AROUND THE HOUSE

WHITE CHOCOLATE VALENTINES DAY/REPOST FROM 2/10/10

2012-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

WHITE chocolate Martinis with white chocolate cake rolled in white chocolate curls with a raspberry heart on top....yum yum...Now if your a detail person like I am you will notice the spoons on one picture and forks on another I did change them finally...

This is an old post I have reposted so don't let the large number of comments scare you......Don't know to repost correctly...lol
The beautiful mirrored tray is a Christmas gift from my daughter Gina, I really love it and the reflection and sparkle is the perfect addition to this dessert, who doesn't like a little sparkle........

The small fluted candle holder was picked up at a thrift store for 1.99, I love the reflection of the tiny flutes....

The black and white napkins are BADGLEY MISHKA and were purchased at TJ Maxx last year, on sale of course...The silver pattern of the forks ( I know now is called Holiday) thanks to my blogger friend Judy who commented on the last post and knew the name because she has the same pattern, what a coincidence....

PINK PINK PINK Don't you just love the shades of pink.....

I love these pretty drinks, pink and white and sparkly what could be bettter...For those of you who know Mr. S. you would know he does not drink, so his will be with no alcohol...he loves the glass and the presentation just the same.....below I have listed the recipe for you....

1/2 cup half and half cream

4 oz. rough chocolate rough chopped

2 oz. Vodka

2 oz. simple syrup

Heat the half and half with the white chocolate. Cool to room temp.

Add vodka and simple syrup to half and half mixtuRE

Sugar the glass edge with sanding sugar

Recipe makes two martinis

I add a couple of different items to this recipe, I usually use white karo syrup or honey on the glass rim so more of the pretty sugar sprinkles stick to the glass......and I have to confess, Mr. S. likes a tiny little scoop of vanilla ice cream in his...there it's out in the open...I am not sure he understands that is just a white chocolate shake, but he likes it and thats whats important. I have garnished with jelly hearts on a stick and white chocolate curls on the top.....yUM

I will be serving the tray in the Master bedroom in the window seat, it will be lovely when evening comes and the outdoor lights go on and the fountain in running, Mr. S. will love this (especially because he will have the ice cream in his pretty glass

The cake is a simple pound cake cut with a circle tin and rolled in white chocolate topped with a raspberry jellied heart from target. White chocolate strips are tucked in under the heart, I love the way it looks in the heart dish.......I sprinkled some of the pink sprinkles on top of the cake......(Now you just know Mr. S. is gonna want some ice cream on top of his) me too.....

Well what is Valentines Day without the heart candies with the sayings ....you just gotta have um...

It is time to light the little pink candle and try for some ambiance......this is the perfect time of day to just relax...

The small heart shaped plates that the glass hearts are sitting on are inexpensive and probably from Marshals found 2 years ago, I only have two and I think they are sweet. The glass hearts are heavy and sometimes are used as candy dishes one on each nightstand in the guest bedroom.....

The martini glasses I have used before on prior posts, they are from Pottery Barn purchased a few years ago. I have to say I think they are magnificent and yes they still sell them along with wine and champagne flutes in the same pattern, they are all heavy and over sized, I love them all.....Sometimes they go on sale, but they always have them..... I think my favorites and the most stunning are the martini and the champagne flutes, both have a real wow...

There goes the sun and I think the one little pink candle is just right.....well this was the perfect dry run, I guess I will have to have one of these drinks. Remember only one of the drinks has alcohol in it, wonder which one I will have ?.....which one will you have??

Thanks for stopping in for a visit, I always love it when you hang AROUND THE HOUSE. I hope you enjoyed the post, and please leave a comment so I will know you were here....I read them all and always enjoy the responses...Thanks Susan at between naps on theporch for hosting today.. Phyllis.. PLEASE ADD COMMENTS FOR 2012 between naps

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND CHEERS TO 2012

2011-12-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

I was excited about finally getting to create a New Years Eve tablescape...I think it all began when I found these wonderful star dishes earlier this year at the GW...they were 20.00 for 8 dinner plates and 8 salad plates .. ..I instantly thought...wow that sure looks like a celebration ready to happen...Especially because Donna and Scott will stop by....maybe they will bring Michael and his family and Logan may even stop over...you never know...

Sparkle and stars must be the theme...I wanted to do something a little more elegant then the normal hats and horns just for Larry and Minnina....The stars just set the right mood...Dean will love that... do you see those glass beads at the tip of each wire so shiny...Allen loves the flicker of the candles, and when they make the beads glisten ...wow such a romantic mood, he will be impressed....

I purchased this centerpiece from the GW when I was shopping with my daughter Michelle...I remember her asking just what I would want with that black rod iron thing with glass beads attached...Brittany would know right away what it could be...she has such style...like me...lol..I knew immediately it would be painted white...and the glass beads would be sparkly when the candles are lit and the crystal would glow...Michelle and Fred will love this, dancing by candlelight ...Maybe Edna and Sergio will join them...yes yes yes...and for 3.00 the centerpiece was mine ...
Who knew I would have to individually wrap each glass bead with tape before I spray painted...wow...what a job, then getting all that tape off, but I think the results were worth it...I am sure if Lauren were here she would have helped for sure...be careful of those pretty nails....love the new hair color...

The place card holders and small flower vases that match were a gift from my friend Mary...I love the old world element and still the starry night theme... Mary will be here for sure... I know she will want to sit by Hailey and Justin...

