Thursday, June 10, 2010

What is Red, Black and White All Over? Tablescape Thursday and a GIVEAWAY!

     This week I set a table and actually used it! I set 2 tables and had a family dinner on Sunday. My parents would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Monday and I didn’t want it to go unnoticed. Yet, how do you celebrate an anniversary, when one of them passed away less than a month before? I decided to have a cookout, surround my dad with family and just enjoy being together.

     My dining table at this time of year only comfortably seats 4. A couple of weeks ago we brought home a table from the curb of the house 2 doors down. I wish I had the before picture, my dad painted it too quickly for me to get one. It had an orange top (flat paint) and the legs were blue, red, green and yellow. It isn’t very sturdy, but I knew that it would be easy to move upstairs when we wanted to have 8 or 10 people to eat.


     I started with round black placemats and topped them with bright red plates (Crate and Barrel). Next, black dessert plates (WalMart) and black and white transferware bowls (TJMaxx). The flatware was a bargain a few months ago at TJMaxx, and I loved it with this color combination. Bright red napkins, and black iron votives with red candles add another pop of color. For a centerpiece I used a simple silver tray with a black interior that we received as a wedding present. I used vintage crystal candlesticks topped with bronze twig balls and a single large hydrangea blossom. The table was very simple, and yet the colors were really fun to work with.



     Corn on the cob was on the menu, so I used these cute vintage corn plates on both tables.




The wine glasses I've had for several years. You will notice in the night shots (taken after I used and reset the table) that I switched to vintage wine glasses that had a better shape for this table setting.



I kept the centerpiece very simple. We wanted to be able to visit during dinner and didn't want to be looking over and around a centerpiece.



     My main table was once again done in my newest blue polka dots…you saw a very similar tablescape here using most of these same items. If I had been entertaining anyone but family, I would have made the two tables compliment each other with colors. Since it was my family, I decided to play with the red, white and black even though the tables were very close to each other. I like it when multiple tables don't "match" but under normal cirmcumstances the color and style should at least blend well...not be a shock to the senses.


     Dinner was a whole pork loin, half done with lemon pepper and half with BBQ sauce. My romaine salad (recipe here), baked potatoes, corn on the cob and crème brulee cake. My sister brought pitty-pats and delicious stuffed mushrooms to start us off. It was a good day.








Please visit our hostess Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. You will see a wide variety of beautiful and fun tables if you visit!

     Now, for the GIVEAWAY! I am thrilled that I have been once again asked by CSN Stores to host a giveaway. CSN has a variety of wonderful online stores where you can find everything from track lighting in their fabulous CSNLighting.com store, to gorgeous dishes in their Cookware.com store. CSN is the perfect place to look for gifts, furniture, home improvement items...they even sell shoes! For this giveaway, CSN is going to send one lucky winner a $50 gift certificate to use in any of their stores.


Here is what you need to do to be entered:

1. Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)


2. Leave a second comment telling me you are a follower (1 entry)

3. Visit CSN.com and leave a comment telling us what you might want to spend the certificate on if you win. (1 entry)


4. Post a link to this giveaway on your blog-be sure to come back and leave a comment saying you did so. (1 entry)

You have a chance to earn 4 entries into the giveaway.  This giveaway is open to all U.S. residents and those in Canada. Good Luck! You have until June 24th to enter.

108 comments:

Tricia said...

Both tables are so pretty! I think the red and black one is my favorite, though I do love polka dots! I really like the centerpiece you arranged on the first table -- very appealing, and simply elegant.

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

I love polka dots and I also love black used in a tablescape, so that makes both of your tables very beautiful in my eyes.

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

Already a happy follower

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Sue,
I love your table settings. What a great table just found on the curb. You made it look brand spankin new as we say it the south.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I could use some new glasses or flatware.

Alison said...

Beautiful tables! I love those polka dot plates!!! The centerpieces on both tables are wonderful!

Alison said...

I'm a new follower! Just found your blog today! Can't wait to catch up and read some more!

Alison said...

I love CSN Stores! Several of my daughter's birthday presents were bought through them!
I'd probably buy her a toy tea kettle that I saw on CSN Stores!

Kathleen said...

