Isn't It Romantic

While I was not exactly planning any special dinner for Valentine's Day this year, I could not resist setting a pretty table for the occasion.

Besides...I really just wanted to use my new tablecloth.  You see...I've been admiring this certain fabric at Hobby Lobby for some time now.  I'd go so far to say it is spectacular!  A natural linen-type background and covered with a large shiny silver metallic floral print, this is considered home dec fabric.

And while if would make an awesome chair, or over-the-top draperies, I simply bought a few yards to make a table covering.  For those of you who favor gold over silver, it also comes in metallic gold.  My next lucky find were these darling paper roses from West Elm.  I oooohed and aaaahed over their collection of faux snow drops, quince and roses...each one cuter than the next.  While they came in many colors, I chose these pale, pale pink ones.

Simply set into a chunky mercury glass vase (also from West Elm), they are as lovely as the real thing!  

(And long lasting to boot.)  I just might have to go back for some more.  Mercury glass tealights add a bit of romance.

The rest of my tablescape fell easily into place.  Naturally, I chose to use my silver chargers,

topped with my favorite plain white plates.  I think everyone should have a set of natural linen napkins. Wishing to do something a bit different with them, I found instructions to make these playful napkin roses.

They were really very easy, and just the touch I was looking for.  Because everything on the table is so neutral, I needed to add a splash of color...

...so I chose my Romantika (how appropriate) goblets and water glasses...vintage Crate & Barrel.  I dug out a few treasures to add some happy memories to my Valentine's table.

My dear Aunt Tess had several pieces of Dorothy Thorpe glassware, like this footed candy dish.  I also found this antique silver bottle holder,

because heaven forbid any wine drips on the tablecloth!  Such pretty details...

Now that my Valentine's Day tablescape is complete, I think I might just have to plan a special dinner after all...

...because I really want to sit at this table!  Hope you too have a happy day.  I'm sure the parties will be filled with fabulous ideas, so come along with me and visit...

Centerpiece Wednesday (The Style Sisters)

Tabletop Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch)

Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)

Home Sweet Home Friday  (The Charm of Home)

Potpourri Friday (2805)

Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)

Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)

Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)

Oh What Fun...

Oh what fun I have had creating this blog and setting the table these past few months, especially over the holidays.  I gave thanks, inspired you with lots of red and green and even had a visit from some sketchy Santas.  Now it's time to finish off the year with a bang!

I think I have energy for one more party, so bring out the bling!   I just adore the combination of silver and gold.

This tablescape begins with a silver and gold metallic striped table runner from West Elm.  

From the bottom up...a simple black placemat helps to show off my silver chargers.  

Next are these gorgeous snowflake plates from Crate & Barrel.  I just had to have them, along with the coordinating bubbly salad plates.  The black handles of the Aero flatware pop on plain white napkins.

For my centerpiece, I found these fabulous silver and gold branches at Target and simply plopped them into a pretty white porcelain Rosenthal vase.

All I needed to finish off my table were some sparkly snowflakes tossed here and there...

...and a scattering of mercury glass tea lights.  And for New Year's Eve, what party would be complete without a few noisemakers and party hats!

A special thank you to my photographer, Laura, for all of her hard work and enthusiasm and of course, her marvelous photos.  Thank you also to Between Naps on the Porch for allowing me to share my work with all the fellow dish lovers out there.  See in in 2012!

Gobble...Wish...Give...Thanks!

Thanksgiving...possibly the greatest holiday of the year.  The only thing I love more than the stuffing or the creamed spinach is the chance to set a spectacular table.

Oh, what fun I had with this one.  The inspiration for this table all began with these Harvest linens from Crate & Barrel.

Shafts of wheat have been embroidered with metallic threads on a natural linen background.  Butterscotch cotton napkins are a perfect compliment to these gorgeous placemats.

Let the layering begin.  This shiny silver and gold woven runner from West Elm gets things started.

My ruffly gold leaf(ish) chargers, also from the Crate, are next.  Those versatile plain white plates appear once again, just perfect every time.

And now...my favorite find of the season.  Not being the traditional turkey plate kind-of-girl, I fell in love with these whimsical Thanksgiving plates from West Elm.  Just a simple...

gobble...

wish...

give...

and thanks...

in shiny silver adorn these adorable little plates.  Many thanks to the folks at Better Homes and Gardens who ever so kindly have been emailing plenty of creative ideas all season long...like this fabulous centerpiece that took only minutes to assemble. All you need are some tiny cattails (West Elm), matching bud vases (IKEA) and dry beans (grocery store)!!

How cute is that?  The table is set...can't wait to share the day and a wonderful meal with family and friends.  Please feel free to revisit another of my favorite Fall tablescapes, Indian Summer, featured earlier this season.  And finally, a special thank you to my photographer, Laura, whose work just keeps getting better and better.