They have such energy and enthusiasm... they will be so excited to sit with the grown ups...

The small box at each setting is from Michaels and they were 1.00 each. I put a chocolate truffle in each box for a little treat..Ken loves chocolate and Gina will probably give hers to him too...but I'll bet they will save one for their neighbor Jimmy... I like making each place setting special... on this particular evening...each person has the truffle box with their initial, an ornament to take home and their own martini shaker to refill their martini......Ginger will love these...she deserves a fancy drink...Maybe even Edyth will give one a try...

The special ornament gift that I have attached to each napkin was 3.00 each from Michaels...Deana and Jim will love the sparkle...and they will enjoy not having to do any chores this evening..they need a rest.... Spencer and Jonathan and Tayler should be here any time with the ice...Kayla is driving them....We're gonna need lots of ice....

I have used this mirrored tray before, it was a gift from my daughter Gina...I love it very much ...as you know sparkly...

The chargers were 1.00 each from the GW..it is perfect for this setting and enhances that glitz and glamour you just gotta have for New Years Eve...... Mr. S always loves that kind of a good deal...

The flatware settings are vintage mismatched and engraved...just the right amount of shine and sparkle that coordinates
the stars...Great stars like Andrea and Nick...
will be joining the festivities...I can tell there will be alot of dancing goin on, maybe we can learn some new moves...move over fred Astair oh I mean Jay Z...lol ..what was I thinkin...

Time for a yummy martini then some bubbly champagne...yay. I think just punch for Adam and Dallas and Austin, that means you too shelbie and Brady and Jason...no bubbly for you..and none for Aaron, Alex, Andrew, Cris and of course punch for Bella....I hope Jimmy tries the champagne though...I am sure he carried in all the bottles...what a great helper he is....

The glasses you have seen before are from Pottery Barn...They are my most favorite...I know Cherish and Cris are gonna love them modern and sleek....just their style....I see Chuck eyeing those cocktail shakers, perfect to keep his beer cold...Terrilynne is now giving him the eye....help

I think Angie and Josh must love the shiny silver ice bucket or is it the champagne...hummmm..I think they will start dancing after a couple of glasses....I know Lee and Louie will be waiting for the band, they love music and Carmen will be tapping her toe as usual

Our family has had it's share of good and bad, happy and sad, ups and downs this year.... I guess like all families ...We look forward to the New Year and a lot of new beginnings....

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS .....

More and more we look at the New Year as a new adventure...a chance to RESTART our engines... refresh our self, our surroundings and maybe change things up a little...it could be as simple as making a commitment to invest a little more in each day, every day...sounds pretty simple huh...lol

I am thinking the more sparkle on the table the more exciting the whole next year will be..kind of like setting the stage for the next show...I'm ready...

How do you celebrate the ringing in of the New Year ? Do you have special things

you always do? I always wonder how many people really stay up to ring in the New Year. I would love to know about your traditions....Maybe you change it up from year to year...

I think it would be great if I could stay awake until midnight...I'm sure gonna try...but for Mr.S. he will never make it....but thats ok.....He is so special to me and I am always proud to be Mrs.S....

No party would be complete without Tina.... no need to call her twice, (especially for dinner) since she is a Tuxedo cat she is always ready for a black tie event...She will be greeting you at the door this evening... HELLO MAY I HELP YOU......MEOW (this is really MY house)

Let me know how you are going to enter the New Year, I hope it is with a hoot and a holler......

Thank you for indulging me in this post...I wanted to mention all the people I love and that mean so much to our family....

A special thank you to all my blog supporters this year ...I appreciate it so much when you return time and time again with your wonderful encouraging comments....So this is not only a New Years Eve Post it's a thank you for being out there and appreciating what I love to do. I hope that I have inspired you because you inspire me every day.... So here's to 2012 Cheers for the happiest, healthiest best year ever.. and a little sparkle can't hurt.....Phyllis

Please leave a comment by clicking on the word comment below...I love to hear from you...and I always appreciate you spending time AROUND THE HOUSE...

my romantic home
attaching to susan between naps on the porch

savvy southern style
no minimalist here

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

2011-12-18T22:50:00.000-08:00

Red White and Blue...Just seems to go with everything...

This year I thought the tree should blend with my livingroom as it is going through it's transition...

The white lanterns are from Target...2.50 each, then I sprayed them white...

I have a new camera...can you tell...I am taking a picture through the glass decanter on the coffee table...

This is the perfect place to sit by the fire with a warm blanket...

Love the starfish...I think I am in Nantucket, Ca....lol

Now I just have to work on some presents for under the tree...that will take a little time...lol

It's so cold outside, the tree lights sure do warm it up in here...

More lights...I think this is the last year for this tree...I am just dying for a tall skinny flocked artificial tree....

This next picture I took from the outside in for a little contrast...

I really love this new camera...such fun taking pictures...

Sparkly Sparkley

The last two pictures are purely playing with the camera....hope they are fun for you too...

Wow ...this all happens in the camera with no touch ups after ...love it....
Color Sketch...such fun...Thank you so much for visiting today...I always love it when you spend some time around the house...Please leave a comment and let me know what you think...Just click on the word comment...I appreciate you all and if you are not yet a follower...please follow me...you won,t be bored...Phyllis

a stroll thru life
betweennapsontheporch

thrifty decor chick

savvysouthern style

A GINGERBREAD MAN DAY

2011-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

I only have two of these too cute napkin rings...aren't they the sweetest things ever...perfect for our hot chocolate gingerbread day...

