Informal first attempt at table for Inauguration

15 years ago

I have been buying table linens, expanding my dishes and working up the courage to experiment with table decorating. We have gotten into the habit of being very informal at meal time and my goal for the year is change all of that.

I don't have anything in red (except for some red Christmas tablecloths that wouldn't work for this) but yesterday I decided to play around with something informal. I had stopped at the party store to pick up some paper plates to have a mini celebration for the inauguration today. After I got home, I realized that I have a few patriotic things that were my late MIL and late DDad. So, I just pulled together a very informal and laid back table for our simple meal of homemade soup and cornbread. I picked up a bought cake at the grocery store. It was a good way to ease the family into this.

I used a patriotic throw of my MIL's set on the angle on the table, red chargers with a metallic blue paper plate added for color. My everyday dishes are offwhite with a blue ring around the edges, so I used those for the soup. I did have some red plastic solo cups and also some dollar store large plastic glasses that we use to drink ice tea (a staple in our home.)I opted for the large blue ones since I have to drink lots of iced tea with soup! I added red plain cloth napkins picked up after Christmas at Walmart. The little wooden "God Bless America" sign was one that my Dad used in his patriotic bedroom at the assisted living. The little bears were something that I had picked up online for his bedroom, but he never really liked them. The little statue was something that MIL had in her living area at the assisted living. I think it was one of the things that she ordered from Collections Etc. She was always ordering little things like this. The potpourri candle was a gift from my husband's brother and sister-in-law.

It might be too busy, but I couldn't decide what to use, so just opted for all of it since they each had special memories.

I did forget to remove the extra chair on the other side of the table before pictures. I think some of the pics even show the margarine tub that DH set out at the last minute for his cornbread.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z203/printersdevil72/Inaugural%20table/Inaugtable.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z203/printersdevil72/Inaugural%20table/Inaugurationtablecloseup.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z203/printersdevil72/Inaugural%20table/Inaugtable.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z203/printersdevil72/Inaugural%20table/Inaugtable.jpg

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Comments (14)

printersdevil
Original Author
15 years ago
Okay, I think I have this right. I wanted the direct links in the post and did it all wrong above, plus left one out and duplicated another. Then I thought I didn't hit the final submit and redid it---again wrong. Cross you fingers on this.

Full view of informal table:

Close up:

Soup:
jaybird
15 years ago
It looks wonderful and I would LOVE a bowl of that soup for my lunch...and did you say cormbread too......mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm good!!
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ncnana
15 years ago
That turned out really cute. Thanks for showing us. The soup looks, warm and yummy. I'm trying to think of something like that for dinner tonight. - Gail in snowy NC
luvstocraft
15 years ago
Your soup does look yummy! About time for me to make a batch again--homemade soup is one of the good things about cooler winter weather. ;o) That worked perfect for a tablecover, and the little sign, bears and the children with the flag all enhanced your theme. I think your everyday white with blue plates would have worked fine too, but with the paper plates there's no cleanup! Hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Luvs
dining_delight
15 years ago
Printer, what a great idea to do an Inauguration table! That throw really ties it altogether, good use of repurposing something! And I like how you used those appropriate items that belonged to special people in your life. That soup looks delicious!

I sure am noticing that red/white/blue decorations have a lot of use for my American friends on this forum! You seem to have so many patriotic occasions to use them especially lately with your election and Inauguration (which by the way, was watched by many in Canada too!)

DD
lynninnewmexico
15 years ago
I never thought to pull out my Independence Day decs. Great idea, Printer! Your throw worked wonderfully as a tablecloth.
Lynn
oldalgebra
15 years ago
Cool! I just love decorating for the "lesser celebrations." Sometimes, I think because it's so unexpected, it puts an even brighter smile on the faces of your guests (who usually reside right there in your home).

Clever use of the throw.
mo13
15 years ago
Very nice!! The throw really defines the setting and what a great idea - to do a tablesetting for the inaugration!

Mo
luvstocraft
15 years ago
DD, I imagine there were people all over the world watching that event. All the countries are waiting to see what changes to expect with a new President in charge I guess. I've never thought to decorate for it however--PD, what a great idea you had for making the event more special and personal for your family. ;o) Luvs
bonnieann925
15 years ago
Very pretty and that stew sure does look yummy! I was at work glued to the TV watching the inauguration....what a day. Glad you celebrated it in such a lovely way.
Purplemoon
15 years ago
I second what all the others have said. You did something unique, and special with those memory items. What a terrific idea to celebrate the day!

hugs, Karen
printersdevil
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone! I have been gone since last Thursday and only online with my small iPod, so haven't checked in. Thank you all for the nice comments.
prosperity66
15 years ago
I might post a bit late but I'm really interested in your... soup!!!!!
printersdevil
Original Author
15 years ago
The soup is one of DHs specialities.

Informal first attempt at table for Inauguration

Comments (14)

printersdevil
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jaybird

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Informal first attempt at table for Inauguration

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