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11 February, 2009

Tablescape Thursday...or...Supper with my Sweetie

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday brought to you by our hostess with the mostest, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch! Please be sure to drop by to visit her fabulous blog and to get some wonderful ideas for setting the perfect table from Susan and the other participants! Before we begin, I am excited to announce that management has decided to include a special bonus feature in this week's production! You will find it at the end of the post!

I'm calling this week's tablescape Supper with My Sweetie because my 8 year old grandson will be having dinner with me while his parents are out for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Sooo..we might as well have a special dinner, too! Of course, there will be a fire. Sometimes I have to turn on the AC when my Little Guy spends the night because a fire is required according to him! lol

We are being joined by our weekly co-host Baby Kitty, who is able to keep really close tabs on this week's production since we are dining at the coffee table. Please notice his good manners, Miss Janice, as he is keeping the hand...er...paw he is not using politely in his lap.

We are also pleased to welcome two special guests...Jinjing and Atsuko... who will be overseeing our holiday supper.

This week's tablescape has a kid-friendly Asian flavor. We will be having Chinese take-out for our special dinner, so I wanted to dress up the table to match. The kid-friendly part of our design requires some departures from the more traditional Asian tablescape. We will not be using chopsticks. I can't, no matter how I try, and I do plan to eat something! So I am using my Gorham pewter flatware and the matching candlesticks for a little atmosphere. I like the fact that the candlesticks have globes for safety!

Because we are dining Japanese style at a low table, we need cushions on the floor. Or I do. My big problem will be getting back up, however! lol These were finds from the Queen of Hearts on a recent shopping trip. They will go in the guest bedroom that I keep blabbing about but never finish.

Most of this week's tablescape came from Dollar Tree. The plates and bowls are melamine...no fear of breakage! The napkins are actually dishcloths...extra big in case we are messy! Our Asian rubber ducky friends are the inspiration of it all...although they are really ceramic!

Here's a close-up of the Little Guy's ducky. He has the Chinese ducky because it is a little more masculine. Don't you love his little jacket with its mandarin collar, gold medallions and frog closures? It looks so authentic! Do you think he is a Peking Duck??? lol lol Sorry...I couldn't resist!!

This is my place setting...a little more feminine because I have the Japanese ducky.

Isn't she cute? She's wearing a kimono complete with big cherry blossoms and tied with the traditional obi or sash. I fell in love with the duckies! They had others, but these two were the cutest!

We will be using mugs because they are harder to turn over and spill. They are also from Dollar Tree and continue the black and red Asian color scheme.

This is my favorite find...recycled paper placemats from TJ Maxx at $3.99 each. They were made in China and if you look closely, you will see the Chinese writing. The paper was rolled and then woven. Isn't this a great idea? Really unique and environmentally friendly! These will get several coats of polyurethane before our dinner. They were my most expensive item, but they will get a lot of use.

I have to share this with you.This red glass pitcher belonged to my mom. When I was little, I thought it looked just like the Kool-Aid pitcher! Yes, I know, it's red, but that's what I thought. I guess he's been around for a while, huh? Any way, we'll have lemonade from it. I know it's not Asian, but it brings back happy childhood memories, so it goes with our kid-friendly theme.

So there you have it...my kid-friendly Asian-themed supper with my sweetie! We hope you have enjoyed it! Please be sure to stop by Susan's to see many more tablescapes and be inspired to create your own! Our numbers are growing weekly. If you haven't already joined us, come get in on the fun!

And now as promised, our management would like to present our bonus feature for this week's tablescape, a montage of candid shots from our production crew:
top left: Kitty checks out the cushions for comfort factor...A-OK
top right: Behind the scenes shot of Baby Kitty under the watchful eye of our seldom-seen CEO Ozzie. Notice the trail of kibble!
bottom left: Isabella caught in the act of checking out the tablescape for food, finding none, and fleeing the scene.
bottom right : Our co-host taking a break in his private hide-away

Thank you for joining us and please enjoy the rest of your tour!!

83 comments:

  1. Hi Debbie
    Now that is a real Chinese feel dinner set up. You've set everything up so nicely and I am sure your grandson is going to feel the culture...and your fires on... Thank you for sharing.
    Your production staff are doing a wonderful job! Its neat that you have 3 of them...I bet my Abby would have fun with your 3. hmmmmm she probably could use a sister or a brother...
    oh well..

    I hope you had a great meal...and you took more pics.
    Judi

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  2. I love it, your grandson is so lucky to have you for this special evening, don't you just love the Dollar tree..... it's great, purchased several items for bridal shower I'm giving my future daughter in law this weekend.

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  3. Debbie, this is your cutest one yet! I loved it ALL! Very, very clever! And your staff can't be beat! I dare say that the two of you will be having the best Valentine dinner of anyone! Just adorable! :-)

    XO,

    Sheila

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  4. Maybe I should say the six of you if the staff eats with you! ;-)

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  5. since I don't have dinner planned, guess I pop in and sit by your fire.

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  6. I loved it! You are INCREDIBLY creative and your grandson is VERY lucky to have such a neat grandma! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  7. Hi Debbie, How cute are those kitties. The table looks just right for a gentleman and his lady. Ok, I'm getting ready for bed and looks like I'll be singing rubber ducky while I'm in the shower. Have a fun time with your little man.
    Kathleen

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  8. Debbie...Love your chinese tablescape... I may have to try and borrow it sometime!

    Susan

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  9. LOL I love your co-host! Your setting is beautiful. I cannot believe you can get such great finds at the Dollar store. I'll have to pay a visit. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  10. Debbie...this is so cute! Your grandson is going to LOVE it! I'm with him on the fire! I am soooo glad you have kitties because I adore seeing their antics each week! :-) Your placemats are amazing! Thanks for a great TT!
    Susan

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  11. Your Grandson is so lucky to have a Grandma like you! How cute it all looks. You are right! He is going to LOVE it! I guess they are still making rubber duckies. They are sort of an American tradition. My children had them. Hey! Wait! Yours have clothes on!! Mine were all...you know...nakedy? CUTE! Love the song. Goes perfectly with the post! :)

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  12. Hi Debbie,
    Awesome Post. I love the red and black and those oh so cute duckies! You got some great finds at the dollar tree and tied everything together so well. I think your co-hosts may have stolen the show! Have fun with your lucky grandson. Cindy

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  13. Debbie... what a wonderful tablescape you've put together for your special little man! I just love it... great ideas, which I will steal as soon as I have an opportunity, to use for Panda, Lil' Einstein and Romeo...

    have a blessed Valentine's day... hugs. Dixie

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  14. Totally fun. The mats are unique and great.
    Thanks for sharing your cozy dinner, Candy

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  15. Debbie your grandson is lucky to have such a special grandma to fuss over him. Very pretty table. The black and red looks great together and I love the ducky idea.

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  16. aww what a sweet idea, your grandson is going to feel so special, lucky little guy. I see you love kitties too, very sweet. We only have one but my sister has five, she loves to rescue the poor little ones.
    thanks for sharing
    smiles
    janet

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  17. Debbie, I think this is my favorite yet (do I say that every week?) I love those placemats, and yes that does look like Mr. Kool-aid! Your production staff did an extraordinary job prepping for this - kudos to them. But really, can't you tell, that's Mandarin Duck - haha gotcha! Hugs, Kathy

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  18. This is one impressive tablescape, you are so imaginative!! I love how your management staff is checking to see if you have set it up properly.

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  19. Debbie, this way too cute! What a beautiful intimate dinner with your grandson. Enjoy it!...Christine

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  20. Hi Debbie, the lil' guy is so blessed to have a grandma like you! You are such a creative lady!!!!! CHEERS! Michele

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  21. This is such a sweet idea, Debbie...your little grandson will be thrilled to be dining with Grandmother in front of the fireplace. What special memories you will be creating. I hope its a cool evening so you won't be too hot. The ducks are so cute, and I love the red pitcher...I definitely see how you thought it resembled the KoolAid fellow. :-)

    You come up with the neatest ideas...I love seeing all of your tablescapes. And perhaps the *staff* will get a tidbit or two if there are any leftovers, for all of their supervisory efforts. ;-)

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  22. Hi Debbie, This is such an adorable post and wonderful tablescape for you and your grandson, I love everything you put together here and I agree with the little lad the fire is a must. The little Japanese Ducks are so cute, have fun. Kathy.

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  23. "Un canard déployant ses ailes....coin, coin, coin...Disait à ses canards fidèles....coin, coin, coin....Il disait...coin, coin, coin....Il chantait...coin, coin, coin...Quand donc finiront nos tourments....coin, coin." Quoi dire à la championne des couverts?! Juste chanter une petite chanson à propos des canards.....coin, coin! : ) Linda

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  24. Miss Debbie you are the most entertaining lady in Blogland! LOL!
    Where did you find the song to match?

    It's all sooo pretty too!
    Who knew rubber duckies were table decor'.... :)

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  25. What a fun idea! and tablescape! I can't use chopsticks either!
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    ;-D

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  26. JingJing and Atsuko!!! LOVE IT...
    I may need to visit this table a few more times to get another smile. ;0

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  27. Debbie,the placemats are really nice.What a grandma you are,that looks just perfect and very special.The music you choose is always so fittings for your posts,I look forward to what the tunes are going to be here as much as your posts.Staff are looking pretty good,I would have to say kitty the webmaster was a real standout today,purfect shot. Cyndi

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  28. This tablescape will make your grandson feel really special...I had to laugh at you saying you'll need help getting up off the floor...I know the feeling...LOL Have fun! ;-) Bo

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  29. Debbie, this is so cute. And I know it will make a lasting memory for your "sweetie". Loved they play on words with the Peking Duck! Have a great time.
    Carol

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  30. Awww...what a FUN tablescape. Gotta love the peeking duck!

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  31. Debbie, what a special night you are creating for your grandson. Those placemats are so neat, and those ducks are just the cutest! Your grandson will remember this night for the rest of his life (especially if his grandmother is still sitting on the floor when his parents arrive!) It's no wonder your blog is so great. You have THE best staff! laurie

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  32. What a darling post Debbie.. this is just the cutest.. I know your little sweetie is going to have a great time.. what a memory for him.. aren't they the greatest? I love your staff..toooo cute.. hugs ~lynne~

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  33. Debbie, you have me in stitches everytime I read your posts! This one is the BEST so far! I love the kid friendly tablescape., and especially the duckies! ;) Let us know how the event turns out. Those assistants of yours sure are cute! ;) ~CC Catherine

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  34. *** DEFINITELY a "DEBBIE DOES DARLING" here!!! It's all just so precious n' fun n' really well-thought out! Everything's "JUST DUCKY" for your lil' guy's visit! (Sorry, I just COULDN'T resist!)~ What an UBER WONDERFUL & FUN Grama you are!!! Enjoy, my friend! Warmly, Linda

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  35. How cute, have a wonderful time with yur sweetie! He will love it!

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  36. Hi Debbie...your post made me smile..How special to be spending Valentines Day with your special litle guy...Love the table setting especially the little ducks dressed in oriental garb...

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  37. Oh how precious Debbie. I'll bet he will remember Valentines in front of the fire with you forever. What a wonderful keepsake in the red pitcher. It's so special having something from your mom at the table. Happy Valentines.

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  38. Your behind the scene shots are priceless! You & Sweetie will have the best time eating at the coffee table. I'm totally in love with your mom's red pitcher too! ♥ Diane

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  39. Your grandson is going to have the time of hit life. He will love the decor and dining at the coffeetable must be so wonderful for him. Let him be a real cavalier and help you getting up on your feet after dinner. LOL. Your staff is in control I can see.

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  40. Debbie...I enjoyed reading your post. Your Asian theme was great! I like your little kitty checking things out! I hope you and your grandson enjoyed your dinner and the fun tablescape setting!

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  41. Okay Miss Debbie, this is just darling! I love the Asian theme...and I can't use those darn chopsticks either! Now those kitties are well mannered and they are making me laugh...I just love it! You always create something special for the Tablescape Day! Bravo!!!

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  42. I love your kid-friendly Asian table! Those placemats are perfect. I know you will have a great evening!!!! :D Jewel

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  43. Hi Debbie,
    What a great idea to host a special dinner for you and your grandson! I love it! The table is just perfect for a little one and I love the duckies! Happy Valentine's Day!
    Alisa

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  44. Love this! Placemats my faves. Duckies great.
    Charmed by the red pitcher and it's story. I call this a legacy item. You will share it with your Grandson...(they can't always imagine that Grandma was once little) What fun the two of you will have at the fireside!

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  45. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  46. I love this post Debbie! its so funny and cute and the tablesetting looks so cosy and beautiful!

    In malaysia we have baskets made from rolled recycled paper too and htey are gorgeous.looking at them u wldnt believe they were made from paper.

    PS I posted same message twice so I deleted one of them.

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  47. What a fabulous tablescape. Your grandson is sure to love it! The picture of your precisous little kitty made my day :>)

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  48. I love that you are entertaing your grandson. What special memories your are making for him, and he already has a wish list when he comes. Love dining in front of the fireplace. Thanks for sharing, Maryrose

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  49. Oh, Debbie, what a perfect evening with your precious grandson. You have no idea how many memories you are making for him. You are such a special grandma. I love the ducks, they are just too cute. Hope you two have great fun and I know you will. Hugs, Marty

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  50. Debbie,this is awesome.What an imagination you do have.And so much fun....Whatcha gonna fix when I come ?...Ann

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  51. What a creative tablescape ! Love the management crew.......I did my first tablescape this week and my kitty immediately jumped on the table and batted my glass Valentine Hearts off the table and broke a few LOL

    Cheers,
    Bre

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  52. Oh, how special your little guy will feel when he dines here. I must say Jinjing and Atsuko are adorable.

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  53. What a WONDERFUL way to spend Valentine's. Almost makes me wanna ditch the hubby & spend it w/ a grand. *grins*

    Really, really fun table...your grandson is going to be "quacking" all night. I know, I know...bad pun but Hey! You started it!

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  54. Looks like you will have so much fun! Enjoy!

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  55. Don't know how you can read all this fan mail girl! This post was so funny and cute and adorable!!! What a lucky grandson! and I loved the background music!!! You managed to be cute and beautiful! I bet that's a perfect description of you! Thanks for sharing! God Bless you today and your grandson! lauralu :)

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  56. Debbie, so sweet, adorable and I can just see you and your little sweetie having the most wonderful time. Can't think of a better valentine. Love, Cindy

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  57. What a wonderful way to make memories with your grandson! I'll just bet he'll enjoy your special dinner so much he'll be asking to do it again real soon. All the table elements are so great. Enjoy your Valentine's Day dinner!
    Smiles,
    Carol

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  58. What a sweet grand mom you are and I love your kid friendly table.
    Roberta Anne

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  59. This was such a cute idea! I love the ducks! Your Grandson will always remember the fun times he spent with you!

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  60. What a wonderful story and a wonderful tablesetting! Absolutely charming. :-)

    Cass

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  61. I love that you are eating at the coffee table with your sweetie. How fun! I love the duckies & your music to go along with them!

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  62. Hi Debbie,
    Thanks for coming by and your kind words. I look forward to your visits.

    About our upcoming move... Well it's looking more and more like it will be Maryland and sometime this summer.
    It will all be official in a few weeks.

    I'm internet house shopping now.
    I found one I fell head over heels for, BUT...it has apartments in the backyard. That's a dealbreaker for us. Oh well there will be another.

    HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! :)

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  63. I adore your theme and the execution is flawless. I've never tried Chinese take-out but have tried to wok a few times and loved the flavor of the recipes I used many years ago. The placemats are works of art in their own right.

