Going to Miss the Cozy Tartan Plaids of Winter

Welcome to the 492nd Tablescape Thursday! A few week's back I posted a winter woodland table for Tablescape Thursday.   Shortly after posting that table, Elinda shared photos of a recent woodland table she had put together. Though spring has arrived early here in Georgia (everything is blooming up a storm now!) I had to share this delightful cozy woodland table. Recognize the deer in … [Read more...]




A Valentine’s Day Table, Plus a DIY Heart-Wreath Topiary Craft

Welcome to the 490th Tablescape Thursday! How was your Valentine's Day? I hope it was lovely and that you were surrounded with lots of loved from those you love the most. I have a beautiful Valentine's Day table to share with you today. Elinda, who reads BNOTP, enjoys entertaining and creating beautiful table settings for her family. She recently shared some wonderful photos of the table she put … [Read more...]




Beautiful Inspiration for Your Spring and Easter Tables

Welcome to the 489th Tablescape Thursday! I always love to stop by Pottery Barn this time of year to see what they have available for Easter and spring table settings. It appears they have a Friends and Family 20% off sale going right now with the code FAMILY at checkout. I'm happy to see they brought back the bunny bowl I purchased last year. I love this bowl! I keep mine out all through spring and … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Table Setting with a Guest Appearance by the Easter Bunny

Welcome to the 488th Tablescape Thursday! We are in the dining room for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   It was quite late when I took these photos, so please excuse some of the darker pics.   Update: Adding a photo taken this morning with a bit of natural light coming in through the windows.   Have you ever wondered what the Easter Bunny does during the off … [Read more...]




A Peppermint-Candy Fantasy Table & Kitchen

Welcome to the 485th Tablescape Thursday! Before I left for Germany, I visited with my friend Marie and took photos of the beautiful tables she had created for family and friends. Marie had all her tables set for an upcoming Christmas dinner party. Marie hosts a lot of events in her home throughout the year, so it's always so much fun to see her decorations. I was afraid I wouldn't get the chance to … [Read more...]




Green, White, Silver and Crystal for an Elegant Table Setting

Welcome to the 484th Tablescape Thursday! Just before I left for the Christmas Markets trip to Germany, I visited with my friend Marie and snapped some photos of her beautiful Christmas tables. The dining room has the perfect spot for a Christmas tree.   For her main dining table, Marie created a stunningly elegant table setting. Notice the greenery around the very top of the chandelier. I … [Read more...]




Mixing Plaids and Tartans for a Festive Holiday Table

Welcome to the 483rd Tablescape Thursday! Recently Martha had friends over for "Dinner and Dominos." Doesn't that sound like fun! I haven't played Dominos in so long, I'm not sure I remember how.   Like so many of us, Martha loves tartans and plaids. I think they are so festive and not just for Christmas. They add so much color and happiness to any room, creating a perfect winter … [Read more...]




Christmas in Heaven

Welcome to the 482nd Tablescape Thursday! Elena always creates the most magical table settings. Earlier this year she experienced a tremendous loss when her sister, Anna, passed away at the age of 62. This Christmas will be the first Christmas since Anna's passing. Elena shared some photos with me of the beautiful table she created for Christmas this year. Elena said, "My idea of a different kind of … [Read more...]




Woodland Christmas Table Setting with Magnolia Centerpiece

Welcome to the 481st Tablescape Thursday! Remember that crazy snow storm we had recently...   ...the one that left an epic 8 inches of snow in my yard?   The magnolia tree in my front yard lost more branches than I've ever seen it lose during a snow or ice storm. Once the storm was over, I found branches laying on the ground all the way around the tree. There were so many in … [Read more...]




A Christmas Table Setting for Cat Lovers

Welcome to the 480th Tablescape Thursday! We're back in the breakfast room for this week's Tablescape Thursday, only there's no sunshine today. It was a rainy, dreary day out, so I decided to make my own sunshine inside. My centerpiece is a bit tall for this spot, so had to slide the table over slightly due to the chandelier.   If you are a cat lover, you're going to love the dishware … [Read more...]




12 Days of Christmas Holiday Table Setting

Welcome to the 479th Tablescape Thursday! I was out of town until late Tuesday night, so didn't get to put a table together until last night. Unfortunately, I was too sick to stay up last night to take photos and create a post. This cold I have is absolutely evil! I'm supposed to go on a Christmas home tour on Saturday, but I'm not sure that will happen. Christmas sure is an inconvenient time to get … [Read more...]




