Wednesday, May 20, 2009

It's Thursday! Let's do a thrifty tea party


It's Thursday so it's Tablescape Thursday time. This fun even is hosted weekly by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. This is the 39th edition. Wow!!! Can you imagine putting together 39 tablescapes? Well there are some who have. Not me though, this is my 14th time. I'm pretty impressed that I've done that many. And I have so many more running through my brain. I just need to get all the little things together and find the time to do it. I'm trying to use stuff I have around the house, but I can't help it if I buy a little something to use now and again.

This week I am also participating for the 1st time in Thrifty Thursday hosted by Leigh at Tales From Bloggeritaville. A lot of the items I used in this week's tablescape came from a thrift store. Or I got a thrifty deal.

Now I don't have any daughters (boo hoo) or any grand daughters (we can always hope). But I do have 2 nieces who I call my faux daughters. I'm lucky that my nieces only live about 15 minutes from me, so we see each other quite a bit. I decided that we would have a tea party. Only problem is, I forgot to invite them and we don't drink tea. But I love tea cups, tea pots & everything else that goes with a tea party, so I thought I'd throw a faux tea party for my faux daughters Danica & Taylor.

Since the weather has been beautiful here in SoCal aka: Southern California, we would have our little tea party out by the pool. Oh, oh, looks like someone forgot to put away the extension cord & hose as well as sweep before taking the photo. Men!!! (Did you notice that I'm not taking the blame?)


Here is the tablecloth I started with (I really took this photo when I was putting everything away, but if I hadn't brought it to your attention that the cement is now all cleaned up, you wouldn't have even noticed. Would you?) I got this tablecloth at a thrift store when I lived down in San Diego county. Don't remember how much I paid for it, but knowing me, it wasn't over $5.00. Most likely only a couple of dollars.
Then I used my Bordallo cabbage plates. I only have 3 of the dinner plate size. That is why this tea party is just for 3 of us. The plates came from Ross back in Jan or Feb. I got them on clearance for I think $3.50 each. The silverware is new!!! I got it at Ross a few weeks back. $12.00 for a service for 4. I love the dark color of the bamboo.
Next I layered on my thrift store china salad plates that I got a few weeks back. I paid $2.00 for 4 of these plates plus 2 smaller plates in a different pattern. I love the pink flowers with the green cabbage plate underneath.

Here is a close up of my new silverware.
Then on top of the salad plates I put a different tea cup at each place setting. This is for me. This is my favorite tea cup. It is by Lefton. I got if off ebay. I may have splurged & paid $10.00 for this. I loved the green color with the pink roses.
Here is the tea cup for Danica. This came from ABC Distributing catalog. The bottom says "Formalities". I paid $4.95 for this tea cup. Again, I love the pink roses.
And the tea cup for Taylor. I used a Royal Albert American Rose tea cup but put it on a completely different saucer called June Bouquet by Duchess bone china England . But I think it goes together as they both have pink roses. Both the tea cup & saucer came from the thrift store. Most likely paid less than$1.00 each. I then attached little vintage napkins along with a reproduction vintage print as a name card to each tea cup handle with a drapery ring (in this case it is more like a hook). I love the medallion that was on the ring. I think it looks vintage. I'm finding that drapery rings work great as napkin rings. And they are cheap. I got these at Ross & paid $2.99 for 7 or 10 of them. Since they are actually hooks, they will come off easily from the cup handle. The napkins were part of a lot of 40 vintage napkins that I won from ebay for $9.99. I also put a packet of flower seeds (25cents each from Dollar Tree) at each setting as a little take home gift. I have them on forks bent to make easels (forgot to take photo). Here is my place setting. I love Shasta daisies. They were my favorite flowers when I was a teenager. Now my favorite flowers are roses or hydrangeas.

Here is Danica's place.
And Taylor's. Don't you just love the basket on the napkins? For the centerpiece I started out with this wooden basket that says "Fleurs" on the side. I got this at Costco at the beginning of the year. They originally came with succulents in them, but they were dying so this was a clearance item. I got it for $6.00. I think they originally sold for $20.00 or so. Since I don't like succulents, I didn't care if they were dying as I was throwing them out anyways. I only wanted the wooden basket.

Then I added some silk peonies. I thought the color of these flowers matched the pink in the flowers on the tablecloth.
Next came a birdhouse. I got this a few years back to use in my wedding. Can't remember where I got it from though. I just love this birdhouse. I sat it on a vintage napkin inside the box.
Then I added this little birdie & bird nest. This came from Michael's last year on 50% off sale.
And then I added this iron candelabra. I got this at a trade show in Vegas a few years back. I paid $2-3.00 for this.

