A Simple Little Table in Yellow...

March is a pretty ugly time of year here in the mountains of Colorado. Everything is brown and dusty, even the snow. Today I walked to our local flower shop to see if they had anything to brighten the day. This darling bouquet was in the cooler, so I brought it home to set a table around.

A basic white table cloth is a must, so I pulled out my eyelet cloth. Then I remembered the yellow table topper our foreign exchange student sent to us a few years ago. It has silk daffodils on it.

I grabbed my vintage yellow Fiesta luncheon plates. They look pretty good with the centerpiece. A few posts ago I told I would be using these lacy plates from Pier 1, alot. I really like the way they look against the yellow plate. Everyday stainless and a water goblet finish the place setting.

What to do about napkins? I could use a plain white or a plain yellow, they'd be ok. But then, I remembered that Jenny sent napkins to match the table topper. That little bit of blue and green helps this table keeps this table from being too boring. But-they're paper! That's ok, I think that paper napkins serve a purpose, and today my purpose is easy!

And so, there it is. A simple little table in yellow. I've been busy for the last few weeks and haven't been able to join in the fun. I've missed seeing the wonderful things you girls and guys do with a few plates and glasses. Susan-as always, you're such a gracious hostess, Thank You for having me. Now-let's get back to the party!!! 

And They Call It Bella Noche....

My grandaughter came over the other day. She wanted to watch a movie. I thought to myself, "ok, I can do Cinderella one more time". Imagine my surprise when she popped in "Lady and the Tramp"! I sat down and watched it with her and remembered how cute it was. Then, the best scene came on-Lady and Tramp eating spagetti. There was my inspiration for a romantic Valentine's table. Now I've already done two different versions of a Valentine theme, but I couldn't resist pulling together an Italian/Valentine table.

Now, I am not Italian. I don't drink. But I do have a red checked tablecloth. so that's where I started. I looked in my stash(which is becoming larger by the week) for the next layer. Black chargers! Red and black are Italian, right?

I kept looking through my cabinets and remembered the black and white plates from Dollar Tree. Then, scarlett Fiesta salad plates-it's starting to look pretty good.


I then remembered the cute little heart bowls from TaiPan Trading. Perfect! Adding in some everyday glasses from Big Lots, my everyday stainless, black napkins, and candles. Centerpiece? Grab the cute new block from the mantel that will give hubby a hint!



Susan-I love coming to your party! I have loved coming to your house every week for the last year. Each and everyone of you continue to inspire me. Have a Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy the pary! Click on the link on the sidebar to get back to Susan's.

Touchdown!!!!

Susan-who are you cheering for this weekend at the big game? Thanks so much letting us sharing our passion for entertaining. Super Bowl Sunday is always big for our family. We have been passionate about the NFL for many years. Sadly, our favorite team won't be playing in the big game this year, but we will be ready to cheer another one on. I'm setting a buffet table for our big party. We like to eat in front of the TV, so I hope this table has the essentials for fun!

Since we're not sitting at the table, I've put my runner near the back. This runner is made from an astroturf door mat. It has alot of texture and hopefully my guests will get the feel of being in the game. I've gathered two different sizes of paper plates, and green yardage napkins. Some of my guests don't like to drink from paper cups, so I've put my pilsner glasses out for them. No utensils are necessary, we like finger foods!

I picked up the center tray, small bowls and football container at the grocery store. They really had a great selection of things that can be reused for many years. When my favorite team gets back to the big game, I'll mix them in with my team's colors.

I really thought the different size bowls were cute. They can hold so many different things. This year they will hold cheese balls and dip for the chips. I think the tray will be for sandwich fixin's. The big bowl shaped like a football will be for chips. Am I missing anything? Oh yes-hot wings, little smokies, pizza slices, pigs in a blanket will be in another place where they can stay hot!


I found the referee shirt at the same grocery store. Hubby refs high school football here and I really thought it would be cute for him. I think crackers and cheese will look great on it.

The umpire doll comes apart at the seams-literally! A close friend gave him to us to vent our frustrations at the officials. His arms, legs and head come off. It's a great way to yell at the refs, I figured that some of my guests might need him.


So, I hope you all have a terrific Super Bowl. Whether your favorite team wins or not, it's always fun to get together-remember to watch the commercials, they are usually the best part! Thanks for stopping by-now get back to the party at BNOTP by clicking the button on the right. GO TEAM!!!!

True Love Never Grows Old...

I'm joining Susan at "BTNOP" for another fabulous "Tablescape Thursday"! I've just returned from a great surprise birthday weekend for my Mother. All of my brothers and sisters were there. We had a great time! I love spending time with those who are closest to me.

