8/25/2009

Let There Be White!

Hello my friends! Today I'm joining in with the "Let There Be White" Party...hosted by Kathleen over at Cuisine Kathleen.
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I was so excited when I found out about this fabulous "White" party...don't know what it is exactly...but lately I've been so infatuated with all things white...white decor...white dishes! Maybe it's because white brings such a fresh, cool, crisp feel to the table...and that is so welcoming during a long, hot summer!
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Please go pay Kathleen a visit over at her blog...Cuisine Kathleen...you won't want to miss the beautiful white table that she has prepared for us today!!! While you're there you can check out all of the other participants beautiful "show" of white!!! Thank you, Kathleen...for hosting this "Let There Be White" Party...what a grand idea!!!
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~~AND~~
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It's a Beach Party!!!
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I also am joining in with Gina over at The Shabby Chic Cottage for her August 26th Beach Party! How exciting...and ladies, I have the feeling that this may be the last beach party of the season! At least for me...Summer is quickly coming to a close in Colorful Colorado...Autumn is well on its way!!!
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Thank you, Gina...for hosting this fun filled party!!! Okay ladies...get out your flip-flops and sunscreen...let's all head on over want to head to Gina's place for a little fun-n-the sun!!! We can just spend the entire day "party hopping"...hehe! Don't forget to visit all of the "Beach Party" participants!!! Ohhh...this is going to be fun!!!


Coastal Whites
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Today for the "Let There Be White" party and the "Beach Party"...I wanted to share a tablescape that I did in June using my new seashell dishes called "Water" by JC Penneys! So this is a repost...hope you don't mind!

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My Seaside ~~Water~~ Tablescape
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Several weeks ago I purchased a new set of dishes and I've been so excited to do a tablescape and share them with you!!!
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Also...
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Today is my wedding anniversary!
(Just a note: This post was from June 4th, 2009)
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I am so blessed!!! I married the man of my dreams, Russell, four years ago to this date! I am so happy...in fact, at times it still feels like a dream...every once in awhile I have to pinch myself to make sure that it is real!!!
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Russell is my best friend...I just can't imagine living life and not having him to share it with! He is my confidant...I trust him with my heart! He is my lover...eeekss...guess I better not get too graphic here since this is a PG blog! Hehe! Seriously though...I truly believe that I am a woman blessed among women...Russell is my knight in shining armour!!! He is such a dear sweet soul...sensitive, intelligent, hard working and a great provider, loyal, sexy...well, the list goes on...but I have nothing but the upmost respect for my husband and I know it sounds a bit cliche but Russell completes me!!!


In celebration of my husband and our love I have set a romantic, seaside table...this tablescape is called ~~Water~~!!!

~~~Water~~~
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The Tablescape scene is set...
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I have set the table in our French Country dining room.
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With the lights dimmed and candle light aglow...
so softly the notes of a love song are heard.
The hands of time have seemed to slow...
and whispers of love resound through word!





Setting the Scene...Ambiance

The definition of ambiance is: the mood, character, quality, tone, atmosphere, etc., particularly of an environment.

Just like setting the scene for an act of a play...ambiance sets the scene for your table!!! The lighting...the music...even the type of dishes, table centerpiece, and linens contribute to the ambiance of your dining experience!!!

Ambiance can take a great tablescape and lift it into the realm of FABULOUS!



The lighting...the soft romantic glow of candlelight!



The centerpiece...seashells and sea glass in soft shades of blue & green...a little moss and rattan...and what speaks ~~Water~~better than a few starfish scattered about!
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The Place Setting...

As I mentioned earlier, I purchased these dishes several weeks ago. I have seen some gorgeous "coastal" tablescapes in blogland and I really wanted a set of "coastal or shell" dishes. This set is called...yep, you guessed it, ~~Water~~ from JC Penneys. When I first saw them, I thought Ooooh...I want those but they were to expensive for my pocketbook...soooo....I waited (as any good little bargain shopper would do...hehe!)

Ohhh yea....they went on sale...they were really marked down...and on top of that, I had a 20% off discount coupon! Yeeeehawwww!!!

This set was originally $162.00 for a 4 piece place setting for four.

I paid only...are you ready?...can I have a drumroll please...

I paid only $59.60 for the set!!!

(Oh yea...oh yea...I'm still doin' the Happy Dance over this one! Hehe!)
