Sunflower Celebration

Welcome to the 98th Tablescape Thursday!

Happy Tablescape Thursday! Tonight I’m sharing a tablescape I put together this past weekend for my friend, Jan’s, 60th birthday. I’m often asked where I get ideas for tablescapes. That’s always a hard question to answer since I really never know where or when an idea will hit. Last Thursday evening, as I was shopping for our birthday cookout, I came across gorgeous sunflowers and bought two bunches. Later, I stopped by Marshalls to “just look” (yeah, right) and couldn’t believe my eyes…they had sunflower dishes! Meant to be.

I had everything else I needed for this tablescape. When I arrived back home, I cut purple phlox and Oertel’s Rose from the garden. The Oertel’s Rose, at this point in the season, has already made it’s transition from hot pink, to pale pink to white. I like the contrast with the yellow and purple of the other flowers.

Hope you enjoy this celebration tablescape…inspired by big, happy sunflowers!

 

We actually used green napkins without napkin rings the night of the party. But later, when I started taking pics for this post, I changed the green napkins for gold ones. I paired them with these sparkly napkin rings I found a while back, but had never used in a tablescape before.

This Fitz and Floyd salt and pepper are available, In the Butler’s Pantry, HERE.

The phlox smelled sooo sweet. I love phlox! My tall white “David” phlox is blooming in the garden now, too.

A few candlelight pics…

Dinner Plates: Marshalls, a week ago
Sunflower Salad Plates: Marshalls, a week ago
Rooster glasses: Old Time Pottery, several months ago
Napkins: Kohl’s, a year or two ago
Salt and Pepper: New…Sold…no longer available
Flatware: Gourmet Servings, Treble Clef, HomeGoods many months ago
Flowers: Sunflowers from Kroger, Phlox and Oertel’s Rose from my perennial garden

A couple of pics from the garden around 7:00 this evening:

Bluebirds are nesting right now in the dove cote. I think it’s the same pair from previous years, because they always return to the same cavity in the dove cote. I’m putting out meal worms for them every morning and every evening, and both Mom and Dad are feeding the babies. To see pics from previous years, click HERE.

Looking forward to viewing your beautiful tablescapes!

Please Read:
If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name. Then just copy and paste the address that shows up in the address bar at the top, into the “url” box for the picture linky. You’ll also need to put your e-mail address in, but don’t worry, it will not be visible to anyone.

You may see a red X once you enter your link. No one else can see the red X, it’s just there in case you make a little mistake and need to delete your link and re-enter it.

I’d love for you to use the Tablescape Thursday logo button in your post. To do that, just copy and paste it to your computer and upload it to your post as you would any photo. Or, just grab the html code posted on the sidebar under the TT button.

Please link back to the host blog, Between Naps on the Porch. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, find the other wonderful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday, thus increasing visits for all participating.

Please do not add your link below, until your tablescape post is actually published to your blog. Please don’t add your post name/blog name in ALL CAPS…it tends to spread out the links in an awkward pattern. Thanks!

 

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Comments

  1. Melissa Miller says

    Susan the sunflowers are stunning! What a perfect and creative idea for summer tablescaping. The vibrant purples and golds are truly magnificent.

    Thank you for hosting. We all appreciate it. ~Melissa 🙂

  2. Tricia@The Dull and the Dutiful says

    Susan, thanks so much for hosting Tablescape Thursday every week! You have given us another beautiful table — love the sunflowers! They are one of my favorite flowers, and your dishes set them off beautifully!

  3. The flowers are stunning! Sunflowers with that phlox is just gorgeous! Love the plates also. I have been looking at them at TJ Maxx, but haven't bought them. It is all so pretty Susan. What a beautiful table for a beautiful celebration. Love it.
    Sherry

  4. SPLENDEROSA says

    Hi Susan, after taking a break from tablescaping I'm back. Your post with the sunflowers is just SO happy. Happy Birthday to your friend! The sunflowers are beautiful this year I know. The closet post yesterday was wonderful. I, too, believe in organization except when I'm being artistic. xx's

  5. Oh, my! What a fabulous bouquet of flowers, the table scape is beyond over the moon!, Susan! It is punches color in every direction … I LOVE THIS SO MUCH (& I am not a yellow fan, but could sure change now).

