Dining Fireside

Welcome to the 269th Tablescape Thursday! After reading all your wonderful suggestions yesterday for surviving winter in style, I found myself dreaming of reading good books under warm throws with a hot fire burning nearby. So, for this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're traveling back in time to visit three settings previously shared fireside. (Click on titles for additional pics.) Wishing you lots of … [Read more...]




Autumn Table Setting with Spode Woodland

Welcome to the 268th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Halloween! Are you ready for the Trick or Treaters? Have you been sampling the Halloween candy this past week like I have? You know that's necessary, just to make sure it isn't stale or anything. Okay, remember when I decked out the hutch on the screened porch with pumpkins for Fall?   For this week's Tablescape Thursday, it was time to … [Read more...]




Celebrating the First Days of Autumn

Welcome to the 263rd Tablescape Thursday! Sunday was the first day of autumn. It doesn't really look like autumn here but it is definitely beginning to feel that way.   It's been raining for the last two days and was still raining out when I took these pics. You can see the leaves haven't started changing color yet, at least not in my yard, but it won't be long. Are they changing where you … [Read more...]




Duck, Duck Goose

I almost named this post "Goose Dynasty." ;) Recently Bonnie created a beautiful fall tablescape and I couldn't wait until Tablescape Thursday to share it with you.   This table celebrates the beautiful, rich colors of fall.   The centerpiece is a wonderful tureen disguised as a fat, fall goose. Do you think he's a Canada goose heading south for the winter? I think he's just … [Read more...]




Raiding the Garden

Welcome to the 261st Tablescape Thursday! Pssst, we have a problem.   Someone has been raiding the garden!   The lettuce is gone, the brussel sprouts are missing...   And all of the carrots have vanished!   Who could be behind this?   Do you think? Could it be?   He's been a very busy bunny!  His basket is loaded down … [Read more...]




How To Create a Watermelon Flower-Garden Centerpiece

  Each summer I like to create a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece. I missed last year but I couldn't let this summer get away without trying a new one. They are just so much fun to do! (You'll find the table setting below here: Summer Table Setting with Carved Flower Garden Watermelon Centerpiece) Two summers ago I carved this whale centerpiece. You'll find the tutorial for … [Read more...]




Summer Dining with an Edible Flower Garden Centerpiece

Welcome to the 258th Tablescape Thursday! Summer is winding down but it's not over yet. Are the stores in your area still stocked with yummy watermelons? They are still available here. It just isn't summer without cutting up a juicy, sweet watermelon or ten! I read an article the other day where someone made the claim that seedless watermelons don't taste as good as watermelons with seeds because they … [Read more...]




Table Setting Ideas for Fall & Halloween

Today I was on a mission, unfortunately my mission failed. I was trying to find small-to-medium size cookie cutters in the shape of flowers. I struck out in Michaels, Party City (it was next door so I gave it a shot), Bed, Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn and the Dollar Store. The cookie cutters I found today were either way too big or were in large sets and were too expensive. I finally gave up and decided to … [Read more...]




Enjoy Dining Outdoors for Summer

Welcome to the 256th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I created a little table setting out on the deck.   Just as I finished putting it together, I heard thunder. Yikes! Some fast picture-taking took place and just as I took the last photo, the raindrops began to fall. Whew, it was a close one.   Hope you enjoy this table setting for two. As I was … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Dinner to Celebrate a Special Life

Welcome to the 255th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, Sandi who reads BNOTP e-mailed me and shared a special table setting she had put together for her family as they gathered to celebrate the life of their 94 year old grandmother who had just passed away. A theme emerged as preparations were being made and Sandi and her daughter, Heather, called this memorial gathering, "The Legacy of the Little … [Read more...]




Going on Safari: A Safari Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 254th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I received an e-mail from Laura who reads BNOTP. She and her daughter, Claire had created the most amazing tablescape for a birthday celebration. Laura's hubby (Claire's Dad) Paul, was turning 56 and they wanted his birthday to be memorable. They decided to create a table setting that pays tribute to where he served for several years during his military … [Read more...]




A Lobster & Crab Fest: Beach Party Table Setting

Welcome to the 253rd Tablescape Thursday! Hope your week is going great! Are you ready for a little beach trip? Even if we can't go to the beach we can at least celebrate with a beachy tablescape out here on the porch.   The colors in this week's table setting are creams and corals...love that combination!  When I finished writing this post, it dawned on me, this table setting incorporates 3 … [Read more...]




