I have to admit that I first wasn’t thrilled about the apple theme challenged by Kathleen. I browsed the internet looking for ideas and later took a stroll through my Dollar General. I found some great things fairly inexpensively and ended up getting excited about this table.

The first thing I found was this sweet table runner. I got it online, and the price was not as cheap as I normally like to purchase things, but not terribly high.

Then I looked through Dollar General. The summer clearance was going on, and there were actually several great things that would work with an apple theme. I came very close to purchasing some apple mugs and apple bowls. I would pick them up, put them back, etc. I finally decided not to get them, even though they were very cheap (and you know I am all about cheap). But as much as I love 50% off, bowls and mugs take up more storage room than plates, and I just don’t need to purchase anything like that right now. Since my rule is that I don’t buy anything unless I get rid of something else, I still have some things at my booth that are there as a result of my last shopping spree that have not sold.

Instead I looked at the things that take up less room and decided on these dish towels. I have used inexpensive Dollar General dish towels as napkins in the past, and it is a great way to get the look I want for not much money, especially at 50% off.

The problem was that since this was a clearance sale, there were only these 2 left. I bought a couple of solid ones in the same colors to fill out the table. However, I was at Wal Mart a couple of days later and found these apple dish towels, so I purchased 2 of them to fill in. It killed me to pay full price, though!

I decided to use my basic sage green placemats and Wal Mart square plates. These colors are great building blocks for the apple theme.

I absolutely love these vintage Salem fruit plates. I have two of the apple and two of the pear. These plates were also made with plums and strawberries, and I hope to get them all some day. For now, these were the perfect choice to carry out the theme.

I decided on the Present Time flatware to add to the playfulness of the table.

I’m sure that you guessed that I used the green Dollar Tree goblets. I also pulled out the fall wine glass charms, and one of them has a pretty red apple on it.

Then I turned my attention to the accessories. This wire basket was one of my Dollar General bargains.

Sorry had I to mix a fake apple with the two real ones. But the basket looked a little empty with only the 2 Granny Smiths in it.

This vegetable bowl has an apple basket filled to overflowing on it. The mark says Global Designs china, and it just happens to be for sale!

Also for sale is this attractive apple-shaped crystal bowl. If I had planned ahead, I would have put something like Waldorf salad in it, but of course, I didn’t think of it.

I decided on my salt and pepper shakers for the remaining accessories. This set is actually 2 halves of an apple.

This is a great vintage set of apples. They are called anthropomorphic, and some collectors collect only these kinds of sets.

This final set is an apple and a pear. Both have been cut into.

I like the little tray that they sit on.

Then I added my Dollar Tree tealight holders with red candles. They are probably left over from Christmas, but the red color looks like apples to me.

So here is my finished table, and I am quite pleased with it.

I did break my “spend no money” rule, but I didn’t break it by much (4 dish towels, a runner, and a basket).

So have a wonderful day, and I am looking so forward to seeing everyone’s apple tables!

Be sure to check out my internet store!

John Robert loves to dance and is dancing with the mother of the groom. His favorite show is “Dancing with the Stars.”

Before I close, I covet your prayers for my sweet special friend John Robert. He is very special to all of us in the church family. He is having some very serious health issues; several things have been ruled out. Right now stroke looks like a possibility.

John Robert and my son Russell at a friend’s wedding.

His mother is currently at home recovering from a massive stroke that she had several months ago. Please pray that doctors will find the source of his problems. Despite having Down’s Syndrome, John Robert has always been extremely healthy until recently. Also pray for John Robert’s father as he is struggling with dealing with so much in his family right now. Thank you so much. Update: John Robert has a severe sinus infection which caused a blood clot which apparently caused his stroke-like symptoms. Also his spinal fluid is affected which apparently has caused the dizzy/weak spells. He is flat on his back, with his head being raised a very little bit each hour. He has had lots of company, which he loves. His left arm and leg are affected, but the docs think he will regain the use without therapy once the infection is clear. He will be in the hospital several days, but should make a good recovery. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!

 I am joining: A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday, Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life , Vintage Thingie Thursday at Colorado Lady,   From the Farm at Sunny Simple Life, Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, Metamorphosis Monday, Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage ,  Cozy Little House for Tweak it Tuesday,  Under the Table and Dreaming for Sunday Showcase ,  The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home, Brown Gingham Creations for Rednesday,  Cuisine Kathleen for Let’s Dish, Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours,  Make the Scene Monday at Alderberry Hill , Cottage Style at Lavender Garden, Homemaking Paty at Hope in Every Season,   The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday, What’s It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants; Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now, Meet Me Monday at You Are Talking Too Much,  Spotlight Saturday at Classy Clutter, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Efforts and Assets at Hickory Trail, Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound, You’re Gonna Love It Tuesdays at Kathe with an E, Mop it Up Monday at I Should Be Mopping the Floor , Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style ,  Make it Pretty Monday, Anything Blue Friday at The Dedicated House,Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style,  Create It Thursday at Lamberts Lately,   Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring,  Tuesday’s Treasures at Uncommon Suburbia,  Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life, Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters,Open House Party at No Minimalist Here Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage , Tips and Tidbits at The Stone Gable, Thursday Favorite Things at Katherine’s Corner , Sizzle into Summer at DIY by Design