They’re Back, and They’ve Brought 12 New Friends!

Welcome to the  477th Tablescape Thursday! This past week has been a super busy one, and a tad stressful. It was filled with major updates being made to the blog/site, which thankfully went well, Christmas tree shopping and dentist/doctors appointments. Remind me to never schedule both of those in the same week! Too crazy! Life definitely got in the way of me putting together a new tablescape for this … [Read more...]




Clark Griswold Is At It Again! Get Your Back-up Power Source Ready!

Welcome to the 476th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the wonderful suggestions yesterday regarding where to shop for a Christmas tree. I am going to check them all out over the next few days. I'll be sure to let you know what tree I end up buying. All this talk of Christmas trees has me dreaming of Christmas. Years ago, we used to collect Department 56 houses. I still have them all, though … [Read more...]




3 Wonderful Halloween Tables & Tips for Creating a Spooky Mist with Dry Ice

Welcome to the 475th Tablescape Thursday! Over the last few days I've received some wonderful photos from BNOTP readers, sharing the amazing tables they put together for Halloween this year. Norma's Spooky but Elegant Halloween Table Norma created an elegant black and white table with beautiful silver accents.   Notice how she used simple, white dinnerware. If you've got a basic set … [Read more...]




Noritake Xavier Gold: Perfect for an Autumn or Holiday Table

Welcome to the 474th Tablescape Thursday! Too cold to create a table setting on the porch this week...   ...or, on the new seating area on the deck.   Since we're inside in the dining room for this week's Tablescape Thursday, it's the perfect time to share a candlelit table with a cozy, autumn feel.   This table wanted to become everything. It wanted to be a … [Read more...]




3 Halloween Table Settings & A Halloween Craft

Welcome to the 473rd Tablescape Thursday! Things are still a bit crazy around here with furniture still piled into the breakfast room and the deck furniture piled onto the porch. Fortunately, they are coming today to put everything back onto the deck now that it's dry. Looking forward to getting everything back to normal! Update: Sorry this post is going up a bit late...painters arrived while I was … [Read more...]




Blue Willow & Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece for an Autumn Table

Welcome to the 472nd Tablescape Thursday! We've decided to skip fall and winter here in Georgia this year. As you can see, the trees are still green and leafy in my back yard, and yesterday was in the 80's. Today we'll reach 85! I'm really not complaining, though. I love summer and love the heat. I wonder when fall arrives, if it will just hit all at once and all the leaves will change and fall off the … [Read more...]




3 Whimsical Halloween Table Settings

Welcome to the 471st Tablescape Thursday! I attended a fun Low-Country Boil at Marie's earlier in the week. Marie often hosts gatherings for civic organizations in the community. This event was being held for the YMCA. The weather was perfect for the evening, I never even needed a sweater. We had the usual you would expect for a low-country boil: shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes and sausage. Dessert … [Read more...]




The Sales Have Begun! Tablescape Shopping for the Upcoming Holiday Season

Welcome to the 470th Tablescape Thursday! As we head into the holiday season with Halloween only a month away, one of my favorite things to do this time of year is to visit my nearby Pottery Barn. I always love their displays and it totally gets me in the holiday mood. I was surprised to see so many things are already on sale!   These adorable pumpkin plates are currently on sale here: … [Read more...]




Forty Shades of Green

Welcome to the 465th Tablescape Thursday! I took the new tablescaping storage for a spin yesterday, and I have to say, it definitely made putting a table together for Tablescape Thursday a lot easier with everything so accessible. If you missed that previous storage post, you'll find it here: Tablescaping Storage.   With an upcoming trip to Ireland just a few days away, I couldn't resist … [Read more...]




Sunflower Centerpiece for a 4th of July Table Setting

Welcome to the 458th Tablescape Thursday! We've been having the most beautiful weather lately, perfect for setting a table out on the porch.   Today's table is all about sunflowers, well--the 4th of July AND sunflowers! :)   I always love using Sakura Warren Kimble flag dinnerware for 4th of July tablescapes. Really it's good for any time of the year but it's especially fun … [Read more...]




Carnivale Blue & a $500 Shopping Spree Giveaway!

Welcome to the 456th Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch for this week's party! It's been pretty humid here lately, lots of afternoon rain storms, but I don't mind. I love the hot weather, even those really humid days. I'm super excited about this week's Tablescape Thursday because it includes a wonderful shopping spree, a chance for you to put some new dishes in your cupboard! As you know, I … [Read more...]




