Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A Pink Perfect Setting

There's something a bit exciting about looking forward to a party.  What will I wear, who will be there, and will I have fun are some of the things one considers when accepting a party invitation.  But if you are the one having the party, it can be a bit more intimidating.  Whether you are a first-time hostess or a seasoned one, you can throw a great shindig--even if you don't know how to boil water or if you are on a strict budget.  It can be done with a bit of planning and a little help from your friends.

One type of party that helps is a pot luck.  How many times have you invited someone and they courteously ask 'what can I bring?'  Do you say, 'oh nothing--I've got it covered', or do you specifically let them know?  Sometimes I consider the individual's situation.  Do they work full time?  Are they busy with kids/grandkids?  If so, I might ask them to bring something they can just pick up.  If the person has a specialty, I will sometimes ask them to bring that.  At Christmas and Thanksgiving, I often will tell my family members what I intend to prepare and let them decide what they'd like to bring to fill in.  At larger events, we sometimes use the alphabet.  For example, those with last names from A-N--appetizer, last names from O-Z--a dessert.  Sometimes it really is just pot luck.  And it works out most of the time.  And sometimes I really do prefer to do it myself!  Entertaining is a lot of work, but can be a lot of fun, too!

Today's table uses dishes that you probably have seen lately in the TJ Maxx or HomeGoods stores.  I think they are lovely and romantic.

The tablecloth is a white cotton with cut work, over a solid pink tablecloth.

The dinner plate is Maxcera Amour and the accent heart-shaped plate is Maxcera Paisley Peony.  They were purchased at TJ Maxx and Home Goods.

Repousse flatware is used with a pink floral damask napkin. 


Salt cellars are adorned with a tiny flower and were my Mom's.

Chargers are from Ross.

Crystal on left is Heisey, and was my Mom's. 
 
Floral-etched stems were also my Mom's.

Pink floral votives came from, are you ready--Kroger!

I also found the matching vase and a pair of adorable birds~




The crystal candle holders were a gift from my cousin.  They will hold a taper or a pillar candle.




Last but not least, the most important thing about entertaining is that people come to see YOU.  So if things aren't as perfect as you'd like--light a candle and smile.  That's the best decoration of them all!
Thanks for visiting my romantic, pink table.  What would you like to bring???

37 comments:

  1. This is just beautiful...thanks for sharing!!

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  2. What a lovely and inviting table. The dishes are perfect for Valentine's Day.
    Mimi

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  3. Such a fabulous table. I love it all- the beautiful china, the candle holders. the plate chargers. You really did a great job putting it all together. It should be photographed for a magazine.

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  4. What a sweet and welcoming table! I especially love all the heirloom pieces---it's so nice tying those old memories to something new and beautiful. I think the Heisey is especially lovely!

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  5. Aren't family treasures always the very best. I think that your mama is smiling. Those salt cellars are wonderful...along with everything else! Isn't it interesting how scattered petals can tie everything together so effectively. Truly a romantic, beautifully designed table. Thank you for sharing your lovely Valentine vignette. Cherry Kay

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  6. Your crystal and silver are absolutely gorgeous with these dishes. Very romantic and perfect for Valentine's Day. Very nice, thank you for stopping by. I enjoyed your lovely table.
    Sherry

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  7. Oh I love your table...it is so romantic and screams Valentine's Day elegance. Those dishes are fun, I don't think I was a good enough shopper because I missed those.
    Love all of your accompanying pieces...a perfect blend.
    Thanks for visiting and sharing your perfect table.
    Maryrose

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  8. Such a sweet table. I have seen those plates at HomeGoods and have resisted. Now you're making me wish I didn't. I've also admired that flatware. Great table filled with things I love!

    - The Tablescaper

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  9. Howdy from still freezing cold Lee's Summit! I am getting very stir crazy here, and ready for the warmer temps the weekend is promising. My plan? GET OUT AND SHOP!!! :-) You have set the most beautiful table here with all the soft pink. I am a pink girl through and through! Your cousin must RELALY love you! Those crystal candlesticks are gorgeous!!!!!! Your Mom's crystal is fabulous, too! I've got to find out where the closest Ross is because they seem to have some pretty neat stuff. Those chargers are absolutely perfect for so many settings. You will have lots of fun with those in years to come! Thanks for stopping by earlier. I just came from downstairs applying more bleach to my sink to get the now pink color out from that doggone grevillia. It's cool-looking, but what a pain!!! Have a great weekend!

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  10. I really screwed up the word really above. REALLY! :-)

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  11. What a beautifully romantic table! Your flatware is absolutely stunning -- and your Mother's pieces look beautiful added to your new purchases. I don't recall seeing any salt cellars like those... Thanks for sharing such a "soft" take on Valentine's Day!

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  12. This is beautiful. I just stared at the full table pictures. It's SO MUCH cup of tea. Pink is my favorite color,and I love all of your dishes. That vase for the centerpiece is just lovely, too.