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~~Water~~


Home Collection by JC Penneys

*Dinner plate (a nice sized 11" plate, ivory, with embossed shells and starfish)
*Salad/dessert plate (8 7/8 in., ivory, embossed with shells and starfish)
*Soup bowl (7 x 3 in. tall, shell shaped, ivory)
*Canape plate ( 7x5 in., shell shaped, ivory)
*Water/Iced Tea goblets from Dollar Tree...$1 ea.
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The Shell Soup Bowl...

These shell soup bowls are really nice sized! A healthy serving of soup or a salad can be served in these pretty shell bowls!!! They are large enough that they could be used for a vegetable serving dish as well.
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The Salad/Dessert Plate...

I just love the embossed design on the salad/dessert plates...shells, starfish, lobster & crabs swim around the border!
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A close-up so you can see the pretty pattern!
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The Dinner Plate...
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Ohhh...I do love these pretty seashell plates...the shells are nearly 3-dimensional! These plates measure 11 in. They are actually large enough that they can double as a charger plate.
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The Canape Plate...
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The Table Dressing...

Just as ambiance is important to setting the scene of the tablescape...so is the dressing of the table!

The table linens and placemats act as the foundation for your tablescape!


The Table Cloth & Napkins...

I found this beautiful striped tablecloth with matching napkins, called "Kendall", at Pottery Barn. The fabric has a nice substantial feel to it and is 100% cotton. The napkins are a generous 20x20 ins.

I love the washed out look of the off-white, brown, blue, and green stripes!!! It's exactlly what I had envisioned for this ~~Water~~tablescape...a fabric with a distresssed look, if you will!

The Napkin Rings...

I found stretchy shell bracelets at Walmart made by Panama Jack...I attached a seashell and used these for the napkin rings. One of the things that I enjoy most about doing a tablescape is coming up with creative ideas for the table...I just love the seashell bracelets for the napkin rings. $3.97 for a package of 3 bracelets!

The Placemats...

I found these pretty rattan placemats at the Dollar Tree. They're perfect...made of rattan and in soft sea colors of green and blue. I decided to layer the placemats...placing a green rattan mat over the top of a blue rattan mat. Only $1 each!
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The Centerpiece...

Ohhh...I do love making the centerpieces for a tablescape!!!

My New Wire Rattan Finial...

I purchased this large wire rattan finial from JC Penneys at the same time that I got my dishes. I just love the dark French Roast color and it makes quite a statement at 20 ins. tall! It was also on sale for $17.99...I think I will get alot of use from this beauty!!!

I put moss in the bottom of the finial so that I could place a candle in the center. I added different kinds of seashells around the edges of the candle! Then I placed the finial atop a rattan mat. I used fresh fern fronds around the base of the finial...scattered blue and green sea glass...and added a few starfish!
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Candles and Candle Holders...

Hand crafted Seashell candles...

Ahhh...do you remember these seashell pillar candles? I made these last week! For the tutorial you can click
HERE...it will take you to that post!

I had so much fun crafting these. JC Penneys had similar pillar candles that went with my seashell dishes but ohhh myyy...they were $49.99 for just 3 little candles...eeekkkss!!! I wasn't about to pay that much for candles so I made my own...two 6" seashell pillar candles for just $4.85!!!

I had these chunky white glass candle holders...added twine around the base for a "coastal" feel! It's all in the little details...isn't it? Hehe!!! I really like how my homemade seashell candles look with the "coastal" candle holders!!!

Votive Candles...

I found these glass votive candle holders at the Dollar Tree...$1 ea.! They just had a nautical feel to them...hehe! I added crushed seashells to the bottom of the votives...placed a white candle atop and added a few small shells around the candles!

Each place setting has its own votive candle holder!
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My "artsy" photo...

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Another "artsy" photo...hehe!

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~~Water~~
...by day!
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~~Water~~

...by night!
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Well my friends...I hope that you enjoyed my ~~Water~~tablescape as much as I did creating it!!!

I'm looking forward to a romantic evening with my honey...celebrating four fabulous years of marriage with the man of my dreams!!!

Happy Tablescaping and Let There Be White!!!
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Love ya'll,
Chari
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Don't forget...you have today and tomorrow left to sign up for my "Celebration Giveaway"! For more information just click HERE.
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PS...Just wanted to let you know about a couple of great blog giveaways going on right now...