Both very pretty! How sweet of your dad to paint the table...keeping busy is a good diversion for him too!
Love those polka dot dishes!
I am a follower, and just spent 200 dollars at CSN. I would buy some bedding.

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh my, what beautiful table settings! I love the red, white and black, truly stunning!

Nancy

Jenny said...

Gosh, I thought I loved the red and black tablescape but the blue polka dots...yum. They are so happy. I hope this was a special time for your Dad and all of you. I can only imagine how hard this is for you...keeping you in my prayers still!

Jenny said...

So...I am a follower and you should PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME!

Hmmm... was that tacky?

Jenny said...

I would totally order some of the cool pool toys they have. Anything to get through the summer with the Grands!

Unknown said...

I love CSN! And their customer service is excellent! Great giveaway!
{Rebekah}

Unknown said...

Visited CSN: I have my eye on a beautiful Filigree Basket!
{Rebekah}

Sue said...

Your tablescapes are always beautiful!

Marigene said...

Both tables are beautiful, but if I had to choose a favorite, as much as I like blue and white, I would have the be the black and red...just so pretty.

Marigene said...

Yes, I am one of your many followers!

Marigene said...

I would use the gift certificate for...dishes!

Mami2jcn said...

CSN has great stuff!

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

I'd get the Combi 2010 Strolee Stroller in Mauve.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Gypsy Heart said...

Sue, both tables are beautiful. The red, black & white are my colors. :-) I'm sure your family loved both as well as the wonderful food.

Thanks so much for sharing!

xoxo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

Oh, and I'm a follower already!

xinex said...

Both of your tablescapes are very pretty, Sue. Your mom will be looking down from heaven smiling. The menu sounds scrumptious!...Christine

xinex said...

Oh yes, I am a follower! This is the longest I have been home in the summer that is why my plants are doing so well. I water them 2 x a day.....Christine

xinex said...

Me again! If I win, I will put the certificate towards a Racheal Ray oval saute pan....Christine

Lexie said...

TJ Maxx has great kitchen stuff! i always forget about that until i'm in the store!

Angie said...

Your blue table is so fun! And, I love the red, black and white color combination!

Holly Lefevre said...

I always love Black and White and Red together. This table is great! You do such beautiful tablescapes and have such a collection of dishes...I am inspired.

Holly Lefevre said...

I am a follower!

Barb said...

Hi Sue, love your tables. The black and red is so stunning....such wonderful colors!

Barb ♥

Barbara said...

Such pretty tables! I am especially partial to the black and red one.

Patty said...

Gorgeous photographs. Just makes me want to pull up a chair.

Unknown said...

Hi Sue~ I adore your black and white tablescape so gorg. Love it!

Enter me please, jenglamgirl@gmail.com! There has been major CSN giveaways, I haven't won one yet, maybe I will get lucky!

Unknown said...

Hey SUE I FOLLOW YOU HAPPILY!

Unknown said...

i WOULD love a clock, or maybe some dishes from CSN! cross fingers! Thanks, have a good night! Jenn

Maria said...

Hi Sue!
I'd LOVE to shop at CSN!!!
It would be great to try it out!
Thanks for the give-away! Please enter me in!

Maria said...

I ENJOY following your blog, Sue!
Your great love of family, your cooking and your tablescaping inspire us!

Maria said...

I posted your giveaway in my sidebar with a link back to you! I'll keep it up until the end of the giveaway!

Maria said...

Hi Sue! There are so many things!
*A more comfortable dog bed for my old, old shih tzu, Muffin
*An electric tea kettle for work.

*I adore the "My Baby Sam" Hampers!!!
Oh they are soooo cute... I wouldn't know which one to choose!

Thanks again, Sue!
~Maria

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Sue, Both tables are wonderful and I love the blue and white polka dot plates...so cute!
xo, Sherry

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

I have been eyeing the Bee glasses at CSN for quite a while. I would use the gift certificate to purchase a set.
Hugs,
Sherry

J Rodney said...

Hi there Sue, of course I want to be entered into the giveaway. I'm currently on vacation, so I am just checking in briefly.

smartmomj[@]gmail.com

J Rodney said...

I'm a faithful follower:)

smartmomj[@]gmail.com

J Rodney said...

