Dining Poolside: A Nostalgic Tiki-Themed Table Inspired By Childhood Memories

Welcome to the 779th Tablescape Thursday! Summer is winding down but I'm not ready to say goodbye just yet. Are you starting to see some cooler weather in your area? Recently Elena set a delightful, seaside-themed table with fun Tiki accents.   I love the cute tiki candles Elena has tucked into her centerpiece. I also love how she tucked a fishing net in among the other pieces in her … [Read more...]




3 Seaside, Beach-Inspired Hutches & Holding Onto Summer As Long As I Can

Welcome to the 777th Tablescape Thursday! I always start feeling a bit nostalgic as we move through the month of August. The weather here in Georgia usually feels like summer well into, and sometimes all the way through, the month of September, but I know for a lot of people, the end of August signals the close of summer, especially once Labor Day hits. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, to celebrate … [Read more...]




So Many Summer Sales, Including Beautiful, Classic Villeroy & Boch!

Welcome to the 772nd Tablescape Thursday! July is turning out to be a fun month for sales. Amazon just had their huge 2-day Prime Days Sale, Nordstrom is in the midst of their once-a-year Anniversary Sale which opens up to everyone on Monday and a lot of my favorite stores are celebrating Christmas in July. With so many great sales happening, I decided to see what's on sale for us dish lovers. Pottery … [Read more...]




Swimming With The Crabs In This Blue, White & Chartreuse Table Setting

Welcome to the 768th Tablescape Thursday! Lately, I've been challenging myself to use some of my older dinnerware pieces, so yesterday I dug way back in the cabinets and pulled out some plates and glasses that I haven't thought about in a long, long time.   It's always fun to see if I can incorporate some of the things I've purchased recently with things I've had for many … [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...]




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...]




We’re Off on a Safari for this Week’s Tablescape Thursday!

Welcome to the 733rd Tablescape Thursday! I wasn't sure what I'd be sharing for Tablescape Thursday this week because it's been a crazy, busy week. I'm typing this at 4 am because I literally can't sleep! When I'm planning home renovations, I find it hard to turn my brain off. This week I've been getting a lot of painting, electrical, and plumbing quotes. Today I had painters, plumbers, and electricians … [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...]




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...]




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...]




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...]




Heirloom Vintage China is the Star of this Beautiful Table Setting in Blue and Gold

Welcome to the 669th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Warren created the loveliest table this year for Mother's Day! Though it's long past Mother's Day now, this table would be perfect for any occasion. For this special table, Warren brought out beautiful vintage china that was passed down through the family to him and his wife, Kathie. Warren said, … [Read more...]




Nautical-Themed Table Setting with Patriotic Vibes

Welcome to the 668th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Yesterday was super busy so by the time I was able to set a table for this week, it was already late evening. When I started taking photos, I was happy to see the Blue Hour had arrived. Do you see it there peeking through the treetops? (Read more about the Blue Hour in this previous post: The Secret … [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...]




An Exciting Book-Movie Themed Table Setting: Godzilla Strikes Again!

Welcome to the 665th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! When Elena has family over for a birthday celebration, in addition to setting a beautiful or whimsical table for the grown-ups, she always creates a special table just for the kiddos in the family. During a recent gathering, she created an amazing table that captured the fascination of both the kids … [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...]




How to Make Whimsical, Floating Teacups for an Alice in Wonderland Party

Welcome to the 638th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! A few weeks back I shared this wonderful table setting Elena created for her daughter's birthday. Elena went with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, a favorite of her daughter's.   As part of the decorations, Elena created these beautiful, magical floating teacups.   Every … [Read more...]




A Delightful Alice in Wonderland, Cheshire-Cat-Themed Birthday Celebration

Welcome to the 654th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Last week I shared a delightful, whimsical Alice in Wonderland table setting Elena created in celebration of her daughter's birthday.   There were little ones present at this birthday celebration, too, so Elena set the cutest table for the kiddos going with a Cheshire Cat … [Read more...]




Fanciful, Enchanting Decorations for an Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party

On this past Tablescape Thursday, I shared a whimsical Alice in Wonderland table Elena created in celebration of her daughter's birthday. If you missed seeing that enchanting tablescape, you'll find it here: Alice in Wonderland Birthday Celebration Table Setting.   In that post, I also shared the festive way Elena decorated her sideboard for the party.   I didn't get a chance … [Read more...]




