Summer Tablescape with Magnolia Centerpiece

Welcome to the 144th Tablescape Thursday!

It’s gorgeous here today…lots of sunshine! I love this time of year! Let’s have dinner out on the porch tonight. Sound good?

I’ve only used this china once before (I think) in a tablescape HERE.

For some reason it always inspires a magnolia blossom centerpiece.

The huge magnolia tree in my front yard had more flowers this year than it has ever had during the 20 years I’ve lived here. It has been covered in big beautiful flowers for two weeks now and the scent is heavenly.

Even the termite inspector who came out for the yearly inspection commented on the wonderful scent of the magnolias when I greeted him at the front door. Now you know they smell great when that happens.

I wish you had a scratch and sniff screen…when are they going to invent that? 😉

I started to set the table with the matching cream soup bowls to this pattern, but I could only find five.

So, I left the matching underplate in place and used a fruit bowl on top for a multi-layered look.

The underplate

The salad plate…

The dinner plate…

I folded the vintage embroidered napkins in the shape of a pocket fold. You’ll find the directions for creating this napkin fold HERE or just click on the category “napkin folds” at the top of this blog and scroll down to view past napkin folding tutorials.

Just for fun, I changed the direction of the fold on the back of one of the napkins to see how it would look. I can’t decide; I like it both ways. Which way do you think it looks best?

I found this etched stemware at HomeGoods about 4-5 months ago. Green is my favorite color so I couldn’t resist.

I love how they looked with the magnolia centerpiece.

 

Looking forward to the tablescapes linked for this Tablescape Thursday!

Chargers: Neiman Marcus or Horchow, purchased 3-4 years ago
China: Syracuse China (Made in America), Pattern: Orchard, Purchased on eBay 2+ years ago
Crystal: Iced Tea, Waterford, Araglin; Wine: Le Stelle, Made in Italy, HomeGoods
Silver Flatware: Towle, King Richard
Embroidered Napkins: Found antiquing 1-2 years ago
Magnolia Centerpiece: Magnolias are from my yard


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Comments

  1. Red Couch Recipes says

    I can't find the party link.

  2. Lovely table. I love magnolias and this table shows them off at their best. I'm so happy that you are able to grow them that abundantly. Your dishes are perfect. Love that centerpiece!

  3. Magnolias are so beautiful and I agree with you, the fragrance is marvelous! Such a pretty tablescape!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

  4. Incredibly beautiful!

    You must be the only blogger experiencing sunshine today .. rain, rain go away!

  5. First of all, Susan, you used my favorite plate chgarger of yours. And now, this dinnerware set is becoming one of my favorites of yours too. You should use them more often. How lucky of you that your magnolia tree has a lot of blooms. Mine has a few but they are so high, I cannot reach them. Lovely tablescape, as usual!…Christine

  6. Red Couch Recipes says

    Hi, I found it, the post came up before the link. Thanks for hosting. I love the contrast of the green stemware with the dishes. Magnolias are soooo amazing. Joni

  7. sarah abeahccottage says

    g'day Susan

    I am enjoying this week, thanks so much for hosting!

    Sarah
    abeachcottage

  8. Pretty. The magnolias and emerald glasses are a nice punch of color for the beautiful china and linens.

    ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com

  9. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    Beautiful china and magnolias … but oh, my goodness — I've got to get to HomeGoods! I've been in the market for some green stemware for a long time and haven't found anything "just right" — until now! Here's hoping…!

  10. I love your table! I did magnolias this week too, but I like yours much better with those great dishes and that centerpiece. It looks fabulous.

    I'm a little addicted to magnolias this year. I've been going all over town taking pictures of them for some reason.

  11. The White Farmhouse says

    I have a vintage tablecloth that matches those napkins! I have been looking for some to match but so far no luck. The flowers are gorgeous! I could just imagine how they smell. I remember when I was stationed in Georgia their smell. Love those chargers that you used too.

  12. mississippi artist says

    Beautiful table. I love the magnolias and the dishes are to die for! The glasses are beautiful too.

