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...]




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...]




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...]




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...]




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...]




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...]




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...]