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06 January, 2009

My First Tablescape Tuesday...or...A Whimsical Country Tablescape

I never thought I would be saying this, but I am participating for the first time in Tablescape Tuesday! Yes, those of you who know me know that I am a "plates on the wall" kind of gal. However, I have been studying all the beautiful tablescapes that I see every week and I have been inspired. I want to thank all of you for giving me the courage to try this and for being the source for many of my..er..your ideas! I would especially like to thank Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for making this possible and for being our gracious hostess with the mostess!


My tablescape has a whimsical country theme with crows, corn and apples. This is the tablescape that I actually used for our Southern-style New Years Day dinner. I don't know why I associate crows with New Years. Maybe it's the dishes I serve...collard greens, black-eyed peas and corn bread....the traditional meal for bringing good luck for the New Year in the South!


The crow and corn tablerunner and napkins are central to my theme. I found them at a wonderful little shop in Madison, Georgia, called In High Cotton. The name comes from a Southern expression...if you are "in high cotton" then you are doing well! If you ever get a chance, you should definitely check out this shop! It's chock full of decorating goodies and it's one of my favorites!


I wanted to maintain my country theme, so I used Granny Smith apples as candle holders. I used a corer to make the holes for the tapers, then I rubbed a little lemon juice on the exposed flesh of the apple to keep it from turning brown. It actually worked better than I expected!


As my centerpiece, I used a crow that I found on the clearance aisle of TJ Maxx for $7.00. That's my little touch of whimsy, as Gollum has taught us. Or maybe it's a big touch. I'm not sure. At first I had planned to paint him black, but when I saw him with my tablescape, I knew he had to stay "as is." He matches my pewter flatware and serving pieces. Besides, I love the way he glows in the candlelight!


I put a votive candle at each plate. I really like the effect of the candlelight! The plates are almost shimmering!



These are the new plates that I showed you in an earlier post. They are Chardonnay by Oneida. I got a service for 8 for $72 and I have been using them every day and enjoying them. See the grapes around the rim? They remind me of crows, too. Remember the fable of "The Fox and the Crow"? The one about sour grapes? Now, you are probably thinking that everything reminds me of crows! I do love those noisy old birds!



You may have been wondering about my napkin rings. I will have to explain. I actually have some beautiful pewter ones that would have been perfect, but I have 4 of them and 6 guests are expected. Then I found something in the kitchen aisle at TJ Maxx and said wooo hooo!

These are cookie cutters in the shape of numbers!! For counting down the New Year, right? OK, so maybe I'm stretching it there, but they sort of look like pewter. They make perfect napkin rings! These were only $6 so I grabbed them and ran!


I wanted to show you my pewter flatware. Back in the olden days when I got married, it was all the rage to get pewter instead of silver, so I did. These are from Gorham. I love the big chunky handles! They have such wonderful patina and did from day one. You will also notice my Laguiole steak knives. My guests really won't need them, but I wanted you to see them.


Remember when Susan did the post about the Orvis ad showing French knife makers sharpening the blades while lying down? Well...these knives are from Jean Dubost Laguiole, a very old French knife company in Theirs, France. You can always spot them because of the bee on the handle. The more traditional style has the horn handles. I chose these to match my pewter.


I placed 4 sets of individual salt and pepper shakers around the table. These are not actually pewter, but I thought they were pretty. They came from TJ Maxx also...$10 for the set of 8 shakers. I also love the little lettuce leaf bowl you see behind them. I have one at each end of the table and will put lemons slices in them for the iced tea.



The goblets are Godinger Irish crystal that I got on sale at Macy's. I had a coupon, too, so I paid $36 for a set of 12! I'll use the goblets because we will be having sweet tea, of course. I don't know which wine to serve with collard greens!! Do you?



I love how the pewter glows in the candlelight! Did you notice that the forks only have 3 tines? That was another reason that I chose them. I think it gives them a really old look. Notice all the little touches of green? I tried to pull out the colors in the tablerunner and the napkins.


I used a green antique depression glass butter dish that belonged to my mother. Isn't it beautiful? I love the delicate little designs!


