Thursday, February 23, 2012

A Berry Nice Setting

"Where have all the flowers gone?"  I have been singing this song to myself now for awhile, waiting for Spring.  I see signs, and I have to tell you, I cannot wait.  Today's high will be 74--we're getting there!!  Snow and 74 all in the same week, quite the weather we're having in good ole Virginia.  So what to do for tablescaping, spend money on store flowers?  An option, but not one I have wanted to do lately.  Option 2--use what you have and what you see.  So outside I went, and one thing I noticed right away--the nandina berries.  The red color is so vibrant, maybe due to the mild winter we've had?  Not sure, but I knew I had to use them.  Not wanting to look like a Christmas arrangement, I added nandina (I actually had to wash every leaf with a paper towel) and stems from an oak leaf hydrangea bush.  I think it turned out quite well. 

I have to say I've been a bit down lately--where have all my friends gone?  And underappreciated, until I read a moving post from Debbie at debbie-dabble.  Her post motivated me, and I'm back today, and I can't wait to see what you've done.  I am excited to join Susan and all the wonderful tablescaping blogs!!

It's a red, white, black and gold theme, well not really a theme.  This china is one of my favorites, because I love the lines and it's classic look.  I hope you enjoy.
We are gathering in the dining room today.

By using a black tablecloth as a base, the red berries just popped.

The red bowls were my mother's.  I will break down the place setting shortly.

Guess it could be used for Christmas--or not...

I did use red napkins and the leaf napkin rings that I used here for New Year's Eve, just to add a bit of bling.  They were a gift from a friend.


For the place setting, I started with a gold baroque charger.

The next layer, the dinner plate, is Richelieu, by Royal Doulton.

The next layer is a Limoge, by C Ahrenfeld (France).
All together now.

Red candles were used in crystal candleholders.

I'm really not sure of the manufacturers of these stems.  The gold stems were won at an auction and the iced beverages, I was told, were Lenox.


Thanks for stopping by!  And thanks so much for your kind comments! 


48 comments:

  1. Good morning, young lady!!! Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant idea to hunt the yard for the bounty it can provide during this incredibly nice weather we've enjoyed this winter! Nandina berries are beautiful any time of year. Love 'em in summer on a 4th of July tablescape! You did a fantastic job with the centerpiece, and I applaud you for your patience in washing all those leaves! :-) Great, too, that you extended the berries over to the epergne on the sideboard. Beautiful mix of china!!!

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    1. Thanks, Alycia, can't bear to put the epergne away!!

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  2. I like your centerpiece and the tablescape! How fun!

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    1. Hi Stacy, thanks and nice to have you stop by! I appreciate your link to my blog!!

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  3. Beautiful setting!! Love all your pretty dishes!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Aledia

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  4. I have NEVER like acuba; however, the use ofthose leaves with the berries is absolutely STUNNING, just like the entire table! WOW!

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    1. Hi Nancy, I had to laugh at your comment. The berries really are pretty right now. I'm glad you liked the arrangement, not much to work with in February! Take care, and thanks for stopping by!!

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  6. Thanks for making me teary in the middle of a Thursday afternoon (I read Debbie's post!). I am so amazed at the people who read my blog and I'm sure you would be amazed at the lives you touch too. I always put a link on my facebook page for people who don't normally follow tablescaping blogs! My friends and family who haven't been down to FL to visit yet say they feel like they have been here. My 90 year old father loves his two daughter's blogs and printed posts out to show the women from my former church. Ok, enogh of that...I love the berries in the centerpiece and your plates remind me of meringue with the cream color and touches of golden brown.

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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    1. Hi Robin, I know, I was sobbing as well. That is so sweet that your father prints out you and your sister's blogs!! He must be quite amazing to be able to do that! When I look at your blog I feel as if I'm enjoying the sunshine as well!! I think it's a great way to stay connected to your relatives who are not around. Anyway, thanks for your kind words and support, I'm off to visit yall's blogs...

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  7. I'm always here....I always follow you! You are not forgotten! I know lately I've been busy with things that have kept me away from tablescaping. It goes in spurts with me!
    I love the red bowls and the red berries- that's a great look! I also love the delicate details on the edges of the dishes and charger. I like the dark background too- it allows the dishes to stand out but not compete!
    I can't believe you are having 74 degree weather! I guess I should expect it though, a Facebook friend of mine lives in Chester, VA and they've had a lot of warm weather all winter. Isn't that crazy that you had snow and then warmed up that much! It's been a real different winter that's for sure!
    You can write me anytime! I'm always around!
    Hugs,
    Liz

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    1. Ah Liz, you are so sweet! All my blog friends are so supportive, kind, and well always there!! Wish my local friends were the same, but yes, I know what you mean, I've been here and there with my tablescaping and blogging, and I don't always leave a comment because of time, but I always look :) I don't live too far from Chester, just a hop, skip, and a jump! Tomorrow they are calling for a high of 78! Thank you so much, my friend, I am so grateful for all your kind words and support!! Have a great weekend!!