    Have a lovely summer's eve ~
    TTFN ~ Marydon

  6. Hi Susan~ Love your sunflowers with the phlox…especially love your pic with the floral arrangement reflection in the spoon! Hope your laptop issue is minor~ thanks for hosting 🙂

  7. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Love your gorgeous flowers. The sunflowers are so pretty and mixed with the purple is just stunning. Your sunflowers dishes are just the perfect compliment. Gorgeous table as always. Hugs, Marty

  8. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    So sorry to hear about your poor computer. I hate computer problems! (Even though I have done tech support and even now do websites and techy/markety stuff). Anyway, I know how frustrating that is and I wish you well.

    In the meantime, your table is lovely. Very nice mid-summer evening table!

    Christi @ A Southern Life

  9. I covet those salt and peppers, your glasses… oh it's just so wonderful. I love the flowers with the tableware. Waiting on an invite :)…

  10. Cool plates! The two shapes paired together really makes for a fun table!

    As everyone has said, your flower arrangement is really pretty! I'm still loving your candle holders. I think they are my favorite, until you show me something new! LOL

    Sending wishes for a speedy recovery for your computer!

    Mary
    From Virginia

  11. I love those square sunflower dishes! They are fabulous! Your sunflower floral arrangment is perfect!!!!

    This is my first post to the party! I hope you will stop by my blog and visit my Alice In Wonderland Picnic!

    Thanks for Hosting!
    Rachel

  12. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! Sorry about your laptop problems! Love the tablescape! Sunflowers are a favorite of mine…remind me of Provence! Happy birthday to Jan! Looks like you made it very special for her! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  13. Love your blog! This is a beautiful tablescape…yellow is my favorite color!
    Your porch is lovely.

  14. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    So bright and sunny! The sunflower arrangement is so beautiful!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Katherine

  15. Hi Susan! So sorry to hear of your computer troubles! I pray that it gets fixed soon! I don't have a tablescape this week myself, but still wanted to stop by and see the beauty. I LOVE your sunflower table! ANd those flowers…..gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Definitely festive and fitting for a celebratory dinner!
    Blessings, Lana

  16. once in a blue moon... says

    i adore sunflowers, in fact, i baked cookies today to do a sunflower table, but burnt out in the heat to even care! your table is darling paired with the roosters. and the bouquet is the best, i adore that country fresh look!

    of course i am always smitten with all things garden 🙂

    thanks for hosting the funnest show and tell on the net~

  17. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    I Love the sunflower dishes and those cute salt and pepper shakers. What a beautiful table.
    Hugs, Sherry

  18. Susan, Your floral arrangement is so pretty – love your garden too. The sunflower plates are great as are the rooster goblets and salt and pepper. Once again, a very creative and fun tablescape!
    Thanks for hosting, Susan!
    Blessings, Beth

  19. GrannySue says

    The combination of the sunflower plates and the rooster glasses is wonderful. It looks so good and so festive and summery. Great job, and thanks for the post.

  20. The sunflower plates are really cute, so perfect with the centerpiece. Your flowers are gorgeous, Susan. I also like your rooster glasses…Christine

  21. Hi Susan,
    What a cheerful, colorful summer table! Your guests at the birthday celebration you hosted must have been absolutely blown away by your creativity!

    I'm so sorry you're having computer problems; that's never fun! Here's hoping it's nothing serious.

    Your garden looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing the pictures. I'm always amazed at how quickly you can put together amazing posts. Your warm hospitality and unique creative energy come through in every single image and caption!

    Thank you for hosting. Tablescape Thursday is always the very best day of the week!

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

  22. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    Susan, this is gorgeous! I love the sunflower plates and those salt and pepper shakers. The centerpiece is lovely. Your phlox are beautiful!