Dining in a Garden of Lilacs and Wisteria

Welcome to the 246th Tablescape Thursday! Spring arrived in early May for my friend Cornelia, who lives in the beautiful country of Switzerland. Cornelia celebrated by dining in her garden enveloped in the scent of lilacs and wisteria.  The wisteria vine climbing the back of Cornelia's home was just beginning to bloom. I'm always amazed at how big a wisteria vine can get.  It really is … [Read more...]




Three Summer Tablescapes: Patriotic and Nautical Inspired

Welcome to the 245th Tablescape Thursday! There's a Pottery Barn store just a couple miles from my home.  Dangerous, right? A few days ago while out running errands, I stopped in to see what's new for summer. I didn't buy anything, just window shopped that day.  They had three really cute tables set up so I had to snap some cell phone pics for you.  Their displays are always so creative! Are you … [Read more...]




Warm Weather Dining on the Porch

Welcome to the 244th Tablescape Thursday! The iris in my garden were at their peak last Tablescape Thursday but alas, I had no time that day to create a table setting.  This week they were starting to wane but I couldn't resist one more tablescape using them as the centerpiece. Two weeks ago, when they were just beginning to open up, I created a simple table setting with the few I could find in bloom, … [Read more...]




Spring Table Settings: It’s a Party!

Welcome to the 243rd Tablescape Thursday! Sharing some wonderful tablescapes from last week's Tablescape Thursday. A Woodland Fairy Birthday Party A Tea Party with Brownie Bites   A Cinco de Mayo Party   Please Read: If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, … [Read more...]




A Whimsical Spring Table Setting with a Floral Centerpiece

Welcome to the 242nd Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for your generous comments yesterday regarding the live interview I participated in with Bekah and Lynne from the Mid-Morning show at WBCL. You are so supportive, always got my back.  Thank you! It's good to stretch our wings and try new things and I feel so blessed by the wonderful dearhearts I've met via blogging. That includes YOU! ♥ After … [Read more...]




Navy and White: Great for a Nautical Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 241st Tablescape Thursday! Spring is here  and I couldn't wait to experiment with a summer-beach themed table setting here on the porch.   I love a blue and white themed tablescape.  They always feel so crisp, so fresh.   This was an inexpensive table setting to create.  The dishes are from a 6 place setting I've had for a few years.  The set was only $19.99 … [Read more...]




Easter Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 238th Tablescape Thursday! Marie created some wonderful table settings for Easter/spring.   The one I'm sharing today is in her beautiful dining room. Marie will enjoy this table setting with her family this year for Easter. A few close-ups...love the pierced chargers, pierced egg cups and pierced napkin rings. You'll find a list detailing where Marie found all the … [Read more...]




Spring Table Setting for Two

We recently visited Sandi's  home when she was having a special Mardi Gras brunch.   If you missed that post, you'll find it here:  Mardi Gras Table Setting and Decorations.  This afternoon I wanted to share a sweet table for two she put together for spring. I love the Bakelite flatware, lacy dinner plate and charger, lettuce leaf salad plate, sheer napkin sheaths and the adorable polka dot bow as a … [Read more...]




Camellia Centerpiece for an Easter or Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 237th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday was the first official day of spring.  I'm so happy about that!  I love spring and summer so much!  The day started out a bit  chilly but it warmed up just enough to get me out on the porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday.  The table setting I'm sharing today would be great for Easter and that's more or less what I had in mind when I created it, but … [Read more...]




Make a Starfish Napkin Ring: A Pottery Barn Knock-off

Welcome to the 217th Metamorphosis Monday! This week for Met Monday, I'm sharing a crafty Before and After. I made a quick pass through Pottery Barn a few nights ago and spied some cute starfish napkin rings. It's kind of hard to see in this pic I snagged from the PB site here, but the ring part of the napkin ring is covered in jute yarn. I couldn't tell what the yarn was wrapped around while in the … [Read more...]




Dinner In A Cabin On The Russian River

Welcome to the 225th Tablescape Thursday! This week you are in for a special treat.  Julio who blogs at Beaux Mondes Designs created a beautiful tables setting in his wonderful cabin in Russian River, California.  I'm absolutely mad about plaid so when I saw this setting, I couldn't wait to share it for Tablescape Thursday. Julio's dining room is amazing, even without a wonderful table setting.  What … [Read more...]