17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party

Welcome to the 454th Tablescape Thursday! Whenever I set a table for friends or family, I often use a charger plate underneath the dinner plate. I love the way they enhance a setting, adding another pretty layer and providing a base for each place setting. They are also practical as they help catch drips that would otherwise fall on the table or tablecloth. Back in early 2008, before I ever began … [Read more...]




Dancing Into Spring, Bunny Style!

Welcome to the 449th Tablescape Thursday! When I visited Marie's beautiful home recently, the table in her living/family room was set for spring. This table is occasionally used by the family, but it primarily serves as a another area for dining when additional seating is needed.   I oohed and aahed over these adorable plates. They are so pretty! I love the sweet bunnies face and the soft … [Read more...]




Whimsical Ideas for Spring Tablescapes

Welcome to the 448th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Spring! My friend, Marie, had a big family gathering this year for Easter. She decorated and set her tables well in advance, but with my trip to Morocco, we could never find a good date to get together for photos. Just before I left to travel out of state to see family for Easter, I was able to stop by Marie's home to take photos, but unfortunately she … [Read more...]




The Easter Bunny Spills His Egg-Hiding Secrets

Welcome to the 447th Tablescape Thursday! Happy springtime! I spent much of Tuesday and part of Wednesday cleaning the porch and readying it for spring-summer. The porch is officially open for business! :) Yeah, summer!   Everything needed a good washing including the swing-chain-covers. The covers are washed and sitting on the swing waiting to be re-hung. The swing looks so naked without … [Read more...]




Hopping Into Spring with a Beautiful Spring-Easter Table Setting

Welcome to the 446th Tablescape Thursday! I really wanted to set a table on the porch this week but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. We had severe thunderstorms and lightening the entire day. We've really had some horrendous weather over the last few weeks. So I'm putting off sharing my spring-Easter until next week, but I have a wonderful treat for you for this week's Tablescape … [Read more...]




A Festive St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting

Welcome to the 443rd Tablescape Thursday! Gina put together the most wonderful tablescape for friends and family for St. Patrick's Day! Oh, how I would love to be dining here!   Gina found the cute shamrock plates at Lillian Vernon several years ago. I've seen similar plates in HomeGoods and Marshalls around this time of year, so that's another good place to look for … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Table Setting to Honor a Special Life

Welcome to the 441st Tablescape Thursday! Elena  planned a special Valentine's Day table this year. She wanted it to be extra special for her family, especially since her sister Anna would be attending. Anna had a heart transplant in January 2000 and during the past year she had been very sick.   Unfortunately, Anna didn't have the opportunity to attend this special dinner in person, … [Read more...]




Bunny Hopping Into Spring

Welcome to 440th Tablescape Thursday! We've always had a soft spot in our hearts around here for cats and bunnies. When my son was very small, we had a sweet bunny named Phineas.   Phineas was a much-loved bunny and even enjoyed cuddling with our hamster, Ralph, nearby.   So when I stumble across a cute bunny bowl, I can rarely resist. A few weeks ago I shared this adorable … [Read more...]




Beautiful Valentine’s Day Table Settings & A Clever Idea for Candle Storage

Welcome to the 439th Tablescape Thursday! Last week I used the very latest version of InLinkz for Metamorphosis Monday and Tablescape Thursday. For most folks, it worked fine, but I've heard from 4-5 readers who were unable to see the party links. Until we can figure out what's causing that issue, I've gone back to using the old version of InLinkz for today. If you were having an issue seeing the … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Table with Vintage Copeland Spode, Tower

Welcome to the 438th Tablescape Thursday! Please Note: I'm using the latest version of InLinkz for today's Tablescape Thursday party. If you have trouble seeing the links (or the button to link up to the party) please check to make sure you are using the latest version of your browser. You may have trouble seeing the links or linking up if your browser is an older version. Thanks so much for all your … [Read more...]




Spring Table Setting Ideas…Hurry Up Spring!

Welcome to the 437th Tablescape Thursday! I'm so sorry Tablescape Thursday is late going up. I thought today was Wednesday, I kid you not! I think my mix up started with having a doctor's appointment yesterday (just a check up, nothing serious) and for some reason I had it in my head all last week that the appointment was on Tuesday of this week. So this morning when I awoke, I was thinking it was … [Read more...]




Blue and White Table Setting for a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner

Welcome to the 435th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received an email from Gina saying, "Some friends gathered at our house for the annual New Year's dinner and the blue and white china was used.  It's was a fun time in that we discussed what we learned and (won't do again) and what we expect to accomplish for 2017." What a fun dinner that must have been. I would love to have heard what everyone … [Read more...]




Can’t Wait Another Whole Year To Share This!

Welcome to the 433rd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited my friend, Marie, it was only a few days before Christmas, so I never had a chance to share all the delightful tables she had created for the holiday before Christmas arrived.   One of my favorite tables of Marie's is always the "Kid's Table." I don't know about you, but the kid's table never looked this fabulous when I was growing … [Read more...]




Debbie Mumm’s Twelve Days of Christmas & New Year’s Champagne Punch Recipe

Welcome to the 432nd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Upcoming New Year to you! I've been out-of-state visiting family, just got back late Tuesday evening. I spent yesterday unpacking and running errands, picking up birdseed and suet for the birdies and doing a little grocery shopping. I also managed to squeeze in some clothes shopping, lots of great sales going on right now including THIS one. I picked up a … [Read more...]




A Holiday Table for Metamorphosis Monday

Welcome to the 413th Metamorphosis Monday! Good morning! If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you had a great one! Since I'm spending time with family this week, I don't have a regular "Before and After" to share for this Met Monday, but I thought you would enjoy seeing another one of the beautiful tables Marie created for her Christmas feast this year. Marie puts together several tables for the holiday … [Read more...]




Beautiful Christmas Table with Lenox Holiday & Whimsical 2016 Biplane Accent Plate

Welcome to the 431st Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm so excited to share the beautiful Christmas table setting Marie has created in her dining room.   The dining room is located under the wonderful children's bedroom we toured yesterday, so it also has the turret space. Such a perfect spot for this gorgeous Christmas tree!   Marie has a lovely … [Read more...]




Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas and Tips, Plus, 2 Stylish Gift Ideas

Welcome to the 430th Tablescape Thursday! Amazing the healing effects of sleep, I feel so much better this evening as I type this after sleeping about 12 hours last night. I think I'm on the winning side of my cold virus now. Thanks for all your tips and advice in yesterday's post. I'm eyeing THIS after reading some of the comments. It sounds like it would be helpful for dealing with allergies and … [Read more...]




Bringing Home the Tree: Christmas Table Setting

Welcome to the 429th Tablescape Thursday!   After bringing home a tree in the back of their red truck last week for the living room, Mrs. Deer realized she still needed a tree for their screened porch.   For this trip to the tree farm, Mr. Deer decided to drive his new wagon that he had just gotten for Christmas.   This week's table is a cozy one for two, hope … [Read more...]




Bringing Home the Christmas Tree

Welcome to the 428th Tablescape Thursday! It rained all day yesterday so I had to wait until this morning to take photos. The early morning light was just starting to stream in through the windows. I'll try to add some brighter photos to this post later today.     Brown rattan chargers are available here: Rattan Chargers Their rich brown color adds a woodsy feel to this table … [Read more...]




Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the 427th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Though I'm not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I put together a table setting to share using the acorn soup tureens I just recently purchased .   I started out with the idea of creating a woodland centerpiece using deer, but it just didn't feel right leaving Mr. Turkey out of the picture. I only get to use … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Fall Thanksgiving Feast with a Sassy Turkey Centerpiece

Welcome to the 426th Tablescape Thursday! This Thanksgiving Gina, who reads BNOTP, will be hosting not one, but two Thanksgiving feasts! She shared photos with me recently of the table she created for her first dinner and it is stunning! Look at all those darling acorn tureens! Love the little green pumpkins perched atop the tall candlesticks...so cute!   There are so many wonderful … [Read more...]




7 Tables of Thanksgiving

Welcome to the 425th Tablescape Thursday! Thanksgiving is just two weeks away! This month is flying by, but then the holidays always do. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing seven past Thanksgiving table settings. Hope they will provide a bit of inspiration for your Thanksgiving this year. Will you be cooking this year or traveling to be with family?   Click on any title or … [Read more...]




5 Delightful Ways To Get Ready For Christmas

1.  Snowflake Swizzle Stirrers I came across these "Swizzle Stick Ice Molds" in Williams-Sonoma recently and bought one set to try them out.   Here's how they looked once frozen...cute!   They would be great for serving a mixed drink, or really any drink for the holiday season. I tried them out in some cranberry juice. No, I don't have my Fa La La plate out yet, just … [Read more...]




