Right off of the kitchen there is a little nook that our family enjoys the majority of our meals. It is a bright sunny spot that looks out onto the pool. I found the table at a discount store a few years ago. I am thinking about painting the thrifted antique bentwood chairs to match the table legs. What do you think?
In an effort to be more environmentally conscience we use washable placemats and napkins. They are changed out every Saturday. (Unless there is an episode of spilt milk.) I adore this vintage linen set. It makes me happy to set a pretty table and takes just 5 minutes to do so. I know many families with kids hesitate to use nice things but in the end they are just things. Even children appreciate a lovely table and believe it or not, learn to respect the pretty. Although by the end of the week the reality is that the linens need a good soaking in oxy clean. 🙂
We found our everyday dishes over 10 years ago while living in Germany. The drinking glasses were bought for a song at T J Maxx several years ago. As I Francophile I love the fleur de lis emblem. However my cub scout and his pack leader dad call them the Boy Scout glasses.
I recently made the napkin rings HERE.
I couldn’t pass up this thrift store spoon and fork with an “L” monogram.
Although grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s and Fresh and Easy occasionally provide a $5 centerpiece for the table, I love the current terrarium that adds a springtime focal point.
Tomorrow I will share a step by step tutorial on how to create your own bit of potted bliss.
Laura
Linking to:
Perfect table! Elegant, yet simple!
I love this perfectly sweet, calm, and elegant table. I would love to eat my meals here!
Great tip about placemats and napkins!
Yvonne
Beautiful table setting Laura!! And I know if anyone can redo a table and chairs… it would be you!
Laura your table is lovely, and I agree about using linens everyday. Why save them for a few times a year. I have quite a few pretty ones…I adore your place-mats!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
The 2012 Artist Series
What a nice idea to set the table 'proper'…I agree that kids do appreciate it and it sets the mood for a time to slow down and enjoy the food that has been lovingly prepared. xo
Love your little terrarium 🙂 And I would definitely paint those chairs white! But then almost everything that crosses my path gets painted white so maybe I'm not the best one to ask?!!
I'm with you on using our fun stuff. They are just things. oxyclean is the bomb and if something gets totally ruined it's not the end of the world!
What a great place to sit and have a meal. The table is so pretty
Lovely!
My daughter has turned her little breakfast area off her kitchen into somewhat of a conservatory with similar plantings as yours. I love the look of something real growing indoors.
Very pretty table!
Very pretty, Laura, and I think your chairs would look great white. Also, I copied your pansy basket yesterday and posted about it today. : )
Such a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal. You are so right; children really notice and appreciate the pretty. I've never really understood to concept of “childproofing” . It's so good for them to experience and respect the nice things.
Beautiful table setting Laura! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog to comment on my spring decor! Happy Thursday!
Good Morning, Laura, What a warm and cozy place to gather for family meals. I have always adored this piece of art between the windows. Your tablescape is very spring-like. Keep us posted if you make any changes! Wishing you and yours a very happy weekend. Mildred
Beautiful table setting! I love your placemats and how simple yet elegant it looks!
I so agree with using your nice things. Too often I pick these things up at auction never been used. What were they waiting for? ~ Maureen
Laura, I loved it all, so classy. I also bought those glasses for one of my daughters and they are a favorite. Happy day wishes.
Tablescapes and settings are one of my favorite things to do. My family has learned to appreciate them (ok…I forced it upon them ) and my 17 year old loves to create them with me. Your napkin “rings” are wonderful.
Have a super day and weekend ahead!
Shari
I love your thrifted items! Those monogramed pieces and the napkin rings are my favorite!
Laura, I think painting the chairs would be nice. Your table setting is delightful.
Happy Spring to you,
d
Laura,
I can't agree with you more. Use the good dishes and linens that so often sit stored away waiting for that special moment…these ARE the special moments; each and every moment God has blessed us with. Your table looks beautiful.
Love,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
Oh, that is so pretty. Very calming and restful. Love the centerpiece too.
Debra
Very pretty! Your food would look so pretty set out on those lovely white plates.
I love the table with the graceful, and very practical legs. I was always bruising my knee caps on ours until we finally got a pedestal table. Funny, isn't it, the things one notices.
Hope you are enjoying your day! 🙂
Beautiful!
Do you know that we have never left dishes set out on our table? Mom never did that, and so I don't either. The only time the table is set is before a big gathering, otherwise we just set out what we need for each night's dinner, and I've never used placemats, because we're not the neatest diners – they would be messed up the first time Jim sat down to dinner. So… instead, I have a pretty plain table. The only thing I leave out is whatever seasonal centerpiece(s) I'm presently using. We also have just one dining table – because it's just the kitchen and adjoining dining room opened to the kitchen.
I always love to see what ideas you come up with next. 🙂
Love, Linda
Laura, does the oxy clean damage your linens at all? What temperature water do you use, and how long do you let them soak? I always use cloth napkins and they tend to get so dingy!
Why don't you just put a small white rug under the table and chairs. I think that would tie it all together.
Good luck!
Leslie
Laura, your blog is looking so fab, the greens in your header are perfect for spring!
I think your thrifted table is fabulous too. The vintage linens are a real find too, as is the knife.
You have a real special touch for making things look lovely.
Hugs,
Terri
Spring is in the air…and on the table!
xo Cathy
Laura love those round embroidered linen table mats!! What a pretty informal table! I have told several that I have to get back to making a pretty table again. We have been so very busy that I hardly have time to get the food on the table no less on a pretty table. But it really doesn't take that much longer I know.
Love your pretty spring outfit from your last post too and enjoyed your Sunday heart bearing share. Still praying for you friend!
bee blessed
mary
Laura love those round embroidered linen table mats!! What a pretty informal table! I have told several that I have to get back to making a pretty table again. We have been so very busy that I hardly have time to get the food on the table no less on a pretty table. But it really doesn't take that much longer I know.
Love your pretty spring outfit from your last post too and enjoyed your Sunday heart bearing share. Still praying for you friend!
bee blessed
mary
Beautiful..I used tablecloths and fabric placemats everyday when the children were growing up..made dinner a special event every night. Love the look of yours…My vote is to paint the tabletop white…take care..
You are right! My children do this also and I love special dinner with them.
Beautiful spring table! Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Have a nice day.
For those who asked, oxy clean does not damage the linens. It is an oxygen based bleach versus a chlorine bleach. Very gentle. I begin by running hot water and dump a scoop in so that it dissolves. Then I change to cool water. I have even “forgotten” clothes and linens and they have soaked for over 24 hours. Give it a try in a small test spot if you're still nervous.
Beautiful. I love the clean simplicity. It is gorgeous!