I also used this green leaf plate. I know this is a lettuce leaf, ladies! But to this Southern girl, my first thought was collards! I put it beside a collard leaf so you can see why. Now you have to admit that it does look more like collards than lettuce! Anyway, I think it works well with the meal I am serving! I'll put cornbread on this plate.


Here's a final look at my whimsical country tablescape. I have to admit that I have a new-found respect for all of you tablescapers. It was hard work! How do you do this every week?? What? What's that you say? A guest? At the end of the table? Ohhhh...it looks as though one of my guests has arrived a little early!



Thank you so much for dropping by to see this novice tablescaper's work. Please visit the other much more capable ladies listed on Susan's blog Between Naps on the Porch to see some gorgeous examples of their work. Now if you'll excuse me, my guests are arriving....

66 comments:

  1. I just enjoyed this so much, Debbie--what a gorgeous table. Your crow was a wonderful find, and he looks so elegant with your pewter. I think you cat qualifies as whimsy, too. :-) May this be the start of many wonderful Tablescape Tuesdays!

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  2. so many clever ideas, the cookie cutters are darling! i have seen loads of tables, but this is my first crow and its darling, excellent theme! what a wonderful tour of your table, thank you for sharing~

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  3. Oh Debbie I am so proud of you, just look at this wonderful table.It just glimmers in the candlelight.I am having a late night snack of fontina and grapes and I am using my,you guessed it,lagouile cheese knives, I never noticed the bee on the handle until you pointed that out and sure enough there it is.I have the ivory handles.I always learn something new from you.You have done a great job and I suspect you will be doing more in the future. It gets a little addictive,when you shop you will start seeing things to make a tablescape of with.What a fun adventure this is turning out to be. I am so glad I get to go along for the ride. Hugs to you ,Kathysue

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  4. Debbie,
    This is so beautiful! Naawww, this can't be your first time.... So, what are you sharing next Tuesday?!?

    I'm a plates on the wall type of gal too, (although I still haven't put them back up after the remodeling,) and I still haven't tried Tablescape Tuesday. ☺
    Diane

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  5. Debbie,
    I love it! So many great ideas,the apple candleholders are so creative. I think maybe I am a southern girl and I just never knew it! Thanks for sharing and I am adding you to my blog favs. Cindy in Wi.

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  6. This was very original and i love it. I like your whole idea. The crow tablecloth is great, i want it. lol. mishelle

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  7. You go girl! Great first tablescape - I so enjoyed it. Original and fun.

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  8. Wonderful...well done...loving the apple candle holders.

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  9. There is so much I love about your table! The apple candle holders-which now I have to totally DO, the green butter holder and those s&p shakers! AND - we can't forget the crow! Nicely done first timer! LOL

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  10. Debbie... love your tablescape... the green is BEAUTIFUL! the apple candle holders... DEVINE!

    Miss Emily would be proud... ;)

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  11. Debbie, This is a beautiful tablescape. I love the granny smith apples as candleholders. And your pewter flatware is to die for!! I love your leaf serving platters. Just perfect!!
    Hugs, Terrie

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  12. Oh, Debbie, what a table you've set! I love it! All of the pewter is wonderful as well as your dishes, the apple candle holders the crystal - just all of it! Well to Tablescape Tuesday. You know you can never go back you have to keep setting you table for us!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  13. Novice? I beg to differ! You're a pro already!

    Love the casual/chic flair you're table has going on! And the count-down napkin rings are brilliant!

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  14. Your table looks simply awesome!!!

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  15. Oh Debbie this is truly lovely girl...even your music matches the great table today..I just love thr Granny Smith candle holders and your flatware..BRAVO!! to you dear friend..now I want to see more each tuesday..Gollum will love what you did here..great use of all things..right down to the cookie cutters so many ideas now for my old memory bank..thanks for sharing...hugs and smiles Gloria

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  16. What a great setting! First of all I love depression glass...pink & green! Love the use of the apples & the cookie cutters...very clever!

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  17. Your table is gorgeous Debbie! I love all the elements you used, especially the apples & cookie cutters. You are very creative!
    Hugs,
    Carol

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  18. Deb,this is awesome.And your first,WOWOWOW.You're a natural.I'm so glad you joined in,I think everyone is.I love those plates and the "COLLARD"plate.And by the way,I love crows too....Ann

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  19. Well if you are a novice, then I am truly a beginner. Your 1st tablescape is a gorgeous one. There are so many lovely components I don't know where to begin. I love your pewter flatware. And you know I just love your collard plate. LOL From hence on, I will officially call them collard plates. You did good, GF - very good indeed! :-)

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  20. Beautiful! I love the clean, simpicity of your tablescape. Please give the guest of honor of hug from me, okay?

    Go check out the award you received from me on my blog!
    Donna

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  21. You napkin rings are delightful... counting down the new year or "counting Crows" (a band) anyway... what a fun table. I love it and your butter dish!

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  22. Well, thank you for sharing one newbie to another! :) This is only my second attempt at Tablescape Tuesday & I can see I have a lot of room for growth. I loved you creativity with the crow, the leaf plates, your Mom's butter dish(the green is much less common than the pink). And you guests is at least not one to complain. Or maybe he is... Have a great Tuesday.

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  23. I had trouble concentrating on the table because I was distracted by the kitties! They are all adorable! The table is beautiful, you've done such a nice job. I love the colors! Michelle

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  24. Debbie, I'm not sure what just happened to my coment, but I wanted you to know I love your tablscape. You did a great job, and your first guest is mighty handsome! :-)

    XO,

    Sheila

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  25. Oh that was fun!...Love all your explanations of the dishes etc...and the countdown napkin rings...so cute
    And thanks for your visit to my blog too, Debbie!
    It was my 2nd TT...been doing tables for years, just never did TT till Jain dragged me into it!
    It's fun, no?

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  26. NOVICE! Seriously, Fabulous table scape. You know I'm loving the green apples, such a great idea.... And the crow theme, just to cute.
    Love, Love what you did!!!!

    xoxo,
    Cathleen

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  27. Oh Debbie!
    Just beyond gorgeous!!! Love your Gorham flatware and the crow is so unexpected and precious. What an amazing presentation for TT. Here's to many more from you dear friend.
    Your "guest" is about the cutest thing ever. LOL!
    ~Melissa ;)

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  28. AWWWW! I loved when Carly sang Blackbird!!! Yeah! Nice touch.

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  29. Bon jour Debbie, have no fears your table scape is most outstanding and made even more so by the delightful comentary. Corn bread and blackeyed peas, remind me of my Mom and her sisters, they were southern girls, so I guess in a way I am too. Also WELCOME, I was delighted to see your name on my followers list. Adieu TTFN

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  30. Where do I start? lol apples,too cute, crow,runner Yes adorable! pewter,I do love, lettuce not, collards yes, lol depression glass, hold me back lol, crystal,lovely and great deal! Now if hubby will get my dining room finished I would love to try to do more. I cabinets are so full of my crstal! I have * patterns now, not all china. Love the crow too. Just do not like them when they are covering the farm and I mean covering! lol
    Now for the Monet! Yes, Field of Poppies is the one I have in parlor. My Monet is 36x 30, I will have to put on my side bar. I have been hunting for years some silk poppies, in the color of the Monet, my sis says she has some, Wish I could find them. Love your table, inspiring. Its hard to be creative when the walls are all torn up! lol

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  31. Love your southern touches, especially using things not in the normal way for something, like the cookie cutters!
    Nice!
    Linda

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  32. Wonderful first Tablescape Tuesday contribution, Debbie. I love all the attention to detail. I hope this is the beginning of many Tuesdays with tablescapes, for you!

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  33. Your table is lovely and I am sure that your guest that night thought so. You have put so many lovely ideas on the table for all of us to share and I love the napkin ring idea. I am having a giveaway so pleas come over and sign up when you have time. Bye the way just when is your next dinner party?

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  34. I SOOOOOOOO screwed up earlier, so PLEASE forgive me. I passed my award along to you, and even came over to leave you a comment, and apparently got distracted & didn't b/c I don't see it above. Rest assured, I know your name is Debbie (not Donna). When I was trying to link up to people's Html's, I kept editing it because I'd go to there blog after I had them down to give it to them, and they already had the award. I probably moved Donna up & didn't change the name b/c it started w/ a D & I was in a hurry to a hair appointment (priorities)- so, I'm sorry. Please do pick it up. I have corrected my mistake! Now, about that table! I think you've done a fine job, and I like the cookie cutter idea! I love your dishes too! I don't even do a New Year's table, so I'm impressed you did that.

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  35. P.S. I was so in a tizzie I forgot to tell you that my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THING was your mom's butter dish (since I collect green vintage glass!) Second place went to those tropical looking (from what I can tell) napkins! I heart them!

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  36. good afternoon Debbie, Your tablescape is absolutely beautiful! There is so much about it I love. I like using runners on top of a tablecloth. I think it adds color and richness to the table. Yours is so pretty with all the red and the birds. Your candles are so pretty. what a neat idea to use apples as candle holders. I am going to do this. I also like the number cookie cutters. Your plates and glasses are lovely. Everything is just lovely.

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  37. Debbie, I forgot to add my most favorite part of your tablescape. It was meeting your sweet guest.

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  38. Debbie this is wonderful! I absolutely love your flatware, I have a particular fondness for pewter as that was what my grandmother always had. You're right, the patina is wonderful right from the beginning. I don't even know where to start as to what I like the best, it's all so perfect and well thought out. Baby Kitty seems impressed also! Fantastic job, I can't imagine what you were nervous about. I think you are a natural at this. Hugs, Kathy (oh, and the music choice is perfection)

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  39. Hi..thanks for stopping by. Your table is great. I love the number cookie cutters for napkin rings...great idea. Hope your company had a wonderful time!

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  40. Hi Debbie! I so loved your table and the tour of goodies you gave us along the way! You really put everything together nicely! It is fun to create this table tops! Enjoy...

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  41. Debbie, I left you another award on my blog, but I see you've already received it. Oh well, if anyone shows a great attitude it's you, so two is not too many! Hugs, Kathy

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  42. Hi Debbie! I just love your tablescape and how you gathered things to go with your theme. Your dishes are lovely and I love that you use them everyday! It was so funny that you said we must think that everything reminds you of crows. I love crows too! They are like BIG CHICKENS! Deb

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  43. Debbie, just wanted to say you did a beautiful job of your table. I really like the idea of using apples as candle holders. For a first timer you did great.

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  44. I am glad you participated because this is truly gorgeous, Debbie! I love all your dishes especially the green leafy ones. Everything is so pretty down to the apple candle holders. I bet the food was delicious too!...Christine

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  45. Debbie, for a novice, your table sure looks like a pro did it! I love it all! Cookie cutters for napkin rings! What a smart "cookie" you are! That butter dish of your mother's is just beautiful. And I agree, the plate looks like a collard leaf. Wonderful tablescape. laurie

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  46. I love your tablescape, it is super cute!! Everything goes together so well.

    I also think your guest is really adorable.

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  47. Debbie, for your first tablescape girl you hit the ground running and it turned out darling. Full of whimsy. I especially like your napkin ring holders..they are darling.. And of course your guest that arrived early is just too cute for words.. :-)
    I'm off tomorrow finally so you know what I'll be busy doing.. cannot wait to get it all back in order. Been way too long.. hugs ~lynne~

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  48. Your tablescape is beautiful.
    Jean in Virginia

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  49. Wow, Debbie...this great! I bet your guest loved your table...the two footed and four footed ones! :-) I love your "collard leaf" plate and the depression glass pieces is so delicate and beautiful. That is so cool that you actually have some of those knives from that french knife company...love it! If I go back to Madison, I'll look for the store you mentioned. What a wonderfully, whimsical table...loved your Mr. Crow centerpiece! :-) Susan

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  50. What a fun table! I must admit, I wouldn't know a collard green from any other kind, but your plate is a neat touch.

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  51. Hi Jean...Thank you so much for dropping by! I appreciate your kind remarks! Plese come back any time...Debbie

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  52. Hi Debbie!!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Your tablescape is fantastic!!!! I luv the crows!!!! You are such a good blogger! So detailed and interesting!!!! Are those lettuce/greens dishes from Portugal? I have a bowl like it!!!! I like chunky flatware as well! I really like the idea of only the three tines! Your fury guest looks way too cute!
    CHEERS! Michele

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  53. Sorry I am so late for your dinner. I was trying to find some info for you. I located this on epicurious.com, listed for pairing with collards.