  23. Oh my gosh its been way to long since my last visit…you are still the best of the best!!!! Love the sunflowers…love it all!Hope you are well my friend! Chrissy

  24. What a LUCKY friend to have her birthday celebration on THE PORCH!!! I love, love, love the sunflower dishes!!!!!!! They are beautifuol! I have been dying to see what you got since you mentioned it! The centerpiece is beautiful too. One question: how do I erase my link and start over: it didn't publish a cover picture………Thanks!!! Pinky

  25. sunflowers are beautiful. we have some in our backyard. table looks so inviting. hope the computer gets well

  26. craftyles says

    Your sunflower plates are beautiful. I also love the flower arrangement. The whole table is beautiful. Thanks for hosting such an inspiring blog party!
    Leslie

  27. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says

    Hi Susan! I am so happy to be joining you for the first time! Your table is beautiful as always. Is that Max at the party? Thank you for hosting.
    Linda

  28. Hi Susan! Another gorgeous table! I love those beautiful sunflowers and how you made the lovely floral centerpiece. I like the look when a few of the little purple petals fell on your table. The sunflower dishes are just perfect and I'm sure your guest felt so special that you had sat such a beautiful table for her.
    I'm so glad to get to participate this week. I've just been so busy and haven't had time to play. We must always make time to play, don't you think? 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  29. Dream Mom says

    The flowers are stunning! The phlox really pop against the sunflowers. And the dishes look amazing. I love the added touch of the Fitz and Floyd in front.

    Regarding your pc, my fan had been making noise for a while, as in a very long while. I was certain it was doomed. I ordered more memory and before putting it in, I took the door off the pc and cleaned the entire inside. I cleaned the fans however I felt I could do a better cleaning job by unscrewing the fans and cleaning them. I unscrewed and cleaned one fan at a time. To clean them, I just used a q-tip and water to remove the dust. I later read that you could use rubbing alcohol or water on the swab. It helps to blow out the dust with one of those air cans (the name escapes me, lol!). Anyway, my point is that it was super easy AND the best part is that my pc isn't making any noise at all! You may want to try cleaning it first before taking it in. If you can turn a screwdriver, you can do it. It was the first time I ever did it. When you do it, just pay attention to which side of the fan faces out (there is usually a label of some sort). Anyway, my pc is now fast with the addition of the memory and really quiet! It's unbelievable! And it didn't cost me anything. Good luck!

  30. Cabin and Cottage says

    Such a cheery table! And what a wonderful flower combination–Thanks a bunch for hosting such fun party! Best to you while your computer is sick!Jacqueline

  31. Oh, I do love sunflowers! This is such a cheery, summery tablescape, very welcoming. I hope your computer problems are easily fixed!

  32. A Hint of Home says

    Another stunning table! The all the sunflowers and roosters.
    I know how that goes–go into a store to take a look and out with bags in arms. lol

  33. LUCKY 7 DESIGN says

    Love the sunflowers (real ones and the plates) I love sunflowers and roosters its very italian to me…lol Thank you for hosting every week and giving us another one of your fabulous designs. Wonderful!

  34. Hi Susan! I just had to come back and tell you, I've just bought those Rooster salt and peppers! You poked them out there and tempted me and I just couldn't resist! I'm s Rooster and salt and peppers addict! 🙂
    They are totally adorable!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  35. Love it Susan!

    Great dinner and salad plates. The fresh flowers are gorgeous. Thank you for the sunflower inspiration.

    xoxo
    Julio

  36. Donna (Timeless Settings) says

    So beautiful! I love your sunflower dishes and the floral centerpiece is so pretty! Thank you for hosting this wonderful party!

    Donna

  37. Everything is so beautiful and inviting, as always, Susan! I'd really love to have lunch with you, and then, have a nap on your porch! 🙂

  38. Fifi Flowers says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE sunflowers!!! Happy Table!!!

  39. Beverly @ My Sew Sweet Studio says

    Thanks once again for hosting Tablescape Thursday. Your Sunflower plates are so perfect with your center piece.
    Your garden is so pretty and I love that you leave food for the bluebirds to feed their young.

  40. Hi Susan, the table looks terrific. I have Phlox in my garden, I am going to go and cut some, I usually leave them in the garden to enjoy while sitting out there or in the conservatory!! That was lucky to get the sunflower plates just as you wanted them I have a lovely sunflower plate on the kitchen wall that I bought in TK Maxx last year , it says on it, "Live well, Love much, Laugh often" !!!

