Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Two Lessons Learned!

This week's tablescape was inspired by our beautiful mock orange bush. I just love the delicate white blossoms and knew some clippings would make a pretty (and fragrant) centerpiece. And, there is no size limit when your table is outdoors!



I hope you enjoy!










This seemed like the perfect table for the wine glasses I painted.
You'll find the tutorial here.











The tablecloth is actually the summer coverlet from my bed! Just try to take a picture of my bed without a cat or dog on it!






















The whole time I was working on this table, the nice sparrow couple who moved into this house were letting me know I was invading their space.







The first lesson I learned came from my sister's tablescape from last week. She wasn't happy with the way it looked, so she added a second set of stemware, and she placed her centerpiece on a tray. So, I tried it. There is no rule that says the big sister can't learn from the little sister--thanks, Robin!







I decided to use my carnival glass platter to hold the centerpiece.















Now, for the second lesson I learned--I took my photos, and as I went along, it was becoming more and more overcast. I needed to decide whether I should take the table apart or wait it out.



I asked my creative advisor what he thought...



...and he suggested I check the weather radar.

It didn't look good.



Second lesson I learned--be patient.

I had some lunch and did a little cleaning, and when I went back out, the sun was shining on my tablescape! I re-shot all the photos!


Thank you for visiting!


Coverlet and ceramic bird are from Home Goods
Plates, chargers, and vase are from Goodwill
Photo collage created with photovisi.com
Napkin rings from Tuesday Morning
Green  goblets are from Dollar Tree
Bowls and flatware are from Ross
Guest appearance by Bear

I will be joining:

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life

Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Let's Dish at Cuisine Kathleen

You're Gonna Love It at Kathe with an E

The Bunny Hop Party at Bunny Jeans Decor

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday at Ivy & Elephants

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove

Home Sweet Home Friday at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage


Be sure to visit my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...



43 comments:

allisamazing said...

What a beautiful table and I can just imagine how wonderful the fragrance from the blossoms is.

Entertaining Women said...

I agree...Mock Orange is such a delightful blossom, and I relish the time that it blooms. The apricot color in your tablescape is wonderful...perfect for an al fresco design. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Aledia said...

What a beautiful tablescape! I love the soft color tones and you did a wonderful job on painting your stemware. I also love your vase!

Thank You for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Aledia @ Plum Perfect

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Your tablescape is so beautiful! I'm your newest follower! Now I'm off to see those fantastic glasses you made!

Kathe said...

I learn so much! I would have never thought to use a bed cover as a table cloth!!! Whole new aisle to check when I am out thrifting! I too love the softness of this table. Just perfect for a meal al fresco! The dishes are so pretty as is the vase. I totally love your hand painted stems! It looks like we may get some weather here today ♥

Tricia said...

What a pretty and cheerful table! And I love your idea of painting daisies on the stemware! Those are darling.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Beautiful sunny table!

Susan Freeman said...

What a cheerful and happy table ~ like a warm sunny day! Wishing you a happy and safe Memorial Day!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a pretty setting! I love that you learned from your sister!! Those painted wine goblets are soooo gorgeous.

Barbara said...

Such a pretty setting! You are so lucky to have a sister! I love these soft, summery colors. Perfect for spring into summer. Your handpainted glasses are SO pretty!

Marlis said...

This is an absolutely stunning table. I love the yellow and white. Your centerpiece is just beautiful. I love the dishes and the stemware.. it's all just perfect.. have a blessed week, xo marlis

Marigene said...

What a beautiful table!

A Cottage in the Clouds said...

Beautiful! Love the soft golden colors, and the charming painted stemware. Love the centerpiece.

Martha said...

A very pretty table -- I love meals al fresco this time of year -- we've eaten very few inside the last month, actually! (Even breakfast!)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Love this table..it's like a breath of fresh air, or just a bright sunny day@
I am amazed you painted those glasses, they are gorgeous!
Cindy

Sarah said...

Elaine, I have to say that i slowly scrolled through this one savoring each new image. I'm smitten with this golden themed table. It's truly charming. I like the mix of dishes, all unexpected pairings, and your hand painted wines are dear. Beautiful shots from start to finish!

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Elaine, your tablescape is once again just beautiful. I also think your photography is just fabulous; every image is perfectly captured. Your centerpiece with the mock orange is stunning on your plate. I used a square plate under my centerpiece this week and round placemats so I was a little iffy about doing that. Thanks for another perfect post.

Alycia Nichols said...

Bear seems to have a "leg up" on things, so good thing you listened to him! :-) You handpainted those glasses yourself?!!?!? Now I'm REALLY mad at you!!! Those look great! Very artistic! My hand isn't steady enough (too many Bellini breakfasts and two martini lunches?). You did a great job! The whole table is really terrific! The colors are so vibrant and just wake ya right up! It's cool that you learned a lesson from your little sister. We little sisters have a thing or two to teach! :-) I almost always use 2 or 3 glasses on dinner tables. The reason for that goes back to the unsteady hand thing we discussed earlier! :-) Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Elaine...