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fusilli-with-Collards-Bacon-and-Garlic-11640

    wine pairings
    a French Chablis , an American Riesling , an American chardonnay

    You can never go wrong with iced tea, that is commonly referred to as the table wine of the South, as you know.
    Absolutely adore the runner you used. I love birds, so anything involving them, I find very attractive. I have always shied away from pewter because I thought it was hard to maintain, but yours looks great. Your crow in the table center looks very majestic. I'm also glad you didn't paint him. Love the use of the apples to hold the candles. Everything is beautiful and your guests were very fortunate to dine at such a splendid table.

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  54. FAN-TAS-TIC! and your guest is gorgoeus!

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  55. Hi Debbie, This is my first visit to ur blog. Its beautiful!!!!! I love your tablescape. I have a weakness for plates too and setting tables and centre pieces! I have a small collection but they're still in my cupboard. haven't gotten down to hanging them up yet. LOVE ur blog !! Im going to add you to my blog roll

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  56. Hi Glenda! You aren't late to dinner. We were just having appetizers! How funny about the American Reisling! I actually had a bottle of that, but didn't have many takers. Most of my guests were iced tea drinkers. Thanks for the site. I hadn't thought about checking Epicurious. Isn't it funny that someone has bothered to pair a wine with collards? That's a really good source for recipes, isn't it? I love that you can make and read comments about them. I have really found that my pewter is pretty easy to maintain. Unlike silver, it's supposed to look a little old. I had actually just polished mine with Brasso right before the photo. There wasn't a whole lot of difference before and after. I hope you are having a good start to the new year. I need to get crackin' on the guest/grandbaby room. This project does have a time limit! lol Have a great day!...Debbie

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  57. Hi Glenda..cont'd...I went to check out the recipe. Sounds interesting! I would never have thought of putting collards with pasta, but when I read the recipe, I remembered that I have a French friend who adds Swiss chard to pasta. I bet it would be good! Did you see the comment where the woman from Alabama was cooking for an Italian?? Good compromise! Thanks for finding the recipe for me!...Debbie

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  58. Running behind on visiting everyone's tables...beautiful job!

    Stop by my blog..I have left you a little something at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/01/moi.html

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  59. Your very welcome. I, too, think it is strange that someone even thought to pair wine with collards. But then again, in this country we don't eat as many green veggies as they do in other parts of the world.
    My favorite USE (not pastime) for my computer is finding the answer to a question without a trip to the library being necessary.

    I didn't read the reviews, however I thought the recipe sounded good. I can't wait to try the Old Bay next time. I love to try something new, keeps life from becoming boring.

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  60. I think you did a splendid job. I especially like the clever idea using the cookie cutters as napkin rings to usher in the New Year! I have not been to High Cotton in Madison but will on my next trip to the Tour of Homes.
    Ginger

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  61. Hi Ginger! Thanks so much for dropping by! I appreciate your visit! Come by any time...Debbie

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  62. it simply doesn't get much better...a little of this...a little of that... all mixed and added with a keen eye for art, and creativity...and voila...something most memorable and pleasurable...a true delight for the senses...

    i await the next adventure!

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  63. What a fabulous tablescape...so original, fun and whimsical! Great job! Love those apple candle holders...I did the same thing with red delicious apples for my daughter's winter wedding 8 years ago...they looked great with all the seasonal greens and jars of cranberries with tealights.
    Very clever using number cookie cutters to countdown to the new year!
    I've never seen crows on a dining room table! Looks like your guest is quite interested in that big bird! :-)

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  64. CLEVER! Love your table. So many great ideas!

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  65. I love your blog and I love all your beautiful clever table decorating ideas! Thank you! Paula Bee

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  66. Oh Debbie What a FABULOUS job you did with your tablescapeing :) I am in such awe of all the stunning tablescapes. I just hope to one day beb able to share with you:) Ironing a linen tablecloth? ReallY? I still have my Mom's linens all perfectly ironed and put away because I just know I will never get them like that again.

    Your blog is amazing - you deserve all those awards and an award for being a great, supportive blogging friend

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie