Come On - Show me some 4th Tablescapes!!

14 years ago

I guess I will kick it off.

As usual, I need some photography classes! And some better lighting!

The whole idea for this table was the really neat quilt that DH's Grandmother made. DH has shared so many wonderful memories of great times with her. He was her special "Baby". I usually don't care for such a busy background, but it's the 4th of July! And it is precious because a very special Lady made it and I'm blessed to have it.

The white cake plate was one of my finds at Marshall's in NC last May. The tray and pitcher are my very first Fitz and Floyd pieces. I located them at a Marshall's that I found within 65 miles of my house!! WOO-HOO!!

My favorite thing other than the quilt is the perfect touch on the tray that my DS thought up. The Mini Coopers are a joke at our house because I said I wanted one and DH brought me one! DS had one too and thought it would be cool to have them on the table. I found the blue stars at the Dollar Tree and stuck them on top to keep with the red, white, and blue theme. He was very clear that I was to make SURE that y'all know it was HIS idea!! I've got high hopes that he will be a tablescaper. ;~)

I found one of the candleholders at a church fundraiser and DH's aunt gave me one she had that was a perfect match! And if you squint your eyes and try reeeally hard they are shaped like fireworks!

I had white candles in them and bought red ones to replace them. I got 2 changed out and DH asked that I leave them like they are - 2 white and 2 red.

I didn't light them because the flags kept sliding forward in the pitcher and I was scared of a fire.

The blue bowls were a gift from DH when Avon was selling them a few years ago. I love cobalt blue. The goblets and dessert dishes came from a $1 store years ago that is now closed. Flags from Kroger. Blue chargers from Walmart, white plates from a set bought at a Super Ten store, red salad plates and flatware are from TJ MAXX. Star bowls from Dollar General. S/Ps from a local antique store.

To calm down some of the busyness I dug out my red placemats that were on sale after Christmas. I used white napkins then decided to jazz them up with some paper flag ones I had picked up somewhere.

OK... Now that I've written my book, it's somebody else's turn. Show me your tables.

Betty

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Comments (24)

ncnana
14 years ago
It looks wonderful, Betty!

I have nothing to share, we had dinner at our son and Dil's, and they had lots of really good food, but they didn't decorate.
dining_delight
14 years ago
Betty, what a wonderful tablescape in honour of your national holiday! The way you have put the cobalt blue with the red & white is so striking. How special to have that quilt and it makes a great tablecloth on this occasion. Your DS shows "promise" in the tablescaping field with his addition of the little Mini Coopers! You MUST encourage him any chance you get!

I was wishing there were more pics to see your place settings, pitcher etc in more detail and when I clicked on the first pic, what a surprise I got! A photostream of close-ups of this tablescape as well as some fabulous other ones. I enjoyed a lovely slideshow of your collection of table settings. (That Valentine's one is so pretty and I LOVE those dishes and the mirror placemat!)

Great job, Betty! Thanks for sharing! Happy (belated) Independence Day!

DD
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printersdevil
14 years ago

I couldn't decide if I wanted to use the blue plate on this or not. I ended up using the blue cobalt glass ones. My solid blue stoneware ones were a little off in color. The cobalt blended in much better and we used them for dessert.

The little star shaped bowls came from Dollar General for $1 each. I used them to hold the baked beans. I just hate when they run into everything else.

We had barbecue chicken breast and thighs, homemade potato salad, baked beans, yeast rolls, cheesecake, and iced tea.

This was actually my table for Wednesday before the 4th. My youngest sister is about to move to Nebraska and her friend Dan was here to help her pack. She had spent several days in Nebraska and they returned to our stifling triple digit weather. I had hoped to eat on the screened porch, but it was too darn hot. We moved indoors and used the table and t.v. trays since the table was in the small form and there were 10 of us. Gotta love family being flexible.

We did get to enjoy outdoors after the sun went down. I finally got the colored lights strung around the porch and also found a bar that almost matches my table and chairs. I found the bar and 3 stools on Craigslist for $50.