* Kim at Charmed I'm Sure is having a clock giveaway sponsored by CSN who carries everything from clocks to mattresses. Stop by before 11:59 pm Mountain Time on August 28th and enter to win.

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Dawn over at Life at Eventually Cottage has two great giveaway gifts...go and check them out!!!

53 comments:

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Happy Anniversary Darling, Isn't it amazing how quickly this past year has flown? I love, love, love your tablescape. Your attention to detail is incredible. I love your centerpiece and all the blue crystals scattered on the table. Gorgeous girlfriend!!!

I had a set of seaside dishes, posted them, boxed them up and gave them to my Catie. She loves the seaside and was thrilled to get them. Here's to another year of blogging girlfriend. Lots and lots of hugs sent your way... hugs ~lynne~

xinex said...

Happy Anniversary, Chari! I can imagine you and Russell laying on the sand by the beach just watching the sunset. And then taking a break to eat at this table with this wonderful and romantic tablescape. It can't get any better than that, can it? I love your dishes and your centerpiece....Christine

Chandy said...

Chari, Happy Blogoversary, sweetie!

I made it to today's event, but still a little getting used to a whole new schedule with school in session.

I love this set and how you set you it. Just beach perfect!

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Your attention to detail is amazing...love how you layered the placemats. And those dishes are incredible....I'd have paid the price for the shell bowls alone.

Anonymous said...

Hi Chari!

You set a very pretty table, and I'm sure it helped to make your Anniversary that much more beautiful.

Congratulations my friend!
Zuzu

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Chari, this is just gorgeous!!!!! I love your new finial centerpiece, what a perfect piece. You always amaze me with how you tie all of your dishes and accessories together. Just so pretty. I think every detail is just perfect. Hugs, Marty

KBeau said...

Beautiful. I thing those shell shaped soup bowls are my favorites.

Theresa said...

LOVE it all! I think my favorite is the shell soup bowl:) The dishes are beautiful, wouldn't that be gorgeous for a beach house? Have a blessed day and thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Chari! How beautiful your table is. Everything is gorgeous! Pretty.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

"Blossom" said...

Chari, I have those same dishes.
We went fishing with our grandson's and I set the tabel with these dishes and they said they felt like they had been at sea all day fishing for grandma.
I love these dishes but I forget to take photos when I set the table. I just haven't had the time to put a theme together since our fishing trip. Your table is awesome.

bj said...

Such a huge HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and your hero. Your happiness just jumps out of my computer screen and I am so happy for YOU!!

Your table....o, my...just magnificent. You did a mighty fine job of pulling everything together for your WATER table. Just beautiful...and chock full of romance. Just love it all.
xo bj

Slice of Pie said...

Fantastic centerpiece. The tablescape is beautiful ...

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Hello, Chari, and Happy Anniversary!

Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog. I love your beach table theme and way to go on the bargains! I noticed those gorgeous red walls in your dining room too :)

~Susan

Tammy518 said...

Beautiful tablescape! I have those same beachy dishes and used them a couple of weeks ago for Tablescape Thursday.

You had asked about my matelasse tablecloth. It is a bedspread!

9405018--Pat said...

Happy Anniversary.....I love your tablescape....the dishes are awesome...thanks for sharing....Pat H

Joyce said...

I need to make a stop at Pennys the next time I am at a Mall that has one of those stores. I just love the seaside dishes. Once again Happy Anniversary.
Joyce

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Chari I so remember this and how pretty this was...Now I'm not going to tell you Happy Anniversay and its came and pasted already...
Thanks for coming by today glad I made you laugh...Girl I'm so sorry you are doing doing well...I also have been having some health problems again...Love ya sis...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Chari,
I almost cried when I read your note~ it was just the nicest birthday wish. Thank-you so very much, it really lifted my spirits today! I'm sorry to hear your not feeling that well, is the fibro acting up? Take good care of yourself, I always seem to feel more achey myself when the weather is changing a bit. Now, onto that gorgeous table! I remember the first time I saw it I just had to go back over every pic again and again. I love the gorgeous china and you got a fantastic deal! I looked on JC Penneys and even online and on sale they are a lot more that that! The colors of the tablecloth and napkins are perfect and how creative to use those bracelets with the shells you added. Creative thinking my dear! Oh, and the candles too, now they are fabulous! They are going to love this over at the Beachy Blog Party! I am so happy with my white table, every time I saw yours and some others that were white I was just inspired! Your always an inspiration to me Chari, ever since I found your daughters bedroom on RMS and I remember thinking, I love how she phrased this. Do you remember about dipping your toe into the waters of RMS and would it be icy or warm? LOL! I remember thinking now that Woman is creative! And I sure was right! Anyhoo, since I wrote a small book here I better go. Loved the cartoons you e-mailed too! Hugs, Cindy

ellen b. said...

