Dianne's Creative Table

I am inspired by light, all things natural, reusing previously loved items, and bargains!

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Hot Summer Fun

A few weeks ago some friends gathered in our dining room for dinner.  I wanted the table to reflect the hot summer days we have in TN.
I started with this bright colorful runner I found on clearance at Home Goods last year. 
I added wooden candlesticks and some grapevine from our back yard.  

Some colorful chickens for no special reason except that the colors worked well. 
 I topped the candlesticks with some mosaic globes that have a lovely glow.  
 Placemats from Old Time Pottery, chargers from Linens & More, yellow ColorWheel dishes and Cambridge flatware from Ross.

Hand stamped & colored name cards. Hens for the women and Roosters for the men.  
  
 Glasses from OTP.  I think the pattern looks like fireworks.

Incredible salad with figs, walnuts, parmesan made by one of our guests.  
 Nothing better than good food with great friends.  


Sharing at: Tablescape Thursday

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Bridemaid's Luncheon

Several months ago my MIL and I decide to host the bridesmaid's luncheon for a cousin's wedding.  My MIL is the flower queen and of course, setting tables is my thing, easy right?  Well, the wedding was in Memphis and the home for the luncheon was 30 miles outside of Memphis in Mississippi, in a home that we have been to visit only once. It had the makings of a logistical nightmare.

This is the home as you come down the driveway.  it is owned by one of hubby's cousins.  
The blank canvas.
My MIL brought her beautiful linens.  She also made the fresh boxwood topiaries.  
We planned to use the dishes, glassware, silver, etc, that was already in the house, but we didn't know exactly what we would be working with.  As you can see, we had plenty of choices!  
We used different placemats and glassware for the Bride and her Maid of Honor. 

I don't know the name of the pattern, but isn't it just lovely? 
Putting my past flower shop skills to use, adding the finishing touches to my MIL's arrangement. 

The place setting is Lenox Snow Lilly.  We kept it simple without chargers. Sweet china name cards I purchased on Ebay years ago.   I brought the pink glassware b/c it was a perfect match to tie in the flowers.  
I prepared the plates ahead of time in the kitchen.  The girls abandoned the plan to use the magnolia leaves as name cards at the reception.  
Fruit salad with passed Poppyseed Dressing and my favorite chicken salad. 

Now just a little tour of the house.

Sitting room just off the kitchen. 









 Floor to ceiling aquarium complete with bass.  

The wedding party.  
The lovely family that owns this home.  Sadly the two oldest girls were taken in a train accident about 15 years ago, shortly after this portrait was completed, and the mistress of the home went to be with the Lord last year.  What a joyful reunion that must have been! The youngest girl is one of the bridesmaids.