We were planning a cookout for the 4th again, but DHs only brother died early Friday morning, so we spent the holiday with just the two of us. Our daughter left the morning of the 4th to go to Houston to a friends house to spend the night. She left Sunday afternoon for a 7 day cruise out of Galveston.
lynninnewmexico
14 years ago
Wonderful table Betty, and I agree, that quilt is perfect for the holiday!
PD, love your dishes! Those star bowls really add the perfect finishing touch, don't they. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. My sincere condolences.
Lynn
mo13
14 years ago
Betty, Love your table. That quilt is really perfect for your table. Or I should say, you chose all the other accessories perfectly for that lovely quilt. The mini coppers on the tray are very cute. And thanks to DD's comment, I was also able to see all the detailed pics. The blue bowl has nice details on it. And I like how you put a flag with each setting.

PD, Firstly, so sorry to hear about your DH's brother. And now, to the table - Great table again! You have some great layering there and the menu sounds fantastic. The bucket and flowers in your centerpiece are very nice. It looks like your porch is all set for some partying! :)

Mo
printersdevil
14 years ago
Betty, I commented on your pretty table before I set off to gather my photos but don't see it here. I have this horrible habit of previewing a comment and then forgetting to hit submit!

I love your table. The quilt is so pretty and such a wonderful memory for DH. The mini Cooper is such a wonderful touch on the tray. That Grandson has nice ideas.

I loved looking at your other photos after DD's hint of that. You have some beautiful items. Thanks for starting this thread. I hope others add to it.

Thank you all for your cyber support in our loss.
ncnana
14 years ago
I've forgot to go back and submit my post too.

PD, I'm so sorry about the death of your brother-in-law.

Your table settings were so pretty, and patriotic. I love the little star shaped bowls. I think our Dollar General has closed, but maybe it was the Family Dollar. Anyway, I'm going to look for some of those little bowls.

I envy you that wonderful porch. The mosquito population here, makes us shut-ins. Your new bar looks great.
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
Ncnana, Thanks. Isn't it nice when others cook for you? I love being a guest.

DD, Thanks for your sweet comments. I'm glad you were able to see the rest of my stuff. Those Valentine dishes are my favorite so far. I left them out and used them until I put my Easter table together. I would wash them and put them right back on the table.
The mirror placemats were a Christmas present from DH. Judith had told us about them being at Target and I came home gushing about how neat they were. DH went back and bought the 5 that were left when he and DD went Christmas shopping for me. I love, love, love them!
I try to encourage DS to tablescape every chance I get. I've already given him a set of china that DH's aunt gave me that has the teapot with it. He may be 6'2" and 15 years old, but he loves a tea party with his Mom. I just don't tell anyone around home who can tease him!

I saw your red and white outdoor table. I loved it. I need an outdoor set.

PD, I'm so sorry to hear of your BIL's death. Please share my condolences with your DH. It was soooo hard when I unexpectedly lost my Brother.
I LOVE those plates with the stars!!!! Man, they make your table POP! I've got to get off here and go cook dinner. Your food pics have me starving! And I've got to pray for forgiveness at church tonight because I'm coveting your porch and everything on it, especially your deep blue ceramic(?) stool beside your bar. Great deal on that BTW.

Lynn, my heart skipped a beat when I saw that quilt and DH's aunt told me his Grandmother had made it. I almost cried when she gave it to me. I'm so blessed.

Mo, you're right. Everything was chosen to go with the quilt. I got the idea for the little flags at each setting from someone's tablescape on Tablescape Thursday. Don't remember who.
Thanks again, Everyone,
Betty
plainjane425
14 years ago
Love your 4th Table Betty. The cobalt Blue with the Red and White, is a real Eye Popper...and, that Special Quilt Sets it all off. So 'Americana' looking. How Perfect. What a great keepsake for DH and you to enjoy.
I agree with DD...your DS does show Promise...his adding the Mini Cooper. was 'The Finishing Touch' !! Tell him we'd love for him to join in here..and add some 'Manly Touches' to the Forum!! He might start a whole new trend...lol

PD..I'm so sorry to hear of your BIL's passing. I remember when you mentioned a few months ago that he was sick.
Please accept my Sincere Condolences.

