Amaryllis Tablescape

Amaryllis - splendid beauty, pride, determination.  The most humble beginnings can lead to spectacular beauty.

Many of my fall purchased amaryllis are in full bloom at the moment.  They were slow to start and didn't bloom in time for Christmas, but I think the later timing is even better.  They sure add color when winter is no longer new and I am tired of the cold, grey weather.  They are the perfect back drop for a tablescape set in the turret.

The tableware items and the few accent pieces are all things that I've had for years.  Some are thrift store finds at bargain prices, others are from Pier 1 and mail order vendors, and a few were my grandmother's.  I really enjoy the creative process of putting a tablescape together from items gathered over time and from many different sources.

The place setting stack went together like this:

I found the unique ferny placemats at Pier 1.  Pier 1 was one of my absolute favorite places to shop, and I really miss the brick and mortar stores.  REV bought the rights to Pier 1 after they declared bankruptcy and is doing business as an ecommerce company, but they don't carry anywhere near the selection that the Pier 1 stores did. 

The dinner plates are a local thrift store bargain - 4 plates for $5.00.  There isn't a maker's mark, but such a nice shade of green.

The salad plates are another local thrift store bargain - 5 plates for $6.00.  The maker's mark is Linen Fleury England.

To top it off are individual candy dishes that I found online at Zulilly.

A close up

The flatware is the Ricci Audubon Birds of Paradise pattern and was found online at Horchow.  The napkins are from Pier 1.  The napkin rings were yet another local thrift store bargain - 12 for $6.00!

The glass is just one of the many pieces I have of 'Prelude', an elegant glassware pattern from the depression era.  I filled it with green glass gem fillers and scattered more on the table.

The finished place setting

My grandmother gave me the antique cinderella coach teapot when she was downsizing from the family home in Pittsburgh to move to a retirement village in Florida.  I found the little wheelbarrow when I was clearing out my mom's house after she passed away.  It is the same green china/porcelain? as the teapot!  Such a find and I wonder if the two pieces went together in my grandmother's collection and somehow were separated all those years ago.  I tried to do a little research on what that green china/porcelain material really is, but I couldn't find anything.  It is such a unique color and finish, that I'm sure it is something that is known by a specific name.  To round out the little vignette is a small green pitcher - another local thrift store find for $3.00.

And last but not least, the star of the show are the amaryllis.

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Valentine's Day Tablescape

 "Love is the beauty of the soul" ~ Saint Augustine.

Valentine's Day is nearly here.  I had actually put this Valentine themed tablescape together several years ago.  I've had a long break from doing tablescapes, but my interest has ramped up recently and more importantly, I have time to indulge.

I saw the cute "Love is in the Air" elephant with heart baloons plates and serving tray at Pier 1.  More whimsical than the overall style I usually gravitate towards, but I love them.  They were the inspiration for this tablescape.

I pulled the other items from what I already had, and then stood back to see what the overall design seemed to be missing.  The rectangular red placements bordered with white dots around the edges I had didn't seem quite right, so I found and purchased solid red glitzy round ones.  The only other elements to add were simple hobby style heart accents and a bouquet of fresh tulips.

The place setting stack went together like this:

Red glitzy placemat new from Pier 1

Silver glitzy charger from Pier 1 - very versatile and used in several of my tablescapes

Black lace patterned glass dinner plate from Home Goods

And lastly, the new "Love is in the Air" salad plate from Pier 1

The flatware is a hammered Cambridge pattern from Pier 1 - also very versatile

The finished place setting

I had fun putting together the other tablescape elements.  The simple hobby style accents were purchased at Hobby Lobby.  Cheap and a great bang for the buck!

The Bloom pot is one of my favorites and was holding a blooming amaryllis arranged alongside glitzy heart hobby style accents.

An elegant depression era Cambridge Rosepoint tumbler accompanied by more hobby style accents

A blooming amaryllis, fresh red tulips in a white ceramic pitcher, thrift store cupid candlestick find with a red candle, and a clear glass bud vase with more hobby style accents

A "Love is in the Air" rectangular serving tray from Pier 1, red letter L O V E hobby style accent and white heart hobby style scatters

Happy Valentine's Day!

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