So far, I have certainly enjoyed my newly-organized dining room! Not only was it an easy matter to find what I wanted for today’s table, but it was also easy to put the things away from my last table. I had actually found myself having trouble putting things back in the right place because of the jumble and confusion in the cabinets. Today I put away the tablescape items from last week quickly and easily. Sigh of relief! I have a resolve to make myself stick to this new organization system.
I had one idea when I began my tablescape today, and that was to use the same cocktail-themed plates that I used last week in a slightly different manner. I wanted to pair them with a patterned china rather than a solid one, and I also wanted to use a little more color than I did last week. When I ran across the Friendly Village plates, I thought that they would do very well for what I had in mind. This brown transferware has touches of the same dark red and green colors that are in the cocktail plates.
You will also notice that I went back to the white tablecloth. It is just best for seeing detail. Although I actually prefer using placemats so that my beautiful table will show up, today is very cloudy [we’ve actually already had a couple of small showers], and I need something to lighten up the dark browns, greens, and reds that are in the table setting. I placed the small plate on top of the Friendly Village and instantly fell in love! The muted earth tones in the small plate blend well with the browns and greens around the edge of the Friendly Village plate. I just love how the rim of the dinner plate frames the small plate and makes it look like it’s made that way.
I tried several different dishes on top of the small plate, and most of them looked fine. But I decided that I like the small bowl, called a fruit or berry bowl, the best. I decided on the green napkins since the place setting needs a little color, and they help bring out the green in the border of the plates. I used a pretty beaded napkin ring that I picked up at an antique mall years ago.
For flatware, pretty much anything that I have would work. I finally settled on the San Remo. I like the way that the San Remo can go with either a formal or casual table, and here it compliments this casual place setting.
I’m sure you guessed that I would use the Dollar Tree goblets again! One of the great things that I did in my big reorganization project last week was to get all of the drinking glasses, no matter what type, in one place. Previously these margarita glasses had been hidden so far back in a lower cabinet that I rarely used them.
Today I was so happy to get them out and I like the colorful addition that they make to this table.
I was so happy to look at all of my candle holders in one spot, and that made it so much easier to decide which ones that I wanted to use. I decided on these wooden ones that my son made for me. I think that the casual style and the muted greens and golds go well with the colors in this tablescape.
Earlier this week my husband’s father was having an outpatient procedure done, and David went up there to check on him and help out if needed. I couldn’t go because I had to work {wow, it feels weird to write that!}. While he was visiting, his mom gave him a few things, among them this plate that has a picture of Sycamore Chapel Methodist Church near Wynadotte, OK. The plate has a Taylor Smith Knowles stamp and was made in 1956. This is the church that David’s paternal ancestors attended, and some of them were founding members of the church. This photograph is the original stone building (1934), and each family contributed a stone to the church. I still had the plate out and had been trying to decided where to display it when I thought, “That would look good on this table!” I think I was right.
Of course, one thing lead to another, and I then thought, “Why not go ahead and showcase the other treasures?” David’s mom had also given him this horse head bookend. David’s grandmother (the same one who grew up going to Sycamore Chapel) had made it and given him one Christmas when he was growing up. Her initials are on the bottom. I will end up using this bookend on my built-in bookshelves, but for now I like it as a part of this theme for my centerpiece.
The last treasure that his mom sent was for me. A few months ago, I posted about the unexpected death of our close family friend, Mrs. Wilson. Her boys have now gotten the house cleaned out and ready to sell. They had an estate sale a few weeks ago with the things that none of them wanted. Mrs. Wilson, a fellow English teacher, loved old books, and, of course, so do I. David’s parents picked up this old book for me at the sale.
They wanted me to have a remembrance of her, and they knew that I would like this book. It is called Under the Bonnie Brier Bush by Ian Maclaren, published in 1895. I added it to the treasure-themed centerpiece today, and I will find a good spot for it on my bookshelves.
My goal of using my small plates in a different setting was accomplished. I like the challenge of using my tablescaping items differently than how I have used them in the past. Plus, since I am always trying to save money, it helps me to use things in new and fresh ways so that I won’t feel like I need to purchase something else.
My second goal, which came as an afterthought, was to use some special treasures in my centerpiece. I am pleased with how all of that worked out as well. I will photograph these treasures again after I choose their permanent display areas.
Happy treasure hunting and decorating to all!
Tablescapes by Bev 
Just wanted you to know much we liked your tablescape. So glad you liked the book. Anne would love you having it. I was going to add one more thing to the book and that was a picture of Anne holding Russell when he was so small. I looked for it and David said you already had the picture. Just a remembrance of when she came to tell us he had arrived. My how excited we were. We have been blessed to have him as a Grandson. HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR NEW JOB. It meant alot to Dad to for David to come.
Your table looks great as usual Bev. I love the way you used your new “old” treasures as the centerpiece. They make a lovely vignette! The plates did work very well together! Enjoy dinner using your new tablescape…:) Blessings, Vicky
Being organized is just the best! Love that you included old and new and a mixture of traditional and not so traditional. It came together very nicely! xo marlis
What a wonderful tablescape and it is so fun to use unexpected treasures. I love it. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
I love how you made a vignette of your treasures in this tablescape – the patterns on the plates are quite fantastic. I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy