Summertime Blues on a Carefree Table

Summer is coming! Temperatures are rising and I'm planning ways to stay cool during the long, lazy days of summer. One carefree way to enjoy simmering days and leisurely evenings is to surround myself in the cool blues of summer. 

 

    

Ideas for Father's Day Table Settings

Fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, husbands, uncles — all types of father figures are celebrated each June on Father's Day! While they should be celebrated throughout the year, having a designated day to do so encourages us to reflect perhaps just a bit more about the impact they've had on our lives.

You can celebrate with gifts, fun activities, special experiences, just about anything! One way of course, is to serve a wonderful meal and linger long after to talk and enjoy their company.

 

I've not posted a table strictly for Father's Day, but I have set a number for my husband which may appeal to the fathers in your life. So if you're wondering what kind of table to style for Father's Day, my suggestion is to set one that reflects his interests or your shared experiences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

 

 

For the water-loving guy . . . 

there's the beach get-away recreated in Where Palms Beckon with natural textures and the colors of the sea — and plenty of palm trees.   

  

 

A Table Blooms in Blue and Lavender

Where do you get inspiration for setting tables? While you can get ideas from all sorts of things, even unusual ones, today my tablescape began with a beautiful arrangement of flowers that my daughter sent me!

Let me walk you through all the table details, starting with the lovely centerpiece.

A Profusion of Flowers for a Stylish Mother's Day

Flowers have long been associated with celebrations and remembrances of all kinds, so they are a natural choice for setting a table for Mother's Day. Today I'm sharing a table with a profusion of flowers that is a stylish way to celebrate all the mothers in your life.

 

Flowers fill my memories — my grandmother's kitchen full of African violets and lily of the valley nosegays; my mom's deep red rosebushes mingled with bridal wreath spirea; and my MIL's desire for colorful bloomers in her garden (see her on-going saga on A Landscape Renovation, From the Beginning).     

    

A Colorful Easter Table in Blue and Turquoise

Hello and welcome! We are celebrating the arrival of spring with its vibrant bursts of color and large doses of sunshine. All in time for Easter! I'm taking those cues to set a colorful Easter table in blue and turquoise, accented by a kaleidoscope of vibrant shades.

 

Let's start with bold turquoise napkins held by bunny rings in sand-cast aluminum.

 

   

Spring is . . . A Feast for the Senses

Spring is many things, but I think of it as a feast for the senses! Spring engages each sense — sight, sound, smell, touch and taste — in delightful and appealing ways. Let me show you how you can capture Spring's essence in a charming table setting.

 

  

I'm delighted that you're joining me today for I have a special treat in store for you!

The Thrill of Finding Beautiful Glassware

Today I wanted to share with you the thrill of finding beautiful glassware!

 

The other day Greg and I headed to several consignment/thrift/vintage/antique stores in search of  furniture for the new office he’s setting up. I’m happy to report that we were successful and picked up four mid-century-style black leather side chairs, two beautiful blue velvet club chairs, and two striking brass floor lamps that will arch over the club chairs. (Photos may come later once we’ve set up the office space. 😉)

What I’m really excited about, though, is the gorgeous glassware I found and brought home! I’m daydreaming about the tablescapes they’ll grace, but I couldn’t wait to share these pieces with you. 

First to be discovered was this striking mid-century vase in lime green that has a wafer-shaped base supporting straight sides that widen at the top. It stands 9.75" tall and I would guess it was made in the 1960's-1970's. 

    

Next up is an example of

Enchanting Shamrock Decor and Daffodils Create a Charming March Table

March is a strange month, don't you agree? Part winter, part spring, with a flurry of changing weather patterns that can literally leave you catching your breath. And it's got 31 days to get through!

 

But luckily for me, the middle of March brings a fun holiday to observe — St. Patrick's Day, a day to celebrate my Irish heritage!

 

   

I've set a table around shamrocks, the quintessential symbol for the holiday. Shamrocks are depicted on the small plates and are scattered with abandon across the placemats.

Dreaming of Gardens

I knew it was going to be a lovely day. The morning sun was shining through the shutters and the forecast called for climbing temps. After feeding the pups and a quick breakfast for myself, I hurriedly finished the things I had planned for today and settled by the window with a pot of tea.

 

And that got me dreaming of gardens! And all the flowers I'd like to plant in mine.

 

Sweet Treats and Hot Chocolate — A Buffet for Valentine's Day

I confess I have a soft spot for hot chocolate, preferably made with milk with a bit of whipping cream if available. Marshmallows on top are a plus. All through January I've had a hot chocolate station set up on the corner of the kitchen island with a choice of either milk chocolate or mint chocolate.

Knowing my winter fixation, my sweet MIL gave me a huge basket of chocolate drink fixings and snacks for Christmas! I've happily added the basket to my island setup.

 

Between our recent snow and ice storms — spurred on by a week of ultra low temps for Georgia — we invited her to join us last Sunday for a Valentine's sweet treats and hot chocolate buffet! 

Artistry and Romance — A Valentine's Table

With February 14 fast approaching, it's time to think about what type of table you might want to set for Valentine's Day! I know that not everyone celebrates this holiday, but I find it a welcome respite from the winter blues. It's a holiday that's very flexible — you can celebrate romantic love, love for your children, family bonds, or the strength of friendships. Or all at once!

 

I'm delighted that you're joining me today for I have a special treat in store for you! Including myself, there are eighteen stylists that have been organized by Rita of Panoply in a special tablescape hop to share our ideas for Valentine's Day tables with you. All the details are included at the bottom of this post.

    

I decided to set a table that celebrates Valentine's by focusing on romance through artistry.

A Snowy Wonderland Tablesetting

Snow fell across the foothills and mountains of north Georgia last week, more than any year since 2018. Kids in our neighborhood celebrated with snow ball fights and snowmen. All of which inspired me to set a snowy wonderland table!

   

The view from our front door as flakes settled quietly on the lawn and in the garden.