What a great beach scape table you created. All of your color choices and accessories are fabulous. It must have been very nice to sit down at this table for your anniversary meal. Just lovely.

Carol said...

Perfect summer white beach party! Beautiful!

Kathleen said...

Hi Chari,
I was here last night to look at your beautiful table...but I was unable to leave a comment it wouldn't load. I was up till 2 A.M. trying to get stinky linky to work!
Your beachy white table is fabulous..and I loved how you gave us every detail!
The dishes are gorgeous, what a buy!
Really, it is just lovely..and since I live here at the beach, I think I NEED your dishes!
Thanks again for taking part...sorry I was late getting back to comment, but I did try last night.
For some reason anytime there is music on the site it takes forever!
Will we see you Fri at the Rooster party?

Millie said...

Girl, you did a great job on that tablescape! I love that set of dishes, and the accessories are so nice too.
Thanks for joining my blog, looking forward to seing the rest of your postings.
Millie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Chari, I loved this tablescape the first time I saw it, and I love it this time too. The colors and the theme just make me feel so relaxed. You're right, this is probably the last beach party of the year. I'm so glad you re-posted this. laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

So pretty -and great bargains -- this is the perfect beachy look. I love those bowls and how you made the napkin rings. Very soothing.

susan said...

Happy anniversary a little late--it was mine too. I have 28 years on you :)!Your table is so well planned and detailed! I love it all and even more the price you paid! Your dining room is lovely and I can see we do share a love of red and white. Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY! To you and your Sweetie:-)

Your tablescape is lovely, you included every imagineable detail! I adore your seaside dishes. Your entire post spells romance :-)

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Chari,
A Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! I really like your tablescape! Very summery and romantic too. Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Sandi

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous tablescape! Thanks for joining me for some fun in the sun!

Blue Creek Home said...

This is one scrumptious table!!!
I love every single thing about it.
But especially the shell bowls and the incredible centerpiece. Good job! Rhonda

Marie said...

Hello Chari - thank you for sharing your beautiful "beachy" table scape photos! Love everything about it. Gorgeous.

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss said...

Oh Chari, this tablescape is just wonderful! Every little detail just screams "beachy"! I especially love the centerpiece and those gorgeous shell soup/salad bowls! I can imagine how decadent it would be to eat a big, cold, leafy salad loaded with fresh shrimp out of one of those. Mmmm... :)

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Oh! Wow! How pretty and perfect for the Beach Party extravaganza! I'm stopping by from TheShabbyChicCottage's Beach Party.

I love this place setting! They are really gorgeous!

I really love all your photos! (I am fairly new to blogging and have been putting my photos in "collage" form, since I thought too many photos would make my posts too long. But I really like that you can take your time and look at the all the lovely details...

and if I understood correctly...this would be a Happy belated Anniversary, since this was a re-post, right? Many, many more!

Blessings & Aloha!

Denise Marie said...

Chari,

what a wonderful post. I love all your details. I'm soooo happy about your JCP bargain...score. candles and finial drive it all home beautifully. dish love!

Lady Katherine said...

How I love YOUR shell dishes! I looking for some, but like you I do want a great price! I wanted to do a beach theme for hubby Birthday yesterday. But no shell dishes. I got other things collected. He loves Destin, Fl and we are going in a few weeks. You candles sticks are wonderful, with the rope and shells! I just love it! Maybe if I get lucky and find some shell dishes I could do like you our Anniversary is in October and I will not go to surgery for another week after. Yes, I got to go on a Hunt!!! I mean a trapping! For shells! This is just beautiful! Right down well hubby's lane! lol For I love the mountains! Oh, and the centerpiece is so so pretty! Keep that hard working Man! Love the candle light and the romance on Summer Night at the Beach!

Leanne said...

Your tablescape is beautiful. You have some amazing pieces.

