or for Easter.   I've been looking … [Read more...]




Bunnies, Butterflies and Blossoms for Spring

So, I have this thing for bunnies. This sweet bunny first appeared in a spring table setting back in 201o and ever since then, bunnies seem to always find a way into my spring tables.   Who could resist that face?!   Over the years I've continued adding to my bunny menagerie, they are great as a spring or Easter centerpiece or for any place you would like to add a bit of spring … [Read more...]




Shopping the Spring-Easter Dinnerware in Two of My Favorite Stores

I ventured out yesterday to a couple of my favorite shops to see what's new in for spring. The first place I stopped was Pottery Barn. I was surprised to see that they only had a couple of tables set for spring.   I remember this cute floral, Peter Rabbit pattern featuring Peter running and jumping through the flowers from last year.   Doesn't this make you long for … [Read more...]




Crowing for an Early Spring!

Welcome to the 648th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! A few months back during a long drive home, I stopped into a Cracker Barrel for a break and to stretch my legs with a little walk through their shop. During my visit, I spied this handsome guy and decided to bring him home to join the mini-menagerie of critters I've gradually collected over the … [Read more...]




Winter Table: Blue Madrid Depression Glass, Earl Grey Tea Cake & London Fog Latte

Welcome to the 647th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Recently Phyllis, a BNOTP reader, had her cousins over for a lovely dinner. I was so excited when she shared these beautiful photos from that event and knew I had to share them for an upcoming Tablescape Thursday.   Phyllis said, "It's very much winter here in Michigan with snowflakes … [Read more...]




Porch Dining: A Valentine’s Day Table on a Warm February Day + A Tree Update

Welcome to the 646th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! It was sunny and 70 degrees out on the porch yesterday! Since I stay inside hunkered down this time of year, I discovered it purely by accident when I walked outside to refill all the bird feeders. I was astonished and couldn't pass up the chance to set a table outside. It happens every year, the … [Read more...]




A Beautiful, Bird-Themed China Pattern for Wintertime: Lenox Winter Greetings

Welcome to the 643rd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Recently I was chatting with a lovely BNOTP reader about our mutual love of a wonderful, bird-themed Lenox pattern called, Winter Greetings. I realized during our email exchange that it's been years since I used that pattern in a table for Tablescape Thursday. I don't know why I never think to bring … [Read more...]




Don’t Have the Perfect Tablecloth? Use a Cozy, Colorful Throw Instead

Welcome to the 632nd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! I know this has been a terribly stressful week for everyone, so how about something fun and relaxing today! I don't have my main computer back, yet--still waiting to hear if it can be saved, but I had an idea for today's post. A while back in the comments on a Tablescape Thursday post, someone … [Read more...]




7 Tables for Autumn and Halloween

Welcome to the 631st Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing 7 tables for a bit of autumn-Halloween inspiration. Many of these would be very easy to recreate. Click on the title of any table setting to see more of that table in detail. Happy Autumn! Blue Willow and Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece for an … [Read more...]




Halloween Table Craft Featuring Edgar Allan Poe’s Poem, The Raven

Several years ago I shared this wonderfully creative Halloween table craft by Stephanie at the blog, Brooklyn Limestone. After seeing this idea on her blog, I really wanted to do this for a Halloween table setting. I even went as far as buying the plain white plates to create it. Unfortunately, I never got around to making this clever Halloween design featuring Edgar Allan Poe's poem, The Raven, because … [Read more...]




Autumn-Fall Table with a Woolly Throw Tablecloth and a Cozy Pumpkin Centerpiece

Welcome to the 628th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions. Hope you like a lot of photos because this post has a bunch! Last week we were chatting in the comments about using throws as tablecloths. I love that look, especially for a fall or winter tablescape. I need to do a round-up sometime soon of tables I've created in the past where a throw was used as … [Read more...]




4 Beautiful Autumn Table Settings + A Cozy Made Bed

Welcome to the 627th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions. After being away for over two months helping my son and daughter-in-law with my two grandsons, I'm back home now. The boys are only back in school for half-days but at least they are back in school for the mornings. After being diagnosed with pneumonia on Wednesday of last week, I was not looking … [Read more...]




3 Summer Tables As We Approach the End of Summer

Welcome to the 625th Tablescape Thursday! With the first day of Autumn only a few weeks away, I thought this would be a great time to look back at some previous summer tables. I'm not sure why, but I'm not dreading the end of summer as much as I normally do. The next few weeks will be very busy as I prepare to return home. The new screened doors will arrive, I'll need to arrange to have those installed, … [Read more...]




