It's Not That Easy Being Green Tablescape

I think a course in "Kermit" should be required study for everyone before graduation from school. Arguably the most recognizable Muppet, Jim Henson's famous green amphibian can and does teach us all so much about life and the world. But his wonderful song, "It's Not That Easy Being Green" sums it up in less than two minutes. (Here). Give yourself a treat and take a listen....


For this week's table, we pay tribute to all frogs.

The table - Pat started with a Burlap tablecloth

The bottom of the frog plate matches the terracotta tile "placemat"

I fell in love with this frog - from Pier 1

One of  Pat's favorite votive holders - actually napkin rings from Bed, Bath, and Beyond

You've seen Ralph many times before. Pat wanted to "invite" him to dinner.....

From the other end of the table

Where it came from:
Burlap Tablecloth - From LinenTablecloth.com
Terracotta Tile Placemat - From our local building supply store
Charger and Dinner Plates - Fiesta by Homer Laughlin from Kohl's and Macy's
Bread/Butter Plate - Fiesta by Homer Laughlin from Replacements.com
Accent Plate - "Frog" by Pottery Barn from eBay
Glassware - from the Dollar Store
Flatware - "Bamboo" by Cambridge from Ross
Votive Holders - Napkin Rings from Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Tea Light Candles and Greenery - from Michael's
Large Centerpiece Frog - from Pier 1


We will be joining Christine's "Table It!" Blog Party Monday at Rustic & Refined: http://www.rustic-refined.com/
We will also be joining Susan for "Tablescape Thursday" at Between Naps on the Porch: http://betweennapsontheporch.net/


Some interesting "Kermit" trivia:
He holds an honorary Doctorate from South Hampton College in New York
He has been in dozens of movies and on dozens of TV shows in his career and even hosted "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and "Larry King Live"
He has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
He has been Grand Marshall of the Tournament of Roses
He has addressed Colleges and even has a statue of himself and creator Jim Henson at the University of Maryland


Quite a few accolades for a green frog......

Sandpipers and Seagulls Tablescape

Last week I told you about living close to the High School and the Senior Center. Well, I also live close to Humboldt Bay - the home of literally hundreds of seagulls and sandpipers. So I thought it would be fun to put a bit of "authenticity" on the blog this week. I spent this morning on the bay (in very cold weather with gusts of wind nearly blowing me over) trying to get a picture. Did I see any seagulls or sandpipers? No. After nearly an hour, I finally found one lone seagull - hundreds of feet away in the mud flats. Normally, you can't step out of the car without dozens of the pesky rascals flying around looking for food, pestering you, squawking, pooping everywhere..... Well, I took a picture - not a very good one, but I took a picture. And I will put it at the end of this posting. Suffice it to say, I gave it a try.....they must have known I was coming.

The table

Flatware is "Silver Tear" by Gourmet Settings

Pat spotted these silver "Coral" napkin rings at Pier 1 the other day and bought them instantly

The dishware is also Pat's. She is going to use it for everyday.

One of three chargers, Pat used a "Periwinkle" Fiesta chop plate/round platter to add color.

We use this versatile charger a lot - both for "sea-theme" tablescapes and for "Western-theme" tablescapes

Local oyster shells that have been "recycled" as small votive candles

Pat took this down from the top of a curio in her house to use this week - it was made by a very talented local artisan

From the other end of the table

Where it came from:
Dinnerware - "Sandpiper" earthenware from Pier 1 this season
First Charger - "Periwinkle" Fiesta Chop Plate or 12" round platter by Homer Laughlin from eBay
Second Charger - from Pier 1 (available now)
Third Charger - "Rope" from Pier 1 last year
Water Glass - Mocha "Classic" by Libby from Kohl's
Wine Glass - "Entertain" Red Wine Glass from Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Flatware - "Silver Tear" by Gourmet Settings from TJMaxx
Napkin Ring - Silver "Coral" from Pier 1 this year
Blue Napkins - from Gottshcalks (a local Department store long out of business)
Hemstitch Napkin - "Sand" from Pier 1 two years ago
Fishing Net, Candles, Star Fish - Michael's
Glass Candle Holders - TJMaxx last year
We will be joining Christine's "Table It!" blog party this Monday at Rustic & Refined: http://www.rustic-refined.com/
We will also be joining Susan for "Tablescape Thursday" at Between Naps on the Porch:  http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

There he is - one lone seagull in the mud flats. I'll go anywhere for a picture.....

I had to put a picture of  the water so you know we really have a bay. (You can see the North Spit and remains of the once thriving Pulp Mill in the background.)

Senior Prom Tablescape

I live exactly three blocks from our local high school (it's sometimes a blessing and sometimes a curse....) where I graduated many, many years ago. It's always fun to see how kids change - or don't change - over the years. High school prom time is "interesting" to say the least. Hair color for one thing - the current trend is matching hair with the dress or tux....always "lovely." Gone is the traditional black and white - say hello to pink tux with matching hair.......Yes, I saw that. Lots more skin showing with lots of tattoos is another thing.....definitely "lovely" especially the dragons, skeletons, demons, snakes, you name it - they have a tattoo of it somewhere - neck, cheek, shoulder, ankle, hand, areas that should be covered, or all of the above - anyplace they can find a spot and also in a variety of colors.


Well, Pat set the table in honor of the Senior Prom (which all classes are invited to now) that is happening this month (in a bit old fashion style, however.)

The table

Dinnerware is "Baronet" by Royal Doulton. Pat used this set of china at Christmas for her annual family dinner - she just exchanged the bow tie napkin ring with a white reindeer napkin ring and used lots and lots of white poinsettias around the table. Needless to say, it was gorgeous.

Flatware is "20th Century Baroque" by Godinger Silver

What could be more appropriate for a prom table than bow tie napkin ring? Pat made them from satin ribbon.

Once again, Pat added assorted Depressionware around the table

We have used these candle holders many times - from Pier 1

The vases are simple glass cylinders spray painted black

From the other end of the table

Where it came from:
Tableware - "Baronet" by Royal Doulton
Flatware - "20th Century Baroque" by Godinger Silver from Horchow's
Glassware - "Jet Black" by Artland from Target and Replacements
Charger - Black "Color Spectrum" by Mikasa from eBay
Napkin Ring - Hand made by Pat
Candle Holders - from Pier 1
Candles, Black Glass Rocks, and Silk Flowers - from Michael's
We will be joining Christine's "Table It!" blog party Monday at Rustic & Refined:  http://www.rustic-refined.com/
We will also be joining Susan for "Tablescape Thursday" at Between Naps on the Porch: http://betweennapsontheporch.net/