A Whimsical Alice in Wonderland Table Setting Featuring Singing-Talking Flowers from the Garden

Welcome to the 653rd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Almost 5 years ago, I posted this delightful table created by Elena, a lovely reader, now friend, of BNOTP. (View that previous table here: Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Party.)   Elena has done it again! Recently, she created a wonderful, whimsical table for her daughter's birthday … [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...]




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...]




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...]




A Sweet 16 Tea Party with a Fun, Jungle-Jaguar Theme

Welcome to the 601st Tablescape Thursday! A few months back Selma, a reader of BNOTP, hosted a wonderful Sweet 16 Tea for Virginia, the oldest daughter of a dear friend. Selma said, "It was extra special for me because my friend and her girls have been coming over for tea for at least 6 years. The first time they came for tea, Virginia (guest of honor) and Ella (her sister) were 10 and 8 respectively, … [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...]




The Jungle-Safari Tablescape That Almost Was

Welcome to the 564th Tablescape Thursday! Remember these adorable jungle print melamine plates I shared in a post a couple of months back? I think I mentioned in that previous post that I'd be taking them to Ohio to create a fun table setting for my grandsons. (Jungle plates are available here: Jungle Plates.)   Last summer, during the month of May, I put together a fun seaside table for … [Read more...]




9 Beautiful Themed Tables, A Dreamy Deck & A Big 4th of July Sale

Welcome to the 563rd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Independence Day to all my American readers! I'm under the weather right now with a yucky cold and soon headed back to bed, but I am looking forward to the pork roast my son is smoking right now for tonight's festivities. Just before I left to visit family in Ohio, I received the email below from Ruth. Hi from PA, Last week was our annual Hospital … [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...]




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...]




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...]




A Romantic Candlelit Table for Valentine’s Day

Welcome to the 541st Tablescape Thursday! Never seems to matter what time of the morning/day I begin putting a table together for Tablescape Thursday, I never seem to complete it until after nightfall. Candlelight pictures are nice, right? :) But I would still like to share some daytime photos with you, so you'll find those further down in this post. These were taken last night and the daylight … [Read more...]




A Tablescape to Celebrate the Chinese New Year & A Fun Game of Mahjong

Welcome to the 540th Tablescape Thursday! Recently Sandra, a lovely BNOTP reader, shared some wonderful pictures she had taken of a table setting she created for a dinner party to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year, the Chinese New Year occurred on Tuesday, February 5th. Per Wikipedia, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the Chinese festival that celebrates the … [Read more...]




Beauty & the Beast Birthday Table Featuring Beauty & the Beast Collectibles

Welcome to the 528th Tablescape Thursday! Happy to say I have turned the corner with this yucky cold/virus I caught my last couple of days in Egypt. The fever is gone and I'm finally starting to get my energy back now, which is good since the holidays are upon us! Thanks so much for all your comments on yesterday's post. I'm so glad you enjoyed our crazy adventure at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract … [Read more...]




A Shark-Themed Table Setting for a Special Boy’s Birthday Party!

Welcome to the 519th Tablescape Thursday! These embossed chargers I recently shared in a post just arrived a couple of days ago. They are still in their packing boxes in my entry, been so busy I haven't had a chance to unpack them, yet. I was impressed with the shipping/packaging, each charger is individually boxed and well padded. I couldn't resist opening up one to see how they looked. Love them and … [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...]




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

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




Sea Life Table Setting in Beautiful Colors of Blue and Coral

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




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

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




Dining at Mama’s Fish House in Maui, Hawaii

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




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

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




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

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




Beach Escape

Welcome to the 499th Tablescape Thursday! I almost pulled out bunny plates again today. lol I still had one more table setting in mind using bunny plates, but it was such a gorgeous day and so warm out, I ended up going a completely different direction.   We are headed to the beach for this week's Tablescape Thursday with  a fun beach-themed table setting.   Do you have a … [Read more...]




A Playful Dinner for Two

Welcome to the 486th Tablescape Thursday! I had expected to be home by now and was planning on creating a table for this week's Tablescape Thursday. With all the snow and ice moving in across the southern states yesterday, I decided to delay my return by a couple of days. Getting stuck on the interstate or a side road somewhere didn't sound too appealing! The temps are supposed to start rising today … [Read more...]




A Birthday Dinner Celebration with a Vintage Vogue Fashion Theme

Welcome to the 463rd Tablescape Thursday! Recently Elena and her beautiful family gathered together to celebrate the birthday of four family members. Elena lost her dear sister, Anna earlier this year so for Elena this party was more a celebration for Anna who would have turned 63 last month.   Elena wrote, "As I’m sure you know, a new tablescape can come to life based on one pretty thing … [Read more...]