Look at that face....

The gingerbread bowl is from GW and was 4.00...I think I will use it for some Christmas cactus later this month....

I love trying to take some creative shots of these settings...I think thats part of the fun, don't you...I am always looking for the light as I NEVER use the flash...I learned from Susan, @between naps on the porch, it does suck the life out of the picture....

The cute pot and bird cups I believe are from Marshals...great for coffee tea and of course our favorite hot chocolate...

Wish I could take credit for the gingerbread men but no, they were a bakery purchase...I will be making my own in a couple of days from Yvonne's sight stonegable...Her recipe looks like I will love it...very hot and spicy...yummmm

I can take credit for the wrapping of gingerbread men...that was all me...lol

Ah he's the sweetest face...

I am ready to cozy up with this....

A boy and a girl...notice the bow...

I hope you save some time for gingerbread and hot chocolate....

Ah...they were made for each other...Thanks for stopping by for a visit...please leave a comment by clicking the comment word...I love to hear from you...I appreciate your visits so much...Phyllis

betweennapsontheporch

show and tell friday

A CHEERY LITTLE CHRISTMAS LUNCH

2011-12-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is just the perfect size tree for the kitchen table....

It's full of lots of yummy ornaments ...sweets to the sweet...

The tree suckers are from Walmart...

Not sure where the dishes came from..I think just a lot of odds and ends you collect over time...can you relate...

I am sure you all must do the same when you are doing a tablescape...start scouring the house for items that will fit just right...

The bright napkins aren't your regular Christmas napkin but I think the vivid colors kind of carry the theme...

You may notice the cute little chocolate cake ornaments..I actually made them years ago from brown and white super sculpy that I rolled flat, stacked and cut into cake sections...stick a hook or string tag in center, then bake as per box instructions...Before baking I added some balls I formed with the same product in red to form berries to the top of cake...

The stemmed glasses with the green rim are from GW for 1.00 each...

The small cupcake ornaments were purchased years ago at a sale from Shinodas which is a wholesaler in orange county.

I love the cute acyclic flatware....I think from Ross, last year..

Although the weather outside is kind of dreary...not so inside...lol

I think the rest of the ornaments including the ones hanging from chandy are all from Target....I tied them to the arms of the chandy really loose...easy to get off...

I love the little white tree, I am sure I will get a lot of different looks and can be moved around easily....

Thanks so much for visiting...Please leave a comment and let me know what you think..just click on the word comments and you are all set to comment....I read them all and so appreciate each time you come Aroundrhouse....If you are not yet a follow I invite you to join...I am trying to get a total of 500 followers before the end of the year...Phyllis

I am attaching to Bargain hunting with Laurie
2805
commonground
betweennapsontheporch

a stroll thru life

coastal charm

Funky Junk Interiors

Christmas Bird Pond

2011-12-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been just obsessed with an idea of a creation and it won't go away until you've been able to achieve it....

Well thats the way it was with the white birds in the pond...

Of course I could not find the flamboyant larger white doves, I love them with their feathers all up...but I do love the little ones I did find...what do you think??

I saw them last year in a post from susan with betweennapsontheporch
from Valentines Day... wow I was so impressed with that beautiful bowl...

The Dove bowl was so amazing...it was just so beautiful...

But of course after finally finding where I could purchase a Dove Bowl...the price was literally hundreds of dollars....well I just had to create my own...I actually would have purchased it, but when I said it out loud...I could not get it to make sense to me...

I found this large white bowl with a flat round rim....now just gotta find the birds...

Looking looking for white birds everywhere...they must be the same sort of white tone as the bowl...it was a soft pillowy white...

Ahhhhh finally I found three that I thought would work...they were at a antique store in Orange, Ca. $10.00 for all three...

You are going to notice this post is loaded with pictures...sorry...just got carried away....

I finally found a forth bird of all places in a hospital gift shop...who knew...

For Christmas I have placed a wreath around the bowl....It looks like the birds have found their way through the bushes to find the water...lol

I attached the birds to the bowl with gorilla glue....not too much because it swells...just a small amount...I glued some closer to the water and some back a bit...

The floating poinsettia flowers are a gift shop find...

My total investment for the bowl would be under $25.00...not bad huh

Well my obsession is complete and over...can't wait until Valentines Day and maybe some pink heart floating candles will be great.

Candles always add the magic touch...

I told you there were alot of pictures...

Oh they are all so happy together now....

Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit, leave a comment and let meknow about your obsession..Phyllis .I am attaching to Susan betweennapsontheporch met monday....

and linking to Thetablescaper

and a stroll thru life

PEPPERMINT HEAVEN

2011-11-29T22:39:00.000-08:00

Wow it seems so early for Christmas settings don't you think...it's never too early for peppermint...
I hope you love Peppermint as much as I do..... There is nothing happier then red and white stripes.... except maybe red white and blue stripes....

I love this Christmas set of dishes....I think I love the cute deep bowls, the huge dinner plate and of course I love the wording on the dishes...There are coffee mugs that go with the set that are not shown in this setting... I always think these dishes look current and simple but ample and sturdy...I think the design will hold up for many years...