My friend, your table is gorgeous! I love the sunny yellow and white paired together. I just adore the stems that you painted...they are sooo pretty! I would love to try my hand at doing a set. The little white daisies are adorable. Thank you for sharing your lovely table with us...I sooo enjoyed it!

I'm over in the north-eastern corner of Colo. Loving the cooler weather right now!

Have a wonderfully sweet week, my friend!
Chari

Sandra said...

Your table is beautiful! I love the soft colors, very soothing. I am a new follower and look forward to spending some time looking around. Have a wonderful weekend!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

What a beautiful setting--and in the pictures the weather looks perfect:) I love seeing the kitty on the bed. Whats a house without a cat?

Denise said...

Those colors really glow in the sun.I like the glimmering golds.Wonderful pretty setting.You take wonderful photos also.Much enjoyed.Thank you. Your new follower Denise

Robin said...

Sorry I'm so late! Your bedspread makes a great tablecover! The pretty tray under the centerpiece really does the trick and everything is better with a bird or two. I can almost smell the blossoms.

Robin
Robin Flies South

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

I love that table, so summery so fresh. The table cloth and napkins are to die for! Beautiful pictures.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

Dianne said...

Elaine,
I love this table! It grabbed my attention with the first photo. I love the color combination and even without the sun, the table is warm and sunny! Very well done! We must have the same taste b/c I have the same flatware and the same ceramic birds. Dianne

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Lovely tablescape. The yellows and white are so fresh! Love the way the platter grounds the big vase! Great job! Gorgeous photos! WOW!

Ann @ Corner of Plaid and Paisley said...

Beautiful table and beautiful posting! I love your photos-the close ups, angles and collage. Wonderful job of presenting your fabulous table!

Jocelyn said...

What a beautiful summer table. I love the burst of color. It's so fresh and inviting.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Kathleen said...

Green, yellow and white, so pretty!
Now I know what I have is not mock orange.
Love the sunlight streaming on your inviting table! Your painted glasses are great!
Thanks so much for linking to Let's Dish!
Happy Memorial Day!

Bunny Jean said...

Oh, this is such an inviting setting out in the garden. Your choice of dishes and accessories is perfect.

I will have to see you tutorial on the painted daisy glasses... what a great idea and they are so pretty.

I am glad the sun came out. All your pictures are very pretty.

Thanks for sharing this post at my weekly party, I know everyone will enjoy it!

xox Bunny Jean
Wednesdays Bunny Hop Party!

Chubby Chieque said...

OMG, girl!

U toke my breath away, with your gorgeous stems. U are one smart Tablescaper. Love every piece you have on your table.

Great job.

Greetings,
/CC

Ellen said...

First of all I want to thank you for visiting my blog. I really appreciate it. Second of all, and most importantly, I love your table!!! You are so creative. I love the way you have painted on your stemware. Also, I've always love outdoor tables. I love your dishes and your presentation. I've gone through your blog and I love it. Thanks!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Gorgeous table, with such lovely buttery kind of yellow to it. I love the daisy motif, the painted glasses are so adorable and the vase is great! Thank you so much for your sweet and kind visit to me and for the best wishes for our Sil..he is doing so much better, although in lots of pain. Have a blessed holiday weekend.
FABBY

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Beautiful table. Great idea using your bed cover. I always look around to see what I can use for a tablecloth. LovE your hand painted glasses. I will try it sometime. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Memorial Day week-end.

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

lovely table and such a pretty color theme. and the centerpiece and vase is gorgeous!

Mary said...

I love Mock-orange! It's fragrance is as delightful as your cheery golden yellow table! Love the dappled sunlight dancing across your table! I'm a big fan of using a coverlet on the table too :) Happy Memorial Day!

KnitOne, PearlOnion said...

Lovely table! Great vase and your hand-painted stemware makes it even more special...I may try thanks to your tutorial! -- Joann (newest follower!)

Maria Elena said...

Love everything! The colors are gorgeous and the china, glasses, tablecloth, WOW! It is just beautiful!

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
What a beautiful tablescape! I love the soft color tones and you did a wonderful job on painting your stemware. Your dishes are also beautiful.. I love it all !!
XXOO Diane

Kathy said...

Beautiful tablescape and beautiful post! Love the use of the coverlet - learning from your sister - I have that very same platter - one of my favorites ;)
Love Mock Orange - mine is long past its blooming stage and love the painted stemware - lovely. I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Geneva said...

What a beautiful and refreshing tablescape. I loved it all and your inspiration as well!
Blessings!
Geneva

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi darling, what a beautiful setting for your gorgeous table. Your sweet animals are darling, glad they could join us a long with the sparrow. Your dishes are just so happy. Thanks for sharing. hugs ~lynne~

The Charm of Home said...

Beautiful! This turned out fantastic! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry