Tuesday, February 2, 2021

BE MY VALENTINE


Welcome, to a Valentine's Tablescape Blog Hop with 21 table stylists sponsored by Chloe Crabtree @Celebrate and Decorate. You will enjoy a variety of styles so be sure to click on the links provided at the end of this post. Show them some love and leave a comment.
For me, blog hops have given me an outlet to get to know other bloggers with similar interests and learn from them. Thank you Chloe, for keeping this going for the last four years. We appreciate you!






I am so glad you joined me today. Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. In today's world we need a little respite from the world's woes, so escape with me today and enjoy all the beauty and creativity found in all the tablescapes.
My table began with some mercury glass hearts from a friend and I found this etched heart you see in this picture in Texas. I placed them in sherbert glasses nestled in pink and red M&M's.
 The ruffled velvet placemats I recently bought from Crown Linen Designs. The monogrammed napkins and table runner are also by Crown Linen Designs. I was so blessed to win them in the Monday Morning Blooms Holiday giveaway sponsored by Crown Linen Designs and Arte Italica. If you missed that post you can find out all about it here. I love their linens and their service is first-rate. 




The centerpiece of camellias is from my garden. It includes about six varieties. I placed the flowers in an oasis that had previously been soaked in water. If you have a question about the different varieties please ask in the comments. I would love to share that information with you.
 My Valentine table last year also included camellias and red transferware. It was titled Love Letters~Air Mail. You can view it here.


This layering of plates includes a base plate of Johnson Brothers 'Historic America of Boston' transferware, made in England. The salad plate is my wedding china, 'Platinum Renaissance' by Franciscan, and the top plate a bread and butter size is a Currier and Ives print of 'Hudson River -Crow Nest' made in the USA by Homer Laughlin.
The etched crystal sherbert glass holding the heart and candy was my mother's and I cherish it. The Lindor strawberries and cream truffles are melt in your mouth delicious.

I placed the silverware in the french style.  Betty Lou Phillips, the author of many french design books explained it this way, " Unlike other cultures, the tines of forks face down- resting on the table cloth- a custom some say developed to undercut the fork's ability to snag ruffled lace sleeves." 

The etched crystal is Meadow Rose by Fostoria. I always loved it growing up when my mother used it for special occasions. She married in 1945 so it is an old pattern. 
I love the pattern on the heart and you can see it in this photo well.


At this place setting, there are a few differences. The bottom plate is 'Home Sweet Home' from Currier and Ives prints made in the U.S.A. by Homer Laughlin. The top plate is made by TST Co in the U.S.A. I had four of these small plates and luckily had two of the Currier and Ives transferware bread and butter plates to make six place settings. 
The etched sherbert glass with candle wicking around the bottom is  'Boopie' by Anchor Hocking and I was lucky to find it among my dishes. I had five of my mother's Meadow Rose and  I needed six for this table. I like mixing patterns because it adds needed texture and variety and it all worked out. 


The container for the flowers was a wedding present that was fun to use since I had enough camellias. It takes a lot of blossoms for a bowl this size.  I counted twenty-five blossoms.
I also realize it is not advised to have an overhead light on when taking photos but it was a cloudy day and my house is on a wooded lot so it was necessary.


You may remember the red wine glasses from my last post. I tried using other glasses and the red ones still look the best. See that post here.

In this place setting, there is one pink and one silver mercury glass heart in the sherbert glass that a friend brought me from the Nashville Antique and Garden Show. I was delighted to use them in the other four sherbert glasses too. I think mercury glass is so pretty.

I used different plate patterns but all had the same color red that coordinates or do you call it pink? It is fun to start designing a table and have enough dishes that work. I have had these dishes for years and haven't used them since my last house. They were in a plate grouping around a painting in my previous kitchen.  I collected enough for that area never knowing that in another ten years I would be designing tablescapes for a blog and would use them in another way.


 


I love the ambiance of candlelight and used assorted sizes of votives and silver and crystal candlesticks on top of a mirrored table runner. 
I don't know if you have noticed or not but I layered greenery on the runner in a number of the pictures.  Then, the light ran out on me and I wasn't able to finish photographing the table. The next day I decided I liked the table better without the greenery. 
In this picture, you can see I used a floral plate instead of transferware. 


I'm going to give you something to chuckle about! I wonder if you would notice if I didn't point it out. Camellias don't last very long and some of the blossoms were older than others so I put the arrangement in the refrigerator overnight. I should have taken it out several hours before photographing.


Can you see the bowl is a little frosty? I was disappointed and time ran out again so I am admitting my mistake and here is the photo to learn from.  It would have been a much prettier photo with a shiny bright silver bowl!


Thank you for joining me today. I will answer your comment in the comment section below so please check back.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!❤️❤️❤️ FEBRUARY 14TH!

