Autumn Sunflowers

Fall has officially arrived, but it's still too  hot for pumpkins here in South Florida.    I always enjoy a sunflower themed table and was thrilled when I found these plates a couple months ago.  I posted a September Sunflowers table two years ago using pretty blue plates with sunflowers.   I also have a pretty set of square plates with sunflowers that hang in my dining area year round. 

Autumn Sunflowers place setting. 

I added fresh sunflowers from Trader Joe's to a shimmering mirror glass hurricane and metal pineapple apothecary jar by Valerie Parr Hill. 

The eucalyptus Fall candle ring is from Southern With Grace  in Cartersville, GA.   They do a live Facebook sale every Tuesday night at 7 PM Eastern time.  They have so many beautiful items and the prices are very reasonable.   I would love to visit the store one day.  Most of their items are modern farmhouse themed which is very popular now, but I often find greenery and other items that will work with any decor.  Shipping is also very, very reasonable.  Most weeks the shipping is only $3.00 no matter the size of the item. 

I used a beaded sunflower placemat in the center of the table.  I found it this week at HomeGoods. 

I used a silk sunflower napkin ring that I made a few years ago. 

The goblets are from Dollar Tree. 

Overhead view of the table. 

The plate stack stars with a harvest plaid tablecloth   from HomeGoods this season.   I made the fabric charger plates covers. The avocado green dinner plate and sunflower salad plate are from Dollar Tree.   I was so excited when I found the salad plates at couple months ago.  They also had dinner plates, bowls, mugs and glasses and are currently available online and possibly in store. 

The gold illuminated embossed mercury glass pedestals are new to the Valerie Parr Hill collection.  They are currently available in a variety of colors. 

Catherine

This post is linked to the following parties:
Dishing It & Digging It Link Party #219 - Life and Linda
Celebrate Your Story #147 - Celebrate & Decorate with Chloe Crabtree
522nd Tablescape Thursday - Between Naps on the Porch

So Long Summer

Fall will be here in a few days, but it still feels like Summer here in South Florida.   The heat and humidity is still going strong and will remain until December.    I decided to bring out the flamingos to enjoy the last week of Summer.  Fall leaves, pinecones and pumpkins are just around the corner.  

I love the pretty flamingos I found at Orchard Garden Center last Summer.  I'm really sad they are closing.   They always had the neatest patio and garden decor. 

The beaded flamingo coaster are from HomeGoods. 

The pink faceted gem hurricanes are by Valerie Parr Hill. 

The wine markers are from Target. 

The flamingo wine glasses are from Marshalls. 

The flamingo napkin rings are from Cracker Barrel. 

Overhead view of the table. 

The tablecloth is from HomeGoods. 

The plate stack. 

I used three icy blue illuminated mercury glass candle holders from the Valerie Parr Hill collection on the server.   I added shells, glass floats and shells.  The beaded placemat is from TJ Maxx. 

The piece of coral on the left was gathered by my Dad in the late 60's on a deep sea fishing trip.  I remember him bringing it home and bleaching it.   It was on display for many years in our den.  I found it tucked away in his basement last year.  It is in need of another bleaching, but it's so fragile I'm afraid to do it. If anyone has any tips on how to take care of it I would greatly appreciate any advice. 

Catherine

This post is linked to the following parties: 

521st. Tablescape Thursday - Between Naps on The Porch
Dishing It & Digging It Link Party #219 - Life and Linda

   

British West Indies

Tropical breezes and Caribbean steel drums  played in my mind as I was creating the table this week.  I had planned the West Indies table prior to the hurricanes and tropical depressions that are now looming.  I'm  sitting here tonight watching updates on hurricane Florence as she approaches my home state of North Carolina.  I have several dear friends that plan on riding out the storm in their coastal homes so I'm concerned about their safety in the coming days.  One year ago today I returned from my hurricane Irma evacuation to find my in home good shape with only some minor water damage by the front door that faces the sea.   Tropical Storm Isaac is churning in the Caribbean tonight and should track due West below Cuba.  But, we all know these things can change so we must be prepared.   

I love the West Indies style.  Years ago I worked in furniture sales and interior design here in South Florida.  The British West Indies style is a very popular design.   I always enjoyed working with clients to design beautiful British Colonial & West Indies style homes.

I used my Reed & Barton bamboo flatware again this week.  It works great with the West Indies theme. 

I used Fontanini nativity palm trees in the centerpiece.  

The Tommy Bahama palm candle sticks mix well with the Fontanini trees. 

I added shells that I have collected over the years to the base of the trees and candlesticks. 

I rarely use real tapers due to fire danger.  I've had these bamboo tapers for many years so I use them sparingly in order to keep them around for future decorating. 

I found the hand painted palm tree glasses several weeks ago at a thrift store in Boca Raton.  I knew they would be perfect with this table.  

I used a wooden high gloss napkin ring on the bamboo print napkin.  The finish on the napkin ring reminds of a beautiful high polished teak boat.  

Overhead view of the table. 

The plate stack.
 

For the base I used a mossy/olive tablecloth.  I started the stack with a jute woven placemat.  The palm leaf chargers are from Michael's this Summer.   The palm tree edge dinner plates are a thrift store find. I knew they would blend well with the dessert plates.   The dessert plates are part of American Atelier Company West Indies Collection.  They were one of my first thrift store finds when I started my tablescaping hobby several years ago.  

I used one of my tall ship models inside the round lantern on the server.  

I used carnival glass iris herringbone double candle holders with moss green tapers on the server.  

Catherine

This post is linked to the following parties:
520th Tablescape Thursday - Between Naps on the Porch
Dishing It & Digging It Link Party #218 - Life and Linda
Celebrate Your Story! #146 - Celebrate & Decorate with Chloe Crabtree