Shannon said...

Wow, I am like post 37 in the mix. First, happy late anniversary! I love your table. It is so pretty, I would be scared to eat dinner there and mess it all up. Beautiful! I noticed the moss in your centerpiece, love it. You will have to check out my moss project I recently did. I have another one on the way, due Thursday. Thanks for sharing this!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Where to start? Everything is gorgeous, but I think my favorites are your pillar candles with the seashell base. LOVE them!
Debra

Marianne said...

That is a lovely, very inviting tablescape! You found some good bargains setting it up. I bet this was a wonderful anniversary dinner.

Barbara Jean said...

Lovin' it all!!!

Wonderful centerpiece!! Love the black candle holder with shells and moss.
Moss such a fun touch.

Great photo art too.
blessinga and have a great week.
Barbara jean

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Chari,

Thank you sooo much for the sweet message you left me...it gave me the cries in my eyes.

Oh I so remember this beautiful post. You did such a wonderful job coordinating everything.

You really captured the beachy theme so well. It gives me those same great feelings as a day at the beach... the warmth of the sun, and the serene feeling you get when you listen to the waves washing against the shore....

Thanks also, for asking about my mom and sister. They are both hanging in there. My sister had another round of chemo today, and has unfortunately lost most of her hair now, she's really trying to be strong, but I know it's very hard for her...

Thank you for your prayers for them and me, you're such a sweetheart.


Take care of you too, my friend!

Big hugs,
Sherri:)

Allison said...

There's so many wonderful things to comments on, I would run out of space! Simply a beautifully set table.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty table setting. Really like what you did with all your shells. Happy anniversary.

santamaker said...

I do believe you were successful in bringing the beach to Colorado! Girl... those dishes are delicious and all of the shells and candles make it sooo romantic. I hope you had a wonderful anniversary!

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

What a great and unique center piece!

Unknown said...

I really like your glasses with the shell's and candels, and your soup bowl is very pretty!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Beautiful tablescape and beautiful dishes. You have done such a creative job and decorating everything. Love the centerpiece, the shells, and the candle holders. It looks ready for some delicious clam chowder! Great post.
Debbie

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love, love, love this tablescape. I never did do a beachy tablescape. I had a plan but never executed it. Maybe next week. If not, there is always next year. lol. Oh and I totally bought all the stuff to make your beachy pillar candles, but you can guess that I've never made them. My procrastination has been in high gear this summer. I haven't accomplished anything (except for decorating for summer). I need someone to whip me into shape. I'll talk to you later girly!!! Have a great day.

Barbara Jean said...

Chari.
I know I already left a comment, but somehow i buzzed right over your anniversary!!

Happy Happy!!
Thanks for your sweet note. You do so bless me with what you say.

Hugs and have a super week
Barbara Jean

Sonia said...

Hi Chari,

Thanks for your wonderful comments -I always love hearing from you...you have the gift of encouragment! To answer your question, no- this time we won't be staying at Green Gables as we will have "my three sons" with us and needed a bigger place. We rented a house with a view of the pacific ocean a few blocks off the coast so we could be comfy...two baths and plenty of room for the guys! We leave Saturday and I am like a little girl who can't wait for Christmas! I didn't get to take any starfish..it's illegal to take anything from those protected beaches..but I guess I could have bought some in the shops on Cannery Row. I love your beach themed tablescapes! So beautiful with the seashells and candles! I'll be gone for a couple weeks and will be taking pictures like crazy! Will definitely have some new blog material when I get home! Thanks again for your wonderful encouragment! I'm still learning about the blog world! Hugs and can't wait to post about my adventure...take care! Miss Bloomers/Sonia

Drawn to The Sea said...

Love the water you scaped with the JCP dishes... I have a few pieces, need to get a few more. And your candles are perfect, kudos for the creativity.

Happy Anniversary :-)
~Julia

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Darlin, how great iw was to hear your sweet voice last night...girl you sound just like you write...Can't wait to see you in person and give you a BIG ole hug...May you have a great day my Dear friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Vicki said...

Happy Anniversary!

Congratulations to Melissa on winning the great decorating books...some girls have all the luck!

Lovely tablescape and named so appropriately! Beautiful shell dishes...great bargain! Your dining room is lovely, as well. The white against that beautiful red walls really pops!