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  8. This is just so stunning and elegant. Love your loads of berries. So pretty! You have one of the prettiest dining rooms around. I love the fabric on your chairs....what a perfect compliment that gold rimmed china is.

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  9. I too read Debbies post and really cried too. It touched me so much! I needed to read it right then.

    Your table is stunning. I love the berries and your reds/pinks. In some of the photos it really comes out red and in some of the others they look pink! Both are just gorgeous. Some of my photos do the same thing. Don't know if its the lighting or what. But however you do it...its beautiuful.

    Hugs,

    Nann

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  10. PS I love your header and I also really love your new blog button. I want to change mine but have to learn how. Someone else did my current one for me. Your blog is just so so lovely!

    Nann

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    1. Hi Nann, yes I still need to work on photography. I have a really nice professional Nikon, but I don't know how to use the manual settings, and it's a little harder to keep charged up and all. Maybe one day lol, I really appreciate your comments about my blog, thanks so much! Have a great weekend!

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  11. You've turned the lowly nandina berry into a showpiece! The addition of the twigs was sheer genius. Richelieu is such a gorgeous pattern. It always reminds me of the Coalport "Admiral." Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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    1. Thanks Cherry Kay!! What do they say, necessity is the mother of invention?? lol Have a great weekend!!

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  12. I, also, own Richelieu and love it. Your table is beautiful and the centerpiece is genius!

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    1. Thanks so much, Diane! When you need an extra place, you can borrow mine any time :)

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  13. Hi Betsy, I am always happy to see a new post from you. I always make sure I visit. This is another beautiful table, and the centerpiece is gorgeous. I love the stemware. xo

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  14. Wow! I just discovered your Blog. Your table settings are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Gina, thanks so much! I visited your blog, what you've done is great, can't wait to see more! I think maybe if you take off the word verification you'll see more comments...I tried to leave one but couldn't get it to work! Come back soon!!

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  15. Love your charming table...sooo beautiful...the colors are so lovely and inviting...

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    1. Thanks, Phyllis, I wear those colors quite a bit so it's natural that I gravitate towards them :) Actually, I probably need to update my wardrobe and add more color!! Have a great weekend1

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  16. Betsy~ You could set your table with Chinet & Solo cups and I would be happy to be served in your gorgeous dining room! We're had that same wacky weather in NC~ 70's yesterday, a wintry mix last Sunday. Love your Nandina berries & Aucuba foliage as a centerpiece!

    I read Debbie's post~ it made me teary-eyed too. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Hi Mary, coming from you, that means a lot!! Thank you so much, come visit anytime!!

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  17. It is a berry very nice table! The berries are perfect with this setting! Those stems are amazing, just beautiful! I do love your dining room!
    The plaid chairs are stunning!

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    1. Hi Kathleen!! Thank you so much. I've had those chairs for gosh, maybe 20 years, and I still love them. I've changed the wallpaper, but it had to match the chairs!

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  18. Love this table! Your dishes are beautiful and I LOVE the yellow stems!!!

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    1. Hi Tess, thanks so much! Yes, I think we all need to go to dishaholic anonymous!! lol

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  19. Lovely table! We are having a crazy winter too. 91 one day, 56 the next.

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    1. Hi Sarah, thanks so much, crazy again today--50 today with bitterly cold winds, 81 yesterday, go figure!!

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  20. Beautiful table setting!
    ... love the red. It's so warm and welcoming. I'd sit down any day :)

    Visiting from Between Naps on The Porch.

    Greetings from Australia♥

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit, come back any time!!

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  21. How lucky you are to have such lovely weather! Your tablescape and flower arrangement is stunning! As always, I've been inspired by your beautiful table!

    Have a lovely weekend!

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    1. Crazy weather today compared to yesterday, high was at the most 50, but the winds made it feel like 20!! Thanks so much for your kind comments!!

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  22. Hi Betsy! This table is lovely and I'm not getting a Christmas vibe at all. I think it's the use of the black tablecloth. Those Royal Doulton dishes are to-die-for. The berries make a wonderful centerpiece and the tall candles add drama.

    Your blog is on my must-see list and I always feel honored when you visit mine!

    Elaine
    Creating Wonderful Spaces

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    1. Thanks Elaine! Very sweet of you to say!! I always look at your blog and enjoy it immensely, but I don't always have time to comment!! I'm trying to do better, after reading Debbie's post, to let all of you know how much I do appreciate your support and also, the hard work you put into your own blog!!

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  23. Oh, those berries are such a brilliant find! Love how you echoed them in the napkins, the bowls, and the candles!

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  24. I absolutely LOVE the idea of the yard hunt for the centerpiece and inspiration. I have berries here but hadn't thought of such a thing. LOVE it. I also think the entire table is just plain out lovely.

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  25. As usual, I love your entire table. The chargers are really pretty. Everything goes so perfect together. The centerpiece is a nice surprise.

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  26. It's exquisite! The berries are the most wonderful idea. They certainly do pop with the black tablecloth. Your dishes are gorgeous. I love the red bowls. I've just started to tablescape and will be posting my St. Pat's table shortly, which is only my second one. I love getting great ideas from all of you. Thanks so much for sharing.

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