Monday, February 7, 2011

Unvalentine's Table with Roses & Hydrangeas!

It was time to set the table, and I thought, "It's not Valentine's Day yet. This isn't a table for two, and I'm not using anything red or lacy."

Then I remembered "unbirthdays" and a wonderful Lewis Carroll quote from Through the Looking Glass, "There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents ... and only one for birthday presents, you know."

From a quick online search for "unvalentines/un-valentines," I learned about cynical celebrations that feature dead flowers, defaced Valentine's Day cards, eating "bleeding heart" cookies, while watching horror movies, and listening to heavy metal music -- oh MY! Well, that certainly wasn't what I had in mind!

Couldn't the "unbirthday" principle apply to Valentine's Day? Why not celebrate love, beauty, romance, (and hospitality) every day of the year? For today's table, I started with roses from the supermarket. Last week's table (you can see it
HERE) was a formal one that featured vintage lace, tulle, cream soup bowls, and lots of sparkle and shine.

The oval table from the sunroom was still in the paneled den. I removed the black upholstery fabric and the lace tablecloths I used last week and reunited the table with its matching blonde wood side chairs. It seemed to me that the mid-century styling of the table and chairs called for a simpler table setting -- a semi-formal one perhaps.




The jury's still out on how long the table will remain in this room. It's certainly nice being able to have meals by the fire. There's a frequently-used high def television in the armoire (which is both a plus and a minus). I know most people seem to prefer flat screens above fireplaces these days, but I suppose I'm old fashioned -- I like paintings and mirrors above mantels (and televisions behind closed doors).


I started setting the table in the early afternoon of what had been a cold, very cloudy day. I had planned to take my time and do the photography phase the following day. Suddenly, the sun appeared! I hurridly arranged the flowers and grabbed the camera and tripod.


Normally I do a final walk around the table to check for spacing of flatware, glasses, napkins, etc. There was no time for that today. I'm not even certain I was finished setting the table. I would have certainly added more candles on the mantel and perhaps brought in a few serving pieces.

It was an easy decision to skip all that and try to take pictures of the table bathed in natural light.


The china is Shelton by Theodore Haviland (1952-1985).


I used Dollar Tree placemats and vintage napkins from a local estate sale.


At first I had planned to use just roses in a tall, slender glass vase. It looked a little sparse, so I had gone back to Kroger to look for some sort of filler flowers.



I bought two large bunches of white hydrangeas. They had just been reduced -- the nice lady in the floral department saw me with them and said, "This is your lucky day. We just marked those down." From $9.99 to 99 cents! After I arranged the centerpiece, I had three stems left over. I used those for a bouquet on the breakfast table.


I used Claudia Bohemian crystal (some of which I've had for a very long time ... some came from Goodwill ... the ones on the bar came from my friend, Lori E. of
Family Trees May Contain Nuts -- ask her to tell you her Claudia story!).


The tall water glasses I'm using for (faux) wine are from a thrift shop in Cape Girardeau, Mo. I haven't spent much time researching the pattern. Does anyone recognize it?


Flatware is Gorham's La Scala.


The sherbets are from a local antiques mall. The color looks like Depression Glass, but I feel certain they're probably not old at all. I think a French company makes some that look similar.














If I were using the centerpiece for an actual dinner party, I'd have cut the stems very short and arranged the flowers in a silver or crystal bowl. Since the hydrangeas are so top-heavy, it would probably have been necessary to make a grid with tape over the top of the bowl to hold them upright.

I've found that roses don't like wet floral foam very much. The hydrangeas serve the purpose of oasis by holding the roses in place. I put some of the roses between the "mopheads" and inserted others directly through them. I didn't try to space anything perfectly evenly, but it turned out to be a fairly symmetrical arrangement.

More late afternoon photos:









Candle time ...





The fireplace adds warmth ...











For an unplanned arrangement, I like the effect. It reminds me of some sort of frothy confection. And total cost was only $7!