The Last Halloween Table of the Season

Welcome to the 423rd Tablescape Thursday! I'm squeezing in one more Halloween table setting before Halloween is gone for another year. I thought I'd be putting this week's table inside until I realized it was going to be 78° outside today. So we're back out on the porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   I had a black and white table setting in mind, but somewhere along the way I … [Read more...]




Halloween in Pumpkin Hollow: Whimsical Table Setting

Welcome to the 422nd Tablescape Thursday! The leaves in my yard are changing color and both they and the acorns are falling like crazy right now. The oak tree in my front yard must have a special vendetta against my home. It's hurling acorns day and night at my bedroom windows and the metal roof of the front porch. Who knew autumn could be so violent. And noisy! lol Despite the falling leaves, the … [Read more...]




Halloween Table with MacKenzie-Childs Inspired Dishware

Welcome to the 420th Tablescape Thursday! The cooler days have me in the mood for a Halloween table this week. I have a friend visiting and she and I had fun putting this one together.   It all started with some whimsical black and white dinner plates I spotted in HomeGoods earlier in the week.   They reminded me so much of MacKenzie-Childs dishware, but the price was a lot … [Read more...]




Two Beautiful Table Settings & A Brilliant Storage Idea for Napkin Rings

Welcome to the 417th Tablescape Thursday! A while back I shared some bins I had purchased as a possible solution for storing my napkin rings. I ended up returning the bins, they were just too large and took up way too much space for napkin ring storage. Candace who reads BNOTP sent me a photo sharing how she stores her napkin rings and I think it is such a clever idea! She uses a slacks or pants … [Read more...]




Where Did You Get That Flatware?

Welcome to the 409th Tablescape Thursday! I've been out of town visiting with family for the last five days and just got back late yesterday evening. Since I wasn't home to create a tablescape, I thought it might be fun to put together a post all about flatware. Flatware is to a table setting what jewelry or shoes are to an outfit. The right flatware can be the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful … [Read more...]




Celebrate Independence Day With a Nautical-Themed Table Setting, Plus An Amazing Find

Welcome to the 405th Tablescape Thursday! I have to start off this week's Tablescape Thursday with an incredible find. You know this nautical, sailboat flatware you've seen me use so often in table settings?   I just found it available this morning for $26.99 for a 20-piece set!!! I know I paid way more than that when I purchased it several years ago. I think I paid $99. I've never seen it … [Read more...]




A Spring Table Setting for the Little Ones

Welcome to the 394th Tablescape Thursday! For Easter each year, my friend, Marie, always sets the cutest table for her six grandchildren. This year's table was especially adorable because there were already some very soft and colorful guests seated in each chair around the table. :)   You can find these online at the Peeps website. Just Google for Plush Peeps and it's the first thing that … [Read more...]




A Springtime Table with Cabbage Plates & Floral Egg Centerpiece

Welcome to the 393rd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited Marie a couple of weeks ago, she had set several tables in her home in anticipation of the large family gathering she would be having for Easter. This table was set in her dining room near a tree Marie decorates for all the holidays and seasons. (View the tree HERE.)   Marie used Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates and topped those off … [Read more...]




Marie’s Beautiful Spring Easter Table Setting

Welcome to the 392nd Tablescape Thursday! This past Monday I spent a fun day shopping and lunching with my friend, Marie. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know Marie decorates her beautiful Victorian home for all the holidays and seasons. I couldn't wait to see what she had done this year for spring! Marie creates whimsical vignettes throughout her home for her six grandchildren to enjoy. … [Read more...]




Spring Easter Table Setting With Spode Emma’s Garland & Bunny Centerpiece

Welcome to the 391st Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch this week for Tablescape Thursday. The weather has been so nice, running in the mid 70's every day, so I couldn't resist putting a table outside. Has spring arrived early in your area, too?   I've put together a table that will work for an Easter or springtime gathering.   This is the first time I've used the … [Read more...]




St. Patrick’s Day Table with 4-Leaf Clover & Shamrock Dishes

Welcome to the 389th Tablescape Thursday! I was so hoping to put a table out on the porch this week since we've been having warmer weather, but it turned cold again the day I set this table, so we're back in the breakfast room for this week. I pulled out my favorite centerpiece for this St. Patrick's Day table.   This friendly little leprechaun only comes out to play during the month of … [Read more...]