Answering a Question, 2 Charger Additions & Dishes I’m Eyeing Right Now

Welcome to the 624th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received a lovely email from Anne who had a few questions about the charger plates I so often use in table settings. Anne wrote: I enjoy your blogs very much because you have so many different subjects. I have bought things you have suggested, enjoyed your home and family. Thanks for sharing. Where do you find chargers? Are some of them plastic? I … [Read more...]




Thinking Ahead to Autumn For This Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to the 622nd Tablescape Thursday! Have schools opened up yet in your area, yet? Here in Ohio, where I'm currently helping with my grandsons, the opening date has been delayed, but it looks like they will opening for half days very soon. Just wondering what you're seeing in your area? I was thinking ahead to fall and Halloween this morning. I love Halloween, it was always one of the most … [Read more...]




Ode to Summers Past: Tablescaping in Green

Welcome to the 621st Tablescape Thursday! Green has always been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. When I think of Green, I think of spring and summer, beautiful gardens, forests walks, vibrancy and life. Every year when the calendar turns over to August, I always find myself wishing for the same thing: that summer wasn't going by so fast. I'm currently away from home, visiting family … [Read more...]




Life is Short, Buy the Dish!

Welcome to the 620th Tablescape Thursday! With the big Nordstrom Anniversary sale going on this week, I was curious to see if it included any tabletop items. I'm always on the watch for great sales for kitchen and dishware goodies. I'm not at home this week to set a table so today I'm sharing some of my faves from the sale. I've also included a few items that I really like but may not be on sale right … [Read more...]




A Budget-Friendly Summer Table Setting

Welcome to the 619th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Summer! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I've created a very budget-friendly table setting. If you are someone who thinks you have to spend a lot to set a pretty, eye-appealing table for friends or family, I hope this table will convince you otherwise. We're out on the porch this week and it's another "about-to-rain" kind of day. We've been having a … [Read more...]




Nautical, Beach & Fish Themed Flatware: Perfect for a Beach House or Lake Home

Welcome to the 618th Tablescape Thursday! I've had this post in my head for a while and summertime is a great time to share it. If you've been following BNOTP for a bit, you know I love a fun, beach-themed table setting, especially this time of year. Over the years I've gradually collected several sets of flatware that would be great for use in a beach house, lake house, houseboat or any nautical style … [Read more...]




Imagine Dining Seaside by Candlelight

Welcome to the 616th Tablescape Thursday! I was so in the mood for setting a table with a nautical, beachy feel. I was envisioning a table setting in soft, aqua colors. Not sure exactly sure how it happened but the next thing I knew, I was setting a red, white and blue nautical table.   It was a beautiful day to play on the porch. Later in the evening, we had the most ferocious storm, so … [Read more...]




A Bunny-Themed Table Setting for Spring

Welcome to the 613th Tablescape Thursday! It's been a minute since I set a table here on the porch. Hope you enjoy this springtime table with a bit of a bunny theme. I've encluded a lot of photos for those who enjoy that. Happy Spring to you!         I found these adorable bunny planters in HomeGoods in early spring. I had planned to use them in a table … [Read more...]




Spring Outdoor Table Setting with a Carved Watermelon Whale Centerpiece

Welcome to the 610th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the comments on yesterday's post: Where Would You Like to Live for the Rest of Your Life. You gave me so many awesome ideas and suggestions, I have a lot to think about. I LOVED the idea of renting for a while in any place I may be thinking of moving--brilliant idea. I know from the comments that so many of you are also struggling with … [Read more...]




Incredible Auction Finds & Dining with Faenza Garofano Carnation

Welcome to the 609th Tablescape Thursday! I wish I lived near Jackie so she could teach me her ways. During this lockdown we've all been experiencing, Jackie scored some amazing deals on both furniture and dinnerware via some of the auction houses in her area. She had been hoping to update her dining room table and chairs. Jackies was able to acquire the beautiful table you'll see in today's table … [Read more...]




8 Spring-Summer Table Settings with Floral Centerpieces

Welcome to the 608th Tablescape Thursday! Since I'm not at home with access to my dishes, I thought this week I'd share an outdoor setting using this beautiful picnic basket I ordered recently. Unfortunately, it still hasn't arrived. I hope it arrives soon because I can't wait to take it on a picnic. (See more of this basket here: Picnic Basket.) So instead of a picnic, how about a floral … [Read more...]