The heavy, silverplated candlesticks were a Goodwill find. I polished one, being careful to leave some tarnish/patina in recessed areas. I polished the second one last night (unfortunately, I had already taken the pictures).





Through the windows, the cool blues of early evening, with lights on ...


And off ...


There you have it -- my unvalentine's table.


And here are the flowers the morning after. The roses have opened further, beginning to take on the look of lush summer blossoms.

I hope you all have a very happy Valentine's Day! May the other 364 days of your year be filled with love and laughter!

Please join Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!


91 comments:

  1. The pale peach shades with the silver and china are gorgeous! Just beautiful for any day of the year!
    Sherry

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  2. Well Bill ~~ you have done it again....another table to drool over and wonder when I will see this in a magazine! The china, the silver, the crystal ~~can't decide which I like best, but I do know you have excellent taste. Being the "silk flower lady" you know I was checking out the centerpiece. It's quite lovely and what a deal on the hydrangeas! One of my favorite items shown today are your GW silver candlesticks. They are gorgeous!

    Donna

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  3. Striking table, Bill. You certainly know how to put together all the necessary details for an exquisite table. The china, the silver, the crystal ~ all beautiful and elegant. The pink sherbets may not be old, but they add a lovely accent with the soft pink swirls. And hydrangeas for 99 cents ~ wow! It's always a real treat to stop by Affordable Accoutrements. I love how you show a table with both sunlight and candle light. ~ Sarah

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  4. Bill,
    Another stunning table and I like the concept of your un-valentine's day table. I find that identifying the stemware is the hardest. There were do many manufacturers and so many patterns. Just when you think you have found it, the pattern is just slightly different.

    Have a great week.

    Carol

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  5. very pretty, bill. you've returned while i'm going to be exiled. sigh. you would know. while i typically prefer gold rims, those silver ones set me free with their silverly sheen. since keys on this computer refuse to not stick, i'm struggling to come up with words. oh well!

    good job plus h=ppy v-d-y. of course it's in code, but i left the code on my blog. lol. ;-p

    xo,

    s.

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  6. I'm certainly in Un-valentine's heaven with this table. It's truly magnificent. The placemats, the sherbets and the flowers compliment one another so beautifully. I hope you too have a marvelous valentine's and the same for the remaining 364 days of the year. I've enjoyed my visit once again.

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  7. Dear Bill, your table setting make me weak at the knees, there's nothing I don't like about it.
    Wishing you the best un-valentine ever!

    Rose H

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  8. Your beautiful settings tantalize my appetite for luxurious dining. Too often we forget to celebrate the everyday ordinary moments of life.

    Bravo.

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  9. Your Unvalentine's table is stunning Bill! Your arrangement is wonderful, an unexpected mux of flowers produces a beautiful effect. Wishing you a year of love and laughter too.
    Mimi

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  10. The table looks extremely gorgeous! It completely has blown me away!

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  11. Your floral arrangements are spectacular. Heck everything is spectacular.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

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  12. This Unvalentine's table is lovely. I love your flower arrangement -- a mixture I don't believe I would have thought of, but it works so wonderfully well. Wishing you 1 Happy Valentines and 364 happy Unvalentines as well!

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  13. Happy UnValentines Day! What a gorgeous table. The flowers are so lovely and the glasses you are using for faux wine are so elegant. Another daydream tablescape from the King of Tablescapes! Thank you for sharing with us!

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  14. I love how your photos glow. Bright shots or the darker ones they all glow. Fabulous.
    I forgot that I told you my Claudia story. Good times.

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  15. Beautiful, Bill. You have inspired me to pull out my Wedgewood china for a table. It's been in storage for so long... Our entertaining has become so very casual, that I forget to use it...and my grandmother's Candlewick. But I think it may be time for a tea...