One of my funnest treasures is the candycane ladle....soooo cute...found it at the GW for 2.00...I have never seen one like it....

You may remember the glassware with the tiny candy canes embeded in the glass...sooo cute

This flatware is a favorite of mine...it was 10.00 at GW they are three styles together and are engraved with B..and they are a heavy silverplate.....I really like the knives...there is a service for 6... Although the B does not fit our family...I love the uniqueness of old engraved silver....

The place card holders and napkin rings are from Pottery Barn a few years ago....

Red snowflake napkins are from Target and the stripped ones are from TJ Maxx a few years ago...

This is going to be an early dinner so we will get a chance to light our candles...

Santa loves to watch over it all...

Time for our peppermint punch..it has a little seven up in it and it is delicious.

This snowflake water pitcher is from Pottery Barn a couple of years ago....and is perfect for the punch...

Yes...Mr. S. you will be sitting here....

ho ho ho

Tina is warching from the wall....

Yoy've gotta have santa near when there is peppermint around, he can always smell it...

And he always brings his own....I believe this says it all believe cause it tis the season for ho ho ho.....

Thank you all for joining me thid week, and thank you for following me...Please leave me a comment so I know what you think, and if you have have any questions I will be happy to get back to you...Phyllis

I will be attaching to naps on the porch for tablescape thurs.

A THANKSGIVING TABLE

2011-11-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

Setting a Thanksgiving table..can be a daunting task, or a fun creative way to use your dishes in a variety of stylish ways...Autumn colors are a must and easy to come by with acorns, leaves and feathers, squash and acorns .

This beautiful wrought iron black candle holder is perfect for this setting, it is from a thrift store and actually lives in the attic until it is called up to service...

I have a mix of glassware, crystal goblets from Reidel, thrift store water goblets and depression glass for a red wine....The chargers were 1.00 each at the thrift store..originally 15.00 each at Pier 1....Wow what a mixture....

The green leaf plates I am using for rolls are from William Sonoma...I use them for many different things and today it will be rolls...

I love the flatware, I even found butter knives that matched the set...they are really weighty and quality made...the brand is Treble Clef...

I believe the napkins are from the old Linens and Things along with the napkin rings (I added some dried leaves and a walnut to these napkin rings...just to spice them up a little....

This picture shows the plate without the soup bowl...you get a chance to see the big bird....

These fresh fruit compote dessert dishes are also thrift finds...1.50 each

Tablescaping is a great way to mix your quality pieces with some fun and inexpensive finds....you can really never guess which is which when presented on your table ...

You will see my little feathered birds sitting around...I always wanted a set of large beautifully painted pheasants for my table, but it just has not come to past...maybe someday..

I think the chargers give the table a rustic kind of a feel that goes will with the wrought iron....

I think even the delicate depression glass goes well with the rustic surroundings of fall...This flatware would look great for a bbq too....maybe this summer...perfect...

The white chickens hiding in the bushes are actually an additional set of salt and pepper....

Ah that beautiful depression glass.....

More salt and pepper, not that you need it with my great cookin...lol

There is that feather bird again...

I took this picture through the back of the chair...interesting circles..

Making each place setting special for each guest can sometimes be a challenge, although thats part of the fun...

The large acorns are from Walmart....

Candles, Candles, Candles....what else can I say....

As I am sure you already know if you are a follower of mine...I do love a full table...love having interesting things to catch your eye and catch the light for a little sparkle...

Enjoy creating for your wonderful table...

Thank you so much for visiting today...I truly appreciate it when you leave comments and let me know what you think...and for those of you who choose to follow...your the best...Phyllis

I am attaching to between naps on the porch

POTTING BENCH LUNCH FOR TWO

2011-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

As you can see I am still obsessed with the potting bench...

Well the flowers are so beautiful and the weather is still so warm, even Chef Boyardee came for a visit...How can you blame me....

I found this chef at the S.A. store for 5.00...he was a mess...dark heavy brown antiquing, you could hardly see his face, wish I had taken a picture...
...his clothes were brown and black...I sprayed him with white primer, repainted him then lightly antiqued him for a little aging then sprayed him with a high gloss spray....he loves how he looks...

Chef Boyardee usually lives on the kitchen counter. I devised several different types of trays for him to hold as well as a chalkboard.. I attached a square dowel to the underside of each tray, that dowel slides into the hole in his hand.....Today he is holding his tomato tray...

The number plates and the " too darling " garden tool napkin rings were birthday gifts from my daughter Michelle and her family ....I love them so much and could not wait to show them to you...they go so perfectly with my "numbered potting bench"
I will be using these plates for a very long time...lov em

The little french pots I stamped with a number stamp from Michaels... The large number stamps are all on a plastic clear rubbery sheet, Mr. S. cut some small square wood blocks that I glued the numbers too...you could also buy acrylic blocks, this was a lot cheaper....The ink is permanent..

The napkins are stamped with same number stamp and really wash well....perfect for today..

Of course the star of the show is always the flowers, and in Ca. we have such beautiful flowers that love the warm days and cool evenings...

The Chef thinks he's the star...

Mama bear stool and Papa bear stool....just the right fit...

A little strawberry wine....ahhhhh perfect

The garden tool napkin rings are just delightful...I will have to ask her where they are from...probably an Etsy store...shes such a fan...you can visit her store on the sidebar of my blog...wow she is a great writer...her description and knowledge about the items is informative and charming...