A Christmas Dinner Party

Welcome to the 224th Tablescape Thursday! Three or four weeks ago I posted this tablescape below for a Tablescape Thursday.  Sunday I had a little dinner party and at first I set the table with my Lenox, Winter Greetings pattern.  At the last minute, I decided the table was feeling a bit more formal than I wanted for this gathering.  I wanted our party to feel more cozy and casual.  So I decided to … [Read more...]




A Cozy, Woodland Setting

Welcome to the 221st Tablescape Thursday!  (Pssst:  The seasonal footer at the bottom of BNOTP is all decked out with Christmas and Holiday posts.) As I put this table setting together yesterday, I thought I was creating a Christmas tablescape.  Once I sat down and began writing my post, I realized this is really a great "transition" table, a table that's as much at home for a fall or Thanksgiving dinner … [Read more...]




Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to 220th Tablescape Thursday!  I'm posting Tabescape Thursday early this week since tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and it will be a busy day for everyone. I'm excited to share my friend, Bonnie's beautiful Thanksgiving table this week! Come a bit closer and soak up all the wonderful details. I love, love, love all the  rich fall colors in this setting.  Such a warm, inviting table for … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Tablescape, 2012

Welcome to the 219th Tablescape Thursday! I'd also like to welcome listeners from the Bekah, Lynne, Thursdays show!  Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks to Bekah and Lynne for the shout-out today on their mid-morning show!   If you're looking for the home tour of the adorable cottage in the movie, The Holiday, you'll find it here:  Tour Rosehill Cottage from the movie, The Holiday. Thanksgiving … [Read more...]




Never Buy Place Cards for Your Tablescape Again

I've been working on my Thanksgiving table setting this week and I had it almost finished when I realized how much I didn't like the way the place cards I was using looked with the autumn colors in my tablescape.  The only place cards I have are some I purchased a few years ago and they are stark white. I hopped in the car and headed over to a couple of home stores thinking I might find something in more … [Read more...]




Best in the West: The Best-Dressed Table at the County Fair

Welcome to the 218th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I was chatting via email with Dawnette.  She was telling me how she was inspired to participate in a competition for "the best dressed table" at her county fair this year.   Does the county fair do that in your town, too? Dawnette said, "The two table themes to chose from were Victorian for 2, which was the formal table and an Engagement Party for 4. … [Read more...]




Beautiful Table Setting with Villeroy & Boch, Manoir and Paseo Gien

Welcome to the  214th Tablescape Thursday! Good Morning on this gorgeous fall day!  I have a beautiful table setting to share with you!  But first, I just had to say I was sooo touched by all the wonderful dreams you expressed in your comments yesterday.  There's nothing I can say except, Wow!  I hope every single one comes true. Every single one!  ♥ Tablescape Thursday: For this Tablescape Thursday, … [Read more...]




Fall Dining on the Porch & A Book-Themed Centerpiece

Welcome to the 212th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday, I posted some pictures of the mantel in the family room all dressed for autumn.  It became the inspiration for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   Often, the treasures we love and use when decorating our home work well in a centerpiece for a table setting, too.   I almost put this tablescape in my dining room since the colors are … [Read more...]




Russet Shades of Autumn: A Table for Two on the Deck

Welcome to the 210th Tablescape Thursday! It's been beautiful weather here...perfect time for another tablescape out on the deck.  Try to ignore my slightly bedraggled plants.  I haven't done the greatest job watering them lately.   This fall table setting is all about the colors of autumn...reds, golds and touches of green.   Bird's-eye view...   I didn't have … [Read more...]




6 Autumn Tablescapes

Welcome to the 209th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so, so much for all your supportive comments yesterday.  A special thanks to all the dear-hearts who signed up for the BNOTP RSS feed, e-mails and "Liked" BNOTP on Facebook.  I feel so blessed to have you here reading.  I've said it before and it's still true. You are the very best part of BNOTP!   Appreciate you so much! Autumn is in the Air I'm just … [Read more...]




A Summer Tablescape for Two

Welcome the 208th Tablescape Thursday! The daisies and a few of the mums from last week's bridal shower tablescape were still hanging in there, so I couldn't resist using them in  another setting.   Hope you enjoy.   Whatever a man's age, he can reduce it several years by putting a bright-colored flower in his buttonhole. Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemmons-1835-1910)-American humorous … [Read more...]




