Welcome to the 57th Tablescape Thursday!
A few days ago when the tree guy was here to take down the Leyland Cypress that had succumbed to our recent torrential downpours, I asked him to take a look at a tree in my backyard that is perilously close to the house. I let him in through the front door and guided him passed the 2/3 finished “formal” tablescape in the dining room. Ummm. On through the kitchen we walked, past the 2/3 completed “Halloween” tablescape in the breakfast room. Un, huh. I opened the door to the screened-in porch and out we walked, just pass the 2/3 done “Fall” tablescape out on the porch. Yeaaah. Now, this is not the norm…usually I am only working on one tablescape at the time. But lately I’ve had a million tablescaping ideas floating through my head…I’m blaming it on the change of the seasons.
I’m not sure why, but by this point I found myself thinking I owed him some sort of explanation. Uh, Mr. Tree Guy, I really don’t have a dining or food obsession…really! You see, it’s more like a “china” obsession! No, no, no…that explanation will never work. Instead, I found myself mumbling something about “just putting together some tablescapes,” which I soon gave up, realizing it would take more than a sentence or two to explain about blogging and this thing called “Tablescape Thursday.” Can you just imagine the conversation he must have had with his wife over dinner that night…you know, the one about this crazy woman who had her breakfast table decked out for Halloween in mid September.
Sooo, sometime, very soon…I hope to dazzle you with some new tablescapes. 🙂 In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy a “rerun” from last January. I promise to return next week (just like Desperate Housewives) with a whole new “episode” for your viewing pleasure.
Scene from a French Cafe…
Speaking in a heavy french accent, you are greeted by your waiter, Jean Claude…who with a grand wave of his right arm, says, “Right this way Madame and Mademoiselle…I have your breakfast all ready and waiting for you. Please excuse this napkin…I mean scarf, the boss is making me wear. She insist I coordinate with the tablescape…silliest thing I’ve ever heard. Quel désastre!”
Breakfast for two…Quelle bonne idée !
Creamware is Butler’s Pantry, Gourmet by Lenox; Fruit-patterned china is Melina by Villeroy & Boch.
Que c’est délicieux!
Ahhh, yes…I would like to introduce my tablescape consultant, extraordinaire…Monsieur Ecureuil. The shutters in this little french cafe’ were wide open as I prepared this tablescape. Mr. Squirrel…uh…I mean Monsieur Ecureuil, sat and watched my every move to make sure I was doing a good job.
Jean Claude looks quite pleased with his table setting.
Found these Frenchy juice glasses at Williams-Sonoma many years ago…Parfait!
Love how the fruit design works with the Melina china.
“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” John Gunther
Lace chargers are from Horchow, online…purchased around a year ago.
This was the first time I’ve ever used egg cups. I followed the instructions at this SITE to learn how to “open” the tops of the eggs. It was really easy and que c’est délicieux!
Bon appétit!
Comme il est beau! Mais je te jure que c’est vrai!
(Translation: He is so handsome! But I swear, it’s true!)
Looking forward to seeing your beautiful tablescapes!
If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. If you aren’t sure how to obtain your permalink or have any questions about using Mr. Linky for this post, just click HERE for detailed instructions.
Please copy and paste the Tablescape Thursday logo button to your computer. Then you can upload it to your side bar and use it in your tablescape post so your visitors will know you are participating.
Please link back to the host blog, Between Naps on the Porch. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, find the other wonderful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday.
Please do not add your link below, until your tablescape post is actually published to your blog.
The following blogs have lovely tablescapes awaiting your visit:
yay! I'm number 2! Hi Susan, I wanted to add my tablescape before dinner. I'll be back for the tour.
xoxo
Julio
Jean Claude is a genius and so handsome too! Beautiful china. So tres chic!
Christi
i sound so repetitive when i say this is one of my favs, BUT IT IS! you have about 6 that i just covet… there i said it! chalk board and pigs, what can i say, i have a huge weakness for cute!
It's beautiful Susan! I'm looking forward to your works in progress!
Dear Susan,
Autumn BLESSINGS to you!
Your table looks so lovely.
I luv the red and white together this time of year.
Everything looks so tastefully done. You certainly have the TOUCH!!!
Hope you'll drop by HomeHaven for a Harvest Tea in Kansas.
