14 Beautiful, Whimsical Flatware Designs & A Strategy For Acquiring Them All! ;)

Welcome to the 766th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever done an online search for unique flatware? Every so often I do that just to see what fun, whimsical flatware has been created. I love a beautiful elegant table setting, but my favorite tables are the fun ones, those tables that make you smile or feel a bit like a kid again. Sometimes it's the flatware that can really bring a bit of magic or fun to a … [Read more...]




The Tablecloth Really Changes Everything

Welcome to the 765th Tablescape Thursday! How is your week going? It's been a busy one here. The painter finished painting the storage room yesterday, and on Tuesday, I started priming/painting the workbench in this room. I hope to finish it today or tomorrow. Look forward to sharing the finished space on Monday!   We are back out on the porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday. The weather … [Read more...]




2 Tables That Are A Work In Progress & I’m A Little Distracted This Week

Welcome to the 764th Tablescape Thursday! I've been working on a table the last couple of weeks, but I'm having trouble finding the right salad plates. These adorable flamingo napkins are my inspiration, but when shopping for flamingo-themed salad plates in the right color, I'm only finding the melamine version. I may end up having to buy those since that seems to be all that's available. Here's a little … [Read more...]




Porch Dining: A Spring-Summer Table Setting Out On The Porch

Welcome to the 763rd Tablescape Thursday! It's been so warm here this week and I am loving it! I couldn't resist a sunny, happy table out here on the porch.   I hope you are seeing warmer temps, too!   This has been a busy few days with an electrician here adding new lighting to the basement, crawl-space storage room, and the upstairs hallway. If you missed those posts, click … [Read more...]




3 Special Table Settings Featuring Beautiful Vintage Tablecloths!

Welcome to the 762nd Tablescape Thursday! Oh my gosh, it's been a wild week around here! I had planned to complete the work on the unfinished part of my basement at a gradual pace over the next couple of months, but I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to go full-steam ahead. I'm eager to get my workbench and freezer moved back into the room as soon as possible, so that means going ahead and scheduling to … [Read more...]




Did The Tables Inspire The Cakes, Or Did The Cakes Inspire The Tables?

Welcome to the 761st Tablescape Thursday! Recently Warren sent me an email sharing a dilemma he found himself in--his wife had placed him on a dish ban. ;) I'll let Warren explain below. "Recently, I had a problem. I love to create colorful, sometimes whimsical but also functional tablescapes for our frequent dinner parties, however, there are only so many different tablescapes one can set from a limited … [Read more...]




Dining Seaside: A Beachy, Nautical-Themed Tablescape & 2 Adorable Shorebirds

Welcome to the 760th Tablescape Thursday! It was in the 70s yesterday so I couldn't resist setting a table here on the porch. There was a fresh, light layer of pollen on the surface of the table that had to be cleaned away first. Be glad when pollen season is over. I think we're on the tail end of it now.   I started out with plans to use these sunflower napkins I shared recently. In the … [Read more...]




A Ray of Sunshine On A Beautiful Spring Day!

Welcome to the 758th Tablescape Thursday! I'm currently visiting family and it has turned cold again! I jokingly told my son and DIL that their weather hates me because it was in the 70s just before I arrived and goes back up to the 70s the day after I leave. Hope you are seeing some sunshine and warmer temps where you live! Recently I heard from Norma, who lives in the south of France. Norma said, "I am … [Read more...]




A Spring Table Setting With The Most Adorable Bunny-Themed Dinnerware

I have a wonderful spring table setting to share with you today! Brenda, a lovely BNOTP reader, set a beautiful table for Easter and I found myself wanting to collect everything I saw on her table. lol I know you're going to love it as much as I do!     In this photo, we get a glimpse of the dinnerware Brenda chose for her table--do you see the adorable bunny … [Read more...]