Easy Centerpiece for a Kitchen Gadgets Bridal Shower

Here's a little tutorial I almost didn't write.   For last Tablescape Thursday I shared a fun centerpiece that would be great to take to a bridal shower as a gift or to use as a centerpiece if you are the host for the shower. (View that tablescape here: Bridal Shower with Easy-to-Make Centerpiece)   It was so easy to make, I wasn't sure it really warranted a tutorial.  Since I did learn a … [Read more...]




A Bridal Shower Tablescape with an Easy-to-Make Centerpiece

Welcome to the 207th Tablescape Thursday! I have a fun table setting to share this week.  I ran into the dollar store to look at their Halloween goodies and while there I spotted a collection that immediately sparked an idea for a bridal shower tablescape.  I get e-mails from time-to-time from folks asking for ideas for bridal showers.   If you will be giving a bridal shower sometime soon … [Read more...]




On a Balcony in Switzerland

Welcome to the 206th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your comments on yesterday's post.  I haven't had a chance to reply to the questions left in the comments, since that post went up so late last night, but I'll definitely be doing that today. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're jetting off to Switzerland to dine on my friend, Cornelia's wonderful balcony.  It's always such a treat … [Read more...]




Shell Chargers for a Coastal Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 204th Tablescape Thursday! Time to break out the shell chargers!    You knew I'd be using them this week after finally getting them all done. This week's table setting turned out to be all about neutrals.   After all those hours (and sore fingertips) working on the shell chargers, I decided to take my cue from the colors in the shells/chargers for this week's … [Read more...]




Pottery Barn Knockoff Shell Chargers

Welcome to the 184th Metamorphosis Monday! The shell chargers are done! Another significant metamorphosis checked off my "should-have-finished-ages-ago" list was the completion of the shell chargers I started a while back.  Remember those? You may recall that I came across these six Pottery Barn shell chargers on eBay while searching for chargers for an Easter table setting.  I briefly thought about bidding … [Read more...]




Light & Airy for Summer Dining

Welcome to the 202nd Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope your week is going great!  Recently, Noritake, a wonderful Sponsor of Between Naps on the Porch, sent some lovely china my way.   It was a gorgeous day, we got a little break in the storms this week.  Wish you were here to enjoy it with me.   This table setting would have looked great with a floral centerpiece where the … [Read more...]




Spring and Summer Table Settings

Welcome to the 201st Tablescape Thursday! Wow!  Has it been crazy weather where you live?  We've been having stormy day after stormy day.  Monsoon weather and lots of lightning!  I awoke yesterday to find several very large branches in the turnaround portion of my driveway.  They were so large I could hardly move them.  So glad they missed the house!   My decks are covered with leaves and debris,  leaves … [Read more...]




A Garden Table Setting

Welcome to the  197th Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, we're flying off to Switzerland to dine with Cornelia in her beautiful garden.   Cornelia created this table a few weeks ago for a special occasion.  Cornelia wrote, "Today we celebrate Ascension in Switzerland." "I created a tablescape, a fresco using mostly China from the German Manufactory Nymphenburg.  This is the view … [Read more...]




Starfish Napkin Fold

Recently, for Tablescape Thursday, I posted a table setting with a beach/coastal feel.   That table setting also included a fun, easy-to-make starfish napkin fold.  Here are the super easy steps to creating this fun napkin fold.   Lay your napkin out on a flat surface, with it turned on the diagonal.   Fold the top corner down until it meets the lower … [Read more...]




A Beach Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 196th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I embellished a candle holder with aqua-colored seashells.  It  provided the inspiration for this week's table setting.   We've had the most wonderful spring here in Georgia.  Lots of mild days with occasional rains.  Has it been nice where you live, too?  I wish every spring was like this one.   Soft, cool aquas are perfect for a … [Read more...]




A Secret Garden Tablescape

Welcome to the 195th Tablescape Thursday! Wow, what a week!  This is turning out to be one of the busiest and most exciting weeks I've had in a while.  My son and his sweetheart were here last night.  We're all in wedding mode since the big day is just 4 days away.  After dinner out we came back home and stayed up late into the night talking.  I miss them terribly and love it when they are here … [Read more...]




