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, just in case you’d like to try it…but minus the “shag carpeting” moss. 😉

The idea for a moss tablecloth table setting all started when I came across this tablescape on Paula Deen’s website. I love creating what I think of as “fantasy” tablescapes…tablescapes that delight and make you forget how bad my cooking can be. 😉

When I saw in the close-up pic that Paula has one of my very favorite china patterns, Lenox, Winter Greetings, I knew I just had to give this moss tablescape idea a whirl. Don’t you love those magnolia chargers! I’ll definitely be using that idea sometime!

Now, I’m usually a stickler about the details when I get a project in my head, but after pricing sheet moss (the type moss used in Paula’s table setting) I was a little discouraged. Sheet moss at Michael’s was quite expensive and it was going to take a lot of it to cover a whole table. In early spring I came across this floral moss in Dollar Tree. I had long sense forgotten exactly what the moss looked like on Paula’s table, so I thought the floral moss would work pretty well. I bought 20 bags to make sure I had enough. HA! I had 9 bags left over when all was said and done.

I also found an inexpensive, dark green, vinyl tablecloth at Garden Ridge…it was only a few dollars as I recall. It would be perfect as the base for my moss tablescape.

I wanted the moss to stay in place so I used a spray adhesive I already had on hand. I moved the chairs away from the table and sprayed the adhesive on the green tablecloth. Then I pressed the moss into place. It went very quickly and I had the whole table covered in about 15 minutes. Then I cut the edges of the vinyl tablecloth away so it only covered the surface of the table.

I had gathered the components for a “garden” tablescape a few weeks before, not really knowing how I would use them. They all came together in this whimsical table setting.

 

I actually would have been very happy with the tablescape if the moss had looked a bit more like the moss on Paula’s table. I’m going to keep looking for some more affordable sheet moss and recreate this table again sometime, but in the meantime, here’s how it came out using the Dollar Tree floral moss.

The china is by Spode and was a find at Marshalls a year or two back. It’s part of the Kim Parker Collection and the pattern is, Emma’s Garden.

Since this is a “garden” themed table setting, I decided to use my daisy arrangement for the centerpiece. I originally shared where I found the pitcher and daisies for this little arrangement in a “spring fluffing” post.

It was a gorgeous spring day and the sun was shining in on the porch. As if on cue, Mr. Sun highlighted little parts of the table setting.

Flatware is Gourmet Settings Treble Clef, available HERE. I love this silly flatware. Anytime I am setting a whimsical tablescape, it finds its way onto the table. The napkin rings are from Pier 1, a year or so ago.

I spotted the little garden angels at Dollar Tree and had no idea how I would use them…they were too cute to leave behind. I thought they would end up encircling a flower pot one day. This day they became a perfect surface on which to rest the flatware. The little angels have wire wings with little green leaves attached. The wings are hard to see since they nestled themselves right down into the moss.

Found the embroidered napkins one day while out antiquing…

The coasters are little clay garden signs and they are engraved with cute little garden sayings.

I removed the tall, metal hooks from which they hung and they became coasters, stabilizing the glasses atop of the moss. Glasses are another Pier 1 find from long ago.

I guess I don’t dislike the moss as much as I did when I first created this tablescape, but I’d still prefer to see a bit more green and fuzzy and less brown and scraggly.   Update:  I found out they make a floral spray you can spray on moss to make it look more green.  Ummm, not sure if it’s safe enough to have on a table, but something to look into in case you are thinking of creating a moss table setting.

I’m looking forward to viewing your beautiful tablescapes!

Sources:
Chargers and Salad Plates: Kim Parker Home Collection, Pattern is Emma, found at Marshalls a year or two ago
Dinner Plates: Big Lots a few years ago
Glassware: Pier 1, a year or two ago
Flatware: Gourmet Settings, Trebel Clef, HomeGoods
Candle Holders/Lanterns: Marshalls, a few years ago
Candles: Provided by Colonial Candle
Angels, Moss and Clay Signs/Coaster: Dollar Tree
Daisies and White Pitcher: Michael’s a few years ago

Please Read:
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Comments

  1. Hi Susan,
    Well, I sure think you did a lot of things right on that table. It is very cute.
    Sherry

  2. Oh what memories! I think you should go with astro turf next time!
    You are a die hard, just using it down the center cured me, messy!
    Happy 2011, Susan!

  3. Jacqueline says

    I am so glad you like it more now than when you used it in your blooper because I really like it alot! It is so pretty and inviting especially in the midst of winter. I love the flatware too and the little coasters are adorable. Thanks again for a wonderful party! This is always my favorite and I am addicted!

  4. Jacqueline says

    I am so glad you like it more now than when you used it in your blooper because I really like it alot! It is so pretty and inviting especially in the midst of winter. I love the flatware too and the little coasters are adorable. Thanks again for a wonderful party! This is always my favorite and I am addicted!