Your Table came out really nice. I like the cobalt blue with the star dishes. Your menu was a real Feast, right down to the Cheescake!
What a great Craig's List Buy.....you did really well and it fits in perfectly.

jane
dining_delight
14 years ago
PD, your July 4th table turned out very nice. Those star plates are great, I like it when the design is on a border and the middle is solid as I think the food looks better that way. The star shaped bowls are cute too, did they come as a set with the plates? Your food looks delicious! Glad you were able to enjoy your dinner on the Wed with such sad news on the Friday. My condolences to you and your family.

DD
luvstocraft
14 years ago
Wow! What pretty tables! Betty, I'm so coveting your gorgeous pitcher and tray--well, might as well add the cake stand too! The quilt works perfectly and what a treasure to have and enjoy! I mostly use pastels, but have to say that I love seeing Americana too. I loved your photostream too, especially loving your dishes with roses on them. You have some really gorgeous dishes and all your tablescapes just look fabulous!

PD, sorry to hear your sad news. Glad you were able to have a nice meal for the 4th, and your table certainly looks terrific. Love the little star dishes, they are just so cute. Where did you find the plates with the star borders? Those are wonderful too.

I didn't do a table for the 4th. Son and his family were out of town, so DH and I just had our hot dogs, baked beans, deviled eggs, and potato salad on our normal everyday dishes and watched a video. We enjoyed it though, and went outside after dark to watch the fireworks from the nearby stadium.

This is a fun post, thanks for starting it.

Luvs
kathleen_li
14 years ago
Betty, your table looks so festive..love the quilt..such a special memory!

PD, great table. I am so sorry about your bil..how awful! Did you have to travel far for the service??

My table looked the same this year as it did last! Star plates..I have posted it before, so I don't want to bore you!
We had a very busy weekend starting with my family here for Fri..a community beach party Sat..spent the day at the ocean Sun...I am just recouperating from it all now!!
printersdevil
14 years ago
Thank you everyone. I passed along your comments to DH.

Katleen, no we did not have to travel. Larry lived here in town. My daughter and I were able to see him Thursday night at the hospital. Jim didn't go, even though we knew that things were very bad. Jim has been down with asthma problems that have really zapped him for over two weeks. The heat and humidity has been really bad. He talked to Larry on the phone that day, but was afraid of taking a germ into him even though the urgent care doc kept saying it was "only" his asthma. He had to return to the doc again Friday and they finally gave him a steroid. He is feeling better, but still is not back to normal. The asthma usually doesn't cause problems. It has been a long time since he had this much trouble.

Luvs, the star plates came from Walmart. They are hard plastic. I just loved the look of them. I think they were too expensive at $2.50 each for plastic. I hope they don't scratch. I am washing them by hand.

The little star bowls came from Dollar General and were only $1 each.

I needed the comic relief I received here this evening.

Thanks everyone.
kippenhill
14 years ago
Boy do I have a lot to learn from you ladies! I love how you all do the pretty layering of dishes. I have used chargers before, but never thought of all the other extras! Can't wait to add to my stash so I can try that!

Betty, love the quilt! It is busy, but perfect for the occasion and all your pieces go so nicely with it. And knowing someone special made it for you makes it perfect for a family holiday like the 4th.

PD, loved all your dishes. I almost bought those same ones at Walmart. I'm going to check my Dollar General to see if those little star bowls might be there still...LOVE them!

Thanks for all these great ideas. My weekend starts this afternoon, so I'll be sure to post some pictures too.

Donna in Fla
jaybird
14 years ago
Beautiful tables ladies...the quilt is a true treasure!

PD, you have our sympathy and prayers.

Your porch looks very comfortable for these ultra hot days!!
kippenhill
14 years ago
Well, mine is not as "polished" looking as everyone elses, but here it is.

[IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/Kippenhill/100_1917.jpg[/IMG]

I have been collecting state plates this year with intentions of setting the 4th of July table with them. We were planning to have a party, but plans changed. Turned out we only had the 3 of us for dinner, but I used a few of them anyway.

[IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/Kippenhill/100_1921.jpg[/IMG]

The little candle votives are some the goodies I got at the thrift shop last week.

[IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q169/Kippenhill/100_1916.jpg[/IMG]

When I set the table I decided it might be fun to have all Philadelphia plates for next year. Plus all the added dishes I plan to collect by then after learning for the ideas here :)

We had pulled pork sandwiches on my homemade rolls, corn on the cob, potato salad & deviled eggs. I made a beautiful fresh blackberry cobbler for dessert but one of my dogs pulled it off the counter before we had the first bite and it shattered, lol...good thing I love my dogs because there are times I'd like to kill them!
kippenhill
14 years ago
Shoot, I didn't do the photos right. I'm sorry...let me try again. I tried to repost under the original subject, but it "rejected" me (rejected sounds so harsh, lol)

Well, mine is not as "polished" looking as everyone elses, but here it is

{{gwi:1430249}}

I have been collecting state plates this year with intentions of setting the 4th of July table with them. We were planning to have a party, but plans changed. Turned out we only had the 3 of us for dinner, but I used a few of them anyway.

{{gwi:1430250}}

The little candle votives are some the goodies I got at the thrift shop last week.

{{gwi:1430252}}

When I set the table I decided it might be fun to have all Philadelphia plates for next year. Plus all the added dishes I plan to collect by then after learning for the ideas here :)I definitely need napkin rings for next year. I thought the napkins would go in the glasses, but the didn't stand up like I wanted them to.

We had pulled pork sandwiches on my homemade rolls, corn on the cob, potato salad & deviled eggs. I made a beautiful fresh blackberry cobbler for dessert but one of my dogs pulled it off the counter before we had the first bite and it shattered, lol...good thing I love my dogs because there are times I'd like to kill them!
printersdevil
14 years ago
I love your table! It is so unique with all the different state plates. The blue stem glasses are really nice and a gorgeous shade of blue. The placemats and napkins are a nice touch, too.
luvstocraft
14 years ago
Kippenhill, where did you find those neat reversible napkins? And the placemats are very patriotic too. You are very brave to use your state plates for a meal--I'd probably have them displayed on a wall and not let anybody touch them! ;o) How many have you collected so far? Hope you had fun putting the table together, it can be really fun to see what you can create. Luvs
dining_delight
14 years ago
Donna, your tablescape is very nice. I really like those cobalt blue glasses and candle holders. Neat lantern centerpiece too. Does each state have its own plate design? How interesting and special to have.

DD
kathleen_li
14 years ago
Great plates..cute idea to collect them!
Yes, where did you find the napkins, or did you make them?
Placemats are cute too!
kippenhill
14 years ago
Thanks for the nice comments everyone. I made the napkins with fabric from Walmart. I prefer to make reversible napkins than all that folding and pressing to make hemmed ones...I'm lazy :) Plus the extra weight to them is nice I think. The placemats were on sale at Kmart (can you tell I'm a bargain shopper?)

luvs...I'm not sure how many I've collected so far, probably about 20 or so. I never pay a lot of money for them, $5 is my limit, so it doesn't make me nervous to use them. I always like to buy things I'm not afraid to use...then I don't feel bad if they get broken.

DD..yes, each state plate is different.

Donna
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the compliments! I had so much fun with this table. DS helping made it special.

Slinky, I'm hoping he will get more into this "dish-iese" with me.
My DD likes them, but with 2 boys and another coming any minute, she hasn't gotten addicted yet. I'm going to start on a purple collection for her. She also says she has no place to keep them and the boys will break them. I may have to find her a china closet on Craig's List or at a thrift store. Mine came from a DAV store.
She is sort of bummed out at never having a daughter. We had so much fun when she was growing up. It was basically just the 2 of us since she was 4 years old and she wanted someone to share girly stuff with, too.

Thanks, Luvs. I've admired everyone's F&F for so long here. Never found anything on their site that made me want to pay those prices. These pieces were reasonable and fit in with my table. I found the one piece one month and the other piece the next! How cool is that?

Donna, Love your table. How long have you collected state plates? My Aunt had a whole wall covered in state plates. I wish I would have asked for one when she died to remember her by.
I so admire your napkins. It makes them so special when you make them.
Sure wish I could have eaten with you! I LOVE pork BBQ!

Kathleen, Thanks for the compliments. You and Judith got me hooked. I always come here hoping to see something from you! I'm sure missing Judith.
Betty
printersdevil
14 years ago
Dish-iese, I love it!