How I Store/Organize My Napkins + Some New Additions For Spring and Summer

Welcome to the 756th Tablescape Thursday! If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know that I store a lot of the goodies I use in table settings in these cabinets here in my garage. I've been doing this for quite a few years now and it has worked out really well. It's super convenient having so many things grouped in one place and so close to the three areas where I normally set tables in my … [Read more...]




All My Favorites for Spring and Easter This Year

Welcome to the 753rd Tablescape Thursday! Spring is my favorite time of year! I love seeing all the flowers and trees waking back up after their wintertime slumber. Spring is also the time of year when I find the most adorable table-setting goodies online and in the stores. The last few years, the pickings have been kinda slim, but I'm excited to see what's out there for this spring and summer. I was … [Read more...]




Celebrating Our Early Spring Weather With A Bee-Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 752nd Tablescape Thursday! The daffodils are blooming their little hearts out right now, so I couldn't resist cutting a few to use in today's table setting.   I probably should be fertilizing them each year but I've never done that. I think I'll try to remember to do that this fall.   Another variety...love the colorful centers.   The first day of … [Read more...]




Planning a Bee-Themed Table Setting & This Is What I Purchased

Welcome to the 751st Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments on yesterday's post! I love that so many of us have held onto our older traditional decorating magazines and I loved reading which ones were your favorite. I wasn't surprised to see some great cooking/recipe magazines mentioned, as well! So happy to hear so many of you have held onto those older publications and still … [Read more...]




Soft Aqua Blues Mixed with Treasures and Gifts from the Sea

Welcome to the 726th Tablescape Thursday! The painter is almost finished in the garage--hopefully, he'll be done by today or tomorrow. He and I rolled back the plastic covering the cabinets before he left last night so I could get to my charger plates and glassware to set a table for this week's TT.   It was the end of the day and super cloudy and rainy out, so I decided to just go with a … [Read more...]




Seaside-Themed Table Setting–Elegant Sophistication with a Casual Vibe

Welcome to the 723rd Tablescape Thursday! How is your week going? Are you staying inside out of the heat? Things have gotten pretty busy here the last few days. I just returned from visiting family on Tuesday and on Wednesday afternoon the first phase of installing the garage floor took place. The final part of the process will be completed today. I've taken a few photos and look forward to sharing those … [Read more...]




We’re Off On A Seaside Vacation For This Week’s Tablescape Thursday!

Welcome to the 721st Tablescape Thursday! How is your week going? I'm knee-deep in all things painting right now.   The garage ceiling was painted yesterday and the painting continues today.   But enough about painting, I have a fun, beachy table to share this week and it's coming to us all the way from France! Norma, a lovely BNOTP reader who has become a friend via email … [Read more...]




Cooling Off with Corals and Blues: Enjoy a Beach-Themed Table on the Porch

Welcome to the 716th Tablescape Thursday! With the first day of summer upon us in less than a week, I was very much in the mood for a beachy, seaside-themed table. It's super shady on the porch this time of year, plus a big storm was trying to roll in. It never did, though. I wish it had, we need the rain.   I think this is the first time I've used this coral and shell-covered tablecloth I … [Read more...]




Dining Alfresco: A Garden Dinner Party with Friends

Welcome to the 715th Tablescape Thursday! I'm still away visiting family but I have a delightful table setting to share for this week's Tablescape Thursday! We are dining outdoors in the beautiful French countryside this week. On a recent spring day, Norma gathered outdoors with friends for a relaxing dinner party. She made a pretty, floral banner for this festive occasion.   Norma said, … [Read more...]




A Springtime Table Inspired by a Floral, Butterfly Table Runner

Welcome to the 714th Tablescape Thursday! Happy June! The first week of June is always a big celebration week in my family. We have three birthdays during the first 8 days of June starting with my son's, followed by one grandson, and ending with my daughter-in-loves birthday. I love visiting with them on birthday week--well, actually I love visiting anytime, but visiting during birthday week is extra … [Read more...]