40 comments:

  1. Bonnie, I’m swooning over your gorgeous camellias and centerpiece! What beauties and varieties you have in your garden! I adore your mix of plates and how your alternated your patterns. I’m a big fan of mixing and matching and it makes it so interesting to see the different pretty rims of the plates. Your Crown Linen Designs napkins and ruffled placemats complement your Valentine’s table beautifully and I love seeing the pretty floral details in your flatware with the tines facing down French-style. It’s always a treat to join you at the table. Happy February & Valentine’s Day. ♥

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  2. Outstanding, Bonnie! Your use of the vintage pieces could melt even a glass heart! Those glass hearts are oh, so very pretty. What a great gift, and the etched one from Texas beautiful. Crown Linen has certainly inspired many of us, and your linens look stunning on the table. At first when I was reading the tines explanation, I was thinking, "no, that would make them get trapped in the lace" but I was focusing on table linens when it was referring to wardrobe lace cuffs. :) I honestly didn't know Boopie glassware came in clear (and perhaps other colors?). I've always been used to seeing it in emerald green, which my former mother-in-law had (I have a small subset). The camellias are absolutely gorgeous! Your variety makes your arrangement so full and lush. I actually love the greenery on the table, and the way you draped the ribbon throughout with a scatter of blooms. Bonnie, your thoughtful layering of all your lovely items elevates this table occasion and really demonstrates your love of the holiday. Superb!

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    1. Thank you dear friend. We do love our vintage don't we! I would not be happy without something vintage.
      I am honored to intrigue you with my little Boopie glass. I bought it to put Splenda packets etc. on a tray next to cream and sugar.
      The french way of setting the silverware caught my attention and I've used it a on my tablescapes before. I'll have to look up which ones. Thanks Rita, for your generous and kind comments.

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  3. Bonnie, what a gorgeous table! I love every detail from the lovely floral centerpiece to those pretty Johnson Bros plates! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

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    1. Thanks so much Cecilia! I appreciate your kind and generous comment. I also appreciate your visits on IG.

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  4. Bonnie, such a beautiful table. I adore your lovely china. Mixing patterns is lovely. The glass hearts are so pretty in your sherbet dishes. The ruffled placemats are the perfect addition for romance. I love their decor. Gorgeous flowers. you have an art on growing and arranging them beautifully. Candlelights always sets the mood for romance. You have captured it perfectly. I would be honored to join you. Always a pleasure to see you beautiful tables.

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    1. Thank you, Linda for your sweet comments here, FB, and IG.It would be great to have a get together. I wish I had a beach house to have a party when Covid is over.

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  5. Oh Bonnie, your camellias are so stunning! They look gorgeous in the silver bowl and I agree, I think I like the table better without the green leaves, makes it look more like Valentine's Day, while the leaves gave it a Christmas feel. LOVE the red stemware, so perfect for a Valentine table, and the plate stacks are so elegant! I've never seen forks done that way, the story behind that is so interesting... the sherbet glasses at each place are such a lovely treat, the mercury glass hearts are a wow factor for sure!
    Jenna

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    1. Jenna, I thought the story behind the placement of silverware was interesting too.Thank you for your kind and generous comments.

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  6. Bonnie, the camellias are gorgeous and make a striking centerpiece. I think the frosty bowl reminds me of winter, because we seem to have frost every morning. Your mix of plates is beautiful and using pieces that belonged to your mother makes this table even more special. The Crown Linen Designs are so perfect for your table, I should order the velvet placemats. This may possibly be one of my favorite tables that you have designed, it is welcoming and elegant!

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    1. Pam, Thank you. I am so glad my camellias did well this year.Thank you for your compliments. You are very encouraging.

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  7. Bonnie, your table is luscious! The velvet placemats are the beginning of that luxurious table you created. The fine china, the crystal, and of course the beautiful camellia blooms! Thanks for joining us once again!

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    1. Thanks so much, Chloe! You are kind to all of us and spend a great deal of time putting the hops together.

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  8. Bonnie, love love love your beautiful table. And I love the way you did a mix and match of your plates. Having lovely pieces from family members makes a table even more special. I know everyone has commented on your camellias but they are so beautiful from your garden. Valentine's Day perfect.
    Have a wonderful and Blessed day.
    Kari

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    1. You are so kind, Kari. I trully am grateful you are doing so well. May this Valentine's Day be most special for you and the Captain!

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  9. Bonnie, your table is stunning and oh so romantic! Flowers from your own garden this time of year --- how fab-u-lous! Love so much about your Valentines table, the dish stack, glasses, centerpiece, and those wonderful napkins embroidered in red thread. In all comes together in a beautifully..

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    1. Thanks for your kind comment. Debbee, It was a fun blog hop.

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  10. It's lovely, Bonnie. So formal and elegant! Love the M&Ms with the hearts in the cups -- what a fun idea! And your china is perfect for Valentine's day.

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    1. Thank you Jeanie, I appreciate your faithfulness to read my blog.

