Check it Out

Sometimes all that a tablescape needs is one fresh new item, a little imagination and a good memory.  Let me explain.  I recently spotted this colorful red, yellow and green plaid tablecloth at Home Goods.

It was very reasonably priced, under ten dollars, and really rather pretty.  Couldn't resist.  I immediately thought of these cute (funny shaped) polka dot napkins that I found at West Elm a few seasons ago.

Things were falling to place.  My plain white plates, with their subtle white-on-white checks would be lovely...

...especially perched atop these shiny red chargers.

I decided to add a runner...well actually a yellow polka dot scarf repurposed as a runner...just for fun.  Wait a minute!  I think I have THE perfect salad plates tucked way in the back of a kitchen cabinet.  These are vintage 70's or 80's...something my dear Aunt Tess discovered at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Like me, she really did love dishes, and all of the special things from her collection hold very fond memories for me.  This table was meant for these plates!  A tried green wine glasses and yellow champagne flutes but settled upon these deep ruby red goblets.

Silly me...I usually use these only at the holidays.   Years ago, I bought this pale green ceramic Arranage It vase from Southern Living at Home, and loved it so much, I bought four more to give as Christmas gifts.  It is fitted with a "frog" so all you have to do is pop in 19 flowers and you have a gorgeous arrangement every time.

Alstroemeria work particularly well, with the added bonus of looking great for at least a week!   The last detail was to light a few votives...

...and my table was complete.

Finding those old plates was such a treat, and it all started with a new tablecloth.