Spring and Easter Table Setting Ideas

Welcome to the 386th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the lovely congrats and well-wishes you left on yesterday's post. These are the moments that really matter in life and I love being able to share them with you, dear Friends! ♥ Last Tablescape Thursday, I shared a Valentine's Day themed table. On Friday we went on a field trip to Pottery Barn to see all the wonderful tables they … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Table Setting with Vintage Copeland Spode Tower

Welcome to the 385th Tablescape Thursday! With Valentine's Day just a couple of weeks away, I'm sharing a fun Valentine's Day table setting today. Valentine's Day is normally a romantic celebration for two, but I couldn't resist putting together a whimsical setting for the holiday.   Mr. Bunny is back and he brought us some goodies! He has acted as the centerpiece in many previous … [Read more...]




A Snowy Winter Table Setting

Welcome to the 382nd Tablescape Thursday! We're celebrating winter with a snowy winter tablescape for Tablescape Thursday.   It was a cold but sunshine-filled day yesterday when I created this table setting in my breakfast room.   For the centerpiece, I used the little tree I had previously used for our Hot Cocoa Bar on the porch. (See more of the Hot Cocoa Bar in this post: … [Read more...]




Christmas Table: Lenox Holiday Tartan & Fitz & Floyd Centerpiece

Welcome to the 380th Tablescape Thursday! Elena created a beautiful table setting for her family for this year's Christmas dinner. If you're a fan of the beautiful pieces produced by Fitz and Floyd, you'll love this stunning tablescape.   Elena decorated her sideboard to coordinate with her table, as well.   The highlight of the centerpiece is a wonderful Fitz and Floyd … [Read more...]




DIY Hot Cocoa Sign for a Hot Chocolate Bar: A Tutorial

A couple of days ago I shared a Hot Cocoa bar I created out on my screened porch. The bar area included a sign I made that was inspired by a sign I had seen floating around blogland a few years back. After not having any success locating a similar sign, I decided it was time to head downstairs to my basement workshop and make my own. (Inspiration sign and detail views of the Hot Cocoa Bar can be seen in … [Read more...]




Toile Christmas Table Setting with Bon Jour Yuletide

Welcome to the 379th Tablescape Thursday! Recently Gina shared some wonderful photos of her Christmas table setting and I loved it! In her email Gina said, "You posted on your blog a year ago, to take a second look at ornaments that do double duty for other things.  Well I did!  I have used ornaments as napkin rings this year on my Christmas Table."  I immediately recognized the beautiful toile pattern. … [Read more...]




Create a Hot Cocoa Bar for Winter Entertaining

Happy Holidays to you, dear Friends! We're out on the porch today and I know it's a little chilly. Don't worry though, I have just the thing to warm us up. Step right over here and belly up to the bar--the Hot Cocoa Bar, that is. :)   I've been envisioning a Hot Cocoa Bar for years out here on the porch, but I could never quite gather together all the bits and pieces I needed to create it, … [Read more...]




I’m Dreaming of a White Feather Christmas

Welcome to the 378th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever tried to take a photo of a cloud or a ghost? That's a kinda how it felt this week as I tried to take pictures of this week's table setting. lol Feather centerpieces can be a challenge! I wish the chandelier didn't hang down in the way, try to imagine this table without it there. I wish I had placed this setting outside on the porch but I wasn't … [Read more...]




Christmas Dinner in Toyland

Welcome to the 377th Tablescape Thursday! Have I mentioned how much I love this time of year? I have a wee obsession with Christmas dishware. I love how it can be whimsical, playful or just stunningly beautiful! The two patterns I'm using this week (really three if you count the charger) are all about the fun, playful side of Christmas.   This is a table setting that would appeal to both … [Read more...]




A Thanksgiving Tablescape With a View

Welcome to the 376th Tablescape Thursday! Recently my friend Bonnie, shared some photos of the beautiful table setting she created for Thanksgiving this year. Her dining room overlooks this stunning view!   The gorgeous autumn foliage must have been the inspiration for this wonderful Thanksgiving tablescape.   The beautiful beaded, leaf placemats work so well with the fall … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Table With Spode Woodland & A Whimsical Turkey Centerpiece

Welcome to the 375th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving! We'll be having our Thanksgiving feast here in the dining room today. I'm not planning on serving soup (wish I still had some of the roasted pumpkin soup I made recently) but just for fun I added the turkey soup tureens to see how they would look. Whenever I use Mr. Turkey in the center, I can't resist brining out the turkey tureens since … [Read more...]