A Mother’s Day Table Setting

Welcome to the 193rd Tablescape Thursday! This Sunday is Mother's Day.  In honor of this special occasion, I've put together a table setting using  very special table "linens."  My Mom crocheted this luncheon set back in 1956 while she awaited my arrival.   Here's a photo of my Mom (and me) around the time she would have completed this set. Unfortunately, I never really got to know my Mom very … [Read more...]




Dining on the Balcony, Table Setting with Lomonosov Porcelain

Welcome to the 192nd Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, we'll be dining on my friend, Cornelia's beautiful balcony in Switzerland. The view is wonderful from here! Cornelia, please tell us all about the china you've chosen for this beautiful table setting here on the balcony.  Cornelia shared, "The theme is mainly based on the predominating porcelain, the Russian Lomonosov … [Read more...]




Easter Table Setting with Floral Centerpiece

Welcome to the 191st Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so  much for all the wonderful comments left on yesterday's post.   I so appreciate each and every one.  Your encouragement is giving me the perseverance I need to finish the project. I know Easter has long since past but I'm still not quite done with bunnies. This time the bunnies are in a springtime breakfast table setting. Lately, I've been … [Read more...]




Shell Chargers for Summer Dining: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

n March, right after I purchased cupcake stands from Pottery Barn for this Easter table setting,  out of curiosity I typed "Pottery Barn chargers" into the search engine on eBay.   This auction for shell chargers popped up.   Wow!  Shell chargers!  Not great for Easter but perfect for summer dining on the porch.  Unfortunately, the bidding quickly escalated way beyond the amount I would have been … [Read more...]




Easter Spring Table Setting with Tulip Centerpiece

Welcome to the 188th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Spring and welcome to Tablescape Thursday, a party where we celebrate our love for entertaining and creating pretty table settings for our friends and loved ones.  A beautiful table setting is really just an expression of caring and love for those who'll gather there. Tulips make such a wonderful centerpiece for a spring or Easter table … [Read more...]




Double Bowl Hurricane Floral Centerpiece: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

I've been using a lot of fresh flowers in table settings lately.  Once those cold winter months are behind us, it's such a joy to bring fresh flowers into our homes.  One of my favorite flowers is the tulip.  It's almost impossible to think of spring and not think of beautiful tulips. Tulips are a wonderful flower to give or receive for a birthday or for Mother's Day.  I've been the happy recipient of … [Read more...]




Spring Easter Table Setting with Daffodil and Moss Centerpiece

Welcome to the 187th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here in Georgia.  This has been such a wonderful spring!  As I looked through the photos for this post, I noticed the background is changing with each week's table setting here on the porch.  It's getting green and woolly out there...love this time of year!   For this Tablescape Thursday, … [Read more...]




Spring Easter Table Setting with Wisteria Centepiece

Welcome to the 186th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope your week is going great.  Spring is in full swing here; everything is blooming up a storm!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I did something I've always wanted to do in a table setting.   I've always wanted to use Wisteria in a centerpiece.  It's just so beautiful and fragrant and it grows wild here in the south.   Each spring … [Read more...]




Springtime Table with a Daffodil Centerpiece

Welcome to the 182nd Tablescape Thursday! It was another warm day today so the pull of the porch won out again. All this warm weather we're having has me thinking spring.  This table setting would work well as an Easter tablescape with its springtime colors. The breezes stirred the sheers on the porch as I photographed this setting.  I couldn't resist snapping a pic through the wind swept … [Read more...]




A Wedding Reception, A Magical Evening

Welcome to the 176th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, my friend Maree, who blogs at  Tales from an OC Cottage, shared some wonderful photographs taken when her nephew, Joe (son of her sister, Bee) and his sweetie, Katie, were married back in November.  The wedding reception was held in the backyard of Maree's sister (Kae's) home.  Maree has posted pictures on her blog in past showing Kae's gorgeous gardens … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Table Setting with Nature Themed Centepiece

Welcome to the 171th Tablescape Thursday! I'm a week late but for this Tablescape Thursday I'm sharing the Thanksgiving table setting I had been working on when my camera cat-astrophe occurred. All the pics in this post were taken with the new camera, a Nikon D5100. This camera is super, duper light sensitive, which is why it works so well in low lighting situations. It will take me a little while to get … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Fold Tutorial

Recently, for Tablescape Thursday, I posted a Thanksgiving tablescape with the little ones in mind.     (Tablescape below can be viewed here:  A Thanksgiving Tablescape for the Kids) It included a fun turkey napkin fold.   Today I'm sharing a tutorial showing how it's made, in case you would like to incorporate it into your Thanksgiving table this year.     To create your turkey … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Tablescape for the Kids

Welcome to the 169th Tablescape Thursday! Thanksgiving is only one week away!  Wow, this month has flown by.  For this Tablescape Thursday I put together a tablescape with the little ones in mind.  Do you set up a "kids" table each year for Thanksgiving?  Sometimes I think sitting at the kids table would be more fun than the grown-ups table.   Though this table was created with little ones in … [Read more...]




