Showing posts with label tablecape. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tablecape. Show all posts

Sunday, August 29, 2010

DIY Napkin Rings….Creatures from the Deep

Fall is closing in us. Soon memories of the beach and ocean will give way to falling leaves and pumpkins. As much as I look forward to crisp cool days, I can’t quite let go. I’ve got at least one more summer tablescape rolling around in my head! The problem was that I had searched for napkin rings and never could find anything I loved.

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You might remember these from last week—stainless steel napkin rings that came with a set of flatware. Lackluster on their own, they got a coat of white spray paint. I spray painted half of them key lime green in this post. The other half is getting an aquatic makeover.

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First, the white spray paint went on. These got one more touch up spray after the photo. Next I started going through the shells our family has collected through years and years of vacations at the beach.

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If you don’t have your own collection of shells, you can buy them at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or Michael’s. I tried super glue with no luck. However, the hot glue gun did the trick!

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A sand dollar from the second sand bar in Destin…found by one of children…bleached by me…..saved for just this moment :) Don’t worry if your napkin ring feels “top heavy”. The napkin will stabilize it. The possibilities are limited only by your supply of shells and imagination!

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. You can find her lovely blog full of inspiration here!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will come back for Tablescape Thursday when I will be putting these into action! Don’t forget to say hello :)

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Memorial Day Revisited



I am joining Chari at Happy to Design for Sunday Favorites with one of my very early posts--before I learned to enlarge pictures. Still, it's one of my favorite tablescapes and originally posted for Tablescape Thursday. With Memorial Day on Monday I thought I'd indulge myself. Join Chari here for some classic reruns!


On Monday May 25th, our country will celebrate Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives while in military service. Schools will be out, government offices will be closed, and thousands will fire up grills to celebrate the day with friends and family. I started looking in the cabinets and this tablescape almost made itself!



It seems I have a lot of red, white, and blue without even knowing it. When I found these William-Sonoma lookalike placemats at T.J. Maxx, that closed the deal! I started playing and this is what I ended up with!


For me flowers are an important part of any great tablescape. What could be any more American than daisies in a Mason jar? I'll tell you what--daisies from the 1/2 price container! And look-- Savannah Grace and William are back from their honeymoon and already at work. They're very patriotic birds. I've even lit the red and white candles. After all, it is a celebration!



We've all seen these versatile white Gibson dishes from Big Lots. I don't know how I ever lived without them. Now is a good time to share a little secret. You may already know, but if not, you're going to love it! Hobby Lobby has a section with kerchiefs and bandanas in tons of colors and different prints. The best part--they are all under a dollar! I buy these when I need a particlar color napkin or basket liner and don't want to splurge on expensive napkins .



The napkin rings are a Pier One find. I like the way they echo the pattern in the placemat. And that white- handled flatware--? I bought that for my daughter's first apartment so I know it was cheap. I've reclaimed it now that the bride to be has considerabley better flatware coming :).

Red, white, and blue is one theme that is very easy to carry into dessert. Cool Whip, blueberries, and strawberries in a parfait glass make a light and patriotic way to finish the meal.


I hope you and your family get to spend time together doing whatever makes you happy --whether you are visiting friends, taking a hike, or simply enjoying a day of rest. So fire up the grill, hang your flag, and don't forget to say thanks to a veteran!