    Unbreakable dishes and mugs are a definite plus when accommodating young diners. The globes around the candles is also a big plus, when burning near smaller guests. The value of an oversize napkin shouldn't be discounted, especially when it matches the remainder of the decor so well. You might use a little dab of museum wax to secure a name card to the back of the little duckies heads and let them serve not only as decorations but as place-card holders.

    Really like your red pitcher too. It does remind me of the Kool-Aid pitcher. I hope your meal is/was as delightful as your tablescape.

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  64. Hi Glenda! I don't know about museum wax, but will find out. We will have our meal Saturday night . I will have Chinese, but he may opt for McDonald's since his mom won't usually let him have it and I will! lol In any case, the tablescape will be the same. I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day weekend!...Debbie

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  65. Hi Debbie...

    How adorable!!! What a special treat for your little sweetie! These are the memories that kids remember...it's a fabulous idea!!!

    Well my friend, your tablescape is lovely...and chinese takeout sounds scrumptious!!! I just love those placemats...how unique!!! You and your little sweetie have lots of fun...Happy Valentines Day, my friend!

    Love ya,
    Chari

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  66. I love the tables that have little surprises through-out. The placemats that were newspapers, clever,clever clever! I just love the idea! The ducks are precious and really, I could use a dishcloth at some meals too! LOL! So many wonderful ideas, without being overdone.

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  67. thank you so much for stopping by and offering suggestions on my corner, ya see it doesnt make things easier as our furface dog has his bed behind my chair and i dont have the heart to move it, he is senior and loves being near me, so i am accomadating him as well. Im not sure the cabinet is suited with what i have going on in the room so it may go to my mom who has been trying to buy it from me the minute i bought it...ha ha thankyou so much
    hugs
    janet

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  68. Deb, What a delight you are. Always inspiring always with a great sense of humor. How fun for your little guy, that his grammy made it just so special for him. Love the way you did the napkins.perfect for an Asian setting. Great Job once again and the music is perfection.Hugs,Kathysue

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  69. Just darling and I am sure your grandson is going to love it!

    Happy Valentines Day!
    Paula

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  70. Fun creative table! You have a nice dinner with your little sweetie!
    Linda Q

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  71. Hi Debbie,
    This was such a fun table setting to walk through with you. Enjoy.

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  72. Love this! And the pics of your production crew make this tablesetting the cutest one I have ever seen! You've got such a great sense of humor! :-) L~

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  73. Precious, clever and sweet.

    You are so good with tablescapes, Debbie! thanks for always making me smile. :) I must join in the fun one week soon.

    Donna

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  74. HI Debbie! Oh, how fun and how very sweet of you to do this for your little grand! He will love it. Those little duckies are just darling! I'm so glad you have tremendous help with your production crew! They really work so hard for you and I hope your pay them well!
    lol
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia;)

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  75. What a precious post! Such fun to read and what a neat idea to have a kid friendly Valentine's dinner with your grandson! Oh - how special. He will remember that always and I'm sure with much joy. The paper placemats are very unique! The ducks are darling and the melamine is wonderful. I'd love to have a whole set. Lastly, the kitties are so darling. Loved the tail sticking out from under the sofa. Precious, just precious. Thanks for sharing. Sharon

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  76. What sweet memories you are creating with your "Sweetie"! It's the fun touches like this that make it all worth it. The "peking" ducks, sitting at the coffee table, even the decor - all special! What a great tablescape post! ~ Robyn

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  77. Hi Debbie,
    What a lovely evening you have planned for your grandson. I am sure he will feel so special that you did that for him. It is moments like these that create wonderful memories for children. Good going grandma! I had a giggle over your little "helpers". Kittys sure are curious aren't they?
    It is so funny that whenever you put a cushion down - they think it is there just for them. Too cute!

    Are you going to the lunch for the Georgia gals? I am going to try to make it. What fun it will be to get see everyone face to face!
    Blessings to you,
    Kymber

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  78. LOVE the ducks by the fireplace... and kitties seem to like the whole set up! VERY CUTE!

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  79. What can I say that hasn't been said in 82 comments already?? LOL!

    I loved this whole set up and is very romantic, even with the duckies!

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