Fall Dining on the Porch: Celebrating the Russet Shades of Autumn

Welcome to the 167th Tablescape Thursday! It was a gorgeous day here so I spent some time playing outside on the porch. The leaves are changing and the fall colors are spectacular. I brought those colors to my table setting for Tablescape Thursday.  I shopped the house and snagged a floral arrangement from the family room for my fall tablescape.   I liked it, but ultimately I changed it out … [Read more...]




Warming Up on the Porch

Welcome the the 163rd Tablescape Thursday! Cool fall nights are perfect for hot chocolate out on the porch. Where would you like to sit?   How about on the swing?  There's a soft, warm blanket to keep you warm and a great book awaits.   The late afternoon sun is so wonderful streaming in across the porch.     The evening breeze carries the … [Read more...]




A Colorful Autumn Table Setting

Welcome to the 161st Tablescape Thursday! Though the leaves on the trees are still very green and the temps reached well int the 80's today, I was so in the mood to for a fall table setting.  Besides, Friday is the first official day of fall.   I've always wanted to create a table setting with magnolia leaf chargers.   I just thought it would be for a Christmas tablescape. … [Read more...]




Carved Watermelon Whale Centerpiece

Carved Watermelon Party Centerpiece This past Tablescape Thursday, I shared a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece.   (View that tablescape here: Summer Tablescape with Carved Watermelon Centerpiece)   For a party many years ago, I cut the top off a watermelon and hollowed it out to hold fruit.   That was cute, but I've always wanted to try my hand at carving one … [Read more...]




One Last Summer Tablescape

Welcome to the 160th Tablescape Thursday! If you've been reading BNOTP for very long, you know I love summertime. I'm always a bit sad to see it go.   Since the first day of fall is still a little over a week away, I wanted to share one last summertime table setting here on the porch.   I had fun creating the centerpiece.  It's carved from a small … [Read more...]




Mixing Herend for a Garden Table Setting

Welcome to the 158th Tablescape Thursday! A few years ago I attended an historic home tour that was by far, the very best home tour I've ever been on.  It was in Newnan, Georgia and was sponsored by The Georgia Trust.  If you ever have an opportunity to go on one of their home tours, be sure to go.  They are well organized and the homes are always absolutely amazing! On this particular Newnan tour, we … [Read more...]




Romantic Candlelight Table Setting

Welcome to the 157th Tablescape Thursday! You may feel like Bill Murray in the movie, Groundhog Day as you view the following tablescape.  In last week's Tablescape Thursday post, I mentioned I had created a tablescape on the porch and it somehow mysteriously moved itself right out on to the deck, turning into this romantic table setting. Since the original table on the porch was still set, I … [Read more...]




Romantic Table Setting for Two

Welcome to the 156th Tablescape Thursday! Tomorrow, August 18th, Between Naps on the Porch turns 3 years old.  The last three years have flown by so very quickly.  Thank you for visiting and being here every day.  I appreciate so much that you share your time with me! Let's have dinner on the deck tonight.  It feels so nice out. I'll pour the wine...you just sit and enjoy. So romantic, dining … [Read more...]




Beach Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 153rd Tablescape Thursday! I must be craving a beach trip because it seems whenever I plan a tablescape lately, it always ends up being a beach-themed table. I started off this tablescape with white flatware.   But I decided to change to blue since  I was in the mood for soft muted colors.   Beach-themed tablescapes always feel so restful with the soft blues … [Read more...]




Coastal Summer Table Setting

Welcome to the 151st Tablescape Thursday! Though the porch is still decorated in red, white and blue for it's 4th of July makeover, the heat here in Georgia has me dreaming of sandy white beaches. Recently, I ran across these bright spring-green glasses in Old Time Pottery. I love this color green. I guess you could call it chartreuse.   It very much reminded me of the green color in … [Read more...]




