Rise ‘N Shine

 

Welcome to The Tablescaper.

I just love this little set I purchased a bit back from Home Goods.

I just seems to scream “ Good Morning!”

I love the interplay of the large friendly flowers…

…with the playful polka dots and gingham.

What could be better than your own personal jug of milk?

Or a bowl of your favorite cereal?

Early morning dawn is upon us, so a bit of candle light might warm it’s way.

Time to rise and…

…shine…

…and give God…

… your glory!

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:

Ivy and Elephants for What’s it Wednesday;The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday;for Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday;Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday;Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday;Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home;Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday;Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

See you Sunday!

- The Tablescaper

Seasonal Sundays # 89–Road Trip

Welcome to Seasonal Sundays. We’ve been on a road trip!

It’s hard to believe that it’s that time already, but my son is beginning his college search.This past week, we packed ourselves in our car (5 people and 2 dogs!) and headed off to begin exploring some of the many colleges in Pennsylvania.

While the main goal of the trip was to explore the colleges, it’s such fun to explore all of the towns along the way.

We had a wonderful stay in Bethlehem at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. And yes, they allow fluffy ones to stay too!

It’s a Historic Hotel of America, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The attention to detail is amazing. Above is a photo f the entry floor of the elevator.

While Bethlehem is well known for being a center of heavy industry during the industrial revolution and for Bethlehem Steel, it is also known as Christmas City, USA with it’s accompanying star. The photo above is of the center of the elevator floor at the Hotel.

Of course one of the best ways to explore a town is to explore it’s shops!

You just never know what you will find!!!

This road trip had another bonus! I got to meet and visit with Yvonne of Stone Gable. We had a wonderful visit and just couldn’t stop talking. I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that she will be returning to blog land. Such a gracious hostess!

So what have you been up to? If I didn’t make it to your post from last week, you know that my road trip was the reason why. I can’t wait to read all of your fun posts for this week!

- The Tablescaper

A Proper Send Off

How quickly can you through together a party? WARNING – photo heavy post!!!

What is the shortage amount of time you’ve taken to pull a party together?

I just experienced a new record.

TWO days!!!

My brother has been looking for a job.

I found out on Thursday night that he had accepted a position in Florida!!!

He was leaving the following Thursday.

That meant there was only one Saturday night available before he left.

Which was exactly two days from when I found out.

I’ve been spoiled, I know it.

My brother has lived in the same town as I, except for when we were in college.

For him to be moving all the way to Florida, from New York was huge.

I’ll be honest, I am not happy about this.

I’m trying to be a supportive adult, but in all honesty, I wish this didn’t happen.

My husband teased me, when the going gets tough, I throw a party.

I realized very quickly, that if I wanted the party to be up to my standards that I’d have to have it catered.

In two days I could either do all of the cooking or make the party the appropriate send off I knew my brother deserved – but not both, in two days.

My brother loves Martinis.

Therefore I had a Martini Bar…

…with all of the trimmings.












Some thought the theme should be sunshine, palm trees and all things Florida.

Not a chance.

This was clearly an I LOVE NY party – everything was black, red or white!

Everyone (well at least the men) wore I LOVE NY tee shirts that I had my niece negotiate and procure from the city early Saturday morning.

It’s hard to find a cookie more NY than Black and Whites.

Although I’m a grown women and know that in order to provide for our families, sometimes we have to do things we’d rather not, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t break your heart.

So, in two short days, with the help of my family (and a very cooperative caterer), I threw together a send off befitting my wonderful brother. You’d be amazed how many people changed their plans so they could be there.

Here’s what I did. I pulled out all of my black and red plates. I lot of them are nothing special, it was more a matter of following the theme. It had to be red, black or white. Some of the guests teased me that they couldn’t tell where Valentine’s ended and the party décor began (part of my plan!). I ordered a bunch of red, black and white balloons. It gave it that party feel. I gathered a bunch of red and black napkins in my urns. I used the red mercury glass hurricanes that I had purchased at an after Christmas sale as vases for the red and white roses purchased from Costco. I added black bamboo sticks from Dollar Tree. The only other items purchased specifically for this party (who had time to shop??) were the glass cubes, square mirrors, black rocks and red votives – all from Dollar Tree. I wanted to use the recently purchased (at HomeGoods) black and white tablecloth but it wasn’t quite long enough so I put a large solid red cloth underneath. At the Martini Bar in the living room I placed a black tablecloth and then topped with a red fleece throw (from Ikea). I had recently purchased the photo coasters. My youngest had the idea to continue the theme by placing the I LOVE NEW YORK logo within them.

Please visit the following parties I’m joining:
Ivy and Elephants for What’s it Wednesday;The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday;for Susan at Between the Naps for Tablescape Thursday;Sherry of No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday;Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday;Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home;Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday;Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold

See you Sunday!

- The Tablescaper