I love your blog and feel like the sites are a teaching tool for all to learn from.
God bless,
~Deanna~
What fun Susan. I really like this table and the egg cups. I've enjoyed eating eggs this way a couple times. Jean Claude really adds his presence well :0)
Hi Susan,
I really want to know what it is about having a "china" obsession. I have it real bad, I have always had it. I'm sure it's a good thing, imagine if I had an obsession for other things, like jewellery or cars.
I know my husband Andrew doesn't like it much, however he knows not to ever mention it or I will mention his workshop full of machines and tools.
So sorry to see all these terrible photographs of Atlanta, and I'm sad you lost your tree. We have been having the worst dust storms here over the last couple of days, the worst in seventy years. I have just been outside washing down my windows and doors so I can see outside. You should see everyone's cars.
Have a fabulous week.
xxxx Coty,
P.S. Monsieur Ecureuil is absolutely adorable.
Hi Susan , Your table looks so wonderful… Just can't wait to see what you have planned for next week
xoxo
Julie
Just smile and look mysterious 🙂
Oh Susan, how utterly charming! And I'm laughing at the thought of you trying to explain all those tablescapes. At least you were not trying to explain a really messy house, which is usually what I'm trying to explain… lol
Your tablesetting for breakfast is just beautiful and love the French twist. Merci'.
Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook
I'm glad you did a re-run, I haven't seen this one! The dishes are so pretty!
Love the pig, I also have some pigs on my TT today, and chickens (Jim Shore lookalikes!)
Katherine
Is that the trick Susan? Have three tables going at once? Awww some day I will get there but right now my tables are full of school homework, school projects, after school snacks and dinner. I recall this table from Jan and loved it then just like I do now. Can't wait to see your new creations!
Mr. Frenchy butlet is so cute. I love him. I remember this wonderful tablescape, and what a treat to see it again. Look forward to next week. Hugs, Marty
Jean Claude is indeed quite a handsome fella! And a good tablescaper as well!
My cousin moved from Atlanta area just in the nick of time.
Love your tablescapes, new or reruns they are always a pleasure to view.
TTFN ~Marydon
Ha! Or he's telling his wife she should keep their tables set all the time! I do like how the glasses go with your dishes ~ nice how that worked out.
That's so funny about your tree guy. Hey, my 19-year-old son knows about tablescapes. I sometimes hear him explaining them to his friends when they come in our home. It's never too late to learn! And I loved seeing Jean-Claude again. Tell him his brother Nikolai-Henri says hello.
O, I do so remember this beautiful setting. I am thrilled to see it once more. I love every single thing you do and I just know that guy thought he was in the house of one crazy lady!! hahaaahhhaa…but…WE know better, don't we !!?
xo bj
My contractor was wondering too..He said he would try to be out before my guests arrived, LOL..
I am looking fwd to your new creations..we eat at our table everyday so I can't do them ahead!
I love the story. It also explains why your tablescapes are so fabulous…lots of planning! I'm a so anxious to jump in join you with this. It may take a few more weeks of watching and learning…but soon.
Sue
What a charming post. It really was great fun. This is my first post to tablescape Thursday. Thank you for hosting this event. I hope I've complied with all requirements. Have a wonderful day…Mary
Jean Claude is truly a great host, just like his master. He did a beautiful job in this tablescape…Christine
I wasn't around in January so it was nice to see this one, I love those glasses. And Mr Piggy is just too cute. Beautiful plates too.
Can't wait to see what else you've been creating 🙂
The colors of the fruit are so pretty!
What a beautiful table!!! (Your squirrelly little helper is too adorable!)
m ^..^
Susan ~~ as always, you have shown us such a beautiful display of dishes and pretty items…oh and furry critters and pigs! Gorgeous all the way around.
I have just posted the tablescape meeting I was telling you about. 🙂
Donna
Hello again Susan,
Jean Claude is wonderful. I always love seeing him on your header when your site opens up! This has got to be my very favorite tablescape of yours – it is so bright and cheery, and the lace chargers are divine. I would love to have breakfast with you at that pretty table. I love the colors, the patterns, everything about it actually. I'm glad you "re-ran" this post. It's fabulous! Love it.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
PS – Bet that tree guy just hoped you'd invite him to the parties!
