A Sentimental Setting

It's time for Tablescape Thursday with our hostess, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch! Please visit her beautiful blog to see her gorgeous tablescapes!

I'm nervous and excited to be participating for the very first time. Susan has been my muse, my guiding light, and an absolute angel on my shoulder as I've muddled through my first week of blogging. She's been extremely kind and generous. The tabletop/decor community is fortunate indeed to have such a wonderful and talented lady doing so much for so many.

My first effort starts with a casual arrangement of flowers from the garden. I took a brief stroll with basket and shears in hand, snipping a few of whatever I noticed blooming. There was no master plan, just 3 of lots of different things and, sometimes, one of a color that caught my eye.

The greenery included hosta leaves, various fern fronds, and a handful of zebra grass. Definitely an affordable centerpiece!

"Sentimental" in the title refers to the fact that these were my late mother's dishes. I never knew what kind they were until recently. They are unmarked except for some numbers on the underside of the vegetable bowl. The number corresponded to "Jean," a Homer Laughlin pattern introduced in 1944. My father gave them to her in the 1960's. They were a bank premium for opening a new account. He worked there, and one of the perks was that he could buy additional place settings and serving pieces.

The candelabra are silverplated (and could use polishing -- sorry). Sterling would be nice, but I hope the guests won't turn them upside down to determine if they're "real" or not -- especially not with the candles burning!!! This pair was on sale for $35 at a local antique mall.

The flatware was my mother's as well. She normally didn't care to indulge herself with things she considered luxuries. She was into recycling when recycling wasn't cool! She'd always wanted a set of 1847 Rogers Brothers flatware. She saved a few dollars here and there in the cookie jar. I remember going to the jewelry store with her (as a child) and "helping" her pick it out. The pattern is "Remembrance." I now know that it was Rogers Bros. 100th anniversary pattern, released in 1948. It became very popular and is considered collectible today.

The water glasses are "Marquis" by Towle. I've used them as wine glasses before (nice and big), and I suppose they could serve as iced tea glasses as well.

I'm not a huge fan of floral patterns for dishes, but I think this one is pretty and subtle. When my father offered me the china, it brought back many wonderful memories of beautifully-prepared, delicious family holiday dinners. It had been stored unused for years in a cabinet above the refrigerator.

Below: My first silver -- a fork and spoon in Rogers Brothers Daffodil pattern. My great uncle and aunt owned a jewelry store. They "shopped" for my gift there and shipped it to Texas where my dad was in the Army (and where I was born while he was out on maneuvers). The berry spoon was another bank premium.

Looking out into the entry hall.

Looking up at the dome above the chandelier.

Another view of the center of the table.

View through the goblet. The cotton lace placemats and napkins were purchased at a recent estate sale. It was the second day (when prices are reduced) so the "smalls" and linens were half price. I think this set (for 8) was $4.

I know it's a faux pas to burn candles in the daytime (or to burn scented candles during dinner), but this is make believe, right? All about ambience?

The rug under the table was definitely affordable. It was only $99 at a local charity thrift shop. The label said "perfect condition." I unrolled it, looked at the back and front, sniffed it -- you name it -- it WAS perfect. It's 100% wool, handmade in India. Perhaps not the colors I would have gone looking for, but it softens and warms the room. I like it -- what do you think?

A glimpse of the window treatments (came with the house). One of the semi-abstract landscapes I painted in watercolor is on the wall.

Ready for guests -- what should I serve?

Recycled roses: The lovely neighbor on the corner provided dinner. I took roses. She returned them the next day, because she was going out of town and wanted them to be enjoyed. They dried in the vase, and I decided I like the effect. They look rather like aged crepe paper, don't they?

Dusk arrives, and the candles glow more brightly.

Darkness descends.

Looking into the sitting room.

One last look; hope you enjoyed stopping by to see a Sentimental Setting.

I hope you'll visit again soon!

Bill

Good night.....