Hubby and I are finally "home alone". All of our chicks have flown the coop and we are alone, together. I've decided to set a romantic table for two, using a few of my favorites from around the house.

I'm starting with a crisp, white tablecloth. I don't know what it is, but a white tablecloth just starts a table off right. I found a bright red runner at Home Goods a few weeks ago. Now I know I said "around the house", but sometimes.... you just gotta!!

I have had these cute blocks for awhile. Stacked on a clear glass cake plate, they drop a Valentine hint.

I started collecting Fiesta right as the Dusty Rose color was discontinued. So, a dinner for two is easy when you only have two plates that match. I am still looking for that color, and have learned that you get enough for 4 when you hear a color is being "retired". The white dessert plates came from Pier 1. I really like the lacy edge. I think that I can use these plates in alot of different ways, so you will probably be seeing them often.


While I was at Home Goods, these candy bars with vintage labels were sitting on the shelf. My mother has quite a collection of vintage cards that she inherited from her great aunt. My sister and I loved to look through them as kids. they really evoke a romantic mood. The chocolate nevers hurts, either!

Thanks to everyone who has left such sweet comments on my posts. I appreciate the words of encouragement! I feel as if I've made a whole new circle of friends. Now go up and click on the button to get back to the party!

Love is in the Air...

Time for another "Tablescape Thursday"! I'm really excited to start with a new theme. Valentine's Day is usually not one of those times that I do alot of decorating. But last year, when I started following Susan and some of the other fabulous tables out here in blogland, The Tablescaper's romantic Valentine table inspired me. I've been looking for great things ever since! I love the color red and this week's table is really red!

I found some really cute placemats at Kohl's the other day. You really can't beat their sale prices and with a coupon, I almost felt guilty picking these up. White plates (Summer Garden from Better Homes and Gardens), goblets from Big Lots and my everyday silverware complete the place setting. The heart topiaries are from Hobby Lobby a few years ago.

The dessert plates came from Kohl's too. With the price I paid for the placemats, I could get the 4 plates, which turned out to be on sale for half off! I can just picture a yummy, gooey chocolate dessert right in the middle.

Now for the napkins. I found these at Home Goods. They were too cute to pass up. But how do you fold them? Do you put them under the silver and cover up the heart? Do you put them in the glass with the heart upside down? Any suggestions? I would love to hear from you on how you use napkins with a single design.

Once again, I'm thrilled to be here with such a great group of people. I can hardly wait to see what you're doing this week. Thanks again Susan for sponsoring this week's party. Click on the button on the right to get back to the fun!

Bundle Up...

Is it cold enough for you yet? I know that some of you folks in the South are not used to cold and snow, but I'm glad it's finally here in Southern Colorado. Our ski area is booming, with over 6,000 skiers on December 28, 2010!

When it gets this chilly, I love to turn on my fire(it's gas) and sit close by. It doesn't matter what's to eat-hot chocolate, chili, homemade soup-it all tastes better by the fire. I'm using my jumbo mugs from Gibson and small Fiesta plates in red and cobalt. One spoon and a simple napkin finish my meal. I know that this looks very plain, but when it's cold, I just don't want to drag alot of stuff out.

Susan- keep up the good work!! I love looking at all of the fabulous tables you set. Each and every one of you inspire me. Click on the "Tablescape Thursday" button to get back to the fun--and stay warm!!!

2010-we hardly knew ya...

Where has this year gone to? It has just whizzed by for me. We've had a pretty great year, with a new daughter-in-law as the topper. I think I've had the most fun joining you on "Tablescape Thursday". Meeting all of you has certainly been a highlight!
We usually don't celebrate New Year's Eve. I guess I'm getting to the age where it's not that exciting anymore. But I thought I would try to throw something together, just in case!

I got really lucky this Christmas. Santa brought me new linens-in black. He also put the silver chargers you see here. I think he has great taste. I am using my Noritake china and Fostoria crystal. I put my $2.00 clock (you'll have to look back to see how I got that!) on my clear plate dish, with silver foil shreds around the base. It will help us with the countdown!

I've set near each place setting noise makers and necklaces to help with the festivities. You can't have New Year's without noisemakers!


A silver bowl with poppers is ready to welcome in 2011!!

My thrift store silver tray is set with silver champagne glasses and a bottle of sparkling grape juice. That is about as exciting as it gets here. I'll put the "bubbly" on ice soon.


Susan-you're such a dear. This year has been a blast for me! Thank You, Thank You-for your wonderful ideas, helps and the beauty you inspire in each of us. May 2011 find you all healthy, happy and ready to tablescape!!!!