9 Spring Table Settings, Perfect for Mother’s Day, Too!

Welcome to the 607th Tablescape Thursday! Since Mother's Day is this coming weekend, for this week's Tablescape Thursday I'm sharing nine tables I've put together over the years that would easily work as a table setting for Mother's Day. These tables aren't just for Mother's Day, though--they would work well for a spring or summer table setting, too. This is going to be a really strange Mother's Day … [Read more...]




Springtime and It’s All About the Bunnies

Welcome to the 605th Tablescape Thursday! We've been seeing so many bunnies here lately. There are several that live in our backyard and we just saw another during an afternoon walk yesterday. This area feels a bit like a preserve or park with how comfortable the bunnies and squirrels are around the people who live here. It's surprising how many you see and how close they will let you get. Yesterday … [Read more...]




A Winterberry Candlelight Table Setting

Welcome to the 604th Tablescape Thursday! If you only read Between Naps On The Porch on Thursdays for Tablescape Thursday, you may be wondering why you haven't been seeing any tables from me lately. I've been visiting with my son, daughter in law and grandsons for the past five weeks, helping to homeschool and watch my grandsons during the day while my son/dil work. Fortunately, they have been able to … [Read more...]




Decorating and Entertaining for Spring: A Spring-Easter Table Setting for Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to the 603rd Tablescape Thursday! I always love it when BNOTP readers share their beautiful tables with me. It's so inspiring to see how you're entertaining and decorating your home for the seasons and holidays. Today we're visiting the home of Jackie and she has beautifully decorated her home throughout for spring starting right here at her front door. Love the Easter … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Candlelit Table Setting for a Special Birthday Celebration

Welcome to the 602nd Tablescape Thursday! A few months back around Christmastime, Warren shared some wonderful photos of a beautiful table setting he created for a special birthday celebration. Warren said, "Since Kathie (Warren's wife) comes from a large family, we are always celebrating birthdays." Warren put this beautiful table together to celebrate the 60th birthday of Kathie's sister-in-law. … [Read more...]




A Festive St. Patrick’s Day Birthday Celebration & Delicious Irish Cooking

Welcome to the 599th Tablescape Thursday! I have the loveliest St. Patrick's Day table to share with you for this week's Tablescape Thursday! Phyllis hosted an early St. Patrick's Day luncheon and tea for her 92 years old aunt, her aunt's two daughters and daughter-in-law. Since Phyllis's aunt is Irish, she knew she would enjoy a St. Patrick's Day theme for this momentous birthday celebration. Phyllis … [Read more...]




Spring Fever!

Welcome to the 597th Tablescape Thursday! Our 600th Tablescape Thursday is just 3 weeks away! Can you believe it? Wow, I wish I could slow down the passage of time, so scary how fast it's going by. Do you feel that way, too? I finished this table late yesterday evening. The sun was just starting to go down and I caught a little of the Blue Hour. Some of the photos in this post were taken last night … [Read more...]




A Woodland-Themed Valentine’s Day Table—Not Your Usual Valentine’s Day Table

Welcome to the 595th Tablescape Thursday! With Valentine's Day tomorrow, I thought it would be appropriate to place this week's tablescape here in my very red dining room. lol   This table is not your usual Valentine's Day table.   But there are definitely some red hearts here and there.   The idea for this table popped into my head a few weeks ago when I came … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day, Easter & Spring Dinnerware Shopping, Plus a Sneak Preview for Next Christmas

Welcome to the 594th Tablescape Thursday! In yesterday's post, I shared this photo of some adorable Grinch salad plates I missed when they were available in store but was luckily able to find a few on eBay. After missing those, I decided to stop into some of my fave dish stores to see what they currently have in for Valentine's Day and Easter. Update on November 2020: These plates are available again … [Read more...]




A Snowy, Winter Themed Tablescape in Tartan

Welcome to the 592nd Tablescape Thursday! A few days ago I mentioned in a post that I had purchased several tartan tablecloths while they were on sale. One of the tablecloths I purchased was a 70-inch round tablecloth to use on my breakfast table. In that same post, I pondered how this previously shared Christmas table setting would have looked atop a tartan tablecloth. (See this previous table in this … [Read more...]




Bonnie’s Beautiful New Year’s Eve Celebration

Welcome to the 591st Tablescape Thursday! I'm posting Tablescape Thursday a bit early this week since I'll be spending all day Wednesday on the road. Gonna be a long day tomorrow. Thank goodness for Audible! I was so excited when I came across this beautiful table my friend, Bonnie, shared on her Instagram feed. I've shared several of Bonnie's tables in the past and they are always a … [Read more...]




A Special Christmas Tea Party with a Scumptious Tea Party Menu

Welcome to the 570th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year (almost) to you! I had planned to share a lamp switcheroo today but things have been so busy with the holidays, the kids out of school and weekend activities, I never got a chance to take photos in their room. I will do that soon and share how the new lamp looks with their holiday bedding.   The new lamp turned out to be not that … [Read more...]




3 Christmas Tables & A Snowy Christmas Cottage

Welcome to the 587th Tablescape Thursday! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you! Since Christmas is just a week away, for this week's Tablescape Thursday I'm sharing three of my fave Christmas tables from the past. This would be a fun table to re-create for my grandsons one day. If you have a collection of small lit houses, consider using them as your centerpiece for your holiday table. (Click the … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Table Setting Idea, Featuring Spode Woodland & Pheasant, Magnolia, Nandina Centerpiece

Welcome to the 582nd Tablescape Thursday! This is the table I'll be setting up for Thanksgiving this year. My grandsons, ages 3 and 5 will be here for Thanksgiving but won't be here for Christmas, so I want to do something fun for them.   They've never really watched the movie, Christmas Vacation, since they aren't quite old enough. They could probably watch it if we skipped past some of … [Read more...]




Beautiful DIY Lit Pumpkin Centerpiece for Autumn

Welcome to the 560th Metamorphosis Monday! Good Morning from Ohio. I'm visiting family over the next few days and looking forward to sharing some of Ohio's beautiful autumn foliage. My Before and After for this week's Met Monday is a wonderful idea my daughter-in-law, Nancy, created for a beautiful fall table centerpiece.   She placed a pierced ceramic pumpkin down inside a gorgeous autumn … [Read more...]




On the Porch for Halloween

Welcome to the 577th Tablescape Thursday! I set this table inside, then moved the whole thing outside onto the porch. Though overcast, it was just too nice out to be cooped up inside.   I tried to explain to Mr. Pheasant that he's an autumn centerpiece better suited for Thanksgiving tables, but he wasn't having it.   He insisted on holding our Halloween bouquet of black … [Read more...]




An Early Autumn Table Setting

Welcome to the 575th Tablescape Thursday! We're still in 80s and 90s here and everything is still beautifully green. Georgia doesn't say goodbye to summer easily or quickly, we like to savor those last warm moments of summer until autumn insists we let go.   When I bought Mr. Pheasant last week, I really had him in mind for a Thanksgiving table, but I decided to go ahead and use him right … [Read more...]




Halloween-Thanksgiving Dinnerware Shopping & What I Couldn’t Leave Behind

Welcome to the 574th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I stopped by two of my favorite stores to check out the autumn dishware offerings. At first, I was completely underwhelmed, every table I saw was done in neutral tones. There were at least four dressed that way. I didn't take photos of all of them because I was really in the mood for some gorgeous fall color.   If you love neutral colors … [Read more...]




One Last Beach-Themed Tablescape for a Late Summer Dinner on the Porch

Welcome to the 573rd Tablescape Thursday! We're back out on the porch this week for Tablescape Thursday. I've noticed that it's starting to get dark out earlier and earlier each day.   I'm going to miss those long summer days when it stayed daylight all the way to 9:00 pm.       The blue napkins were the starting point for this table setting. I bought … [Read more...]




Candlelight Dining on a Late Summer’s Night

Welcome to the 572nd Tablescape Thursday! I've been traveling most of the summer, there were two trips to Ohio to visit family with a trip in between to England. During that time I've been dreaming of setting a beach-themed table here on the porch. Every time Tablescape Thursday came around and I wasn't at home, I was thinking how much I wish I was home and creating a summer table with a beachy … [Read more...]




An Enchanting Candlelit Table Setting for Fall

Welcome to the 571st Tablescape Thursday! I'm back home now, had a great drive yesterday in beautiful sunshine the whole way. And no wayward ties attacked my car as I drove home this time! Whew! After the 9+ hour drive, it was too late to put a table together once I arrived, so today I'm sharing a wonderful table from Noemi who wrote: Hey Susan! I have been a fan of your blog for a couple of years … [Read more...]




Fall-Autumn Table Inspiration & a Stunning Autumn Pumpkin Candlelit Centerpiece

Welcome to the 570th Tablescape Thursday! I always love it when I hear from readers of Between Naps On The Porch, especially when they share photos their beautiful porches and tables with me. Autumn weather and the holidays are just around the corner! Hard to believe, isn't it? Recently I received an email from Maureen with pictures of a beautiful table she created for Thanksgiving this past year. … [Read more...]




A Jungle Safari Table Setting: One for the Grownups and One for the Kids

Welcome to the 568th Tablescape Thursday! We're dining outdoors for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   I've been itching to use these melamine jungle/safari themed plates since purchasing them earlier this summer. (Jungle print plates are available here: Jungle Plates.)   I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted this to be a fun table for the grownups or one for the kids, so I … [Read more...]




Dining Riverside in the Beautiful Garden of a French Cottage in the Loire Valley

Welcome to the 562nd Tablescape Thursday! Recently Norma, whose tables I've shared here at BNOTP before, had a good friend visit from England. Norma and her hubby live in the Deux-Sevres region near the bottom of the famous Loire Valley, known for its many chateaux.   Norma lives is an adorable French cottage. Norma said, "The building with the blue shutters is our little cottage. It is … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Spring Table Setting in Vibrant Hues of Lilac Purple and Emerald Green

Welcome to the 561st Tablescape Thursday! A bit earlier in the spring, I received a lovely email from Warren whose tables I've shared here on BNOTP in the past. In his email Warren shared some beautiful photos along with information about a table setting he had created for a dinner party with friends. Warren said, "My wife, Kathie, wanted a simple but colorful tablescape for a small dinner party we were … [Read more...]




Create Wonderful Outdoor Spaces for Dining in the Garden

Welcome to the 560th Tablescape Thursday! A few days ago I took you into a wonderful garden that was part of the Secret Gardens of Avondale tour a friend and I enjoyed a few weekends ago. There was one particular garden that really stood out for me. In addition to having a wonderful screened-in summer house...   ...and lots of little outdoor seating areas perfect for … [Read more...]




An Accidental Mother’s Day Table Setting

Welcome to the 559th Tablescape Thursday! I'm not exactly sure how I did this, but somehow I accidentally created a Mother's Day table setting for this week's Tablescape Thursday. lol It was super cloudy yesterday so I decided early on in the day I'd set a table inside in the breakfast room instead of on the porch. I thought I'd create a blue and white candlelit setting with the new lantern I just … [Read more...]




Obsessed with Beach-Nautical Themed Tables & Flatware

Welcome to the 558th Tablescape Thursday! Last week when I was setting a table for our Tablescape Thursday party, I realized just how much I love creating beach/nautical themed table settings. They are definitely a favorite of mine for summer dining. I also realized that over the years I've collected a fair amount of beachy flatware, starting with this ocean blue flatware purchased back in 2008 just … [Read more...]




A Memorial Day Table Setting with a Beach-Nautical Theme

Welcome to the 557th Tablescape Thursday! With Memorial Day weekend almost here, it's time for a patriotic table to honor those who have so valiantly served in our armed forces. As I did last year with a 4th of July table, I decided to give this table a beach/nautical vibe.   Do you have any special plans for this holiday weekend? Are you heading to the beach, planning a Memorial Day … [Read more...]




Memorial Day Entertaining and Table Setting Ideas

Welcome to the 556th Tablescape Thursday! I'm getting so excited for summer! I stopped by Pottery Barn yesterday and there's nothing like seeing all the new summer dishware to get you fired up to create some fun, summertime tables! I haven't visited the big PB in Atlanta in ages, I think it's time for a road trip! This beautiful table dressed in blue caught my eye in the window. Gorgeous colors! I … [Read more...]




Syracuse Orchard & Magnolia Centerpiece for a Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 555th Tablescape Thursday! How is your week going so far? I hope you are seeing some glorious springtime weather. It has been beautiful here!   I took these photos late in the day. The trees have all leafed out completely now so the porch has become very shady throughout the day. Recently, I gave all the bottles on the bottle tree a good washing. Do they look clean and … [Read more...]




7 Easy Centerpiece Ideas for a Mother’s Day or Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 554th Tablescape Thursday! With Mother's Day just 10 days away, I was thinking today about centerpieces that would be affordable and easy to create for a pretty Mother's Day table. All of the tables I'm sharing, except for one which is more of a DIY project, would be easy to create with items you probably already have around your home. Click the title of any table below to view more of … [Read more...]




Porch Dining: A Springtime Celebration

Welcome to the 553rd Tablescape Thursday! The weather has been so warm and beautiful the last few days, I really, really wanted to set this week's table out on the porch. But just look at this! This was the state of the porch when I stepped outside today. Everything was covered in thick pollen and months and months of dirt and grime.   I was torn--should I just close my eyes to the … [Read more...]




Dining in Mr. McGregor’s Garden: A Spring Table Setting with Peter Rabbit

Welcome to 552nd Tablescape Thursday! I would love to have placed this table out on the screened porch, but that would have required wading through a few feet of Georgia pollen just to reach the table. It's that time of year when I normally break down and give the porch a thorough cleaning, but I'm trying hard to resist since I know it will be covered right back up with pollen again in just a few days. I … [Read more...]




Beautiful Table Setting with Vintage Hutschenreuther China & A Love Story

Welcome to the 550th Tablescape Thursday! Warren and Kathie love to entertain. Recently Warren shared photos of a beautiful spring table he put together for friends. Warren said, "I set the table for our friends who are sharing  75th birthdays. Most of the glassware and china are family heirlooms made by Hutschenreuther, Huntington Glass, Fostoria Glass and Heisey Glass."   "I found the … [Read more...]




Shopping the Big Tabletop Sales & the Cutest Peter Rabbit Plates for Spring and Easter!

I stopped into both Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma today and picked up some really cute things for spring. Both shops have some great sales going on right now. Pottery Barn has all of their tabletop items on sale, 25% off and their Easter goodies are on sale up to 40% off. I scored some adorable napkins for 40% off. You'll find the sale here: Tabletop Sale. I had to check out this pretty blue and white … [Read more...]




Welcoming Spring with a Floral Table Setting Perfect for Easter or a Garden Party

Welcome to 545th Tablescape Thursday! It was so beautiful out today with temps reaching into the high 60's, I was super tempted to set a table outside on the porch. In the end, I stayed here in the breakfast room for this week. But it won't be long before we're out on the porch for Tablecape Thursday.   I bought two Shamrock plants this week with full intentions to set a St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...]




A Springtime Haul & Everything Was On Sale!

It reached the 70's here yesterday and my daffodils have been in full bloom for the last two weeks. With all this beautiful springtime weather, I couldn't resist heading out for a little spring dish shopping. I stopped by one of my favorite places, Pier 1, and was so happy to see they are having a big spring sale. I found so many cute things I couldn't leave behind!   You may remember … [Read more...]




Flowers Upon Flowers Upon Flowers, Celebrating the Coming of Spring

Welcome to the 543rd Tablescape Thursday! A bit gloomy out today but I can't complain too much since we've had several days in a row of wonderful sunshine. Remember this photo I shared a while back of this Ralph Lauren plaid-on-plaid bedding ensemble? I had something like this in mind yesterday while setting a table for this week's Tablescape Thursday, only I was envisioning floral-on-floral and … [Read more...]




Bunny Cottontails and Beautiful Florals: A Little Springtime Dish Shopping

Welcome to the 542nd Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I stopped by Pier 1 to see what new goodies they had in for spring. The first thing that caught my eye when I walked in the door was this fluffy pile of bunny ears and cottontails. lol   I had to see what they were so I looked a bit closer. Ohhh, they're little burlap wraps to go around the back of a chair. Sooo cute! Would love a set for … [Read more...]




A Football-Themed Table for Your Super Bowl Party

Welcome to the 539th Tablescape Thursday! Loved your comments so much on yesterday's post about possibly adding three storage cabinets to my upstairs hallway. You had me laughing and nodding my head so many times. I definitely recognized myself! I also loved your ideas for what I could store in them until (and if) my handbag collection ever grows. For now, I'm trying to resist buying the cabinets for … [Read more...]




Beautiful Springtime Dinnerware: Shopping For Valentine’s Day and Easter

Welcome to the 538th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I stopped by PotteryBarn and Williams-Sonoma to check out their spring collection of dishware. It's that time of year when they are starting to get in all the beautiful spring patterns.   I was thrilled to see they brought back this adorable bunny bowl. I have this one and use it all throughout spring and summer on my kitchen counter. It … [Read more...]