    Hope the laptop gets better soon. Jackie in UK.

  41. Dear Susan, your sunflower table is so sunny and summerly. This vibrant gold and yellow hues are amazing. The white table sets the dishes off beautifully! And those flowers are stunning.
    Greetings, Johanna

  42. Sunflowers are one of my favorites! Alas, we are so dry here that I did not plant my sunflower garden. I miss their cheery heads dreadfully! I enjoyed having a fresh vase here and there and offering them to friends when they visit.

  43. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    What a cheerful table for a birthday celebration-love the napkin rings!

  44. Your sunflower table is just stunning. You have such a way with a table…your casual tables have a way of looking elegant, in spite of themselves. :))

    So sorry to be late in getting to the party. I had my post up by 7 last night but….FORGOT TO LINK WITH EVERY ONE. Good grief…I am just TOO busy !! 🙂

  45. Love the sunflowers, the purple and yellow, my two FAVORITE colors especially in flowers and I will HAVE to go to Marshall's now gotta get those plates!

    Beautiful!!!

  46. niartist says

    Oh Susan! This is gorgeous! I'm working on the garen walk Saturday, and I'm doing a tablesetting under the pergola (I wrote a big blog about it – so follow me over and check it out) and I'm looking for inspiration – of course, I knew I could come here and find tons! I'm loving the idea of the phlox and the sunflowers! GORGEOUS! So, don't be so surprised if you see that copied next week when I play in TT Thursday! 🙂 Can't wait! Thank you so so so so much for the inspiration! 🙂

  47. Beautiful! Love the reflection of the sunflowers in one of the spoons!

  48. paperbutterfly says

    Wonderful!! Sunflowers are so special. Look great on your table.
    I always look forward to Thursdays' to see what you will share with us.
    Thank you for dropping by each week for tea.

    Blessings, Pam

  49. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Susan,
    The table you set for your friends birthday is such a bright, sunny and happy one!
    You followed the sunflower theme masterfully throughout all of your decor.
    I love those sunflower plates! They really tie it all together and bring it over-the-top!

    You were smart to use the gold napkins. I like the way they blends into the color scheme so well. And then POP the added zing of the blingy napkin rings is just delightful.

    I love sunflowers, but they are a mess after awhile. So I enjoy the rows of them growing in the farmer's field out my back door.

    Happy birthday to your friend! She must have been so honored!
    Thank you for hosting your 98th TT! Are we celebrating for your 100th? It would be fun!!!
    Yvonne
    Yvonne

  50. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love the sunflowers and your combination with the roosters. So pretty!

  51. Rettabug says

    I would have been thrilled beyond belief to have a friend set such a beautiful table for me!!
    The new sunflower plates are such vibrant depictions of the best of summer!

    ♥ the little rooster S&P shakers & glasses, too.
    Always so beautifully done, Susan.

    fondly,
    Rett

  52. Hi Susan I had a hard time finding where to post but finally I found it after much distraction on my part checking out your great website. I love your tablescape it's truly gorgeous! I want to sit on your back porch it looks so lovely and dreamy. Have a nice day!

  53. Bonnilynne says

    Absolutely stunning, Susan!! LOVE your sunflower table – so summery, bright and cheerful. Every detail is perfect! Even Max likes it! ☺

  54. Oh Susan, I always love coming here to see what is happening "on the porch." This is such a cheerful table — LOVE the sunflower dishes, that beautiful iron flatware and those sparkly napkin rings…. I'm sure your friend was enchanted by the beautiful table. 🙂

  55. Kathleen says

    How pretty! They just happened to jump into your cart, eh???
    Yes, we should celebrate the 100th TTH. Is there anyone who has done all 100?

  56. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Susan, this is so neat! And I really loved your flowers. GORGEOUS.

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  57. Tales From My Empty Nest says

    Your table is so pretty!!! I love the sunflower plates and the flower arrangement is gorgeous! You always have the most beautiful pictures of your tablescapes. I was ready to come on down for lunch! Love & blessings from NC!

  58. A Hopeful Heart says

    As always, stunningly beautiful. I think I use those same two words with all of your tablescapes.

    Thank you for beautifying my day and giving such inspiration.