Limelight Hydrangeas Lend Inspiration for a Romantic Summer Table

Welcome to the 462nd Tablescape Thursday! With all this organizing of my tablescaping goodies that I've been doing this past week, I couldn't resist taking all that organization for a  spin and putting a table together for today's Tablescape Thursday. Just the little bit of organizing that I've done makes me wish I had done this a long time ago. (Read more about how I'm getting organized here: Storage … [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...]




Surf’s Up! Beach Vacation in a Volkswagen Bug!

Welcome to the 452nd Tablescape Thursday! A couple of weeks ago I made a trip into Atlanta to do a bit of shopping. While there I stopped into the Lenox Square Pottery Barn where I saw these cute, shell napkin rings. I didn't buy them that day, but the more I thought about them, the more I knew I wanted to add them to my collection of napkin rings since I love setting beachy-nautical style tables on the … [Read more...]




We’re All Quite Mad Here! An Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Party

Welcome to the 415th Tablescape Thursday! Last October, Elena threw a fabulous Mad Hatter Dinner/Tea Party for her parents who were celebrating their 86th and 87th birthdays! The party was a big celebration and Elena ended up setting five tables, three indoor and two outdoor. Elena created the cutest "tipsy teacup towers" to use as centerpieces for each of the tables. The main dining table here in the … [Read more...]




Sailing With Mermaids

Welcome to the 414th Tablescape Thursday! Before we dive into Tablescape Thursday, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the great information you shared in the comments on my last post. As I figure out more about what has been causing the reactions I've experienced when eating certain foods, I will do a follow-up post. The "latex" connection several folks mentioned really caught my … [Read more...]




Romantic Candlelight Dinner on the Porch

Welcome to the 410th Tablescape Thursday! I've been saving clear bottles for a couple of years in hopes of one day creating this table setting. I was surprised by how long it took to save the bottles, seems like every tall drink comes in a colored bottle. Recently when I was cleaning out the garage and came across the bottles, I decided it was finally time to put this little table together here on the … [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...]




Your Fruity Coconut Drink Awaits

Welcome to the 408th Tablescape Thursday! Last November I joined The Property Brothers and a couple thousand of my closest friends for Drew and Jonathan's first ever Sailing with the Scotts Cruise.   It was a blast meeting Drew and Scott and they are just as nice in person as they are on TV. Try to ignore my completely starstruck face! lol   It had been a very long time … [Read more...]




Nautical Decor & Tablescape for a 3-Season Porch

Welcome to the 406th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're off for a visit to Linda's beautiful 3-season porch. You may remember Linda's porch from this previous post where I shared all the details about how she and her hubby converted their outside patio area to a mosquito-free space they enjoy all year around: An Ordinary Patio Becomes a Beautiful Three-Season … [Read more...]




Celebrate a Special Birthday With a Beach-Themed Tablescape and Handmade Chocolates

Welcome to the 402nd Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever thrown a birthday gathering for a friend? Recently Toni put together a wonderful table to celebrate a friend's 70th milestone birthday. Toni's friend loves the beach and anything beach related so she kept that in mind as she decorated for the party. Toni said, "I decorated the dining room hutch and corner table with the remainder of my beach … [Read more...]




Nautical Dinnerware for Summer

Welcome to the 401st Tablescape Thursday! Since I knew I wouldn't be able to put together a table this week (the two tables I normally use are out of commission at the moment as seen HERE) I stopped into Pottery Barn to see what they had in for spring and summer.   They had their patriotic vibe in full swing! The cherry plates and the pretty blue and white swirl plates are available here: … [Read more...]




Shell & Sea Glass Chargers for Beach Inspired Dining

Welcome to the 381st Metamorphosis Monday! Wish I had a porch update to share with you, but unfortunately due to the off-and-on rainy forecast last week, the flooring company wasn't able to come out and re-varnish the porch floor. So frustrating when every day predicts rain (except on the weekends when they don't work) and half the time, it never materializes. Okay, on to something more productive. This … [Read more...]




On Safari: An African Safari-Themed Tablescape

Welcome to the 399th Tablescape Thursday! When I was on safari in Kenya last September, I stayed in romantic Giraffe Manor for one of  the nights I was there. Giraffe Manor, built in 1938 in the style of a Scottish Hunting Lodge, is truly like something out of a storybook. The Rothschild Giraffe is endangered and the good folks at Giraffe Manor are doing what they can to increase the population. Did … [Read more...]