  5. It's still a darling table. Love the dishes. It's probably good that I have to drive 500 miles to the nearest Home Goods! Those little angels are perfect under the utensils. Charming table.

  6. Susan, this really is an over the top cool table scape. It really has the awe factor. Love the color in the dishes and the green goblets! Fun setting!!

  7. carolinajewel says

    Such a fun table! I think you would be happier with the moss if you weren't comparing it to Paula's. I love "Emma" and wished they had had some at my TJ Maxx when it was discontinued! Thanks for hosting Tablescape Thursday!!!

  8. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    Thank you so much for hosting this meme each and every week. I so look forward to seeing what you're showcasing as well as the other ladies in blogland!
    The bloopers were amazing. . .I was just too new to know what to participate with for the past year.
    I purchased two squares of faux green moss from a catalog (The Country House) last year. I may be brave enough to give it a try as we near the season of Spring.
    Keep the inspirations coming from BNOTP!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  9. I think your mossy table is lovely! Spraying it to your cloth & trimming was genius. Love your flower blossom napkin rings with your patterned plate 🙂

  10. Kathleen Ellis says

    What a FUN tablescape, Susan! I'm not sure I'd classify it as a blooper…it still turned out beautifully!
    Happy New Year!
    Have a beautiful day~
    Kathleen

  11. This is a really cute table.I liked your creative use of the angels and "coasters" too. Garden settings are LIKELY my very favorite, but I would NOT have thought to cover a tabletop with MOSS.
    🙂
    Now I'm wondering what other creative table toppings we could come up with around here!

  12. I think this is a great table! Beautiful dishes-love all the colors!

    Mary

  13. Susan,
    It's still a darling table. Wonder if a florist supply would have sheets of green moss at reasonable prices? The chargers and dishes are delightful, and the little garden signs and garden angels are perfect details. You are so creative!
    One of my goals for 2011 is to join in with more tablescapes. Thanks for hosting each week. ~ Sarah

  14. So springy and lovely. I really do love that china. So wonderful to see this breath of spring during January!

  15. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Oh My Goodness Susan! If I had created this table, it would have been proudly displayed on my blog. I cannot believe you are calling this a blooper, and I REALLY can't believe you went to all of that trouble and then didn't post it! Call me crazy, but I think it looks great! If this is a blooper, every tablscape I've ever posted is a blooper! Thanks for hosting. laurie

  16. Susan it is all so pretty and I feel your pain about the moss. I have done certain things that were not quite what I had envisioned. You my dear are still the tablescape Queen throughout blogland.
    I don't know if you remember my Easter tablescape but I bought some sheet moss that actually comes in sheets and you can get it wider that the size I purchased which I believe was 2ft wide. It comes in a roll and I got it at the flower mart.
    Go here to see it, if you have time

    http://goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/kathysues-first-tablescape-thursday-all.html

    Just in case you ever want to do anything with moss again. This is perfect and it is not messy. I used it for a wedding I did.

  17. Nellie's Cozy place says

    Hi Susan,
    wow, you really threw yourself into this one, that was a lot of work, but it looks dynomite!!
    Love the daisies and the pretty colorful plates. Great garden table,
    lovely.
    Thanks as always for hosting hon.
    Hope you are enjoying your new found freedom!!
    Blessings for a Wonderful New Year,
    Nellie

  18. Lisa's Creative Home says

    What a cool tablescape for a garden party! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought about putting moss on a table! Love the place settings too!

  19. Love this idea. Thanks for the detailed how to. I never would have thought about the spray adhesive. I love all the details and colors on the table. Nice job.
    CareyAnn

  20. Cat & Cricket says

    My goodness.. can you get anymore creative?
    Amazing!
    Smiles~
    Cricket

  21. This is a precious table.
    I saw the PD one, too, and thought it was amazing.
    And, using water even on the Dollar Tree Moss helps a lot. I've used it before, always soaking in a little tub of water…
    You did an awesome job…
    xo bj

  22. This turned out to be really cute, Susan. It must have been a lot of work. Was it messy to create? Whatever, it was all worth the trouble. Your plates are perfect in it with the garden setting and you are right, I have the set and they are one of my favorite. They are so versatile, can be used for spring, for al fresco dining and even for Christmas. Your wooden angels came in really handy and perfect to lay the flatware on. Another awesome tablescape!…Christine

  23. abby jenkins says

    How the heck did I never hear about tabletop thursdays?! I am a tabletop prop stylist with three storage spaces filled with plates, chargers, etc… I need to get on this asap!