Big, Beautiful Magnolia Blossom for a Spring Table in Green and White

Welcome to the 713th Tablescape Thursday! It has been so cloudy out the last few days, we've been getting some much-needed rain. Not great for picture taking but great for the trees, grass, and flowers.   I was in the mood for a fresh green and white table this week. I kept the centerpiece simple with a single magnolia blossom.   I started out with this lovely magnolia … [Read more...]




Blue and White Table Setting for Mother’s Day & It’s Super Budget-Friendly

Welcome to the 712th Tablescape Thursday! Sheri put together a beautiful blue and white Mother's Day table this year. Blue and white is one of my favorite color combinations in decorating and in table settings! Sheri said, "I call this my "bargain table". The tablecloth is from Walmart and is from Pioneer Woman's collection. I love blue!"   Sheri said, "The napkins are from Tuesday … [Read more...]




Royal Horticultural Society’s Applebee Dinnerware, A Springtime Luncheon with Friends

Welcome to the 711th Tablescape Thursday! What better way to kick off spring than gathering together with good friends!   Norma, who lives in the beautiful countryside of France, recently had friends over for a lovely springtime luncheon. For this luncheon, she covered her table with a lovely hand-embroidered cloth with the Spring flowers out over the table. Norma said, "I have had it for … [Read more...]




Beautiful, Hand-Painted Morning Glory China Sparks a Very Special Memory

Welcome to the 710th Tablescape Thursday! I'm posting Tablescape Thursday a bit early this week and I have a beautiful, heartfelt table setting to share with you. Elena, a lovely BNOTP reader and friend wrote, "We had friends over for dinner on Wednesday this week. This was my first chance to use my Christmas gift from my husband, “Morning Glory” dinner plates, hand-made and hand-painted in … [Read more...]




Springtime Table for Two, A Celebration of Beautiful Spring Flowers

Welcome to the 709th Tablescape Thursday! The geraniums on my deck are really starting to bloom. They inspired this week's table setting that's all about beautiful spring flowers. I love this time of year when everything is waking up and coming back to life!   Just a cozy table for two...   Happy, happy geraniums...       You may remember … [Read more...]




Spring-Easter Table Setting + Sneak Preview of a New Addition to the Screened Porch

Welcome to the 707th Tablescape Thursday! Yay! It's porch time again! We've got 70+° weather on tap for the whole week so it's practically a sin to spend it inside every day. I spent the last couple of days cleaning away the pollen from the porch. Still have more cleaning to do to ready the porch for spring and summer, but it's getting there. How is the pollen in your area? It's been pretty intense here … [Read more...]




3 Happy Spring Table Settings

Welcome to the 706th Tablescape Thursday! Last night we had a huge thunderstorm here. Unable to sleep because it was so loud and there was so much lightning, I got back up and was sitting at my desk, reading,  when a super loud, explosive thunderclap/lightning strike happened. Simultaneously, I heard a loud, ear-piercing pop close by. It was so loud, it sounded like a firecracker had gone off a few feet … [Read more...]




Elegant Spring Table with a Hand-Crafted Centerpiece & a Nod to the Gilmore Girls

Welcome to the 705th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received an email from a lovely BNOTP reader. Sheri said, "I just created a Spring tablescape for my dining room that I thought I would share with you. It all started with the candle in the centerpiece. A sweet, dear young friend won a silent auction of a bag of goodies that were "Gilmore Girls" themed. She knows I am a HUGE fan and she bid on it and … [Read more...]




Daffodils, Daisies, and 4-Leaf Clovers for St. Patrick’s Day

Welcome to the 702nd Tablescape Thursday! The daffodils in my front yard are blooming--they've been blooming for the last couple of weeks--I love seeing their sunshine faces so much!   Every year when they bloom, it makes me want to plant even more. I currently have them around the gas lantern (above), in this island under the Crepe Mrytle tree where I'd love to place a Little Free Library … [Read more...]




Birds and Butterflies–It Feels Like Spring!