    Wish we had a Kroger here...they've all disappeared. I rarely find flowers being marked down. In fact, I tried to buy some bittersweet (imagine having to BUY this) at Fresh Market. The sign said $9.95 for a bunch...or so I thought. It was $39.95 for a handful!!! Of course, I returned it...and dreamed of the vines growing all around my home in PA and TN...Oh well...
    Jane

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  16. Hello Bill,
    what did I say? GORGEOUS ? Is that enough. What word could really describe this atmosphere you create with your tables? I love this daintyness of all the shiny crystal edges and the very pale burgundy color on the placemats, sherbet glasses and faux wine. And I love the silver/platinum rimed china - very elegant.
    Wish you a wonderful week.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  17. I have no words, wonderful, romantic, elegant... gorgeous dear Bill!
    Kisses and happy week.

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  18. Bill, you always completely blow me away with inspiration. I love coming to your "house"...blog!
    Who wouldn't want to come home to such beauty each night? We have a formal dining room that we do not use....ever.....except to stash junk mail and other things. I need to clean it out and do this for Valentine's dinner.
    Hugs,
    Mary

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  19. Oh My Gosh Bill!! This is beautiful as always! Your photographs are just perfection! LOVE the painting over the mantel AND those hydrangeas!! My favorite flower! Stunning!

    Lou Cinda :)

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  20. So a delicate and 'easy on the eyes' valentines tablescape :o) I am totally with you on the hiding the tv in a cupboard. Right now I don't have a tv, as I don't like the idea of it being the main focal point in the room. Thanks for sharing your lovely photo of your table :o) Have a great day.

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  21. Bill, I've been missing you...glad your feeling better, this is incredible as usual, so romantic, and lovely, you say "unvalentine table", your setting is beautiful enough for Valentine or any occasion, I love it!
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  22. A perfect table as always. I especially covet those candlesticks I've wanted some like those forever!

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  23. Ding, ding, ding....we have a WINNER! This tablescape makes my heart sing. I love Haviland, and the Claudia is so sophisticated and beautiful. The photography is wonderful...glad that you stopped for the sunlight. The warmth of the blonde wood is magical...especially by candlelight. There is a shop in Ft. Worth called Dishes From the Past. If you send them a picture of your goblet, they are usually kind to try to identify it for you. They have a website that you can check. They may well have more of your pattern. Thanks for the tip on roses in oasis and for sharing your gorgeous design. Cherry Kay

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  24. You know, my visiting you is definately a dangerous thing for me. I love all your tablescapes and your dishes...but your goblets are just the best! I really want to get more vintage ones.....
    I am glad I made you chuckle....a good chuckle is the best compliment anyone could give.
    Have a great day!!

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  25. I don't know what it is about this post but these photos took my breath away! The reflections, the colors, the dishes and flatware, everything is gorgeous! I can't believe your grocery store carries HYDRANGEAS!!!!! I only see God awful cysanymums and daisies at our local grocery...I YI YI! And, I was admiring the beauty of the placemats and read that they are from the $ store!!!!!!!!! It is all perfect, Bill! I DID do a Valentine's table and would love for you to stop over! Hope yours is EXTRA special!!! BTW, I had those Claudia stems for years and got rid of them! Now I could kick myself:( XO, Pinky

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  26. Bill, this table is so beautiful I can't stop looking at it. Just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.

    gloria

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  27. Absolutely beautiful tablescape! It is hard to believe that I have actually found another home that has picture framed paneling...that hasn't been painted. My entire downstairs is done in this paneling. So refreshing to still see it today in a home.

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  28. Beautiful table Bill. Lovely pattern on the stems it looks like the Heisey crystal I see around these parts except I haven't seen a turned stem on it like yours has. Let us know if you do indentify it.
    The Cyms on your last post take me back to the days when I raised them. I had 9 plants in huge pots the size of laundry baskets. They stayed outside all summer till frost, which set the buds then wintered in the greenhouse. I enjoyed them so much. Hang on to yours and feed it heavy all summer then switch to Blossom Booster in August and it will grow like a weed!