If I won, I would love to get the hammock chair, as it would be perfect for the mango tree.

smartmomj[@]gmail.com

Rettabug said...

Your tables both look very nice, Sue & I think this was a wonderful way to acknowledge the passing date without making everyone even sadder that your Mom wasn't there to celebrate it with your Dad.
I'm glad he was feeling up to painting & doing such things. Nice for you & him both!

Rettabug said...

Oh & I'm a follower, of course, & have been for a long time. :-)

Rettabug said...

I didn't know that CNS had the cookware.com site! Thanks for that link! I just went there & saw some SQUARE tablecloths. Do you know how difficult it is to find SQUARE tablecloths for my 60x60 *gathering* table in the sunroom??? WOW...they had lots to choose from so I think that is what I'd pick if I win. ;-)

Thanks for offering us this nice gift certificate!

Rettabug said...

I couldn't find a button for your blog so I just used your beautiful header photo to post a notice about the give-away on my sidebar. Hope you don't mind me using it like that.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Sue,
What pretty tablescapes...luv those darling blue and white poka dot plates! Please count me in on your awesome giveaway:)

Blessings,
Linda

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

I'm a very happy follower:)

Blessings,
Linda

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

CSN has sooooo many great sites to visit...think I would be in the market to buy some of their outdoor lighting!

Blessings,
Linda

dee dee said...

Sue,
I've been so swamped with the end of school and entertaining company this week, I am just know have the chance to catch up with some long overdue blogging. What a great give-a-way! Count me in!
Dee Dee

dee dee said...

I'm a faithful follower!
Dee Dee

dee dee said...

Oh my just went to visit the web site and am amazed at all the selections available there! Some of the lighting would be perfect in my modern country design! By the way, I love the new free table! Had to laugh when you described the before, probably better that you didn't take a before photo! Great tablescapes this week!
Dee Dee

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Both of your tables are beautiful. I am partial to polka dots so fell in love with those plates. But also like the black and red tablescape as well. Dinner sounded good, too! Yum!!

Relyn Lawson said...

Here's my comment: Pick me, pick me, pick me! Pleeeease!!!!!!!!!!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Sue,
These tables are just gorgeous! I really love the black and white and red on that white table! It just pops!
But that 2nd table with the soft blues and polka dots, it just my fave!
Really, really, gorgeous!
Please enter me too!
Cindy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I am a follower of course!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I want to get the bassinet at CSN babies!
My daughter is expecting!
Cindy

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sue, I love your tablescape, and I would love to win those glasses you featured. They are beautiful.

And I am definitely a follower of you blog!

Thanks to you and CSN!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Roberta said...

Awww...I think that it is awesome that you celebrated your parents anniversary in this way and I'm sure your Dad was very grateful. My dad passed 5 years ago and we still call my Mom on their anniversary day to tell how much we honor their marriage and the lives they had together. Like you we are empty nesters and we have downsized so setting up to entertain is hard to do...but when the boys come home we eat on the patio and for intimate dinners for me and DH we eat at my relocated DR table which I now call my "Library Table" here at the Love Shack...we also do alot of "Carpet Picnics". Being together and celebrating life is the key!

Roberta said...

I'm your newest follower and I've also added you to my google reader so that I can keep up with all of your blog posts. I participate in Met Mon with Susan quite often. Have a great week, fondly, Roberta

Roberta said...

Just checked out CSN's site and I'm really wanting some new shoes or a new bag...after all a girl can never have enough :D

Roberta said...

Just added your contest link to my sidebar :}

http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/#tp

Sherry said...

Your tablescapes are so beautiful. I was inspired and hope to do more tablescapes at home. I have enjoyed visiting your blog.

Sherry said...

I just became your newest follower.

BrightenedBoy said...

That tablescape is so beautiful. You have atrue talent for finding what will go with what and creating alluring ensembles from all the pieces.

I think you could plan a royal banquet, or at least plan the decorations.

Monica H said...

what's black and white and red all over? A newspaper!

I used to tell that joke as a kid and I thought I was so clever. ha ha!

very nice tablescape.

Monica H said...

ooh I think I'd buy some kind of bakeware...as if I don't have enough! ha ha!