A little taste of the wine before I continue ahhhhh...

A great chicken salad with a little celery and a sprinkle of walnuts and just a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes...yummy

The chrysanthemums are beautiful this season, the colors so vibrant...

The faux candy apples are a gift from my friend Jannay....they look so real, don't you think?

I like the little white lantern...I put a little battery flicker light in it when I am working in that area in the evening....There is also a light on the garage that helps...

Maybe Mr. S. could could put an outlet in and I could have a lamp....probably not this year the weather will become too cold in the evening...oh well...

Doesn't a fresh peach dumpling sound great for dessert...actually I am going to make my friend Yvonne's baked peach dumpling, she bakes it in puff pastry....she is located at Stonegable ( I am sure you all know that) always great recipes you can trust, well Bon Appetite....thanks for indulging me( my probably last visit for the season at the potting bench)...Leave a comment, I love hearing from you and if you are not already a follower, please join me...Phyllis

Don't forget to stop and visit Tina the black and white tuxcedo cat that lives on my sidebar...she has her own blog and has some big news...she is in desperate need of some comments.....send your pets over...
I am joining Susan, Tablescape Thursday

treasure hunt thursday

Wed bunnyhop party

wow us wed

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE UMBRELLA

2011-10-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

I am revisiting my potting bench project for the finishing touch...if you missed it just click here for a quick visit...

Things look finished from the pictures, but if you take a look at the umbrella...wow...
Holes everywhere...you'll see..

A closer look will show you the dilemma...

This umbrella has been propped up on the storage side of the house for a couple of years...it was always going to be a temporary fix for the glaring sunshine on the potting bench...SOOOOOO since I am such a tweaker of things I just couldn't resist....

So many holes...

I knew I could not sew temporary patches on the holes because the fabric would not hold up to stitching....

Maybe I could just glue some patches on....well...maybe some colorful fabric would be fun and cheery...

Anything will be better then these holes...just in case we get a sprinkle...I had some indoor/outdoor fabric scraps..perfect for this project...

Who knew it would be such fun...

If you look closer you will see where I used permanent marker and made stitch marks before gluing the patches with elmers spray glue ( great stuff)

I love the way it turned out...it looks like a patchwork quilt in the sky.

When the sun is shining on it...so fun to look at..

I think it matches all the flowers...and who couldn't use more flowers..

Now, I think I will be looking up alot...

Here comes the sun..

Yay...

My sister Bobby would have loved this quaint little space filled with things she also loved....

This is my new hideout I think everyone needs a place to create...even if it's just in their head....

I wonder how long this will last...my friend mary said to spray it with waterproofing, maybe I will do that, but for now I think I will pot some flowers....

Thank you for visiting today. I always appreciate you stopping by...I hope you enjoyed your visit and perhaps were inspired to create your own little space that brightens up your day...Please leave a comment, I love to know what you think, and if you choose to follow me, I am thrilled...

I am attaching to Susan at betweennapsontheporch

REVAMPING A SIDE TABLE

2011-10-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my wonderful, talented, creative and fabulous blogger friends...My carpul tunnel operation on my hands is over and I am slowly beginning to get back to the things I love and one of them of course is blogging...Today I remembered to take some before pictures so you would be able to appreciate the after...Looks like a piece of junk..huh
I can just hear Mr. S. asking "where in the world will that go".......Oh there must be help for these non believers in the vision...lol...hehe hehe..

The handles are coming off first, then I think I will just clean it good before anything else....

I bought this little beauty for 10.00...don't even ask me why...I guess you could say I really like the detail and it is just a little different...

This is a cute little tray that pulls out, maybe for a cup of coffee....

You can see the top a little, it feels like leather and it is in pretty good shape....

I think if I replace the missing dowels and re glue and clamp everything back into place I will be ready for some white spray primer...

Isn't that a cute little hole in the top...odd

Glue is now dry, primer is dry, a light sanding then some white spray paint and some updated handles and we are almost there....

It's hard to believe this mess would look like the pictures below

After I painted the table I lightly sanded the edges a little to give it a used kind of a feel...

I love the little magazine rack on the side, wow I sure can use that beside the big chair...

This is a picture of the back, cute the way it opens up on both ends and the little sliding tray also works from either side.... I don't even mind the gouges in the top edge...gives it a little character, don't you think...

This is a closer look at the paint job and the little touch of hand sanding...

The handles coordinate with the ones in the kitchen, the two rooms open up to each other...

The new little table looks just right for the den chair...it will be nice to have the larger table top....

Well I am happy I have saved this little beauty from the scrap heap...lol

Now is the time for that hot cup of coffee with some almond joy creamer...yummm

Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit, I sure hope you were inspired to find and save a little treasure of your own....
Please leave a comment, I have missed hearing from all of you, and if you are not already a follower, that would just be the icing on the cake....yum some cake with my coffee...
Phyllis

attaching to Happy to design

under the table dreaming

the girl creative

between naps on the porch

MY NEW POTTING BENCH CREATION

2011-09-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

Oh...thank you, I would love a little glass of wine, nothing is more relaxing then having your own potting area/flower space/bistro/wine/art gallery, work and relaxing area....wow I think that about covers it all.......

