Not Just Another Table

Hosted by Susan and Leigh
Hello all! It's Thursday again! You know what that means right? So which dishes did you play with this week? I wanna see, I wanna see!

This is my from my first post back in early February, when I started this blog, but since I actually did this table in the summer time, I thought I'd share it with you today.

Plus, I didn't have any time to do a new tablescape; we had a thunderstorm/tornado watch happen last night which freaked out my two young children. So I hope you enjoy this as well...

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THEME:
"COUPLES ONLY" (2006)
MY INSPIRATION:
Nikko "Precious" scalloped plates

Think back to October 1997, I'm an almost one-year old bride and we were in Costco salivating over everything! We were poor of course! My husband and I had just decided that whatever big purchase we make, it would have to be a gift for a significant event (like our momentous 1-year anniv) so we wouldn't get into a bad spending habit. The moment I saw those plates, I wanted them! But, I managed to pry myself away (for a few minutes, lol), went around the whole warehouse and found myself back in front of the plates again.

Finally, Mr. Man asked me, "Do you really like those?" (I think all the drool from my mouth to the big puddle on the floor wasn't a big enough hint, so I had to tell him, after swallowing, yes, yes, yes (imagine eyelashes batting too), pleeeeaaaseeee!)

Did we dash for a cart and grabbed them? No, we had to add to the 1-year anniv to justify the steep tag per box of 4 placesettings. That's when we decided to host our very first Thanksgiving as a couple! So, these plates were also my very first Thanksgiving inspiration! (No, no pictures of those, too busy washing 8 plates, bowls and salad plates for 16 people! Trust me, exhausting but fun, plus no one noticed! Yes!)

Noticed the wrought iron planter, did ya? I used that to hold the roses when the food were served. What did you think it was for? LOL

Here's the close up of the candles I used. They were originally used for the 2005 Thanksgiving, but I wanted something more unique, so I hacked at the top! Gave them a more chic look to them. :-)

We hosted a dinner for another couple that was taking over a project that I've handled for a while in our church. When Audrey told me that it would only be her and her husband Derek, then this whole concept came together.

Here are the two dozen of the darkest red carnations I've ever seen! Hubby brought them home from work. He worked at the Phoenician Resort and when guests change their minds about "dressing up" their rooms, the employees benefit! (Yay, me!!!) I thought they were roses! And see the mini roses, they matched the carnations! It tied the living room to the dining room. It was so beautiful, I was very happy how it all looked!

The day before, my then 1st grader's teacher came by to drop off some clothes that might fit her, saw the table and she said,

"Your table reminds me of that host on Food Network, the one who makes her table? Sandra Lee. Yeah, your table looks like something she'd do."

(Wow, I loved that compliment, boosted my obsession, I mean my confidence!)

Look at how THRIFTY it is, too!

TABLETOP GOODIES:
Tablecloth- Pearly White, Alberston's closeout- $2
Plate, salad plate and bowl-Nikko "Precious"- FREE (Anniv Gift from DH)(1997)
Silverware- Farberware "Cameo"- FREE (Sis' Thanksgiving Hostess gift)(2000)
Placemat- Plastic white stripes- Albertson's closeout- 10 cents each
Glasses- Reminiscent of my Debut Gold crystal, Target- 50% off (2005)
Candle holder- Easter Garage sale find- 50 cents each (2006)
Candles and tealights- Thanksgiving 2005- Michael's, total $5
Mini roses- Basha's 3 for $5

MENU:
Pork Adobo
Steamed Rice
Veggies
Dessert (cheesecake I think)
Ice Water
I made the menu simple because I didn't want our guests to feel that they have to act just so. Despite the daintiness of the table, the food was of the messy, stain everything variety, so no prissy posturing that night. The dessert was served afterwards.

I hope you liked this preview for this blog for those who love to "make up" their table for any occasion.

Don't hesitate, celebrate!
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Thanks to Leigh and Susan for hosting!