I love how this turned out. I guess I should have lit my candles. Oh well, just pretend they are lit.

My tea service items all came from thrift stores, ebay or were free. The pink & white pitcher was an ebay find I'm sure I paid less than $10.00 for it. The tea pot was a freebie from my niece Danica. She had bought it at a thrift store to use for a friends Mad Hatter birthday party. She gave it to me after the party. The sugar & creamer came from a thrift store.

I just love my tea pot!!! I normally collect china that has roses, but I love how this pot has little blue flowers. Something different from what I normally collect.


The goblets are my Libby glasses from Walmart. I think they were like a dollar a piece.

I love how each place setting is a little different. But they all still look good together.

One final look at the table. Did you notice that the concrete is now swept? Isn't hubby a doll for doing that for me? Thanks for joining my faux tea party. Now I guess I better invite Danica & Taylor over for a real tea party. I know they will be asking for one when they see this.

39 comments:

Linda in AZ * said...

* How PRECIOUSLY D*I*V*I*N*E, Kim~~~ you ALWAYS do T*H*E* most lovely tables! So glad you share them here! (And all the chinas? Mmmmmmn... delicious!)

Warmest,
Linda *

Kathleen said...

Very pretty! Love how you mixed it all in perfectly! And I love your mom's comment..so sweet!

Lynn said...

I Loooove your table! Very artistic and clever!
You are lucky you have girls to borrow!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Kim, what a beautiful table...and lovely layers! I especially like the cabbage plates.
Michelle

Chandy said...

I love that table, Kim! It is on for tea! Mmm... by the pool, how relaxing!

Fifi Flowers said...

Aaaah tea poolside with lovely items!!!

Melissa Marie said...

Love your tea cups!!!

abeachcottage said...

oh this is just simple sighable!

your tables are always so gorgeous and pretty, it all seems to just sit perfectly, easier said than done for sure

happy tablescaping

Sarah
A Beach Cottage

Suzann said...

Really really pretty. I have spent entirely too much time this morning admiring these photos, but there is something so simple and lovely about your tablescape that I couldn't help it. Thanks!

Kammy said...

Hi Kim !

I just love EVERYTHING ! If I chose the best for this Thursday....the winner would be you !
You are very creative (love it !)
I can't believe the deals you have came across....Ebay....never tried..those vintage linens....wow.
Love the rose tea cups and all your china...I have the cabbage leaf plates too...I still see them at Ross...I will have to keep my eys open for some rose china like yours to combine them !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Thi sis positivley the most charming tablescape and thrifty table today. It is GORGEOUS. And it really shows what can be done with thrifty finds. I cannot think of a more charming or delightful table that I would like to sit than this one. It's perfect. I love the color combinations and ALL of the finds. They just were made to go together. I LOV EIT ALLL! Well done!

susan said...

I love your blue and white tea pot--I'm a blue girl and you seldom see anything but pink. Sorry your guests didn't make it--:)--they missed a beautiful table!

Marie Reed said...

Bravooo! I especially love the seed packet name cards! That is such a nice touch!

Unknown said...

What a pretty table. Love the different floral patterns of the tea-cups and the teapot (combining them).

The seed packets are so colorful!

Michelle said...

I absolutely love this entire setting from the tablecloth which is adorable to the place holders. Perfect!

Anonymous said...

I love your tea setting! Your tablecloth, napkins, plates and pretties all around are so special! Can I come over?
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Kim..it is wonderful! I love all the details! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan

Unknown said...

Oh my oh my. This post is truly inspiring! The tea cups are to die for and everything looks so perfect! Stop by and see my table setting, if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking on "Follow" in the right hand column. This way we can inspire one another frequently! Be sure to stay a while when you're there and enjoy the experience!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a gorgeous garden tablescape. You have so captured every element of the garden so beautifully. Your centerpiece is stunning. You've done such a pretty job of putting all the elements together. I just love it all. Hugs, Marty

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Oh dear, where do I begin? I love it all! Thanks for the tip about the drapery clips/rings, so clever. I love your teacups and the teapot is darling. It's hard to find that shape. Very unique. You MUST have a real tea party with your nieces! I'm also impressed you've done 14 tablescapes. I've only done a few and I'm out of dishes!

Deborah said...

Oh my goodness you should have definetly invited your faux daughters. This is too beautiful to be just for pretend. Love the way you mixed patterns.

Anonymous said...

This should definitely be a magazine spread. It id just so beautiful. What an eye for detail you have. I really enjoyed every little item.

Kristin - The Goat said...