Welcome to the 699th Tablescape Thursday! This was the temperature out on the porch yesterday. In February! If the porch wasn't so dusty and in need of a good cleaning after its long winter's nap, I would have placed this table setting out there. Watch us have a giant snowstorm in March or April--Georgia weather can be so unpredictable. Today is supposed to be even warmer!   With how warm … [Read more...]




They Mystery of the Bumpy Plates: Sarah Needs Your Help to Solve This Mystery!

A few days ago, Sarah, a lovely BNOTP reader, left a comment on a previous spring shopping post where I had shared some bunny plates I came across in Pottery Barn. She had a question about the plates due to something really odd she was seeing on Peter Rabbit bunny plates she had purchased both last year and this year. Sarah said, "Do you find the Pottery Barn Peter Rabbit stoneware to have bumps on them? … [Read more...]




Creative Ways To Use Soup Tureens in Your Table Settings

Welcome to the 695th Tablescape Thursday! With snow in the forecast this past weekend, it really put me in the mood for homemade soup. At least once or twice during the wintertime, I have to make my favorite vegetable soup.   This vegetable soup recipe is available here: Vegetable Soup.   Another great cold-weather soup that I occasionally make is a roasted butternut squash … [Read more...]




Shopping for Spring Dinnerware + A Big Winter Clearance Sale

Welcome to the 694th Tablescape Thursday! It's only mid-January and I'm already focused on spring. To semi-satisfy my spring craving, I decided to check out the spring-summer dinnerware that's hitting the stores right now. I wasn't sure what I would find since we are currently in that in-between period where the winter stuff is being cleared out and spring goodies are just starting to arrive. Pottery … [Read more...]




A Dinner Party in the Garden with Friends

Welcome to the 676th Tablescape Thursday! What would you do if you lost your phone and internet connection for 3-1/2 months?! I just recently heard from my friend, Norma, who lives in France. Norma wrote, " Well, you will not believe this but we have only just got reconnected after three and a half months of being cut off from the outside world! What happened was that a car went off the road at the top … [Read more...]




Seaside Dreaming for Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to the 674th Tablescape Thursday! It's a dreary day out so I decided to set this table in the breakfast room this week. If we get some sunshine today, I'll take a few pics in natural lighting which is always so much nicer and prettier.   With summer slowly coming to an end, I was in the mood for a beach/nautical/seaside-themed table setting.   I brought out the shell … [Read more...]




My Favorite Beachy Nautical-Themed Flatware Sets & Where to Find Them

Welcome to the 667th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Though I'm 5 hours from the nearest beach and completely landlocked here in North Georgia, I really do love a beach or nautical-themed table setting.  Maybe it's because it makes me think of adorable beach cottages and the gorgeous aquas and blues we so often see in beach house decor. It's … [Read more...]




So About Those Pierced Chargers–Here’s The Skinny, Plus a Sale Update

I came across something recently that I thought those of you who enjoy following Tablescape Thursday, would enjoy seeing. It's a receipt from January 2008. Over the years as I've created table settings for Tablescape Thursday, the most often asked about item that I use in many of the tables I set are these cream, pierced chargers. (Table setting below can be viewed here: Limelight Hydrangeas in a Summer … [Read more...]




Beautiful, Fragrant Gardenias in the Last Spring Table Setting for 2021

Welcome to the 664th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! The gardenia shrub just outside my garage is blooming up a storm right now. If you've ever smelled gardenias, you know how wonderfully fragrant they are! This shrub almost died during an ice storm a few years back. It has taken a while to recover but it seems to be fully back now, laden down with … [Read more...]




Beautiful Spring Table Set with Charming Ma Maison by Dario Farrucci

Welcome to the 663rd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Years ago, I would often stop by HomeGoods just to see what new dinnerware they had in stock. On one of those shopping trips, I came across the most charming dishware: Ma Maison, designed by Dario Farrucci for Tabletops Unlimited. Oh my gosh, it was love at first sight! I envisioned using Ma Maison … [Read more...]