  13. Your porch is beautiful. This tablescape is lovely with the multi-layered look, and the lattice look chargers. I wish I could catch the breeze from the porch, I'm sure the fragrance from the magnolia blossoms is heavenly..I think what makes your porch so charming are the sheer curtains blowing in the breeze. I love it.
    Thanks for hosting.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

  14. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    I love your beautiful table Susan!
    I sure wish we could grow Magnolia's here, could you send me some? hehe.
    Love the china too, it's so delicate and pretty!
    Hugs,
    Cindy

  15. AshTreeCottage says

    Absolutely delightful Susan! Thanks for being our sweet hostess!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

  16. Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says

    HI Susan and Happy Memorial Day weekend. What a lovely tablescape you have done. I just love it when you show your porch and patio and all the wonderful things there. I can't seem to get enough of these pictures! Blessings,
    Debbie

  17. Marianne says

    Lovely as always….we're done with Magnolia season here…yours are just beautiful. My husband was just looking at your porch and admiring it. Have a happy holiday weekend!
    Marianne 🙂

  18. Hello Susan,
    This is truly beautiful and speaks of the beauty of summer. I know exactly what you mean – each night I step outdoors and the fragrance of the Magnolia is just perfect! I wish we did have a scratch and sniff – I suppose Magnolias are to the South what Lilacs are to the North!
    I see we have set a table with a few similarities, but quite different! Wonderful.
    Thank you for hosting this lovely party,
    Kathy

  19. jpolinskyswife says

    As usual, so beautiful, I can almost smell the magnolias,,,your blog is such a bright spot in my world…
    Hugs, Lisa

  20. Trish - Sweetology101 says

    Wow just STUNNING! I get so lost in the beauty everywhere…I did not do a tablescape this week I have a fun Pina Colada Sailboat Tea Party Snack on my site so feel free to stop by — I didn't link it up b/c it wasn't much of a tablescape. I will for sure be visiting some of these great links! Take Care ~ Trish

  21. Trish - Sweetology101 says

    If you can, let me know if it is ok to post a recipe ~ tea treat..Thanks! Trish [email protected]

  22. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Trish, you should link up. I've just posted a little tea or a lemonade treat before. Doesn't have to be fancy to join in. 🙂

  23. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says

    Hi Susan, I don't know what the scent of a magnolia is–at least I can't quite remember it. I'll check with some pretty scented soaps until I can see a real magnolia tree in the south! I was just thinking today that Apple needs to work on an iPad that can give off scents, like magazine ads! My lilacs are blooming and the scent is heavenly!! I wish I could share them with all of you! I've been having trouble commenting on the blogs linked to the party but I will keep trying. Your dishes are beautiful. I remember that pretty table for two that you did last year. Linda

  24. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Linda, it's a really fresh scent…reminds me of sweet lemonade. 🙂
    What browser are you using? I had to switch to Google Chrome because IE just doesn't seem to work with Blogger anymore. Firefox is supposed to work ok, from what I've heard. I don't know what Blogger changed recently but IE just wasn't working for posting. Maybe it's effecting commenting, too.

  25. Beautiful…would love to see a photo of your magnolia tree!

  26. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) says

    Incredibly beautiful tablescape! I can almost smell the fragrance of those Magnolias 🙂 Thanks for hosting..

    Sanghamitra.
    RAINBOW-The Colours of India

  27. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Foley,
    You can see it in this post behind the lantern:
    http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-49th-metamorphosis-monday.html
    I know I've shown it another post…I'll see if I can find that one. It's almost finished blooming for this year.

  28. FABBY'S LIVING says

    I adore the scent of magnolia…I can smell it in your gorgeous table! I love the way you did this tablescape, your beautiful chargers look even better with that gorgeous china, I just love it! Your green stemware is great, I would've bought them too. I'm going to copy this napkin fold, thank you for the tutorial and thank you for hosting this great party.
    Lots of hugs!
    FABBY

  29. Mari @ Once Upon a Plate says

    I love how you built this tablescape Susan, it is so bright, vibrant and at the same time soothing and inviting. Very nicely done!

    Thank you for hosting us, sweet lady. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. xoxo

  30. Dearest Susan,

    I can almost smell the sweet, intoxicatin' scent of those pale, waxy Magnolia Grandiflora blossoms on a sleepy, sultry, Southern night. Wouldn't a cooling mint julep in a shiny silver cup be just the ticket right about now?

    Until the first round arrives, I'll take time to tell you how much I admire the clever way you've folded the napkins and the crisp fresh greens of your lovely new stemware!

    Nicely done. Thank you for hosting and for the fun and creativity you never fail to inspire in all of us.

    Sleep well, Princess!

    Bill

  31. All The Pretty Dishes says

    I love this tablescape. It's so pretty with the magnolias that match the beautiful stemware. By the way…I like the napkin fold on the bottom!
    Randee

  32. I love your settings in this part of your home. So inviting. The green goblets are really pretty. Love the dishes, too! Blessings…

  33. Oh come on all you ladies in the States. I've been sitting here in torrential rain all day…UGH. Some of us are coming into winter now and all your talk of summer makes me very envious.

    At least all your tablescapes are bringing a little bit of sunshine to my life.

    I love those green glasses Susan and the flatware is divine.

  34. Ever - The red house by the lake says

    What a wonderful tablescape! I love how it looks classical, romantic and still modern!

    And I am soooo jealous of you for that magnolia. It is too cold for them where we live, so we are super happy if we get even one single flower. 😉

  35. Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch) says

    Perfect! Everything matches/is in the Magnolia theme! And did I ever tell you that I particularly LOVE that flatware pattern you have? You should have your last name initial engraved so then you can pass it on to your son…would be heavenly. AND, treasured by him and his future kids, I am sure!
    Best,
    Gloria

  36. YOur magnolia centrepiece is gorgeous….I just love the plate's design too….it's always such a treat stopping by here.
    Thank you.
    Shel

  37. Lovely!!!! well done dear as always!!!!!

  38. Tanya@takesix says

    I can only imagine what your magnolias smell like. I love that the leaves are on them at the same time as the blooms. My leaves don't come out til the pink blossoms are spent. Beautiful table Susan, and thank you so much for hosting!!

  39. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    Just beautiful Susan, I love your new green stemware-enjoy:@)
    PS-I'm glad your magnolia is blooming so nicely this year, if I remember correctly, didn't you have to go to the second story to get a pick of the one lonely flower last year?

  40. Oh, I love magnolias and I truly wish they had a scratch and sniff screen for the computer 😉
    When we bought our old house in VA, we loved the two magnolia trees that flanked the house in the front yard. We loved moving back South to AL, but, alas, our house there doesn't have them. We actually have one here in Italy (next to a palm tree–surreal!) and it's about to bloom!!!

    Blessings,
    Lana

  41. Elisabeth says

    Personally, I like the second napkin fold best.

    What a beautiful table. The dishes are so pretty and the green glasses gorgeous. The magnolias are absolutely lovely.

    Elisabeth

  42. Hello Susan,
    today I join your party again. Your table is so serene. I love the Magnolia flowers and the china ist so perfect. The whole porch is such a lovely place for all your settings. Thank you for hosting this delightful event and sharing your special skills.
    Best greetings, Johanna

  43. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Love this wonderful southern tablesetting. I'm so planting a Magnolia tree in my backyard this fall! (May have to sneak it in the middle of the night because my husband hates their messes!)

  44. Curtains In My Tree says

    As always I love your porch with my curtains blowing .

    Love the table setting today.

    My sister has a set of dishes dark green with a huge magnolia in the middle, they would look so good on your table

    I like the first napking folded.
    I always look forward to seeing your table every week, wish I had mine set pretty so will do that tonight when I get home

  45. Dawn E. Brown says

    Where did you get the wicker table, it is stunning. Love your postings,Dawn E. Brown

  46. Hi Susan, This is my second tablescape, so I thought it was time to post a comment:) Thanks for hosting this lovely party!! Your table is adorable and the magnolias lovely. Scratch and sniff screen HAHAHA!! loved that. Funny, I folded my napkins like yours 🙂 I also have napkins that look like yours and a matching tablecloth.
    Jannet

  47. Fifi Flowers says

    Painting tables for paintings and bookmarks sooooo FUN.. I get soooo much inspiration from YOUR Tablescape Thursdays!!!

  48. Designs on 47th Street says

    Susan, it would be the biggest treat for me to sit at one of your tables. The added gift of a fresh magnolia centerpiece would be heaven sent! I love your dishes AND your centerpiece!
    Thanks AGAIN for always hosting!!! 🙂

    Donna

  49. I love this pattern and just began collecting it! The magnolia centerpiece is of course perfect and funny thing, I could smell it! Great green goblets, my favorite color too. Thanks for keeping the party happening. You're the inspiration of life. ~CJ

  50. Richard Cottrell says

    Love the magnolia blooms. I have two and the too are loaded with blooms this year. I am surprised as we had such a long, cold , snow covered winter here in Missouri. Thanks for sharing. Richard at My Old Historic House

  51. Stunning centerpiece, Susan! You are right to let the gorgeous magnolias take the spotlight on this table. The green stemware is just perfect with them!

  52. Asheville Wallpaper says

    Everything looks divine! From the flower centerpieces to the furniture even the tabletop cover looks great. Its like I'm looking at a table arrangement in a 1st Class fine dining restaurant. I think yours even look better than the ones I've seen so far.

  53. Modern Country Lady says

    O, for a magnolia!! You lucky, lucky woman.The next house I own MUSt have a ful grown magnolia- I love the smell so much!
    I love the napkin folding- and think it looks best with the triangle where the biggest bit is at the bottom if that makes sense?? :-)))
    Thanks for hosting and have a fabuolus weekend and enjoy the smell of your magnolia!!

  54. Denise at Forest Manor says

    Hi Susan,

    This table is great! I don't remember seeing these plates before; they're so pretty. I love your dishes, the antique napkins, your green stemware, and the breeze blowing your curtains on the porch! The setting just looks so relaxed and summery. Wish I were there.

    Hugs,

    Denise

  55. Karin Şen Cankan says

    Dear Sue,

    You are perfect the tabel is perfect what can I say more beaside I love magnolias like I love your tablescape.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Unfortunately I cant manage to attend this week, hope to make it next time

  56. I love your magnolia tablescape!! I can't wait to do one of my own and to smell the beautiful aroma from the magnolias on my tree throughout my lil cottage……soon. For the napkin vote: I like them both but I'll vote for the point at the bottom, I think it would just have to depend on how I'm feeling that day. thanks for sharing 🙂

  57. Susan, I would love to vote for your blog on the Country Living website. They are featuring blogs and we can vote on them. check out
    http://www.countryliving.com/bloggerawards
    if you are interested!

  58. I actually remember your previous post with those gorgeous dishes. I loved them then and love them now!

  59. It's a very good year for magnolias in Georgia. I've noticed them blooming more heavily than usual everywhere. Yours are fabulous.

  60. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Karen, Awww, you're so nice! Thanks for telling me about it. I clicked on the link and it looks like the application isn't up yet, but when it comes up, I'll fill it out and cross my fingers. 🙂 What an honor that would be!

  61. JaninaCakes says

    First timer here. Thank you for hosting 🙂

    Janina

  62. Susan, my neighborhood walks the past few weeks have been filled with this heavenly scent. It is wonderful. We don't have a magnolia tree in our yard, but most of our neighbors do. Friends have shared blooms with me so I can also have these in the house. Just wish they lasted longer. 😉
    Beautiful tablescape. I had thought of doing a tablescape around magnolias, but just haven't gotten it done. Your are inspiring me to get busy before the blooms are finished. Thanks!
    Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. ~ Sarah

  63. Kellie Collis says

    What a lovely space you have! These arrangements are to die for! Have a delightful weekend, Kellie xx

  64. I LOVE the green glassware, Susan! Pretty table as always.

    Nancy

  65. Susan -Thanks for posting the link to your magnolia tree…so stunning! Bet it is gorgeous in full bloom!

  66. Love your Magnolia Table. My grandmother had a lovely magnolia tree in here yard and seeing yours reminded me of hers!!

  67. These are my very favorite chargers. I can't find anything like them (yet). I keep looking. I did find some I loved at Home Goods in Sarasota which I shipped home to Ohio but my favorite thing is the look of the cutout on yours! Beautiful green stemware.

  68. Lovely tablescape! Our Magnolias are also covered with more blooms than in years past. I am so enjoying their beauty and fragrance 🙂

  69. Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness says

    Truly a lovely setting and perfect for this hot weather… can you stand for it to be any hotter here in GA? About the Magnolia tree… I too have not seen our trees with so many buds and flowers and they just keep coming…what gives? Do you think it was from the snow and wet winter we had? I looked out the window this morning and I tell you there are more tiny buds coming, the limbs are leaning low from the weight.

    I hope your trees continue to have blooms.

    Stay cool in this GA heat…

  70. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Tammy, I know, isn't it amazing! Mine still has flowers and more to come, too. I've NEVER seen this tree do this in the 20 years I've lived here. It's wonderful, isn't it?! 🙂 I was wondering if it was the really cold winter with all the snow/ice. Fortunately, the ice didn't break the top out of the magnolia tree like it's done twice while I've lived here. It was an unusual winter. I didn't think magnolias liked cold weather that much but something certainly set the stage for all these beautiful flowers. 🙂

  71. Too Lovely! You made me smile when you asked when there might be a scratch and smell screen.
    How's Max? Aura (21 year old missy that we have, sits by the screen watching for him. 🙂

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