    Blessings,
    Patti (Fill My Cup with Beauty)

  59. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, your guests are sooo lucky! I bet they can't wait to get to your house to see what you have done to your table. The sunflower theme is such a joyful theme for summertime. Love it. laurie

  60. lulumusing says

    Your tablescapes are always smashing, but what makes them even more special is the photography. That, too, is an art.

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

    Hi, Susan. You know, to tell you the truth, I have never really been that wild about Sunflower scenarios, dishes and such… BUT, looking at YOUR Sunflower tablescape, why is it that I find myself loving this??? LOVE your two sunflower plates! Especially the square plate. I HAVE always love the actual sun-FLOWER but, seeing YOUR tablescape, I love the flowers AND plates such as this! You do a wonderful job.
    Best,
    Gloria

  62. Patricia Torres says

    Simply stunning… absolutely enjoyed the party.. 🙂

    All the links above are soooooooooooo gorgeous.. I'm off to check a few now!

  63. Stunning. Gorgeous. Love. The flower arrangement is definitely my favorite.

    I'm just getting into tablescapes and am wondering how exactly to get started? Do you just buy everything on clearance? Allow yourself a monthly budget? How often do you buy for your tablescape? I don't even know where to start or how to get started but am very, very interested in doing so. Guess I'll have to visit some of the other posts for Tablescape Thursday!

  64. Your Table scape is so beautiful! This one really spoke to me, I love Sunflowers and your table scape captures the simplicity yet is still so elegant! Have a wonderful weekend! Nan
    PS. I'm your newest follower! 🙂

  65. Francie of The Scented Cottage says

    What a lucky friend ! How could you not be happy in a setting like that.

    Francie

  66. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Thanks, Nan! So glad you are following! 🙂

  67. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Amy…I should write a post about that…been meaning, to. I'll do that soon! Thanks for the questions!

  68. Sunflowers are one of my favorite things about summer. I truly enjoyed your table. It has been so dry here in the Shenandoah valley that I have not been able to plant my sunflower garden this year. So your post helped to make up for my lack of flowers.

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  70. Patty's Stitches says

    Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing such a lovely post. I've always wanted a REAL porch. Now…I want one even more!

  71. Tonia @Chic Modern Vintage says

    Such a lovely table. It's nothing like a beautiful table setting. It makes the meal all the better.

  72. Lori @ Projects Plenty says

    What a stunning table setting. The colors are so fresh and vibrant… your friend is a lucky gal!

  73. The tenth picture down shows a reflection of the flower arrangment in the spoon!

  74. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Bonnie, I don't think I have ever noticed that…how cool is that! Glad it's the arrangement and not me! 🙂

  75. Hi, Susan! I have more fun at night going back through several of your early years of tablescapes that I missed before I found you. I love sunflowers; what is more cheerful in summer than these big yellow beauties? I have some sunflower salad plates from PB several years ago that I enjoy using. I have belonged to a supper club for a little over 3 decades (Yikes!) and have more than once done a sunflower tablescape. One question about your flatware – the treble clef. I have thought about purchasing some several times but have seen comments that it is prone to rusting and is too large and that it feels rough to hold because of the matte finish. Have you experienced any of this? I think it would go so well with my sunflower plates and with a garden table, looking like the fiddleheads on a fern. It is just pricey enough that I don’t want to chance it rusting or, as one reviewer said, having it make my guests feel “unsettled” holding it. LOL! That made me laugh, I have to admit! I would appreciate your thoughts on the flatware.

    • I’ve used it for dinner parties and it did fine. All my guest loved it. I have never put it through the dishwasher. The only flatware I ever wash in a dishwasher is flatware that is all stainless steel. I have had expensive stainless pit and rust in a few spot. I think that happen when acid type food stay on the piece for too long, not sure.
      If flatware has decorative handles or is ornate or anything other than regular old stainless, I wash it by hand. So, I’ve always washed it by hand and I’ve never had it rust. I wonder if the folks who had it rust ran it through a dishwasher and it sat in the dishwasher wet for a while, and then rusted. I don’t remember now what the packaging said about how to wash it, but I just do it by hand and mine has never rusted.

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