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  29. Gorham and Dollar Tree! Great look and I would never have imagined where you found the placemats. I agree regarding a mantle is made for something better than a TV. One should enjoy the fire's flames. ♥♫

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  30. As always, your tablescape is just breathtaking!! I'm about and hour & a half south of Cape Girardeau--can't wait to hit the antique store that you mentioned on your blog.

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  31. Seriously, man...how do you keep getting all these incredible floral finds at the grocer's???!?!?! Just $.99 for those fabulous hydrangeas?!??!?! That's the buy of the century! Second, I'm totally with you on the use of an armoire. Our master bedroom TV is in an armoire, and my husband insists on having a television in the hearth room on the main floor, so I insist on having it encased in an armoire. The big honkin' number he has downstairs on the lower level of the house defies the opportunity to cover it up! Third, I am SO in love with both that china AND the flatware!!! They are spectacular!!! My preference leans toward traditional styling, so they are right up my alley. Some really great photography going on this week, too! It's always such a joy to read your posts. Have a wonderful week, and Happy Unvalentine's Day to you!

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  32. Just gorgeous, your rose arrangement Bill. Thank you for sharing, beautiful and your tablescaping too, love your Havilland China!
    I'm going to have 16 guest for dinner tomorrow night and I just finished making 7 arrangements, plus an orchid plant I have in the coffee table of the living. Most of them are roses, 75, from my Bro'n'law's rose farm, I bought them for $7 dollars 25 cause of Valentine's, normally he sells them for $4 the 25, to everyone, not only me...of course he ships them all over Europe, Russia and USA. I fixed more flowers, I really never know the name of most. I'll post Thursday for BNOTP. Next time I'll do what you just did, I love it!
    XOXO
    FABBY

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  33. Wonderful as always, Bill. I love the silver candlesticks. Your etched goblets are Tiffin Coronet. If you check the little sherbets you may find a "made in France" or "Arcoroc" and that will help you decide whether they are newer.

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  34. Hi Dear Bill! Oh, my goodness! I'm just amazed at your most gorgeous table! Your elegant dishes and glass ware are perfect and you used Dollar Store placemats! You're amazing! :) The centerpiece is so lovely. I love the white hydrangeas(I don't see that color often)and the roses crowning the top! Beautiful! You do such a marvelous job - always!
    I fill so silly posting what I post when I come here and see your most excellent most marvelous tables! You're too much, Dear Bill!
    You are a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  35. Happy Unbirthday to you Bill, I must say I'm VERY glad you don't have the MAD HATTER romping around your gorgeous table! I love the subtle pinks and white and you ALWAYS set with a SPECTACULAR FLAIR! I must admit I'm REALLY Drawn to your center piece. It reminds me of what My garden looks like and my FLOWERS MAY be experiencing, come spring, when they finally try to escape the snow! I recently put red roses with white orchids and it looked GORGEOUS!
    Thank you for sharing with us! Would you mind peeking in on my latest post and see if you recognize the depression glass cup and saucer I posted...I LOVE it and found it at GW. I would LOVE to add a few more pieces...
    Have a great week,
    Donna

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  36. Just gorgeous Bill. Your centerpiece of roses and hydrangeas is so lovely and compliments the colors of the table and depression glass perfectly. Your silver candlesticks are magnificent. Can't believe they were a GW find! Glad to see you're back!

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  37. Bill, that floral arrangement is gorgeous! I love the way the peach roses pop against the white hydrangeas. I think the fact that you had to go back for more flowers was meant to be, because sherbets seem to mimic the roses popping off of the white plates. I have no idea about what the pattern is, but those wine stems are to-die-for gorgeous! I really do want to know the names of the stores you shopped in Cape Girardeau. Another gorgeous table. laurie

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  38. I had to laugh at the Google results for unValentine! Oh MY, for sure! I think you're probably right about the sherbets not being old. I have a couple of bowls that appear to be the same color and pattern - and they're "newer" pieces from France. Arcoroc, if I remember correctly. Beautiful table -- again! What a deal on the hydrangeas!

