Memorial Day 2011

My friend Ruby asked me to create a Memorial Day table with my new placemats and this is what I came up with. I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Fiesta in Cobalt and Scarlet and White
Glasses from Tuesday Morning, Dillards and The Brass Shop (local)
Diner luncheon plates by Homer Laughlin
Napkins from Walmart
Napkin rings from Tuesday Morning

A Beach in the Desert

I can only remember going to the beach once in my life. I have visited White Sands, New Mexico which has sand but no water.
I didn't think a table with this theme would appeal to me but it came together pretty quickly and I didn't even have accessories until last Saturday.  It started with the napkin rings which are Pfaltzgraff.  I found them at the Goodwill. There was a matching cake stand and the only reason it didn't come home with me is because it had a huge crack at the base. The clam votive holders, the majority of the shells and the blue scatters in the apothecary jar are from Dollar Tree.  I had seen them there but didn't think it was enough for a tablescape.  The marbles in the jar and the place mats were a gift from my friend Ruby for my birthday. They were in a basket along with other tablescaping goodies.

Post 86 Fiesta in Cobalt, Seamist, Turquoise and Ivory.

Bowls: Wedgewood (thrift store)

Starfish Votive: Goodwill find

Mini Pitcher: Noritake Hawaiian Holidays (thrift store)

Glasses: Pier 1 and Tuesday Morning

Flatware: Tuesday Morning

Shell Bowl: Kohl's

Family Gathering May 2011

We had a family gathering at my house this past Sunday. My uncle, who lives in California, was in town. Although our house is small, we managed to keep everyone comfortable.  We ate, looked at pictures and everyone was sharing memories of growing up and of each other.  It was a wonderful day and it was worth all the effort.  My mom recognized everyone and even said their names when they came to greet her and it made them happy.  She laughed a lot. I was too busy cooking to set the table up or to take pictures that day.  I had the same flower arrangement from my last table still up. I added napkins and salt and pepper shakers. Here are a few pictures of how I had everything set up. 

The coffee table belongs to my parents. I don't have one because of space and my four-legged baby. She was pushed outside for the day. Luckily, it was not that hot and she had plenty of company.

I wanted to keep as many things as possible handy. So I took out my usual display items to make room. I did use plastic cups as I have enough casualties on my own. I didn't need to make anyone feel guilty for breaking one of my glasses even though we do it all the time. I had a get together a year and a half ago for my mom for her 80th birthday and everyone was shocked that I used "real" plates and flatware so it was no surprise this time that I did the same. I had a better system for washing them (I do not have a dish washer other than my two hands) and of course everyone helps. I have too many pretty dishes not to use them.

I made two roasts, Spanish rice, and chile con queso.  So I put the tostadas in my Crate and Barrel bowl and used the individual casserole dishes for the onion, cilantro and salsa.

 I had three crock pots operating. My friend lent me this huge one. The torilla warmer came in very handy.

The empty spaces and another countertop area were used for the desserts and salads.

 This is my uncle and my mom looking at pictures. Everytime my mom saw the camera, she turned away.  I don't think my uncle was aware I had the camera out.

 These are my cousins.

 Same cousins plus my dad, my mom's cousin(who I call uncle) and my cousin's husband.

 My uncle and hubby jumped into the picture.

My Godmother, cousins, my mom and me.
Too bad we didn't get to take pictures of everyone that came. I was too slow in taking out the camera. We had a great time and I hope we can do it again soon.