Wednesday, January 30, 2013

~ A Blue and White Table For Winter's Sake ~ Pin It

If you're like me, you may be a dish addict. You have loads of dishes, those you use for every day and that "special" set of china you pull out for that big event or gathering. Over the last few years I've discovered I'm not getting any younger, OK I admit it I notice it every time I look in the mirror along with trying to do certain chores that take me a lot longer than they once did. With that revelation hitting me in the face on a daily basis I've decided to use as many sets of dishes as I can. I'm no longer going to store them away, I'm going to use them. I'm proud of saying I don't spend an arm and a leg for any of the dishes I must have, I shop wisely and mix the old with the new.

I'm sure many of you must think the only dishes I have are blue and white or black and white. I promise you the pantry is full of colorful dishes. Yesterday we were in the 70's unheard of this time of the year in Missouri. Today is a different story entirely, we've had rain a bit of ice and now snow is in the forecast our temperature as I write this post it is 25 degrees,  instead of using some of the darker pallet dishes, I longed for something more Spring like. 
The soft
glow of a candle always calms my soul, a sense of peace washes over me and I can forget the days troubles and woes. I try to look at the glass as if it were half full instead of half empty.
I've gotten a lot of mileage out of my Maidenhair Fern. The soft leaves are the perfect combination for the blue and white fish bowl planter.
I love the process of pulling napkin rings from my stash to add some pop, added texture as well as coordinate the table setting.

My treasured crochet tablecloth grounds all the blue and white.The story of the crochet tablecloth can be found HERE
The sunshine adds a bit of glow to the light and airy table.

The blue flatware was a buy from Target quite a few years back. I have every color they sold at the time except for the red set. I've since purchased a red set yet to be used, stay tune for that table.

The Herringbone pattern water glasses were purchased at Garden Ridge 16 years ago this month. My girlfriend and I drove 50 miles to the city in frightful weather to check out the new Garden Ridge. I came home with quite a few blue and white pieces that day, only to go back the following week to pick up more to finish up that set. I was so afraid they would be gone, a gal just can't take a chance on such things. The wine glass is from Walmart.

Looking across the table.
Looking into the dining room the color palette from the table flows directly across to the hutch. A fluke thing not planned, a pleasant site none the less.
I hope you decide to pull out your stored away china make a pretty table for your family or just yourself. Why save it for a special occasion? After all you are the special occasion.
JOINING:
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12 comments:

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Just gorgeous. Very cheerful. I loved sneaking a peek at your house and seeing your collections in the background too! Pretty! How can it be in the 70s and then 20s like that? It's been an interesting winter! Stay warm! Looking forward to the post with the red flatware!!!
Karen

Nancy @ The Headmistress said...

How beautiful! Blue and white: you just can't go wrong!
We had the same summer weather until that storm last night. Now...much more seasonal, thank goodness!
Nancy

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Pretty table setting - love the cobalt blue.
I packed up the good set of china that I had not used in years. My oldest Grand said long ago that she would like to have it when she had her own place - now she does and now she is not interest in the china. :/
Storms came thru last night and temps have fallen all day.

Anonymous said...

I love the cobalt blue, Lynne.

Yes indeedy do, use the good stuff.:-)

Alycia Nichols said...

Are you kidding me??!?!? I have so many sets of dishes that I HAVE to store them away! They are never forgotten, though, as I have every bit of decorating things I own cataloged so that I know what's available to me. There are some patterns or styles I like a LOT and therefore use more often, but it's not in an effort to slight the others or save anything for a "special occasion." Heck...every day the good Lord allows me to have air in my lungs is a special occasion! But like you, I love blue & white, for instance, but I can think of at least 2 patterns right off the top of my head that I have never used! I'm going to make a concerted effort this year to break out those dishes and tabletop decor that I have never used. That's going to be quite an undertaking, but I'm up for the challenge! Hey...the fact that you remember the exact date that you & your friend went to get those glasses tells me that must have been some horrendous weather! Why do we do that?!?! It's funny! At least you have a memory and fun story to tell about the day you risked life & limb! Have a great weekend, Lynne, and try to stay warm!!! I hear the 50s are coming back this way on Sunday after the below zero temps we'll wake up to in the morning. Brrrrrr!!!

On Crooked Creek said...

Lynne,
Ah~h~h...you're last sentence is truly a treasure!!! Thank you, dear friend!
I love the blue dinnerware and stemware of your Winter Blues Tablescape!!!
The china hutch in the background is an elegant backdrop!!!
Thanks for sharing your creative talent with us!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I never tire of blue and white Lynne!
The dark blue is just stunning and your table is gorgeous.
I want some of those dark blue plates and glassware.
hugs friend,
Cindy

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I love blue and white and once decorated with it. I LOVED my kitchen in it and may go back to it one day. I love all colors and right now..and for some time now, red has been my primary color.
Your blue and white is stunning!
OHHH...please, please let me know what colors and/or prints you decided to go with...got my panties all in a wad here waiting to hear!!! :)
Mona

The HOME GIRL said...

Love this table too, Lynn! I agree, I'm also a (new) dish addict and it is so fun to bring them out and play with them! The crocheted tablecloth is very pretty and I'm a huge fan of the blue and white! =)

Phyllis @Around the House said...

The blue and white are my favorites, love the tablecloth, really sets off the blue and white...love your table, I will be right over..

Marlis said...

I use my dishes. Didn't used to except for those special occasions, but now every day is a special occasion. I love your cobalt blue pieces. Garden Ridge huh.. They finally built one here and in the last 3 months still isn't fully stocked. shame on them!! I truly love the crocheted tablecloth. I have some my mom did and they are so special. I hope that someone will care for them after I am gone. Gorgeous table.. xo marlis

Dolores said...

You're a gal after my heart with these beautiful blue dishes and the gorgeous table covering....... beautiful and elegant!
Hugs,