    I love your magical, whimsical tablescape, it reminds me of a table I did for Party Girl, for a Alice In Wonderland theme tea party in NYC. I laid wheat grass down the center of the table and it looked great. here is the episiode http://partyobsessed.blogspot.com/2008/09/cathy-riva-mad-hatter-tea-party.html

    FYI Sheet moss can be purchased online or try a wholesale flower market in your area.

  24. Hi Susan! You really are the most creative one! Your table is precious and brings us a little springtime. Love Mr. Sun sending rays down. Those little garden angels are too cute. That was nice of you to mention me. I do love these dishes and at a dinner party in the early fall I used them to actually 'eat' from! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia 😉

  25. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Susan,
    I just love this table, just the way it is. It is whimsical and organic, and that is a very pleasing combination.
    I love how you think projects through. I bet it was a messy one though.
    You really found some darling elements to add to the table.
    I want to know, what did you do with the moss tablecloth… will you use it again?

    Susan, I am having trouble with blogger this evening. I am trying to put a link on my blog for TT but I can't get into my post to edit it. I'll try again. Just wanted you to know that I did not forget.
    Yvonne

  26. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Yvonne, THanks! Actually I tossed it out. I had planned to save it, but I wasn't too happy with the color so I tossed it. Not too sure how well it would have kept. It was a bit on the messy side but it vacuumed right up. 🙂 Not so sure cleanup would have been so easy if it has been wet.

  27. It seems to be my mission in life to go against the tide of popular opinion. I like the tablescape, the daisies, the glasses, the plates, the flatware, the garden angels are precious….but (here it comes….), I really don't like the moss; and not just your's either. I don't think much of Paula Deen's moss either. If it's just something different for a photo op, well, ok. If however it is supposed to be for a real meal, Yikes! If I encountered that table in someone's home where I was having a mean, I'd spend the whole time watching for bugs! I know in my head there are no bugs, but I don't think I could help it. Couldn't you just get a nubby tablecloth in the right color green and call it done?? Just sayin'…. 🙂

  28. Jessa Irene (Holiday-Haven) says

    Seriously wow! Show stopper! So borrowing this idea in the spring. Thanks for hosting this wonderful party, I have so much fun with it 🙂

  29. Hi Susan,
    Your table looks great but how long were you sweeping up moss. I love the whimical feel and look. As usual your elements and detail are impeccable.
    Thanks for hosting
    Maryrose

  30. Kelsie From Our Country Home says

    This is such a fun idea and I love the spring feel you created with the daisies…I think this idea would make for a super cute and fun outdoor teaparty…Hmmm maybe for easter with the girls :0)

    Thank you for inspiring
    Kelsie

  31. Susan,I love so many of parts of this tablescape. I have those dishes as my everyday dishes. I mix in my white Villeroy & Boch, Manoir dishes I've had for years. In the fall and winter, I mix in some green Casafina dishes to give a weightier look. I would love to find some of the garden clay coasters and angels. They would be perfect when I host a springtime outdoor luncheon. As always, thank you for sharing all your great ideas.I'm looking forward to all you share in 2011.

  32. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    I think this is just fabulous Susan!
    Whimsical and beautiful and a whole lot of work!
    Well Done!
    Cindy

  33. Hi Susan:

    As usual, I love this "scape" and don't think it looks like carpet at all. I particularly like the napkin rings and wonder what it would be like if the moss sporatically "sprouted" small floral arrangements…hmmmm

  34. yours truly says

    I love your tablescape. You have inspired me to continue collecting the pieces for my dream tablescape. I have been collecting individual place setting from vintage china patterns for years. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to find and purchase one complete place setting from 12 different china patterns. One day I will have a garden party and my table will be covered in moss and each place setting will be a different china pattern. I can hardly wait. Thanks again for the inspiration.

  35. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Yours Truly…
    I LOVE that idea! I can't wait to see it…please share pics when you put it together!
    You've inspired me! I may have to try something like that one day, if I can find 6 that would sort of work together. Great idea! 🙂
    Susan

  36. I love ur decor..beautiful n perfect

  37. Always beautiful tablescapes…and this one no exception.
    Stunning
    Shel x

  38. You always do a beautiful hob in everything u do. Sometimes i forget to comment. But i like it all.. I just wondered if the moss would stick to u if u bent over a little sitting at the table.lol..

  39. Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says

    I really, REALLY like this table. I like things that are out of the ordinary and make people do a double take. I remember watching Katie Brown's Workshop once and she covered an Easter table with live sod. I thought that was a great idea, but worried about the weight of it on our older table. You did a beautiful job here, as you always do.

  40. Custom Comforts says

    Such a lovely table! You really go all out and your efforts are always exceptionaly stunning. Thanks for hosting and always sharing new ideas with us.
    Cindy

  41. You get an A for effort anyway! That stuff is really a mess to work with. Once I tried to make a "rug" for a garden fantasy powder room in a decorator show house. I wound up putting it in the garbage because people kept walking on it. So no one ever saw it — and I guess that was a good thing!