    I don't know how I missed this earlier when I was looking at TT. I have been a whirling dervish for days so I guess that's why. So glad that I didn't miss it because it's beautiful.

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  13. This is stunning. I love it all and your mixtures of vintage and new are beautiful together.

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  14. Beautifully elegant...love the floral plates.

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  15. What a beautiful romantic table! So many wonderful details on your table...your etched stemware is so feminine and lovely with your pinks & your flatware is calling my name!

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  16. I sure do recognize those dishes from TJ Maxx but what you've done with them is exquisite! Love those salt cellars, haven't ever seen any quite like that before. Your table is beautiful, worthy of a magazine spread. I'm your newest follower, BTW.

    HAPPY FRIDAY!

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  17. You have set a most beautiful table! Love the cutwork cloth. They are so pretty but I really hate ironing them! I have been eyeing those dishes at Ross now I really want them.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  18. Such a lovely, elegant, tasteful table, filled with so many special gifts, treasured heirlooms, and wise purchases. I really enjoyed my visit today.

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  19. So pretty! Your dishes are so pretty, love the pink! Such pretty flatware...looks so detailed, I don't know that I've seen any with so much detail!

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  20. Pretty, Pretty, Pretty!!! I absolutely love your table, especially your glasses!

    ps...Just wanted to let you know you might want to take off your word verification...my comment almost was deleted because your word verification is on and came up as I was closing my tab.

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  21. What a beautiful Valentine's table. I love everything. Very soothing and romantic.
    D

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  22. Love your beautiful table setting and your sage advise! Happy Valentine's Day Weekend:@)

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  23. This is such a romantic look. Love the soft colors, and the beautiful crystal. The Battenburg cloth is beautiful. Thank you for linking this to my Valentine's party. laurie

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  24. What a beautiful and romantic table! I'm visiting you via The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.....love the romantic pinks and heart-shaped plates with big roses!
    I adore the cutwork table cloth as well!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  25. stopping by from pink Saturday. Im your newest follower. happy Valentines Day!

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  26. Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  27. This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I love your colors, dishes, silver and crystal. Your choices are truly favorites for me. It is so romantic and elegant.
    Please come over and look at my tablescape. It is the same colors that you have used.
    I am your newest follower because I think we like the same things, Hugs, Ginger

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  28. A table filled with romance, pink and white is such a delicat and beautiful combination and scattered rose petal is the most romantic touch you gave your table... your china is fab and so much goes with the event... Pink floral votives are the heart of your table... very lovely, romantic and fresh one...
    Happy Valentine’s Day … hope you spare a little bit of your valuable time for me …
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  29. This is so pretty! The pink is lovely and those dishes are a treasure. They have an old fashioned look to them. I love the white wavy edge chargers, very cool! Lucky you having Heisey crystal!
    Happy Valentine's Day! Liz

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  30. This is so pretty! I love those heart shaped plates with the pretty pattern and those ruffled chargers are perfect with them. Love those crystal candlestick holders too! The cutwork tablecloth is the perfect backdrop for your pink lovelies. I agree, sometimes entertaining is a lot of work but in the end, it is so worthwhile!
    DD

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  31. What a stunning table! I don't know where to begin! I love the dishes, I love the tablecloth, the crystal - everything!

    Happy Valentine's Day to you and your family! If you have time, please stop by for dessert! It's sinfully delicious!

    Mary

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  32. Oh, how gorgeous and romantic! I love the dishes, the tablecloth is great backdrop for it all, it brings it all together perfectly! I totally love pink! Almost forgot!...those white chargers, puts the gorgeous dishes together. I'd love you to come and say hello...I love what you do.
    HAPPY VALENTINE'S.
    XOXO
    FABBY

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  33. This is the most lovely romantic soft looking table I have ever seen. Just beautiful. Everything is so soft, just draws me in and makes we want to use my best manners and inside voice, lol. I am your newest follower. Blessings. Sorry so late, lots of people joined the party after I originally left. Huge, huge party!

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  34. Your table is so adorable. It is very romantic!...Christine

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  35. What a beautiful table....so romantic! Those dishes are so pretty, aren't they...I wish I had picked up more when I had the chance! Some great entertaining tips, too...and, I think I'll bring dessert...it's always the favorite part of the meal!
    Have a beautiful week~
    ;-D Kathleen

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  36. HI
    THANKS YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VISIT AND YOUR LOVELY COMMENT.
    YOU TABLE IS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE, I LOVE IT.
    YOU DID A GREAT JOB AND THANKS FOR SHARING IT.
    HAVE NICE DAY
    HUGS
    MIVA

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  37. those little pink bowls on the table..
    Does anybody knwo what they are called or who made them. I have some along with a few salad plates but I dont know anything about them. If you do pleae email me Thanks!!
    wiser1098@yahoo.com

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