It all started with this very very sunny hot area outside my side garage door...It is a space I pass 20 times a day, to the trash barrels, to the side yard and a side entrance to the front yard...gosh now I am confused, but I think you get it.....

I just thought there must be something more useful and pleasing to the eye, especially since I have to pass that area so many times a day...and who couldn't use more storage.....I was on a mission...I was on the hunt for the perfect piece for the space.....

I finally had determined a dresser or credenza just the right height with drawers and cupboards would be great...I paid 40.00 at the Salvation Army store, actually I went to show Mr. S. a different one that needed to be cut down to size...of course he was right....this one was the perfect size...

I took off the old gold tone handles and with a little sanding I painted it white and distressed it a little with my trusty sander...It was originally an old chipped wood piece.I thought the checked doors would give it a little zip. The tool handles are from Michaels and were 1.00 each....I drilled a hole in them and attached in the old hole....

The vintage flower tiles were 3.00 for the bunch at the SA store...they are actually plastered to the back wall with liquid nails..I used tile plaster to attach some random tiles to the wood top. Now no matter if the flowers are not in bloom..there is always a bloom when you look at those tiles ( in S. Ca. the flowers are always in bloom)
I just had to throw that in...

My daughter Michelle painted the little french sign on the fence and the wonderful menu on the chalk board... boy, she is a good sign maker....she also helped me hang the sign on the fence, not an easy deal...

All the little prints sitting around were around 1.00 each from SA store...I leave them out for the summer....I have an old worn umbrella over the entire area that keeps it shady and protects the area....If the pictures get ruined I can easily freshen up with new ones but it hasn't happened yet...

I love my little number theme, of course you can use any theme that strikes your fancy...

This was an old all white shelf 5.00..at the S.A. store I painted the baskets black added the small number metal tags and Mr. S. was nice enough to hang it for me (another not so easy deal) and it is perfect for gloves, garden string and whatever, also to hang extra tools...The bright colored gloves are also from Michaels...

The cork board is perfect for attaching those little odds and ends...I also painted the edge to match doors of cabinet...

I have 2 of these barstools 5.00 each at SA store. I painted them black and took the sander to them, sprayed with a sealer which makes them virtually weather proof....

You gotta love the numbers...can you find them all ?????

This gate goes into the side of the backyard, you may remember it from the post where we had a little dinner here.

What a lovely summer evening...hope to have alot more evenings outside...easy to do in Southern California...

The little lantern has a small battery candle inside...so cute at night...And yes that is an old acrylic framed mirror back in the vines...I like that reflection of light...

Flowers everywhere...

Of course you've gotta have some herbs....I have an herb garden somewhere else...just a few here.....

The white enamelware bucket is a favorite of mine, it belonged to my sister Bobby who passed away this year....it is wonderful to keep extra potting soil...Enamelware has such a vintage feel, I love that...and it makes me smile a little to know she liked it too...

Sooooooooooooooooo Just to make sure you know you are welcome anytime...

and while you are here, let me get you a glass of wine....enjoy... smell those flowers....delightful

Don't forget the number 9 its around somewhere...

I think I will sit awhile and relax...how about you??

Thank you for stopping by for a visit...I hope I have inspired you to create your own little potting space...If you have any questions please let me know and I will be happy to answer...Leave a comment as I love hearing what you think and if you are not already a follower....follow me, I promise you it will never be boring ....Phyllis, I am attaching to a great blog diybydesign and I am attaching to my friend Susans Met Monday on betweennapsontheporch..Hi Susan...Missed you also linked to savvysouthernstyle and tablescape thursdays with susan...and the shabby creek cottage, Bunny Jeansdecorandmore, stuffandnonsense Romantichomeblogspot the thrifty groove

New Etsy Shop

2011-09-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...wow have I missed you all....I have had my hand operation for my carpul tunnel on both hands...Everything is coming along well..

I have gathered some incredible finds for some tablescapes...hope you love them too..there are also some great projects I will share (potting bench) living room make over and loads of trash to treasure items coming soon...

Until I am healed completely i would like to invite you to my daughter Michelle's Etsy store called Letsdish she has worked really hard and has some great finds...if you click on one of the items you will see she has a wonderful writing style and always great info in a story format...check it out...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/letsdish
Thanks everyone for always checking to see how I am doing on this end...how are all of you...love to hear from you all...see you soon...Phyllis

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY WONDERFUL FRIENDS

2011-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Just a note to let you all know I am looking forward to a glorious New Year....I have had some issues with my carpul tunnel in my hand and it makes it painful to use the computer...I miss it so much....I wish you all a wonderful 2011....I will be posting a new tablescape soon....right Now I am going to visit all of your blogs and see what you have been up to...Thank all of you for checking back on my blog and for all your generous gracious comments, it truly means so much to me...Phyllis

V.I.P. BIRDS ONLY

2010-07-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

I was searching for some way to showcase these lovely crystal napkin rings in the shape of birds on a branch with a leaf, each one is a little different....then I came upon a way to sparkle up this old bird cage......

I added some crystals from an old chandelier and some recycled bathroom knobs and it looks right at home with the little sparkly birdies......

This will be a lovely afternoon luncheon with a little lemon citrus green tea......Yummmmm

Yummmm

I think I will have to round up all these birds as soon as lunch begins, I don't think I will be happy if their little noses are bumped off......

The leaf on each piece is placed a little different and are cleverly used to make the napkin rings stand up .....