As always, lots of inspiration – this time with a French twist.
Lorrie
Susan, I actually visit your previous tablescapes often. Each visit is a visual treat for me. Love Jean Claude. He is very handsome! The Melina china looks good enough to eat, and we have a set of the same fruit decor tumblers. We received them as a Christmas gift a few years ago. I use them with some fruit plates as well. I'll have to do a tablescape with them sometime soon. Thanks again for hosting this event. Glad you are high and dry. Still raining here. Yea! ~ Sarah
Bonsoir, Jean Claude (et Madame Susan).
Je suis américain. Où sont les toilettes?
Hmmmm… did I ask for a table for two or directions to the restroom? Obviously, my college Français is très rusty!
Fun tablescape and VERY fun story about the workman and your works in progress!!!
Thank you, as always, for hosting! We all appreciate you more than you could possibly know!
Bill
Forgive me.
Forgive me.
Hi Susan,
I am laughing out loud at the tree guy story. Hubby probably thinks I am crazy as always. You never know. He might be a blogger himself. Or maybe he's a lover of pretty tablescapes. 😉
Your tables are always so pretty. Can't wait to go check out more and waiting to see your halloween table soon.
♥Rebecca
Hi again Susan, my new friend…I'm looking forward all week to see what you've done on Thursday. Don't know how you have time for all the beautiful photos.
I am so happy to be included. Thank you so much for getting all this started. Marsha
The china is beautiful but that squirrel stole the show. Tooo cute. 🙂
Beautiful. Very good for this time of the year.
Alfazema
Love it.
Hello Susan,
This is my first time participating. Thank you for hosting Tablescape Thursday!
I love your table and the narration is utterly charming! I laughed at the thought of you trying to explain all those tablescapes. It would have been interesting to see the tree guy's face as he passed by each one!
~ Tracy
Your tablescapes are always such a delight so you can rerun them at any time!! I know, that tree guy must have really wondered–don't you wish you could have heard his thoughts !!!
Fun tablescape and of course you need to start the day right – Don't Skip Breakfast and with a wonderful table like yours Susan who would want to? I could sit there all day with a never ending supply of tea!! Jackie.
Wonderful. I think I just might have to venture into this one…eggs-actually 😉
Adorable tablescapes as always! You do such a lovely job. Maybe that guys wife is a blogger and maybe is one of your followers. Then she will be able to set him straight on what that was all about. Still funny though. I can just see his face.
I love this tablescape and Jean Claude! I can't wait to see the tablescapes you've been working on!
I can relate to how you felt when the tree guy walked through your home. I usually set up a tablescape for breakfast on Saturdays for Sunday morning, as well as one in the dining room for Sunday dinner. Then I take photos of everything to use in a future Tablescape Thursday. My daughter's friends must think I'm a little nuts when they are over and see them.
Jane
Jean Claude should be grateful you are serving chicken (or ARE you?). Aww I really think he is adorable. We'll forgive you for not having a new tablescape THIS week, since you've teased us with the news of 3 fantastic ones in the works. Since I'm a new kid on the block, todays offerings are new to me anyway. And lovely as always! I'm not sure if I'll be able to join this week's party, but I will enjoy looking at all the other tablescapes.
Still love it! I have the plates and tart dishes to match the Williams Sonoma glasses. I will keep popping in and hopefully in January be prepared to participate.
Thought I'd join your tablescapes today with something a bit different…thanks for hosting…
Love Jean Claude! So dashing and perilously close to flirtatious! Those glasses are right up my alley, Susan. And the plates together, layered with the intricate edging: beautiful!
Brenda
Funny story, Susan! I'll bet he thought he was dealing with someone 'a bit obsessive'! LOL… Nice to see this rerun tablescape, though. I just love those glasses! Hugs, Jan
I adore Jean Claude! Lovely dishes! Loved the tree story! Love the eggs! I going back to my pumpkins! Have my grands today!
I want to have breakfast with YOU and Chef Pig and the cute little squirrel at YOUR FAB table!!!
Sorry sooooo late to the party… off to visit everyone… ENJOY your day!
Fifi
I have long adored Mr. Piggy bit now you have a Mr. Squirrel too! : )
Beautiful dishes and oh! The glasses are perfect! I remember them at WS and could just kick myself for not getting them! Ouch! *laugh*
Love the pop of red too! I LOVE red!