Dinner Under The Stars With a Spirited Performance By Maasai Warriors

Welcome to the 367th Tablescape Thursday! One afternoon while relaxing on the deck of my tent during my trip to Kenya...   ...this invitation was hand-delivered to my door. Ummm, what have they planned for us now?   Promptly at 19:00 hours, I made my way to the main tent where the Mahaliz Mzuri bar is located. Since it was now dark, I had to be escorted by one of the Maasai … [Read more...]




Dining by Candlelight in Giraffe Manor

Welcome to the 366th Tablescape Thursday! Shortly after arriving at Giraffe Manor, a beautiful manor home built in 1932 in the style of a wonderful old Scottish hunting lodge...   ...I walked through the downstairs rooms taking a few pictures to share with you upon my return. This is how the dining room looked during the daytime.   Come evening, lit by candlelight, it takes … [Read more...]




DIY Shell and Sea Glass Chargers

Welcome to the 345th Metamorphosis Monday! A few years back I made these shell chargers to use in beach-themed tablescapes.   I made them after coming across six Pottery Barn chargers on eBay and seeing them sell for over $200!   I've always wondered how they would look with pretty sea glass mixed in, so recently I primed and painted a bunch of old, plastic chargers I … [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...]




Inspired By The Deep Blue Sea

Welcome to the 360th Tablescape Thursday! It was a gorgeous day out on the porch, we've been blessed with a lot of those lately!   Recently, Noritake sent six salad plates my way in a fun new pattern called Indigo Beach.   Before I even knew the name of the pattern, the design had me thinking of the deep blue sea.   The yellow-rimmed dinner plates are also by … [Read more...]




A Beach-Themed Sea Life Table Setting

Welcome to the 359th Tablescape Thursday! Summer has been flying by for me this year. Has it seemed that way for you, too? It's still plenty hot here in Georgia, perfect weather for a beach and sea life inspired table setting! Recently, Elena put this wonderful table setting together with adorable plates sporting some rather cute sea creatures.   Elena chose a rustic lantern with a rope … [Read more...]




An “Italy-Inspired” Table Setting & A Special Story

Welcome to the 358th Tablescape Thursday! Terri and Johnny just returned from Italy and that wonderful trip was the inspiration for today's tablescape. They had been planning this trip for a while but it had to be put on hold for a bit. As we enjoy Terri's beautiful table setting created for a dinner with family after their return, I'll let Terri tell you why she celebrates each and every day with … [Read more...]




A Nautical Table Setting by Candlelight

Welcome to the 357th Tablescape Thursday! Soooo, remember yesterday how I mentioned plans to create a table setting on the little bistro table that lives here on the deck. HA! Mother Nature had other plans.   A huge storm came and  raged on for quite a while. It ended about half an hour before it became totally dark out. When the storm finally ended, I  rushed downstairs and quickly put … [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...]




Sail Away With a Nautical Table Setting

Welcome to the 353rd Tablescape Thursday! I braved the heat this week to create a table out on the porch. Actually, a passing storm today cooled things down a good bit so it wasn't that terribly hot, after all.   I always feel a little sad when I see June 21st pass by on the calendar. That date is our summer solstice which means our longest day of sunshine has come and gone. The daylight … [Read more...]




Nautical Tablescape with Shell Chargers and Fish Flatware

Welcome to the 348th Tablescape Thursday! It's sunny and gorgeous out today, how about a beach trip?   This week's tablescape was inspired by flatware I purchased this past January. Do I hear "Jaws" music? Ummm...     Small lanterns at each place setting echo the larger candlelit lantern in the centerpiece. I wish I had thought to add a little white sand in the … [Read more...]




A Beauty and the Beast Princess Birthday Tablescape

Welcome to the 339th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, Elena put together a “Beauty and the Beast” princess birthday party for her daughter, Susanna. Elena said, "Even though she’s 27 years old, she will always be (to me) my beautiful Belle, my favorite Disney princess." The table Elena put together would be great for any Beauty and the Beast fan, no matter the age.   Elena placed a pretty … [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...]




Frightfully Fun Tablescapes For Halloween!

Welcome to the 317th Tablescape Thursday! Ever since I met Marie a couple of years ago, Halloween has taken a huge leap forward in the FUN department. Marie lives life with tremendous joy and I have to tell you, it's contagious! Recently I took you on a tour of the outside of her home all decorated for Halloween. We're going inside this week for Tablescape Thursday and I can't wait to share the tables … [Read more...]