Tartan Christmas Table Setting, Vintage Style

Welcome to the 374th Tablescape Thursday! Before we get into this week's Tablescape Thursday, I think I have some good news. It appears the Tartan Chargers are back in stock again, at least they are as I'm writing this on Saturday evening. You'll find them here: Tartan Chargers Recently Jeri who reads BNOTP, shared some pictures of a tablescape she created for work. Jeri has the enviable job of … [Read more...]




Tartan Chargers for the Holiday Table

We dish lovers watch out for each other, have you noticed that? Recently, a reader of BNOTP alerted me that chargers are now available for the tartan dishware pattern I love and use so much in table settings for Christmas. What! How had I missed that? I immediately found them online and ordered eight. (Thanks Chloe for the heads up!) Update: The chargers had sold out but it appears they have restocked … [Read more...]




A Patriotic Table For Two

Welcome to the 363rd  Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your great suggestions yesterday! Appreciate those so much! With Labor Day weekend upon us, I had fun putting a patriotic tablescape together out on the deck.   The whole time I was working on this table, the tree-form hydrangea on this end of the deck kept poking me in the head. :) Taking a photo behind the hydrangea … [Read more...]




What I’m Loving For Fall & Halloween

We've been having some really wonderful fall-like days here lately. It's hard to believe this is August because it has felt more like October. How has it been where you live?  I've been throwing the doors to the porch open every morning, letting all that cool morning air into the house, then I close them around 10:00 when it starts to warm up a little. With the cool temps, I'm starting to think about … [Read more...]




A Seafood Boil + 5 More Tablescapes

Welcome to the 362nd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited Cresswind on Lake Lanier with a friend recently, each home had a pretty table setting inside. Let's check them out! Now this is the way to start the day, with a breakfast of croissants, fruit, wine and chocolate! :)   Notice how they tucked the spoon under the napkin ring for the bowl of beans cereal. Interesting, … [Read more...]




4th of July Nautical Table Setting

Welcome to the 355th Tablescape Thursday! So, remember that table setting I didn't get to post last week because a big storm came along and put an end to any thoughts of taking pictures for the day?   It's a week late, but better late than never, right?   I ended up setting this table with two different centerpieces.   The first centerpiece was a flag and … [Read more...]




Celebrating the Red, White and Blue

Welcome to the 354th Tablescape Thursday! Late yesterday afternoon, as I was just finishing my table for today, a big storm blew in. I quickly grabbed the food I had already placed on the table, along with a few other items I thought would get wet or blow away and made a hasty retreat inside. It stayed almost this dark out for the rest of the evening, even after the worst of the storm had passed. We … [Read more...]




5 Tabletop Crafts & Recipes for Independence Day

Welcome to the 352nd Tablescape Thursday! I'm working on a table I'll be sharing next week. With the 4th of July just a couple of weeks away, here are a few fun crafts, centerpieces and recipes you can make for your upcoming 4th of July table. Some of the centerpieces would work on a sideboard or buffet, too. Click on the TITLE to access each tabletop craft, tutorial or recipe below. Make a … [Read more...]




Delphinium & Bunnies For Spring

Welcome to the 347th Tablescape Thursday! Today I'm sharing a tablescape I had hoped to share back around Easter but couldn't quite get it ready in time. It actually works great for spring or summer, too.   I kept the centerpiece simple with bunnies and a big pot of Delphinium.   I love Delphinium but whenever I've planted them in my garden, they never come back the next … [Read more...]




Spring Tablescape With Williams Sonoma Damask Bunny

Welcome to the 346th Tablescape Thursday! Elena put together the most adorable table for Easter this year. Though perfect for Easter, this tablescape would be great anytime during the spring and summer months. In her email, Elena said, "It all started with Williams Sonoma blue damask bunny plates that absolutely stole my heart."   Elena added, "I loved the bunny plates so much that I … [Read more...]




Patriotic Table Setting For Memorial Day & 4th of July

Welcome to the 345th Tablescape Thursday! One of my favorite tablescapes for summertime dining on the porch is one celebrating our patriotic holidays. Over the next few months we have three coming up: Memorial Day in May, Flag Day in June and Independence Day in July. Time to break out the red, white and blue!   It was a beautiful day as I played out on the porch. Love seeing the trees … [Read more...]




Spring Table Setting For Children

Welcome to the 344th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I put together a fun table that I'll be sharing with you very soon. In the meantime, I'm excited to share the adorable table my friend, Marie, created for her grandchildren to enjoy during their visits this spring and for Easter. Do you see the cute cupcakes down the center of the table? Marie found those at Pier 1. Have you ever seen Bunny crackers? … [Read more...]