Serving Ideas for Your Super Bowl Party

I'm often asked where I get ideas for the tables I create for Tablescape Thursday. The actual answer isn't very helpful because it changes every week. The true answer is: everywhere. Sometimes it's dishware I already have and that I'm itching to use, or it could be an upcoming holiday. Inspiration can really come from anywhere. Today I was shopping in Publix and saw these. They reminded me that the Super … [Read more...]




The Book Club Meeting: A Cozy, Candlelight Setting

Welcome to the 537th Tablescape Thursday! I was in the mood for a candlelight setting this week, something cozy to chase away the rain and the cold days of January.   This post was delayed this morning due to a technical issue my host company is working on. So if BNOTP is running a bit slower than normal, they are working on it. I had this table all set and was ready to start taking … [Read more...]




Happy Thanksgiving to You!

Welcome to the 530th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving to you! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing links to 8 previous Thanksgiving table settings. If you're looking for any last-minute ideas this morning, I hope these will provide a bit of inspiration for your Thanksgiving table. Click on any title or picture below to open that particular Thanksgiving Tablescape … [Read more...]




Dining in a Country Lodge, An Autumn Inspired Table Setting

Welcome to the 529th Tablescape Thursday! It's very cold here in Georgia right now, so I'm dreaming I'm in a beautiful lodge. There's a roaring, crackling fire blazing away in the massive stone fireplace. I'm curled up under a cozy, warm throw, reading The Secret Garden for the thousandth time while sipping the yummiest hot chocolate. What's that? It's time for dinner?   A dark … [Read more...]




An Egypt River Cruise: Sailing & Dining on the Nile River

Welcome to the 526th Tablescape Thursday! We've had a lot of early mornings on this trip across Egypt and tomorrow will be another one as I'll be rising at 4:30 AM for a trip to Abu Simbel. The WiFi on our boat is the pitts. If you use more than a certain amount, it logs you out and you have to request a new password at the front desk to continue. I've lost count of how many new passwords I've had to … [Read more...]




5 Creative Tablescapes for Halloween and Fall

Welcome to the 523rd Tablescape Thursday! This week I'm taking you back to a few of my favorite Halloween and Autumn table settings.  If you're new to reading here at BNOTP, you'll find all the Halloween tables linked under the category "Tablescapes" at the top of the blog. To access those, click on: Tablescapes/Holiday/Halloween. Or, you'll find them all here: Halloween Tablescapes. Fall Tablescapes … [Read more...]




Welcoming Autumn with a Colorful Table Setting in Shades of Red, Gold and Brown

Welcome to the 521st Tablescape Thursday! With the official first day of autumn just a couple of days away, I'm  sharing a fall-ish table setting for this week's Tablescape Thursday. Still very warm here--reaching the 90's each day (which I love) but I know the cooler temps will be headed this way before too long.   I kept the centerpiece simple, using a red lantern I've had for several … [Read more...]




French Cottage Becomes a Greek Taverna

Welcome to the 520th Tablescape Thursday! We're off to France for this week's Tablescape Thursday to visit my friend, Norma. Norma resides in an adorable cottage in the French countryside alongside the Argenton River. Recently, she had friends staying with her for a few days, and one evening she prepared a scrumptious Greek feast. Norma wrote: Hi Susan I thought that you might like to see these … [Read more...]




Fall Dinnerware Shopping & Beautiful Embossed White Chargers On Sale

Welcome to the 518th Tablescape Thursday! I always have to be dragged kicking and screaming into fall. I know it's not that way for a lot of folks who can't wait for a bit of relief from the heat. When it comes to checking out the new dishware offerings for autumn, no dragging is needed. Ha! Yesterday I stopped into the Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma near my home to see if they had their fall/autumn … [Read more...]




Aqua Blue Wine Glasses and Soft, Warm Sand…Ahhh, How I Do Love Summer!

Welcome to the 517th Tablescape Thursday! Recently Cyndi left this lovely comment on my 5 Creative Tables for Summer post: All of your summer tables are beautiful, but my favorite is the “Shades of blue” as it does put one in mind of water and beaches. I like your chargers, but LOVE your sea shell chargers the best! Please do a table with them and the large hurricane lanterns, love those! My shell … [Read more...]