Seaside Tablescape

Welcome to the 146th Tablescape Thursday! For today's Tablescape Thursday, I've put together a little beach themed table setting out on the porch. I still have beach dreams running through my head after my recent trip to Savannah.   Hope you enjoy! I started out placing different types/colors of starfish on the napkins and I scattered lots of shells all around the centerpiece. I decided … [Read more...]




Summer Tablescape with Magnolia Centerpiece

Welcome to the 144th Tablescape Thursday! It's gorgeous here today...lots of sunshine! I love this time of year! Let's have dinner out on the porch tonight. Sound good? I've only used this china once before (I think) in a tablescape HERE. For some reason it always inspires a magnolia blossom centerpiece. The huge magnolia tree in my front yard had more flowers this year than it has ever … [Read more...]




Dining Alfresco: Spring and Summer Table Settings

Welcome to the 143rd Tablescape Thursday! Today I'm sharing some spring settings for this Tablescape Thursday, including some of yours!  Click on the titles of the tablescapes to view them in full. Dining with Lord Byron Sand and Surf Garden Party The Faerie Ball A Beach Escape Boogieboard Cottage Words on Wheels Bargain Hunting and Chatting with … [Read more...]




Dining in the Garden

Welcome to the 142nd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! Our friend, Cornelia, has invited us all for dinner in her beautiful garden in Switzerland. Don't you just love the romantic feel of the wisteria climbing up the back of her home. We will be dining this evening surrounded in the fragrance of lovely flowers. It's a perfect day to be out in the garden. The tall hedge … [Read more...]




Easy Centerpiece for a Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 141st Tablescape Thursday! If you remember this Bottle Tree post, you already know I've been collecting bottles for several months in hopes of creating a bottle tree some day. Recently, I found the perfect tree for the bottles. It was just what I had dreamed up in my head. Unfortunately, when I checked on the price, it was much more than I wanted to spend. Rats! In the meantime, I've … [Read more...]




Styling by Coty Farquhar

Welcome to the 140th Tablescape Thursday! I have a wonderful Giveaway this week for Tablescape Thursday. This giveaway will have 6 winners so lots of opportunities to win! I'm so excited to share the gorgeous and breathtaking designs of Coty Farquhar. Are you familiar with her blog, Styling by Coty Farquhar? If not, you are in for a wonderful experience! Coty lives in one of the most beautiful … [Read more...]




A Country Rooster Table Setting

Welcome to the 137th Tablescape Thursday! It was gorgeous here today. It was so pretty I was tempted to put this tablescape out on the porch, but the pollen is insane right now. If you look closely, you can see it out there on the porch floor. That isn't dust...that's pollen! Yikes! We'll tablescape out there soon, but for now let's stay inside where it's a little less messy.   So come on … [Read more...]




Debutante Camellias in a Springtime Tablescape

Welcome to the 135th Tablescape Thursday! It was such a gorgeous day here...70's and breezy. I decided to set this week's tablescape in the breakfast room. My camellia bush has almost finished blooming. Amazingly the blooms are much deeper and richer in color now than they were a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it's the warm weather we've been having for the past two weeks. I couldn't resist … [Read more...]




Mixing China Patterns in a Table Setting

Welcome to the 133rd Tablescape Thursday! It was dark and stormy all day today. Late in the day the rain finally let up and I was able to cut some flowers from the garden. Since it was such a gloomy day, I decided to make my own sunshine. My Delight and Thy Delight by Robert Bridges, a British poet and poet laureate from 1913 to 1930 My delight and thy delight Walking, like two angels … [Read more...]




Sailboat Napkin Fold

This napkin fold is a great fold to create with a striped napkin but it will work with any pattern. I used a 20" square, blue and white striped napkin for this tutorial. Hope you enjoy this fun fold. It's a great one for summertime dining. Here's a second way to display this fold for a completely different look: You could even tuck a little surprise … [Read more...]




Sunshine Yellow for Spring

Welcome to the 131st Tablescape Thursday! It's been a rare February day...actually a rare February week. With temps in the 60's here all week long, I've been craving spring and a tablescape full of sunshine. I just shopped the house for a centerpiece. Actually, I couldn't make up my mind which centerpiece to use, so I used two. :) The sunflowers normally live on the trunk/coffee table in … [Read more...]




How Many Place Settings Should I Buy?