Hopping Into Spring

Welcome to the 343rd Tablescape Thursday! One of the things I love so much about Marie's home is how it's both beautiful and very livable. You immediately feel the love she has for her family just in the way she decorates for the holidays and displays photos of loved ones throughout her home. In her large living room, Marie has a table behind one of the sofas that works great for impromptu meals or … [Read more...]




Celebrate Spring With a Floral & Bunny Table Setting

Welcome to the 342nd Tablescape Thursday! Last week for Tablescape Thursday, I shared my friend, Marie's breakfast table that was set adorably for Easter.   Marie also prepared her table in the dining room and it's just as wonderful!   Notice how Marie used simple floral bouquets down the center of the table...perfect for spring!   The pierced dinner plates in … [Read more...]




Spring Easter Table Setting & An Easter Spring Tree

Welcome to the 341st Tablescape Thursday! Thank you so much for all the wonderful suggestions, tips and recommendations regarding traveling and touring Europe. I will be rereading your comments over and over because the information you shared is invaluable! So many great suggestions! If you have any plans for taking a trip to Europe in the future, be sure and check out all the comments on yesterday's … [Read more...]




A Spring Table Setting with the Easter Bunny

Welcome to the 340th Tablescape Thursday! It's been beautiful here, spring has arrived! The Redbud trees are through blooming and are pushing out leaves. The daffodils, forsythia and Bradford pears are blooming, too. I was so excited to see the Tardiva tree-form hydrangeas I planted in huge pots on the deck, survived the winter and are putting out new leaves. I love this time of year! Since it was … [Read more...]




Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Welcome to the 338th Tablescape Thursday! Hard to believe St. Patrick's Day is next Tuesday; this month is zooming by. It really feels like spring here now with the daffodils and redbud trees all blooming. Since the temps were in the upper 60's here yesterday, I spent some time on the porch putting together a little St. Patrick's Day table setting with dishes I've collected over the … [Read more...]




5 Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Welcome to the 336th Tablescape Thursday! With St. Patrick's Day a couple of weeks away, here are a few fun ideas for celebrating, including a shamrock cookie recipe and a 4-Leaf Clover Napkin Fold. Happy Tablescape Thursday!   Click on the title to access that post.   St. Patrick's Day Table Setting with Shamrock Centerpiece   4-Leaf Clover Napkin … [Read more...]




DIY Burlap Bunny-Ear Napkin Rings For Your Spring Table

Welcome to the 315th Metamorphosis Monday! Last year I saw these cute burlap bunny-ear napkin rings in a cataglog. Ummm, that started the wheels a-turning. I saved the picture to my computer thinking I might try to DIY them some day.   With spring just 5-6 weeks away, I decided to start working on them now so they will be ready for a spring or Easter tablescape.   I already … [Read more...]




Plaid, Paisley and Velvet For Valentine’s Day

Welcome to the 333rd Tablescape Thursday! This week I'm sharing a Valentine's Day table setting that's a little different. I experimented around with mixing different patterns including plaid, paisley and velvet-edged napkin sheaths with a burlap-like look. The overall result is a Valentine's Day table setting with a bit of a masculine feel.     A red lantern worked well as a … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Table Settings, Napkin Folds & Recipes

Welcome to the 332nd Tablescape Thursday! Before we get into this week's Tablescape Thursday, I just wanted to say you guys are GOOD! It didn't take long for you to name every single one of the books yesterday! Can you imagine being the person who designed the Quotes throw. I don't know how they ever decided what books to feature, that would have been torture! Saving At Checkout I also wanted to … [Read more...]




A New Year’s Winter Table Setting

Welcome to the 331st Tablescape Thursday! Recently, my friend Bonnie created a beautiful winter tablescape for a New Year's Eve dinner.   This table setting included a Santa centerpiece dressed all in white, so this table would also work great as a Christmas tablescape, too.   Take away the Santa and this table setting would work great any time during the winter … [Read more...]




A Winter Tablescape With Snowman Spice Cake Centerpiece

Welcome to the 330th Tablescape Thursday! My tablescape today is a winter themed table setting with a very special centerpiece. It's so special that it's practically invisible. What? You don't see it? It's right there--on the pedestal in the center of the table. ;) I knew by the time the centerpiece I planned to use was ready, it would already be getting dark out. Since table settings look so much … [Read more...]