What a sweet tablescape. I'd bet your nieces would love to come have tea (or water) with you! Thanks for being a part of Thrifty Thursdays!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Beautiful! Just stunning -- I love it all. You've made a very inviting setting for tea (or whatever you want to drink from your tea cups - since you don't do tea!) LOL

Carrie said...

Your tablesetting is pretty and delightful. How nice that you got the various elements for such great prices!

Sharing with Sherri said...

Kim,
Your poolside table is absolutely charming!! Darling china pieces, tablecloth, and I love the seed packet accents!!! Too Cute!

Sherri:)

the pleasures of homemaking said...

How pretty! Love those beautiful tea cups and the tablecloth! Love how you layer it all. It all looks so beautiful together!

Manuela

Kathleen Ellis said...

Lovely, Kim, just lovely! It is so summery and sweet! Such nice little details you've created, too!
Happy holiday weekend!
;-D

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Positively Perfect!!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Kim,
This is just fabulous! Everything is so cottage gorgeous, from the teacups to the plates and all the accessories! I like the pool in the back too! Great thrift finds and glassware and my fave is the flower packets! Cindy

Blondie's Journal said...

Kim,

I loved your tea party (even if it was for only you!!). You have some very neat ideas that have a way of working very well together, I love all your different teacups. I don't even want to start collecting them, I can barely look~I would have millions. I adore the floral ones like you and they must have been really popular in the past because I see SO MANY pretty ones out there!!

I like the idea with the napkin rings, placecards and napkins. You have a lot of creative ideas, girl! Oh, the pitcher, creamer & sugar look like a set! Can you see that in the pic??

Enjoy the rest of the week, Kim!

xoxo
Jane

Christina said...

So serious beautiful you have here. I loved looking at all of your details. The bamboo silverware is fabulous. My grandmother has some grapefruit spoons that are bamboo and I've always loved them.

Love the little bird and nest. Just beautiful. I'm going to have to show my daughter you table tomorrow. She will love it.

Dana and Daisy said...

this is a really pretty table!

Mary @Boogieboard Cottage said...

I really like this table, everything ties in together just perfectly! :O)

Brenda Pruitt said...

OH MY GOODNESS! You have no idea how this rings my bells. I also have a gardening blog, so I am very into gardening. This is "my cup of tea," if you will! I was just oohing and aahing over every single element on your table. You are a girl after my own heart. I am won over and adding you to my blog roll, and I haven't even looked farther than this one post! Now that's a first for me. Ye-haw! (as we say in Texas)
Brenda

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Dearheart...

Girl, I just giggled reading your note...you're the only one (besides myself) that always writes a book! Hehe! I love it!!! I love our visits and look forward to them! Thank you for keeping my kiddos and yard sale in your prayers! I know the kids will be fine...it's just that they're teenagers and can get into trouble so easily! Hehe!!! NO SERIOUSLY!!! Their mother made some kind of a deal to stay 2wks. with a farm family (south of Rome). So they'll get a real feel for life in Italy! I thought that was kind of neat. We were a bit concerned because it's about in the same area where they had that bad earthquake last month...100's died in that. Eeekks!

Well Sweetie, I just love your tea party and I want an invite too! I've really been enjoying your patio tablescapes...such pretty scenery! Hehe...so glad that your honey swept up for you! Too cute!!! I love that seed packet tablecloth...and then using the little packets of flower seeds is just darling! I love that idea! And...I love your curtain rings used for decorations for the placecards and added to the teacup handles...so pretty! You know, after the last tablescape that you did using curtain rings for the napkins...I looked for some and would you believe that I couldn't find any. All we have here is a Walmart to shop at...I really live in the sticks, Darlin'! But I love that idea and will be keeping my eyes out for some pretty ones!

Kim, you have some of the prettiest dishes! Your cabbage plates make the perfect background for the pretty dessert plates and teacups...it's all so beautiful! Love all of your teacups but I think my favorite is the same one that is your fav. Love your pretty pink rose pitcher and I noticed your pretty teapot with the blue flowers as soon as I seen it! I remember it from an earlier post that you did. How nice of your niece! Okay...now I just have to tell you how much I like what you did for your centerpiece...the fleur basket is charming! I would have snatched that up in a heart beat...hehe! It's probably a good thing that we don't live closer and shop together...I have a feeling that we'd be wrestling over the same pretties! Hehe!!! Anyway, I just adore your pretty tea table...you did it up beautifully!!!

Ya'll have a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend, Sweetie!
Love ya,
Chari

xinex said...

Oh so pretty! Everything on the table is gorgeous, from the teacups to the teapot and all the accessories. Great job!...Christine

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

May you have a wonderful Memorial day weekend my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Linda Merrill said...

I am totally in love with those tea cups! Thanks for visiting my blog!