I receive a good many emails each week from the wonderful readers of BNOTP and one question I get over and over again is: How do you decide how many place settings to buy of a particular china? Here's just three of the e-mails I've received on this topic: 1. "Whenever I see a dish sets (usually come in set for 4/box). I am not sure if I should just buy the 4 (in 1 box) or buy 2 boxes. Is hard to find set … [Read more...]




Moss Garden Table Setting

Welcome to the 124th Tablescape Thursday! Hi Everyone! Hope your week is going great! Recently, for our Blogging Bloopers 2010 Party, I shared some of the gaffes I've made this past year, including a tablescape that didn't quite turn out the way I had planned. Since I let that cat out the infamous bag by sharing a few pics, I thought I'd share the rest of the info about how I put that table together, … [Read more...]




A Tablescape of Thanksgiving

Welcome to the 118th Tablescape Thursday! This post is dedicated to you...the readers of BNOTP. I was so touched by all the expressions of thanksgiving you left on Mikasa's Facebook wall, I decided to let you write today's Thanksgiving post. I am thankful for each day with my husband of 42 years, time spent with our children and 6 grandchildren. As well as my Mom who will be 89 this year. We are … [Read more...]




Fall Dining with Feathered Friends

Welcome to the 115th Tablescape Thursday! I started this tablescape on the porch a week or so ago when the weather was still in the 70's. By the time I took pics today, it was rainy and somewhat chilly out. I had so much fun playing though, I forgot all about the dreary weather. As you view this tablescape, imagine it with woven or ratan chargers in a warm brown. Unfortunately, I didn't have any but … [Read more...]




A Tablescape Celebrating Autumn’s Bounty

Welcome to the 114th Tablescape Thursday! I've been working on a tablescape this week out on the porch...the weather here has been in the 70's all week! Love it! But, the last few days have been raining...not great for taking pics to share. Fortunately, Cornelia recently sent some great pics of a wonderful tablescape she's created in celebration of the autumn season. It's always such a treat when … [Read more...]




A Tablescape to Celebrate Fall

Welcome to the 111th Tablescape Thursday! We are finally starting to get some cooler temps here in Georgia. I have to be honest with you guys...I'm just not a cool weather fan. But I do love fall colors so putting together a fall tablescape was a lot of fun. I kept my centerpiece simple since I had a lot going on color wise in this tablescape. Ummm, wonder how a few acorns from the huge oak … [Read more...]




End of Summer Tablescape on the Porch

Welcome to the 110th Tablescape Thursday! Welcome to a very special week of Tablescape Thursday! I am sooo excited to share my table setting with you this week because tonight, I'm sharing beautiful dinnerware that is just about to make it's debut! In just a few days, Sketch Floral will be available for purchase in retail stores, but you're getting a little sneak preview here this evening! I decided … [Read more...]




Three Tablescapes: Baby Shower, Beachy & Thanksgiving

Hi Everyone! Hope your week was fabulous! Any great plans for the weekend? I hope wherever you live...the weather is as awesome there as it is here. A few months back, I was blessed to receive some delightful pics of tablescapes created by three readers of BNOTP. I thought I'd share their wonderful tables today...along with the info they sent about how they were inspired to create them. Kathy from … [Read more...]




A Spring Table Setting on the Porch

Welcome to the 109th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! Come on out on the porch...it's a beautiful day! We don't have breezes today so we'll just turn on the fans and make our own breezes. The weather is positively perfect...not too hot and not too cold...just right for dining on the porch. I have beautiful new china to share with you today...it just called for a special … [Read more...]




A Beach Escape

Welcome to the 108th Tablescape Thursday! It's still beautiful summer weather here in Georgia. So, I've loaded up the car and I thought you and I would take one last beach trip before the cool fall weather arrives. Are ya with me? A while back for a Tablescape Thursday, I posted two wonderful table settings created by my talented friend, Bonnie. You can view those HERE. I fell in love with the salad … [Read more...]




A Garden Party with Meissen, Deutsche Blume

Welcome to the 107th Tablescape Thursday! Have I told you lately how much I LOVE...I mean reallllly love Tablescape Thursday? When would we ever have an opportunity to see so many beautiful collections of exquisite, delightful...sometimes even whimsical...china, crystal and flatware if you didn't stop by and link your amazing tablescapes here each week?! This week we are international travelers, … [Read more...]