Not so Perfect Setting

Thanks to Susan for hosting this fun blogging party for tablescape bloopers.  I try so hard, but it always seems that some thing's in the photo that shouldn't be, or something isn't there that should be.  I do like the fact that anything goes in the blogging world, and that people are much more supportive than critical.  But if I get something wrong, I am not opposed to constructive criticism, so please bring it on!!

Cute little tablescape, what's that white mound on the left?  Can't be a tissue, yikes!!

This shot was taken at a table display at the Home Show.  What's that in the upper right corner??  I believe my readers got in the way of the picture... I felt I still needed to use this picture, because I had only taken a few of each table.

Several of my shots featured soup bowls, but I forgot the soup spoon... this one and the next...

Also, for this photo shoot, I plucked oak leaf hydrangea leaves for the centerpiece, and as soon as I started taking the pictures, they started to droop.  I just pretended that it was on purpose hahah lol

This little fella always seemed to appear the minute I took the shot!

There he is again...

Many of my bloopers were bad photography.  Glare always seemed to be a problem.  I still have that problem, it has not been resolved.

Blurry pictures are a problem, especially when I try to take close ups.

Lighting is always an issue...

In this picture, the focus was on the outdoor fan instead of the table.

All in all, blog land has been an exciting adventure for me.   I will get better at this, I WILL!!  Happy New Year to everyone, thanks for all the kind comments in 2010!!

A Perfect Setting for Snowy Evenings

My daughter took dance for many years.  As a matter of fact, she is minoring in dance at her university.  Unfortunately, there are no performance opportunities for dance minors there, so she continued to dance in her studio's recitals and Christmas ballets until they closed last spring.  The owner of the studio, Shannon Howell--a beautiful dancer and person herself--wished for more time with her children and grandchildren, and she sold her studio, ending a tradition her mother had started some 67 years ago.

My daughter (left) and her friend, Ashlyn--Shannon Howell's daughter

My daughter danced as the "Wicked Snow Queen" in the Christmas ballet, "The Night Before Christmas", an original ballet by Shannon Martin Howell of Martinique Studios.

When my daughter was younger, one of our neighbor's daughters began her dance lessons in the fall, probably at the ripe old age of 5 or 6.  At the recital in June, I asked her if she had fun, and her response was "it's a lot of work for just one show."  So it is at Christmas.  A lot of work for just one show.  But if you love it, you will continue, just as my daughter has all these years.  And I will continue our Christmas traditions as long as I am able. 

As you know, we have had snow, so I thought it appropriate to set a wintry wonderland table.

This vase of icy stems was too tall for the center, so I placed it at the end.

The silver reindeer with votive antlers sits in the middle of the table, surrounded by icy trees and sticks.

Plates sit on a snowflake platemats and silver chargers.  Dishes are Elegance by Fashion Royale.

Accent plates were purchased at Target this year.

Crystal napkin rings, and white napkins trimmed with silver adorn the plates.

Goblets are rimmed with silver, and wines are by Gorham.

Tall martini shaped glass candle holders with snowflake candles were purchased years ago from a mail order catalog.

What were your favorite tablescapes of 2010?  I know, it's hard to narrow it down, they are all so unique, creative, and lovely in their own way.  If you do have a favorite, send me a line.  I will try to narrow down my favorites, although I know it will be difficult.  Some I remember as being outstanding, but I can't remember which blog (old age setting in).  Maybe you can help me remember.  Thanks for visiting A Perfect Setting!!

A Perfect Setting's Christmas Greetings

As Karen Carpenter said, 'Christmas cards have all been sent, the Christmas rush is through, but I still have one wish to make, a special one for you..."  Our wishes may be different, but the meaning is the same--to find happiness, peace, and joy with the ones you love.  Someone asked me last night what I had planned for 2011.  I rambled on about this project or that, but after taking some time to reflect, I hope to take more time to spend with my family and friends--whether it's just a simple phone call, an email, a special visit, or a planned celebration.

My day was exhilarating, yet exhausting.  A special Christmas Eve dinner with family, a big Christmas morning breakfast, and a party Christmas evening with 25 family members.  Our celebrations always revolve around food--no surprise there--so I spent a lot (an awful lot) of time washing dishes, cooking, setting tables, washing linens, and preparing for rounds 2, 3, 4, etc.  It was worth it, if years from now my children will look back and smile!

Come on in and enjoy!

Our table in the dining room is ready for the festivities to begin.

Gold chargers are layered with Holly Holiday china, purchased at Hecht's department store over a period of many years.  It's still available at Replacements.

Red napkins and red wine goblets give the silver and gold table a shot of color.

Silver candleholders and candlelabras, silver finials, and little presents that light up adorn the silver table runner.

My epergne holds arrangements of calla lillies, cypress, seeded eucalyptus, and nandina berries.  The epergne is removed right before dinner and the top bowl is placed directly on the table for a lower arrangement.

Sideboard . . .

Table setting is reflected in the sideboard mirror.

The garland was decorated with glitzy silver and gold...

Chest in dining room.

Snowmen candles on kitchen table...

Downstairs guest bedroom is right off of kitchen, so it gets a dose of holiday cheer as well!  Corner cupboard was in our house when I was growing up.  Ok, here's a blooper for you--if you look at the reflection in the glass you will see a pile of presents :)

Merry Christmas to all!  May your heart and home always be filled with the happiness and joys of the Christmas season!

A Christmas Tour

"You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family."  I'm sure you have heard this saying time and again.  I am fortunate and blessed to have a cousin who is both.  Not only are we family, but we are friends.  We have similar likes and dislikes, and because we grew up with similar morals and values, we have a common bond.  I visited with my cousin this past week-end, and we had a terrific lunch with her husband and daughter, and we put the finishing touches on her gorgeous Christmas decorations that I would like to share with you!  We'll start in the living room with her mantle.

The living room decorations are mostly done in silver with white lights.

Take a look at her Christmas tree, all adorned with silver!

Tree topper...

The tree just glistens with all the silver!

If you look closely, you will see a New Orleans' type mask...

Nativity ...

I love these little Angels on the round table between the two chairs...

A reindeer rests on the mirrored chest in living room

More silver, with a bit of gold added in, I love the glitz!!

Beautiful!

The centerpiece on the dining room table is a lighted wreath and a bowl with reindeer handles.  It's filled with berries, gilded grapes and big ruby ornament is placed in the center.  Her mercury glass candles sit on each side atop a snowflake runner.

Also in dining room, I love the mirror under the arrangement.

Corner cupboard in DR with three lighted trees.

Kitchen table!

How cute is this candle in the kitchen window!!

Sunroom...

Hallway...

Foyer

I'm very blessed to have many cousins who are my family and friends.  Can't wait to get back together with them Christmas Day.  Hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I enjoyed visiting.  Thanks for stopping by and as for now I'm striving for A Perfect Setting!!