Love,
Sue
Just a lovely post with your friend the pig . The cutest picture was the squirrel, though they can be pesty at times.
Yes, we read about Atlanta and I am so sorry these natural disasters have to happen. I do hope not to many people were injured or lost.
You post such lovely pictures and work so hard on it. For the record, it shows. I so enjoy myself here.
I have to say you did inspire me a bit because this week I bought some, ah, DISHES. Now I have to start cooking !
Thanks for such nice viewing.
Susan,
Your table is lovely and I loved the running commentary by Monsieur Ecureuil. We have his brother, Monsieur Proscuitto, but we keep him outside (for patio dining!!).
I have no idea how to make a soft boiled egg or what they taste like, if you serve them on toast…I guess I don't like runny eggs! LOL. But I am going to try to make them and I hope there is not a BIG tip to tapping off the top. So elegant looking! 😉
I just want to say that I bet your tree man did mention something to his wife about you tables! She is probably wondering if she is missing out on some integral part of homemaking! LOL!
Have a wonderful weekend, Susan!
xoxo
Jane
HI Susan, thanks for what you did>>>> I didn't get a chance last night to comment. I loved this the first time and stioll LOVE it. You are so funny sometimes with your posts!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again, xoxox, Pinky
Hello Susan; What a delightful post.. I love your table setting,, and the waiter is very cute… 😉 I can't wait to see your new tablescapes.. have a great day..
Hugs
Alaura
Love the story about the tree guy. You aren't alone. I'm so Halloweeny, it ain't funny! I love your dishes and the glasses are just perfect. I hope I am not too late (or too untablescapy) for TT. I did have one planned, but it just wouldn't stop raining.
Hugs,
Me
Thank you for all your inspiration. Now I just can't wait for Thursdays to see your tablescape and all the other tablescapers lovely tablescapes. Looking forward to next Thursday!
luv this!
"Reruns" are great when you get to see wonderful pics of a terrific 'scape like this one again! Love those dishes!
DD
Love the fruit design on your dishes!
Regarding your comment on my post…
Yep, must be the Gremlins. Thanks for giving me a clue as to what causes that at my place. LOL!
Susan,
I first want to thank you for the sweet comment on my blogpost the other day! Yes I so love the work of Walda! She is a wonderful person.
Susan, do you mean it that is was the first time you used an egg cup?!
I know it's not that easy the first time to open the top of eggs!
I love the images of that restaurant with the pig and oh what a wonderful porcelain!
Have a nice weekend Susan and thanks again!
Greet
Just like leftovers, this post is even better the second time around!
I do enjoy your very large photo's!
The tree man hasn't seen nuttin yet…I'm thinking that Mr. Squirrel will be in many more photo shoots now that his favorite tree is down! Poor guy. Take care Susan.
Hello Susan – oh you amaze me every time. Lovin' Jean Claude Piggy. {giggle} He looks very handsome with the napkin tied around his neck! Your china is beautiful and I too love the way the fruit glasses coordinate nicely. I'm impressed you figured out how to cook the egg inside the shell. Makes me want to try it myself!
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Imaginative & creative, fun & happy, innovative & inspiring…Susan, if you only knew how much your blog & your beautiful tablescapes have changed my life!
You've opened up new vistas & I've learned so much from you. Thank you so much for sharing your love of a beautiful table!!
Susan, I love Jean-Claude. Comme il est beau! How tall is he? I found a smaller pig, but none that are nearly as tall as J-C. Would you share where you found him or did he just drop in to visit and couldn't stand to leave your beautiful home. Thanks.
Hi Trish,
I found Jean-Claude at a Home Depot Expo many years ago. They've closed all of those stores around here now, so I'm not sure if there are any still open. Back in January, when I first ran this post, I had several folks ask about Jean-Claude. Back then, I found a very similar "Chef Pig" at the following site: http://brixstore.stores.yahoo.net/brixchefpigs.html I just checked and it looks like they still have him in stock. If you ask, they will normally give a 10% discount. I spoke with Valerie when I called. Here's their phone number and her e-mail address: 877-944-2749; [email protected].
Susan
The fruit glasses are so charming!