Shellbelle said...

It is so nice that you celebrated such a special day with family and both tables look fantastic!

Shellbelle said...

Me, a follower? Why of course dahling!

Shellbelle said...

I already know that I would get the cooler that matches the chair I'm giving away. When I was looking around I must confess I had a hard time not choosing that for a review and eagerly waiting for it to arrive. But I love my chair so much, I really wanted someone else to have one too!

Shellbelle said...

Okay, I used that pretty geranium photo and made a button for your giveaway, which I promptly posted in my sidebar. I see you've already been there today, but you missed it!

Mary Ann said...

I am a follower and would love to win.

Mary Ann said...

What a lovely party for your Dad.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Will you be my new best friend?!?! I love a girl who can set a table-- and you did it TWICE! Both are stunning. My husbands laughs at all the time I spend setting a table for a special occasion but it makes it all the nicer and I swear the food tastes better!

Thank you for your generous giveaway! I'd love to put the gift certificate towards a new piece of All-Clad. I just love it.

I stopped by via Tiki hut. It's nice to meet you. I'll be back again soon. Please stop by my blog and enter my giveaway too!

Thanks again, jj

Joanna Jenkins said...

PS I'm follower #137.
jj

Mary Ann said...

I would love to win the gift card, would probably get something for the bedroom, new sheets maybe.

Mary Ann said...

I have been following your blog for a while now, so sorry about your Mom.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I have done a post with your giveaway mentioned.

Crystal said...

Love your tablescape. What great ideas you have!

Crystal said...

I am a follower!

Traci said...

I just found your blog! The tablescapes are beautiful. I love the red & black!!! What a special day it was for y'all.

Traci said...

I am now a follower!!

Traci said...

I've been looking at the CSN website quite a bit lately. They have a couple of rugs that I really want!

Dori said...

I love your tablesetting!

Kelly said...

Please add me to your list in this giveaway! I'm going to look at CSN.com and check it out.
Thanks!

Kelly said...

I might like one of their bird feeders. They have a huge selection!

Pamela said...

Just hopped on over from Kim's. Sign me up for an entry please!:)

Pamela said...

Newest follower!

Haden News said...

Your tablescapes are beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win in this giveaway!

Haden News said...

I am a new follower... I am also having a giveaway, mine ends at 7:00 p.m. tonight--hurry over!

Red Couch Recipes said...

Your dinner was so very cosy! Both tables were lovely. I have some blue polka dot that I like to use. I love the black and white dishes too. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your parent. Joni

Red Couch Recipes said...

I am a new follower! Joni

Red Couch Recipes said...

If I win...I am not sure because they have so much....I would like the Napoleoni Bee glasses or the Nordicware Beehive cake pan. Joni

Red Couch Recipes said...

I posted your giveaway on my side bar. Joni

Kiki said...

Love love love the black, red, white tablescape! Gorgeous!!

Kiki said...

New follower!! :)

Kiki said...

I'd buy wedding stuff!! That would then double as decorations in our new home :)
This is a great giveaway!

Rebekah said...

Beautiful tablescapes! Thanks so much for the chance to win! :)

Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That) said...

You do very petty work.Love the red and black. Do you use it the night you do it? I may try and join you for table setting. LauraQ

Jean said...

Both tablescapes are great. The red and black is striking and the blue is elegant. What fun you must have creating these table settings.

Wee-Wynnie said...

Hi, I love the tablescapes. They are just beautiful. And who would've thought that cute little table could become as elegant as it did. I can tell you love this. And of course I am following you.

Wee-Wynnie said...

Of course I'm a follower. I haven't been on for quite awhile but I'm back now and trying to get my own thing going.

Wee-Wynnie said...

That is a tough decision. I am looking for a new light fixture for our dining room. I'm sure that would be the winner. Altho' I have purchased Caphalon from CSN and also pieces to my now retired Pfaltzgraf dishes.

Wee-Wynnie said...

Sue, I tried to link it to my 'blog' (Don't Sweat The Small Stuff) and it's not. I will try to figure it out tomorrow. Any suggestions let me know. This is so new to me and I have no idea what I'm doing.

Sue said...

The Giveaway ended on June 24th...announcing a winner very soon.