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  39. Gorgeous, Bill! The Haviland china is so elegant -- and the pink from the placemats and the sherbets adds just the right "un-valentine" feel! I love that you set tables for LOTS of people -- how wonderful that your collection includes so many placesettings! And what a deal you got on the flowers!

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  40. As always....just breathtaking, Mr. Bill.
    I love every single thing you have shown..and I agree about the tv above a beautiful fireplace.
    Thanks so much for stopping in..come back often.
    xo bj

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  41. Hi Bill!!~ A double wow as always. The centerpiece takes the stage. I would have never thought of you using white hydrangeas with roses...oh boy is that stunning! Great photos too, such detail...you never miss a beat Bill!!~XO Happy Valentines day.

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  42. How lovely...every detail perfection! I adore the idea of dining fireside!

    As always it is a delight to visit here!

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  43. Bravo Bill, another stellar table. Your room is so inviting and then to add this gorgeous tablescape is amazing. The first thing to catch my eye were the small dessert cups, I thought was pink depression glass. Your flat crystal candleholders are "gorgeous", I've never seen any, will keep an eye open for them. I love the way your water glasses mimic the fabric in your chair. I agree with you a 100% tv's are meant to be hidden instead of displayed over fireplaces, I know many have them and love them, ours is in a "huge" entertainment center, I love the space on top that allows me to decorate. lol. I wish our Goodwill offered such finds as yours... i hope you'll stop by to see the table I set, not near as elegant as yours.. here's to a Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.. hugs ~lynne~

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  44. Hi Bill. Your tables are always inviting and handled with such care. A pleasure to dine here!
    BUT.....I think when the lights go out and the candles shine, your tables come to life.
    Absolutely gorgeous!

    God bless you and may you have a pleasant valentine's day.

    Good to hear from you,
    d from home haven

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  45. Bill, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Yeah, the girls had a great time, they loved making the sandwiches with the cookie cutter and helping me with the choco. chip cookies...maybe I had more fun? The live 3 hrs. away and so I don't see them as I would like to, now they're on vacation from school in the southern hemisphere and so they're going on a Disney Cruise I can't wait to hear them about it.
    HAPPY VALENTINE'S to you too Bill.
    FABBY

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  46. Bill, I think we celebrate Valentine's Day just as a reminder to make time for the romance! I keep going back to the 99 cent hydrangeas!! Amazing--I hope you dry them because those heads are huge and the petals are in excellent shape. Even if those dishes are not depression their pale pink works so well with the other pieces. Beautiful, as usual, Bill. Linda

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  47. Hello Bill,

    I think that this is my most favorite tablescape of all you've done.... The gorgeous pinks in the flowers really set off the pretty pink "depression" glass dishes. What a wonderfully elegant tablescape!

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  48. Hi ~~As always Bill... Just a Breathtaking Tablescape and you have the fireplce going so Beautiful Bill~~~
    Diane

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  49. Bill, as always your table is just a perfect setting for a the ages. I'm in love with the flatware. Thanks so much for sharing yet another beautiful table.

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  50. Bill, you never fail to amaze me with your gorgeous tables. I love the china pattern, and the flowers are just beautiful. This is so simple and elegant, I love it! Thank you so much for your kind comments on my latest little story. Kat

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  51. Bill:

    This table is beautiful. So simple and elegant. I don't think it's UNvalentine at all!

    Nice to have you back.

    - The Tablescaper

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  52. Bill...

    This "unvalentine" table is just beautiful! The colors are calm and your flowers are gorgeous. I love your un-named stemware. Everything is just gorgeous!!

    I am with you 100% on hiding the tv! I had quite a struggle with my husband to keep the flat screen away from the mantle...the mirror is still where it belongs over the fireplace and the tv is else. It WAS a struggle!!!

    Have a Happy "Unvalentine's" day (but I hope you indulge in some chocolate, just the same!!)

    Tess

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  53. Wow, that is one beautifully elegant table, Bill. This is one of my favorites that you have done.

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  54. Absolutely, positively, magnificantly beautiful! I love it! And I sure didn't see anything missing from the table. What a great job you did!

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  55. Oh, I love it, and I'm so glad to see you back. I was out of town last week so didn't know you had done one.

    I love the whole table. Those sherbets, whether they are old or not, are my favorite part. I love the color and shape of them. I can't believe your deal on the hydrangeas!! That centerpiece DOES look frothy.

    Loved your UNValentines Table, Bill.

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  56. Your tablesetting is as always simply stunning. I love depression glass and enjoyed your use of yours. You do inspire me to use things that I forgot I had.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  57. Every detail, every place-setting, every flower, every goblet is absolute perfection. Your Goodwill must have a lot better stuff than the one I go to! Your entire tablescape needs to be in a magazine! Lori L

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  58. Gorgeous Bill1 There aren't enough words to describe you beautiful tablescapes. it's always a joy to stop by and visit. All of the details are perfection. It makes me want to start going to Estate sales. Enjoy your week! Linda

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  59. Once again, another beautiful table! It looks so wintery, too in the sunlight. And thank you for saying that you prefer pictures and mirrors over the fireplace. My home came w/ 2 tv caves over the fireplace and I hate it so bad that I'm seriously considering having one drywalled and the cable jack moved. As always, every element in your tablescape was perfect. Love the Dollar Tree placemats. I bought the runner.

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  60. You have captured the pure essence of romance here Bill, every detail is exquisite.

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  61. Bill, this is my first visit to Affordable Accoutrements,and oh my, I am positively dreamy eyed gazing at gorgeous after gorgeous photo, my eyes roaming all over the beautiful tablescape. It has many of my favorite elements; roses, pink(ish), shiny, sparkly,,, You have such beautiful, luxurious, posessions! Thank you for the most delicious eye candy. Those "faux" wine glasses have me practically green with envy; they're so delicate!!!! The lighting is beautiful, but I must say, the nighttime, candlelit is my favorite. I think I'll go to bed now, and dream of that beautiful table and room,,,,,,, thank you,,,

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  62. Oh boy... this has romance written all over it! lol As always your photo's are stunning. And yes...I agree with you - Love - Beauty - Romance should be celebrated everyday! Mrs. S

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  63. Hi Bill,
    I have to tell you this is one romantic and outstanding table!
    I love the soft colors, the centerpiece, the gorgeous china and your beautiful room~
    I'm with you, I don't like tv's over the fireplace. I think it takes away from the ambience.
    Your home is so gorgeous! I simply love this room and I even love the dining set and I have never cared for 50's furniture but this set is stunning!
    Take Care and thanks for the un-birthday celebration!
    Cindy

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  64. Hello Bill,
    I'm a first time follower and look forward to seeing your postings. You certainly are talented and your Unvalentine's table is lovely. I love the soft pink coloring and catching the sunlight pouring in was a fabulous moment. Your attention to detail is evident throughout! I've sent a picture or two to Replacements Ltd. and had them identify a pattern on wine glasses, silverware etc. They are more than glad to help.

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  65. What a lovely table. Funny, I have the same silverplate candlesticks. They were a Christmas gift several years ago. Last week, I got them out, polished them and placed them on my mantle!

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  66. Bill,
    Your table is beautiful! I need to take some photography lessons from you. I set some pretty tables and the pics are terrible.
    I love the flowers and at 99 cents! Your table may be simple to you but romantic to me! Thanks for your wonderful unvalentine table.
    Blessings to you,

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  67. What a beautiful table and the photography is breathtaking!

    I love the pink glass..I am always on the lookout for it, but it's pretty hard to find out here.

    most excellent R post!

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  68. Hi Bill, Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me such a kind comment. You have a way of making others feel good about their posts!
    Your china is simply stunning. I thought your sherbets were depression glass, until you stated otherwise. They're lovely! Your photos by candlelight are really special. Last but not least, I agree that we should celebrate love every day of the year. Nicely done!
    Blessings, Beth

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  69. Bill, this is a glorious design!!! Sparkles and flowers just enhance your unvalentine table setting. I am curious about your beautiful rose painting above your fireplace...did you paint it???
    Enjoy your sunshine and hopefully our slizzardy weather will subside soon!!!

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  70. Welcome back Bill! What a lovely table to do as you rejoin TT. I love the soft colors and your floral is fabulous. The hydrangeas were the perfect touch and what a bargain. They still look so fresh.

    I am glad you didn't do dead flowers for an unvalentines! This is so soft and pretty and the lighting is fabulous as usual. I don't notice anything missing. The other day I finished photographing and didn't notice anything missing and it wasn't until a day or two after (once I had posted) that I lifted a box for the goblets and it was heavy and I noticed that I had left 2 goblets off the table! Ha Ha that will make for a good blooper.

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  71. Hope you don't mind, I gave you an award.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  72. Beautiful Bill-I love the way you've pulled things together to create a vintage look, but not everything is vintage. The flowers are lovely, wish I could find some here! Thanks for sharing!

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  73. Your China is, I think, the most beautiful with silver trim, I have ever seen. And the silverware couldn't go more perfectly!
    The centerpiece...(my ebay name is Wsprsweetly of Roses) and my home is filled with them, so along with the hydrangia's, it is perfection.
    I enjoyed my visit very much!
    Mona

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  74. I am new to blogging and tablescapes and just found your elegant table all dressed in the finery of one's heart delights! Strolling through your photos and conversation was better than a trip through a showcase home! Your china pattern for the table is one that I could fall in love with quite easily. And I am surprising myself as I usually always go for the "maximumist" designs....LOL....but the simple platinum band is stunning! I will certainly find myself looking forward to your posts and intend to follow your blog. You have an invitation to visit me at my humble little beginning blog

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  75. It's been awhile since I have dropped in for a visit. As usual I was gasping with awe at the beauty of your tablescape. Your china, crystal and flatware is stunning! The photos make me feel as if I am standing right there in the sunlight taking it all in, in person. Those little pink swirl sherbets look like Arcoroc made in France. I have two 8 place settings, and I thought I had all the pieces, but these sherbets look like they belong to the set! Very pretty! Thoroughly enjoyed stopping by.. as always!

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  76. Hi Bill. I love this Un-Valentine Table. It is so soft and romantic. I love the 'depression' glass sherbert glasses, and all of the beautiful photos you've taken. I often find myself running back to my tablescapes to capture just the right lighting as the day and sunlight casts just the right light on my setting. Thanks for sharing.

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  77. Thanks for stopping by and your kind words -- I always feel that I have done something right when I receive praise from you! I had the chance to catch up with your blog this morning. The area you live looks a lot like parts of Birmingham -- really pretty.

    I like the way you moved your DR into the den and set up your sunroom as a sitting room. Really charming space.

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  78. How pretty and soft and romantic. I simply love that flatware set, and I cannot believe those hydrangeas! They were $9.99 per individual flower, and you paid 99 cents for each of them -- AMAZING! You are one lucky guy. I am wild for hydrangeas! Great job, Bill!
    Best,
    Gloria

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  79. Your tables are always so exquisite. I especially like this one because I love the glasses you're using for the "wine". They are quite beautiful. Your Hydrangeas and roses make the perfect centerpiece. Where DO you keep all you dishes!!!

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  80. I love your tablescape Bill. Well, I have really inspired myself on your fantastic tables for my dinner for 16 last wednesday...I had your past tablescapes open and got very good ideas, always thank you for sharing Bill.
    I've posted for Thursdays my flower dinner party.

    XOXO
    FABBY

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  81. Hi Bill,
    It's impossible to tell you all the parts of your post that I just love! It would take all evening. First of all, the photography is great; I love the way the afternoon sunlight slants across the table and floor, and you captured the blue hour! Secondly, your flower arrangement is gorgeous (as usual). And then you always have the most beautiful, classic china, crystal stemware, and silver. As well, everything is arranged to perfection. Your posts are definitely a treat to the senses; they're beautiful to look at and I thoroughly enjoy your writing. I'm new to blogging, and I posted my first tablescape yesterday. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking that your stemware (not the etched) looks exactly like the wine goblets in my tablescape. I've never known the name or the maker; they were given to me as a gift over 20 years ago. If you have a minute, I'd love for you to stop by my blog (House at Forest Manor) and view my tablescape. Maybe you can tell whether my stemware is like yours.
    Happy Valentine's (and Un-Valentine's) Day!
    Denise

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  82. So lovely, so sweet! Just perfect for Valentine's Day! Those tall water glasses with the "wine" are so beautiful, my favorite!

    Sorry to be late replying, I've been busy getting my dh ready for his skiing trip!

    Katherine

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  83. Oh, I just loved your tablescape! The white hydrangea's were just perfect with the roses. It really made them stand out. Loved, loved, loved the china. The candlesticks were amazing and really brought out the silver on the china. I loved the soft peach glow of the table against the blue skies of the evening. It's subtly sophisticated using opposites on the color wheel (blues and oranges) as you have done here with the evening sky. In my previous home, I did the master bedroom in blue and then put a large sugar maple tree outside the window that brought in the orange fall color which was spectacular against the blue. Your tablescape reminded me of that.

    And finally, your tablescape made me want to resurrect my hobby. I had to give up tablescaping this past year while my son recovered from a long illness and was no longer able to go to school as much, hence no free time.

    Miss the Cape Cod Imperial Salt and Pepper shakers. Any chance you want to sell them on your Etsy? I am redoing my kitchen and looking for a pair.

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  84. This simply beautiful, elegant, lovely and tasteful; Quite magnificent!

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  85. Your table is so wonderful. I love the mix you chose. I also am all for celebrating love and un-birthdays all year long. Your lighting and photos are always a special treat!

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  86. Dear Bill: Thank you so very much for your visit, it's such an honor for me to receive your great comment on my post with flowers, that my heart skipped a bit! You're the master of tablescaping, you're the epitomy of taste. God bless you and may you have a terrific Valentine's with your love.
    Lots of XOXOXOXOXO
    FABBY

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  87. Wow Bill, this tablescape is quite breathtaking...just love the beautiful wood that gleams through. Exquisite pieces and flowers....you truely inspire!
    Thanks for your kind visit and for following me.. and Happy Valentine's to you and yours.
    Shel

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  88. Dear dear Bill,

    You have once again taken my breath away with your beautiful tablscape. But more importantly I loved how you gently reminded people that love and beauty should not just be reserved for one day of the year.

    I am hosting a a High Tea Tablescape party on February 23rd in honor of the upcoming Royal Wedding. I think you will be quite familiar with the panel of experts selected to award the prizes I will be offering. All the details will be on my blog Monday the 14th. I do hope you will join in on the fun.

    Happy hearts day to you and yours.

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  89. Hello,
    I wish you HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY and always sunshine in your garden.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  90. Hi Bill! Your table always radiates warmth, romance, and love, and you nailed it again this time as well. I always learn something when I visit you, and I am in awe of your beautiful 'accoutrements' lol! I love the photo with the fireplace, the table just glows! Happy Valentine's Day, thanks for the inspiration!

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