I'm sure you all recognize the salad plates, they are Lenox, I love the butterflies and ladybugs and the lacy edge....of course the Gibson white plates..I had to laugh today my daughter Michelle always says "I love it when you use those white plates, they look just like paper plates" because of the ribbing around the edge I guess, funny how people see things so differently...who knew..

I love the lady bugs so much, I am doing a special blog with my ladybug dishes, wow they are so pretty, I am missing a couple of pieces but I am always on the lookout...I hope you will stop by and get some good luck....

Mr. S. said"only you would think to use those old broken cabinet knobs for a bird cage".....oh well I think you have to use that pent up creativity somewhere ....I think it's better then creating a mess " oh I guess I do that too" lol

I have used this little bird bath for a sugar holder, seems to fit right in.....

The crystal napkin rings are from the sale table at Pottery Barn.....

I used my trusty gorilla glue to glue a knob to the top of the bird cage, you gotta have a lotta sparkle for a V.I.P. BIRDCAGE

I was only watching a little TV while putting this together.....you gotta have a break......

I thought I would give you a little closer look at the birdcage with the little crystals attached, I also made the bars look a little rusty by painting them a brownish color instead of the white color they were.....

Don't forget the Target Birds......

TWEET TWEET TWEET.....

The large sage green Charger plates are Mikasa and are from the Assistance League and were 1.oo each....they are very large and heavy, love the soft green....

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, I do appreciate all of you that leave such encouraging wonderful comments....and when you come for the first time and choose to be a follower, wow, it's very exciting for me to know you love the tablescapes and like looking through the pictures...Thanks Susan between naps on the porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday....

LET THE FIREWORKS BEGIN

2010-06-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July and we are all ready for a few fireworks, although they are not allowed in our city, we can still see some beautiful displays that are close enough and we can almost see Disneyland's display, hooray for the red white and blue...

The buckets on each place setting are from the GW and were .49 each, perfect for holding the sparkly sticks.... The little candy mints are from the Dollar Tree....

Looks like Mr. S has not taken the plastic off the TV....he likes to put it on when not in use in

the evening....

I think that is Uncle Sam that just drove up, watch out for the glasses.....

I have used these glasses several times, only this time I loved the red white and blue sparkly three dimensional star stickers......The straws with the fun sparkly frills are from Pier 1....

I love the pretty blue glass plates, they have bowls and salad plates with the set.....today I have used the famous white Gollum salad plates .....of course you gotta have suckers, you will remember them from the Ballgame table scape, Mr. S. hasn't eaten these yet.....

This table scape is a lot like Memorial Day only more noise, more sparkle and pizazz...I would have loved to have sparklers at each setting and a lot of shooting stars in the background, but
alas, that was not to be, they are not for sale yet so we will just have to pretend......

I remember when I was growing up it was so exciting to save our change and wait and wait until we had a whole dollar then go down to the fireworks stand and buy as much as we could with our money.....we would just kept saving our stash of sparklers and spray cones and snakes and the twirly things that you nail to the tree....it was all so exciting when the night finally came and my dad would line up everything and make sure we sat on the curb so he could light them in the street ( you know they make such a mess)....then all the oohs and ahhhhs, what a feast for the eyes and don't forget the whole clean up ritual....aaahhhhhh for the good old days.....Mr. S. finally took over those duties when the children were small............then they finally banned the sale in our town....boo hoo

The old tool box was a great find some time ago, it has a drawer and works perfect for napkins, extra flatware and mints...... The other wine glasses with the blue stems are from GW and were .25 cents each.....

This is a better shot of the sparkly stars on the glasses, I don't think you can have too much sparkly, do you? The bowls for the ice cream are from TJMaxx and I love the size...

You have seen the Pottery Barn Napkins, purchased a couple of years ago on sale...they are available now only in a more cream color instead of white.....

We all have our warm blankets to keep cozy and we're ready for the sun to go down, come on we're ready......

SPARKLY SPARKLY.......

Aha, lets light those candles, there goes the sun ......

Hooray, Hooray, we're ready......

OHHHHH The blue night skies....

Have a happy and safe 4th of July. I hope your enjoyed your visit and got to reminisce about some of your holiday memories.....Please leave a comment, I read them all and enjoy hearing from you.....Thanks to Susan at between naps on the porch for hosting Table scape Thursday....

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

2010-06-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to turn your music up there are a couple of songs that may be familiar......

Well, it's that time of year again, sunshine, popcorn, peanuts, carmel corn and cherry cokes, what could be better than BASEBALL.....

This tablescape was inspired by these wonderful salt and pepper shakers, then of course these small baseball salad plates that were found later....both are from Marshals....

YUMMY popcorn......The coke glasses are from Dollar Tree....

The napkin rings are rubber balls from the Dollar store......Mr. S. was nice enough to drill large holes in them for my napkins.....the place card stands are tiny rubber balls from the party store that I cut a slit into for the name tags....the tags I drew and cut out from a brown paper bag...I'm sure you all remember the green astro turf from the Easter setting, I love the way the cut out areas make you think of bases, especially with the wooden chargers......

The small popcorn maker was a great find from my friend Mary, she discovered it is a tiny little thrift shop, 3.99 what a deal and it actually works......I thought I might even use it for movie night .....

The napkins are from Christmas and fit just right with all the red white and blue.....