  42. Green Gracie Home says

    adore it! I really love the garden fairies as silverware holders…too cute!

  43. Designs on 47th Street says

    Hi Susan, Sadly I am not participating in TT today, but I definitely wanted to leave a comment. As always your table is so creative and FUN filled with unexpected treasures. How creative the way you used the angels and the "coasters". I love the salad plates! Oh yes, sheet moss is even expensive wholesale priced. I'm always looking at market for a cheaper source, but no luck. We finally have a new computer and it allows me to quickly check out the tablescapes. Before all the pictures were way tooooooo sllooooo to load! Great job and thanks again for this fun weekly event! 🙂

    Donna

  44. I love the pitcher of daisies!

  45. Mandy Coffey says

    oh no! i think i've been playing unfairly with your weekly link party! I didn't realize it was just table settings links! i've been posting my crafts and i'm so sorry!

  46. To make it green, I definitely would be reaching for my can of green floral paint. Would make sure it dried thoroughly. Adding water to the moss makes it smell. I think this idea is good for a runner down the center of the table rather than covering the entire table. Good for a ladies garden party, but I don't know many men who would eat at the table, so just fantasy for show.

  47. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    Very awesome! You put a lot of effort into the table and it shows. Well done. I might try something like this for Easter!

  48. This is a great job, Susan..I was a florist and I prepared a big table for a buffet with little lakes, moss and lotus flowers….it was hard….but a great satisfaction…… BRAVA!!!Hugs, Flavia

  49. Judy @ Southern Style Home Decor.com says

    I'm wondering how many placesettings you would recommend buying when you find a pattern you like? I always feel like I should buy 6 or 8 of each pattern but then I don't have a whole lot of storage. Is there a number that seems to work out best for you?

  50. I just love your daisy dishes. They are my favorite flower but I think I'll skip the moss. Have a great day.

  51. Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea says

    Hi Susan – haven't been by in a while and what a lovely post to see when I finally get around to stopping by.

    I must say that I like your tablescape much more than the inspiration pic from Paula Deen. I'm such a sucker for daisies and they work perfectly with the rest of your setting.

    Hope 2011 is treating you well.

    Warmest regards,
    Marie

  52. we three dogs and me says

    Love the idea wondering if spraying it with green floral spray. Just a thought. Love the dishes and funny silverware.

  53. I don't have a tablescape to share but I simply had to post and tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this setting! It's just delightful and gorgeous!

  54. Patti's Artful Design says

    Your moss tablescape is just lovely in your beautiful garden room, Susan! Happy New Year!

  55. Organize with Sandy says

    Wow… beautiful!!
    I would love for you to add your link party to my linky list for them.
    I have you as a text link, but would love to have your button, under the day of your link party.
    Thanks!!
    Also.. if you want to link this link party up to my Wicked Sweet Wednesday on my Chat site… cuz it is really wicked sweet!! lol
    http://www.organizewithsandy.com/links/ is for the link list..
    and go to my Chat blog for the other.

  56. Fun idea Susan, and it makes me crave spring. You are very creative!

  57. What an undertaking. I love it but I would never have the courage to try it. Where in the world do you store all the dishes, glassware, linens, etc. that you have????

  58. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Cheri,
    Just click on my FAQ section and you'll find the answer for the china storage. Also, you can click on the "tutorials" header at the top and click on "Creation of a China Closet" under Additions and Renovations. 🙂 I don't have as much china as you may think. I just reuse and mix and match it for different tables. 🙂
    Susan

  59. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    Love your table and the inspiration table Susan! LOVE it! All linked up- thanks for hosting!

  60. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Judy,
    That's always a tricky question because it depends on what I will mostly be using them for (holiday entertaining, everyday use, etc…) and the cost and the future availability. I really need to do a post about this subject because it's a question I get quite often. I promise I'll post on this soon!
    Susan

  61. Being a florist, when our moss is not quite the green we want it, we use a spray dye and touch it up a little. Check out Design Master Flower dye. We buy ours wholesale, but I am pretty sure you can pick it up at Michaels for around $10.

  62. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Rachael…thanks for that tip! I'll look for it when I'm in Michaels. 🙂

  63. Luncheons at the Junction says

    Thanks Susan for hosting! I am enjoying my new found hobby so much, mostly because I look forward to Tablescape Thursday!

  64. Luncheons at the Junction says

    Susan – it's adorable and so inventive and creative. A lot of work – yes, sweet as anything – absolutely! smiles…

  65. Hi, Susan! I never have seen table dinner like yours before. That's beautiful! I like it.

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