Just Lovely...

I am participating in both Tablescape Thursday and Thrifty Thursday today. Both are so much fun to do! Thanks Susan and Leigh for hosting every week!

Hosted by "Between Naps on the Porch"
Weeks after Valentine's Day and the carnations are still kickin'. So what does a tablescaper does with such a phenomenon? Do another tablescape of course!

MY INSPIRATION:
My glass bubble taper holders and the red carnations from V-day

Whoever said that a beautiful table has to have a reason, must have been a traditionalist. Well, in my home, anything goes- within limits of course...

Our teen daughter was away in a State Academic Decathlon competition and the tribe is restless.

So... between the deals from last week's Thrifty Thursday and my new plates for Easter, I thought the day screamed for another beautiful table! Using my three oddball clear glasses as vases, I placed the newly shortened carnations into a carefree bouquet and placed it around the candle holders. I also remembered that I still had some solid red napkins from last Christmas clearance, so I used those by placing them under the crystal goblets.

THEME:
"Clearly Just Because"
This is right before we ate... with the kitchen light on.

After we turned off all the lights except for behind my dh, he took this picture with a 3-second delay in the shutter. I think it turned out beautiful! It was so romantic...

TABLETOP GOODIES:
Canopy "Golden Wheat" Dinner plates- Walmart; FREE- gift from neighbor (2009)
Gibson "Chrome Bamboo" Flatware- Ross; $38 for 40 pieces (2008)
Thomson "Bianca" Salad and bowls- Ross; $1 a piece (2009)
Home Trends "Fresh Ivory" Placemats- Walmart; 75 cents each (2009)
Luigi Bormioli "Michelangelo" Crystals Goblets; FREE- wedding gift (1996)
Sensations "Cherry" Napkins- Target; 25 cents each (CC)(2007)
"Two Bubble" Glass Taper Holders- Hobby Lobby; 80% off (2009)
Main Stays "Federal" Ivory Taper candles- Walmart; 88 cents each (2009)

MENU:
Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup
Ground Beef Saute with Cut Green Beans and Tomatoes
Steamed Rice
Ice Water
Vanilla Wafer Sticks
Now, for my Thrifty Thursday...

Hosted by "Tales from Bloggeritaville"

Let me show you my $1 finds! Yes, you read right, $1.00 each!

I found 7 of these at Goodwill for 99 cents each. They're made in Japan and are called "Stockholm". Here's a close up of the details. It spoke to my simple and subtle style. I can't wait to have an Americana table to do for 4th of July!
Yesterday afternoon, my neighbor told me that Kroger was having some dishes on sale, so when we went, I found 8 each of the bowls and dinner plates on the clearance table. The pattern is "Spectrum Stripes" made by Culinary Arts. I just love its festive colors! Perfect for Mexican Food Night! Yes! Here's a close up of this fun pattern.

Here is a picture of my other thrifty finds...

These were from a recent trip to Albertson's. All 6 pieces for $3.25! The candle and the vase were originally $8.oo each!

If you want to read the back story, read "Brain Takes on Albertson's!"

Thanks for coming by and enjoying my Thursday Tablescape and Great Finds. See you at other cool blogs!