Wednesday, December 16, 2009

My Own Very Merry First Tablescape


It's amazing what a little inspiration will do!


So many of you are wonderful 'teachers' and have a great way of sharing your gift of hospitality!

It is my turn to be on 'the other side of the desk' this week
as I participate in my very own ~ first Tablescapes Thursday.
(After Thanksgiving I shared my sister's tablescape).
The extra care many people take in preparing a lovely table for dining has taught me so much about hospitality...

There's always something more for me to learn!
~Hospitality begins at home - 101~

Normally, just before the meal is served,
we're clearing mail, magazines and kitchen odds & ends from the table...
...scrambling for silverware...
and someone calls,
"Did anyone remember the napkins?"
~  ~  ~
Last week, I set the table in the sunroom
with inspirations from Tablescapes and from Kathy at Classé Catering.
We had a meeting with her regarding the menu for our
daughter's wedding (which is next summer).
The table in Classé 's  meeting space was decorated with a midnight blue- floor length tablecloth, a glass vase filled with silver ornaments and snow all around the vase.

~Here's my "Warm Winter Greetings" version~






It was wonderful toasting a lovely supper at a pretty table.

Placemats from Lenox ~ Winter Greetings
Salt & Pepper birdies ~ Pier 1
Tomato Cast Iron pot ~ Le Creuset
Soup bowls ~ Marshall's Home Store
Soup ~ Potato Leek soup with fresh leeks from our garden.
Easy recipes here   and at FarmGirlCyn's here.
Wine glasses - el cheapo $1 (tile floors in sunroom!) 
Irish Coffee mugs ~ Pier 1
Napkin rings ~ from an estate sale

Snow and  Potpourri fun


I had so much fun!
Thanks everyone for being so inspiring!


My cutie snowgirl from Pires Flower Basket in Norwich, NY

Please stop over to Susan's to see some spectacular tablescapes...







23 comments:

  1. Maria! What a beautiful table you have set! I think my favorite are the china birds salt and pepper set, and the bird napkin rings!
    And, of course, the menu is perfect for a chilly winters night!

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  2. The table is so beautiful! I'll bet you all lingered a bit longer than usual that night...just taking it all in.

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  3. It's calming to be seated at such a beautiful tablescape, Maria. I do know that little children respond to a lovely table - they transform into ladies and gentlemen! I hope you have many wonderful Family gatherings around that table in the coming days. Enjoy!

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  4. It is lovely and elegant - and so inviting Maria. You've done a spectacular job. Everyone sitting at your table will feel very special indeed.

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  5. Your table is beautiful! It becomes addictive...you get ideas from other bloggers and suddenly everywhere you go you see things that will work for a tablescape!

    I love the snowman made of wood...so cute.

    Have a Merry!

    Sue

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  6. You did a wonderful job on your first tablescape, very pretty, warm and welcoming, love your blog, I am a new follower of yours, would love you to come on over for a visit...

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  7. I just LOVE your Lenox placemats and the whole table looks gorgeous! GREAT job for your first tablescape!!!! I posted a table at Susan's too, so please go take a look if you'd like! Merry Christmas!!! XO, Pinky

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  8. Hello, Maria,
    Your tablescape is very inviting and lovely!! I love all the birds you used. They are one of my favorite things to decorate with. All of your dishes, silver and glassware were beautifully coordinated. Thank you for sharing! May you and your sweet family have a blessed Christmas! Vicki

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  9. I'm new to TT, too, at least to actually doing it/just started after Thanksgiving. Great job on your first one! I love the little birdies and the candy canes!
    Hugs, Lana

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  10. Maria, that is so beautiful!

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  11. Maria...I LOVE cardinals. You've set a lovely table :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  12. Your table is lovely. For your first table you did a great job. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

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  13. Wow! If that is your first I can't wait to see what else you can do!
    Merry christmas!
    Dena

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  14. Maria,
    This is my first visit to your blog. Everything looks beautiful! I love the reds! I'm sure your family and loved ones must feel extremely special to be seated at such a festive & gorgeous table.

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  15. Very pretty! I love the placemats and I like the idea of the candy canes, It gives a lovely color on the table...Christine

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  16. Hi Maria, you did a fantastic job on your first Tablescape! I love so much about it. I really love your Irish mugs and your little birdie s&p shakers. Those mugs are adorable with the candy canes. I look forward to more of your tablescapes. It's great fun, isn't it? We've all learned alot.
    Donna PS My daughter is getting married next year too!

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  17. Happy Tablescape Thursday, it does look like you have had fun with this theme. Cardinals are such pretty birds. Thank you for your kind comments on my blog earlier.

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  18. Just beautiful! I especially love your placemats. They remind me of my grandmother. She's a bird-lover and would adore those placemats!! I should look for some for her!! Thanks for sharing your 'scape!

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  19. Oh I love your first tablescape -- It's highly addictive your know -- What wonderful winter birds are gathered at your nest!

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  20. absolutely beautiful!! well done!

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  21. You've definitely moved from student to teacher, Maria. I have much to learn from you and others!

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments add sunshine to my day~