5 Creative Tables for Summer

Welcome to the 516th Tablescape Thursday! I can't believe it's already August! Thankfully, it will still be warm here in the south for another month or two. My heart is still in summer, fall will get here soon enough! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing a few of the tables I've set this summer.   Click on any title below to view that table setting in more detail. Happy … [Read more...]




Limelight Hydrangeas, Butterflies and Birds: A Summer Table Setting On The Porch

Welcome to the 515th Tablescape Thursday! The Limelight hydrangeas in front of my home are still blooming, so I couldn't resist using them again in a summer table setting here on the screened porch.     See that big gap, one hydrangea fell over and I didn't notice it until I was done taking pictures.   While I was setting the table, little birds flew in and … [Read more...]




Making My Own Sunshine for This Week’s Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to the 514th Tablescape Thursday! I think I may be living in England these days...or maybe I'm in Ireland. I've never seen so much rain, and this has been going on for much of the summer. It has been nice not having to worry about watering the plants on the deck, but I've almost forgotten how sunshine looks!   So please excuse the moody skies in the background. Today is definitely … [Read more...]




Sea Life Table Setting in Beautiful Colors of Blue and Coral

Welcome to the 513th Tablescape Thursday! I'm super excited to share a wonderful summer table with a fun, beach-sea life theme for this week's Tablescape Thursday! Sandra recently emailed and shared photos of a table she set for a family dinner. I immediately fell in love with the blue and coral color scheme of this whimsical table setting.   Sandra said she found the blue and … [Read more...]




Summer Garden Party Table Setting with a Limelight Hydrangea Centerpiece

Welcome to the 512th Tablescape Thursday! Announcement: If you are currently subscribed to receive BNOTP blog post updates via a Hotmail e-mail address, but they are not getting through to your Inbox, check your Spam folder. If they aren't in the spam folder, try subscribing with a different e-mail. Hotmail is notorious for filtering out emails that contain photos. Just Google and you'll find a lot folks … [Read more...]




A Beach-Themed Table Setting for the 4th of July: Happy Independence Day!

Welcome to the 509th Tablescape Thursday! It's officially summer and the 4th of July celebrations are almost upon us!   We've been getting some heavy storms every afternoon so please excuse the "moody" background. It was only around 4:00 when I took these photos but it almost looks like it's getting dark out.   Whenever I use a tall centerpiece I always get questions, so … [Read more...]




Dining at Mama’s Fish House in Maui, Hawaii

Welcome to the 508th Tablescape Thursday! When I announced I was visiting Maui, one restaurant that was recommended to me over and over again was Mama's Fish House. Even after I got to Hawaii and started asking the locals for recommendations, Mama's Fish House was always one of the first places mentioned. During the helicopter tour I took over Maui last week, our pilot, Mike, was continually pointing … [Read more...]




Shades of Blue, Reminiscent of the Seas Surrounding Beautiful Procida, Italy

Welcome to the 506th Tablescape Thursday! I had thought about putting this week's table out on the newly cleaned deck, but it was a bit too hot outside for that. It went from a cool morning where I had all the doors to the porch thrown wide open, to a toasty 86 degrees out on the porch later in the day.   I love it though, will take this any day over cold weather!   Once it … [Read more...]




Festive Themed Table Settings for a Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Show

Welcome to the 505th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received a lovely email from Ruth who said, "Our local Hospital Auxiliary had their annual tea, fashion show and raffle. Local businesses provide wonderful gift baskets, always a hit and good fundraiser. Each "hostess" is given a table for ten and then has to think of a theme and decorate. The country club where we have it supplies the plain white … [Read more...]




Dining Outdoors for Summer: A Mostly Child-Friendly Table Setting

Welcome to the 502nd Tablescape Thursday! I've been visiting with family the last couple of weeks and we've been having so much fun! We've been doing a lot of grilling, or I should say my son's been doing a lot of grilling. I'm obsessed with corn-on-the-cob cooked on the grill now, don't think I'll ever be able to eat it any other way. Yum!   With all this dining outdoors, I decided to … [Read more...]




Celebrating 10 Years & 500 Tablescape Thursdays!

Welcome to the 500th Tablescape Thursday! Wow! It blows me away to type that number: 500! How did that happen? :) Tablescape Thursday, initially called Tablescape Tuesday, got its start on August 24th, 2008. This was the first table setting I ever posted for our tablescape party. I had just added on the porch the previous fall/winter and was so excited to set a table with the beach-themed dinnerware I … [Read more...]