Thursday, August 19, 2010

THURSDAY: Featured Tablescapes

Firstly, I'd like to thank Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her meme, Tablescape Thursday. I've wanted to have the time to participate all month, and each time I think that I have the hour needed to put one together - something steps in the way. But, rather than cry about it, this week I thought that I would share with all of my readers some blogs and tablescapes from Tablescapes past from other bloggers.

Susan's tablescape meme is a wonderful opportunity for people to put their creative juices to work - and for them to be able to pull out some of that gorgeous china and silver that they otherwise reserved for the finest of company. And who can blame them really?! Gosh knows I have plenty of plates that have to be washed BY HAND before they can even go on the table, then washed again BY HAND before they can be put away. Oh, and my grandmothers silver - clean and polish, then use and clean (no soap) and polish. It's a nightmare - but oh so beautiful.

Some of my favorite tablescapes from bloggers who aren't afraid of a little elbow grease in order to give us beauty at every turn:

Beaux Mondes Design :

Julio is a brilliantly talented designer. Brilliantly talented. Focused on the elegance of the classic traditional interiors, Julio's blog is literal eye candy at every turn, and when he posted this beautiful tablescape set under a heritage pepper tree in the grand lawn of his friend's historic home in Sacramento - I fell in love. Take a look:



Gorgeous, right? Who wouldn't bend over backwards while jumping fences to be a part of this party!? I know I would!

Affordable Accoutrements :

If you've ever been to Susan's Tablescape meme then you surely know Bill of Affordable Accoutrement's. However, many of my readers may not know him yet, and I refer him with high praise! Head over and check him out. Each month Bill puts together gorgeous tablescapes, and his ability to pair Walmart with Wedgewood, Dollar Tree with Royal Daulton, and Goodwill with Waterford is remarkable. His tables look high end - when often, they were low cost. This particular tablescape was his $100 challenge - and boy what a homerun he hit with that one!



Oh, and if you're looking to skip the search for the finest tabletop, Bill has an ETSY store that will be a great place to check first! Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BillsAccoutrements

Between Naps on the Porch : How could I do a feature on great tablescapes without featuring the hostess? Susan constantly wows - week after week after week - with tables set on her porch, in her home, and my favorite, her garden. This particular tablescape was set for two, and the colors were perfect for spring. But the best part wasn't the table, or the plates, or the place - but the post. It was set to Lord Byron's: She Walks in Beauty Like the Night.



So perfect, right?! Yes, Susan - like all of the participants of her meme, have a flair and flavor for creating spectacular tablescapes seemingly, at the drop of a hat. And the what's better - she allows me to throw my hat in the ring as often as I want! :)

Now, of course, these aren't my only favorites. Remember, I'm strapped for time here! There are amazing tablescapes each week from each participant - so if you haven't stopped by to check them out - please, go over now and take a look. I know you're going to be inspired. I am. EVERY. TIME.

Don't forget about Vignette Friday's tomorrow! I promise, my vignette will be all new!!

20 comments:

  1. Artie what a wonderful representation of what a tablescape should look like!!Love your music by the way. Thank you for sharing these great tablescapes, Kathysue

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  2. Thank you for featuring my favorite tablescapers. I am always in awe of Julio's design's. They are works of art, really. And Bill? Well, he should write a book. Then there is Susan, the hostess with the mostess. She can set a mean table too. They inspire me, for sure!

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  3. thanks for introducing Julio to me . How gorgeous.
    X
    V

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  4. It is fun to play right along with the best of the best, isn't it! I have been a fan of Affordable Accoutrements from day 1. So many stunning participants in this meme! They are all so inspiring for sure!

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  5. What an honor, Artie, to be included! Susan and Julio are two of my favorite people in the entire world. They're both such originals -- so talented, and always radiating positive energy and generosity of spirit. All those things could be said of you as well. Thank you again.

    My best to you and your dedicated readers,

    Bill

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  6. Thank you for sharing tablescapes I have not seen since I am new to blogging this summer! I do love Susan, Bill and Julio's sites...these are truly talented people. Thank you for for taking the time, when time is so short to post.

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  7. You've highlighted three of my favorites, but I'm eager to see more of your creative contributions, too! Thank you for the peak at three gorgeous vignettes. Cherry Kay

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  8. Wow, OMGgosh the images of Julie tablescape is stunning and I like the idea of bringing back the gold. You don't usually see that that often. The chairs, the right shade of pinks mixed in with the greens and all the other details is so exquisite!!

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  9. Very nice tablescapes. Love your blog. I just started one that I think you'll love too. Please stop by. Ms. CotedeVelvetGreige! :)

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  10. I love these!

    We think alike (That usually frightens people...) because Susan's Lord Byron table is one of my all time favorites of hers if not THE all time favorite. I loved everything about it.

    I need to scan back over these to make sure that I didn't miss a detail. Wonderful sampling!!

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  11. Just popped over and was so impressed with your tablescape! You are an amazing decorator. Tell me..besides working in real estate, ( I happen to work for a Board in Southern Utah, not a Realtor though) you must be doing this on the side at weddings right? Do you cook as well? PHEW what a guy!

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  12. You certainly picked the "cream of the crop" for this post...they are ALL just lovely! Thank you for sharing their beautifully inspiring tables!
    Have a beautiful weekend~
    ;-D Kathleen

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  13. Artie, What an honor to be included in any post with the likes of two of my favorite men in the blogosphere, Bill and Julio! Bill's tablescapes are always amazing and his photography is gorgeous! Julio's take my breath away...especially when they feature my very favorite Herend, Rothschild Bird china with the green border.
    I hope your schedule lightens a teensy bit...your tablescapes are always so rich and beautiful! BTW, it won't belong before it will be time for your annual neighborhood soup party with all those fabulous white tureens! Better get those babies out and dust them off. :)
    Have a wonderful Friday and a fab weekend. We are furloughed tomorrow so my weekend starts a little early.
    XO
    Susan

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  14. Artie, you have showcased some of the finest tables seen on TT! Great choices.

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  15. Artie, thanks so much for featuring these wonderful tables. I participate in Susan's TT but have not seen Julio's tables! I am heading over to see his blog RIGHT NOW!!!!! Hope to see one of YOUR tables again soon! XO, Pinky

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  16. I love the visual feast you prepared for us. They are truly the best of the best!

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  17. Artie, you certainly picked three winners! Julio, Bill, and Susan are each tops in my mind. Herend, Rothschild Bird is one of my all time favorite patterns. Julio's table is over the top beautiful. And certainly agree that Bill offers the best of mixing all kinds of treasures with his extensive knowledge. I've learned so much from him. Susan is incredibly creative and talented and one of the most generous friends in Blogville. Thanks for spotlighting each of these marvels! ~ Sarah

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  18. Hi Artie

    Thank you so much for this dedication. For me,it is a great honor and compliment to be given this special acknowledgment by someone as gifted and talented as yourself. And to be included with Susan and Bill who are two of my top favorites makes it even more special. Thank you also to your wonderful readers for their kind words. I apologize for the late response. Between getting sick and a crazy household the last month or so, my blogging time has been very limited. Hopefully, the fall will be different. Thanks again Artie! You're the best.

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  19. Finding my way to you again already, via one of your archived posts. Brain freeze hit in my earlier comment. I found reference to you in a mention by Julio, instead of Bill...they are both so talented...I was momentarily confused. Just want to clarify....still, I am your newest, if most disorganized, follower. Cherry Kay

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  20. Please realize that there is no second “e” in Wedgwood. I think someone who is genuinely interested in China of all kinds should use the correct spelling. It comes down to credibility.

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