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  11. Oh y goodness Bonnie. How absolutely stunning is this table! Girl...can I be your sister friend valentine? I would love to dine at that beautiful table? I love everything about this table and those beautiful dishes really are calling my name. LOL! Happy Day to you dear Bonnie. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Cindy, You are the best my friend. Thank you.

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  12. Gorgeous table Bonnie! I love the layers of pretty plates and all the pinks and reds. Your centerpiece is so beautiful and I never would have noticed the "frosty" bowl...too funny! Great to hop with you again!
    Shelley

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    1. Thanks, Shelley! These blog hops are fun.
      Thanks for your compliments.

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  13. Ha - I'm glad I'm not the only one who does things like that - although I would never have thought to save my camillias that way! Thanks for the tip! :) I LOVE your arrangement, and also the beautiful painting on the wall behind the table. It's all so gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks for noticing my daughter's painting. Think about how florist keep their flowers in a cooler- That's what gave me the idea and I have an extra refrigerator in my garage so it works well.

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  14. Oh Bonnie, this table is just gorgeous! I was wondering if your camellias would grace your table, and I am so glad that they did. They make such a beautiful centerpiece! I love your Crown Linen Designs table linens. Those ruffled placemats with your pretty plates create such a lovely setting. It is always a joy to blog hop with you! Take care, sweet friend!

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  15. Thank you, Shannon, for your compliments on my flowers and linens.

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  16. No matter that your bowl is frosty, Bonnie, as the camellias take all the glory! My you’re so lucky to have them in your garden. You always set such a lovely table. I call the transferware red, but others sometimes call it pink. Your mother’s etched sherbets are such a treasure. Those ruffles placemats and gorgeous napkins with your red goblets and dish stack is such a gorgeous combination. Thanks for the beauty!! ❤️❤️❤️

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    1. It is interesting about red verses pink transferware. I have heard and read both ways too.
      Thanks my friend for your kind comments. I am so glad I got to meet you. I can hear your voice when I read your comments.

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  17. Everything on this table is elegant and sophisticated. In addition to taking in all the beautiful pieces on this table I learned about placing the silverware in the French Style. Thank you for that and for all of the eye candy.

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    1. Thank you my friend. I am so glad you were interested in placing the silverware in the french style. I think that is interesting too. I can see how the long lacy billowing sleeves could get caught on the tines of the forks.

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  18. Bonnie,
    You always treat us to such beauty and elegance. Camellias and ruffled place mats along with all of your delicate and gracious accessories make this Valentine Table gloriously beautiful.
    Jemma

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    1. Thank you so much, Jemma! You make me feel so good. I would love for you to see my camellias.

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  19. Simply stunning, Bonnie. Your floral centerpiece captures my eye and speaks volumes....love and romance is at your table. The mixture of patterns in your choice of dinnerware plates are a classic along with your beautiful embellished napkins. Your mom's sherbet dishes are exquisite. I can see why you will cherish them for a long time....they are timeless and elegant. The mercury glass hearts just add to all of the beauty of your table. Enjoy your majestic table.

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  20. Thank you Marsha, for your very kind comments. You write such nice comments that are encouraging.

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  21. Dear Bonnie, I apologize for being late to visit you and your beautiful post. However, my tardiness simply provided me with a wonderful feast for my eyes. Your table is breathtaking and it certainly shows that Valentines Day is one of your favorite holidays. As lovely as your table is, oh my goodness your centerpiece is spectacular. The gorgeous camellias are captivating.
    Bonnie your post are so inspiring, you just may motivate me to write a post on one of our tables.
    Happy February days to you, stay well.

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  22. Simply beautiful, Bonnie! The arrangement of camellias in the silver bowl is breathtaking. How wonderful that they came from your garden at this time of the year! I have a soft spot for pink transferware...my everyday plates are Johnson Brothers Old British Castles. So I was instantly drawn to your plate stack. I love how it pairs with the grey plates and silver chargers. And how have I not heard of Crown Linen Designs? I'm crazy about those ruffled placemats and embroidered napkins. I'll be checking that site out soon! It was fun hopping with you again. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  23. Your table is simply stunning Bonnie! It should be featured in Victoria Magazine!! The plate stack, the linens (thank you for the recommendation of Crown Linen Designs by the way - ordering some for myself!), the glass heart. Oh my! Can you tell I am seriously swooning over here! Your centerpiece is lovely, and I didn't even notice the "frosty" bowl! We are still covered in a blanket of snow, so I am only dreaming about harvesting flowers for my tables! Happy Valentine's Day!!

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  24. I just love your fabric chargers. I've never seen anything like that. Your painting looks like it was made for this table. It's such an elegant Valentines table. It was fun hopping with you.

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  25. Oh, I'd love to put my feet under this gorgeous table. I love Valentines. Hubby and I had our first date to a Sweetheart Banquet back in 1966 and that was the beginning and we married in 1971. Hope you are staying warm, it's been a struggle here in NE Louisiana.

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Your comments are so encouraging and make my day. I would love to know what you are thinking.
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