Hootin’ It Up For Halloween

Welcome to the 316th Tablescape Thursday! The owls hooting up a storm in my backyard recently must have been the inspiration behind this table setting. (Hear that recording here: Night Sounds From The Porch)   I found Mr. Owl in Wal-mart around this time last year. He's actually a cookie jar. I placed him atop two cake pedestals to give him some height in the center of the … [Read more...]




Silver for an End of Summer Table Setting

Welcome to the 313th Tablescape Thursday! Such a beautiful day to be out on the porch! I headed out to the garden to cut the last of the purple phlox. It's almost completely finished blooming for another year but I managed to find just enough for our centerpiece. It smells heavenly, I wish I could share the fragrance with you.   A couple of years ago I came across a table setting showing … [Read more...]




Dining On The Summer Porch

Welcome to the 309th Tablescape Thursday! Little Announcement: Before we dive into Tablescape Thursday, I wanted to give an update on the Between Naps On The Porch group tablescaping boards recently created at Pinterest. Thanks to everyone who joined the boards. The tables that are being pinned are stunning! Love seeing them all! If you requested an invite to one of the boards but haven't received it, … [Read more...]




Nautical Table Setting With David Carter Brown Driftwood Dishware

Welcome to the 308th Tablescape Thursday! I'm taking you out on the porch this week for a nautical, beachy-themed table setting.   This table setting was inspired by some adorable salad plates I spotted recently on eBay while searching for something else. Does that ever happen to you...you visit eBay looking for one thing and find something else you love?   I wasn't sure … [Read more...]




Alice In Wonderland Birthday Celebration With A Cheshire Cat Piñata

Welcome to the 307th Tablescape Thursday! Our Pinterest Tablescaping Group Boards Thanks so much for the wonderful response to the post I sent out late yesterday evening about the new group boards I'm creating on Pinterest. So far we have over 135 members! Whooo Hooo! Those are going to be some amazing boards and I can't wait to see what you'll be pinning! The invites will be going out today and … [Read more...]




Please, No Talking To The Lifeguard

Welcome to the 302nd Tablescape Thursday! Just imagine we are on holiday. We're chilling at the beach and the hibiscus are in bloom.   The table is set and the wine has been poured.   I have 4-5 small tablecloths I like to use on this little table here on the deck, but none are in colors that work well with this week's table setting. After walking around the house for a … [Read more...]




Screened Canopy Room For Summer Dining and Entertaining

Welcome to the 300th Tablescape Thursday! Wow! Three-hundred Tablescape Thursdays! For 300 weeks, a little over 5-3/4 years, we've been meeting here each week to share our love for creating beautiful tables for our family and friends.  Thank you so much for sharing your talents and creativity. It's an honor to host Tablescape Thursday each week and I've loved every moment! How fitting on this, our … [Read more...]




Celebrate Spring With A Beach Themed Table Setting For Two

Welcome to the 297th Tablescape Thursday! It's been a while since I created a setting for two and a really long time since I put together a tablescape on this little oval table here on the porch.   You may remember the lantern from a previous beach themed table setting here: Beachy Tablescape With Lighthouse Lantern   Glassware for this table setting is from Pier 1. It's … [Read more...]




Dining With Seagulls

Welcome to the 293rd Tablescape Thursday! Hope you're in the mood for a beach party because lately all I want to do is create beach-themed table settings. Ummm, wonder what that means? Perhaps someone is craving a trip to the beach! :)   Remember the fishnet I purchased on THIS shopping trip when I couldn't breathe and had to get out of the house?   It worked just right as a … [Read more...]




The Summer Porch: Beach Cottage Decor

Welcome to the 272nd Metamorphosis Monday! It's been beautiful here so I've been playing out on the porch. This is how the hutch normally looks during the spring and summer months. I usually have a variety of white pitchers displayed along the top and my fave porch dishware, Tabletops Unlimited. Ma Maison by Dario Farrucci, displayed on the shelves.   I get a lot of comments and e-mails … [Read more...]




Beach Table Setting With Lighthouse Lantern Centerpiece

Welcome to the 290th Tablescape Thursday! It's been in the 70's here for several days, I think it even got up into the 80's for a bit. Love, love, love the warm weather! All these warm days have me dreaming of the beach so it's time for a little beach table setting out on the porch.   This beach table setting celebrates the soft, cool shades of aqua, one of my favorite … [Read more...]