10 Beehives at Peaceful Valley Farm Inspired This Delightful Bee-Themed Table

Welcome to the 662nd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Thanks so much for all the comments you left on yesterday's post. I spent much of the afternoon at Vision Computers (an hour away from my home) planning and designing a new desktop computer. It has been 10 years since I had a computer built, with just the occasional update made to my old computer … [Read more...]




Beautiful, Custom-Designed Macarons for Any Celebration or Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 661st Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! A few weeks back I shared Warren's beautiful spring table setting for Tablescape Thursday.   Warren created this table with a peacock theme in mind and these peacock dinner plates were his inspiration. I love the napkin rings he chose for this setting!   Warren created … [Read more...]




We’re Having Sweet Watermelon for Dessert!

Welcome to the 660th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! This has been such a beautiful spring here in Georgia. It's felt like a long, full spring--not one of those springs we sometimes have where we get cool, spring weather for a week and then BAM, it's 85 degrees outside. lol No, this spring has been the perfect spring. I would love it if it was this … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Blue and White Table Setting, Perfect for Mother’s Day

Welcome to the 658th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! One of my favorite color combinations is blue and white. I love a room decorated in a blue and white color scheme and love a table setting dressed out in blue and white. Sheri, a lovely BNOTP reader, recently shared a beautiful blue and white table setting she created in blue and white using her … [Read more...]




Springtime Dining on the Porch with Dario Farruccci’s Ma Maison

Welcome to the 657th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Happy spring! As you can see in the background, the trees are have all fluffed out! I love seeing all the spring green, such a beautiful time of year! I hope you are seeing fluffy trees in your area now, too!   Yes, I'm back with tulips again this week. lol I'm a little hooked on … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Peacock Inspired Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the 656th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Have you ever fallen in love with a beautiful china or dishware pattern, but then had a difficult time using it in a table setting? Then one day it happens--all the elements just click and come together perfectly! That happened to Warren when he came across this beautiful peacock-designed … [Read more...]




Creating a Pretty, Little Beverage Station for My Home Office

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




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

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




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

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




Mischievous Bunnies in a Spring Garden

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




Bunnies, Butterflies and Blossoms for Spring

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




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

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




Crowing for an Early Spring!

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




3 Summer Tables As We Approach the End of Summer

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




Ode to Summers Past: Tablescaping in Green

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




Life is Short, Buy the Dish!

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




A Budget-Friendly Summer Table Setting

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




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

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




Imagine Dining Seaside by Candlelight

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




A Bunny-Themed Table Setting for Spring

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




Spring Outdoor Table Setting with a Carved Watermelon Whale Centerpiece

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




8 Spring-Summer Table Settings with Floral Centerpieces

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




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

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




Springtime and It’s All About the Bunnies

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




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

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




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

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




Spring Fever!

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




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

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




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

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




Candlelight Dining on a Late Summer’s Night

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




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

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




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

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




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

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




Create Wonderful Outdoor Spaces for Dining in the Garden

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




An Accidental Mother’s Day Table Setting

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




Obsessed with Beach-Nautical Themed Tables & Flatware

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




A Memorial Day Table Setting with a Beach-Nautical Theme

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




Memorial Day Entertaining and Table Setting Ideas

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




Syracuse Orchard & Magnolia Centerpiece for a Spring Table Setting

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




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

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




Porch Dining: A Springtime Celebration

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




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

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




Beautiful Table Setting with Vintage Hutschenreuther China & A Love Story

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




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

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




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

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




A Springtime Haul & Everything Was On Sale!

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




Flowers Upon Flowers Upon Flowers, Celebrating the Coming of Spring

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




Bunny Cottontails and Beautiful Florals: A Little Springtime Dish Shopping

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




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

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




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

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




French Cottage Becomes a Greek Taverna

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




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

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