You knew you would be seeing this bicycle again and doesn't it just seem just right for the season....I have to finish this post so Mr. S. can eat all the peanuts, and carmel corn....

You gotta have a little candy and of course Baby Ruth what else, maybe a few suckers.....

Tina was not interested in the whole setting up thing, I think she sees the fluffy gray cat outside and has to visit for awhile....She does love this windowseat......

Enjoy the pictures and I hope they bring back some fun old memories for you too....

This was such a fun tablescape to do, I really wanted the table to be a salute to the game.....

I hope you all enjoyed yourself and maybe got some creative ideas for a tablescape of your own. .......now LETS PLAY BALL.......
Thank you Susan between naps on the porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday...... Phyllis

A TROPICAL SUMMER EVENING

2010-06-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Can you tell we are ready for summer, Pina Coladas, tropical flowers and a warm summer breeze, you gotta love it... Don't forget to turn your music up to put you in the mood, the proper mood hee hee hee.............

YUM YUMMY Pineapple, coconut milk, rum.......yummy

Recipe for 23 oz. light rum 4 oz. coco lopez coconut milk
4 oz pineapple juice

2 cups crushed ice

put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, garnish with pineapple and cherry... Sometimes I use TGIF pina colada, it comes in a bottle and it already has the rum and everything in it, just add lots of ice to the blender and maybe a little bit more rum and your good to go.....

I will serve these drinks with straws and ice tea spoons...they are thick and delightful. Since this tablescape is for an early dinner I will put the drinks in the freezer when they start to melt until we are ready for them....not to long though......they should actually be served as soon as they are made...

The napkin rings and napkins are from World Market, I think they are so colorful and You will see them again for sure.... The napkin flower rings feel like a gel, very strange....

The small pink flamingos were my Moms and don't they look right at home.......

The glasses for the drinks are from GW and were 50 cents each.....They are from a cruise ship and have the word Salute on the front of the glass in white......since the drink is white you cannot see the word.....I purchased some stickers to make the glasses more tropical.....I love using stickers from Michaels, they are fun and can be left on the glasses, taken off and used again or tossed out....gotta love that....You may just see these glasses with stars and stripes on them for July 4th and then the word Salute will look perfect....If you want to keep the stickers on the glasses, just wash them by hand and they will be ready for your next Big Hula Night......

The place mats are from Michaels and are large leaves in the silk flower dept. I removed the stems and love the look....Would you believe I bought one a week for 4 weeks so I could use my 40% discount coupon, it was like a quest for me not to pay the full price..... Mr. S. just shakes his head....

I used my ebay champagne bucket for the flowers.....they are from my neighbors bush...

Watch out for those flamingos............

I found the four small plates and the platter at Marshals on the sale table for 2.00 each, love the way they bring the wonderful colors of summer to the table..........

Soon we will have to do a dinner up by the fireplace, thats one of our favorite places...

Sorry I am not writing a lot, I am struggling with this darned carpel tunnel syndrome, still have to get to the hand specialist, hope the pictures tell most of the story....

This is just a shot of the light in the top of the gazebo where our dinner is.......

AH evening time, I have been waiting to join the blue sky watching with susan from naps on the porch...it happens here around 8:25PM wow do those skies turn blue, but not for long....

Lighting a few candles and we are ready, bring on those blue skies......what time do they come in your area?

They have arrived, blue skies all around, a warm subtle breeze and don't forget our Pina Coladas.............

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit and maybe got some inspiration to create your own tropical summer evening.....Please leave a comment I read them all and love hearing from you....If you have any questions I will be happy to answer as soon as I can....Thank you susan @ between naps on the porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday and Marty @ a stroll thru life with tabletop Tuesday and the Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wed. My Romantic Home for show and tell Friday

FOR THE BIRDS

2010-06-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Turn your sound up to truly appreciate the chatter....
This is a special place on the side of the house where the birds live....they have houses, a rock pathway and lots of flowers and ferns....It's their small village and we've come for a little wine, some dinner and some wonderful chattering....This little village is located on the side of the house and the kitchen window overlooks this area....there is a wall water fountain hanging on the side wall for their community bath they love it.....

I used my trusty gorilla glue and attached the ceramic bird to the ledge to help show the way to the bath...

Just a little sip......when the jasmine vine blooms and the fountain is on, wow the aroma is so wonderful in the kitchen.....

It is so bright today, hard to get the pictures right......

The little birdhouses that are used for napkin rings are from Michaels..they come unfinished and are 1.oo each....you can paint or decorate them anyway you like.....I put the napkins through the ropes that are attached to the tops.....

The swirly white plates are from Marshals, I'm sure I will be using these often this summer, they are so versatile...The lovely bird pillow is a loan from my sister Bobbie, (oh by the way, thanks for all your prayers, her surgery was very successful).

The flatware is from Ross, I have used it before, it's always so pretty in the sun....

I love the wonderful white flowers that hang off the wall...this is the side wall of the back yard...and only this last section is for the birds and their houses.....the gate leads to a small work area before entering the side of the garage...

The table is ready and soon we will pour the wine....The little cherub reader I have had for years and was a gift from my dear friend Mary....

The birdhouse salt and pepper shakers are so cute, they were a great find at GW...the birds on the table were another gift from Bobbie...I love those fat little birds...

The little flower plates go with a set, you may remember them from the butterfly tablescape...they were purchased at Ross, I believe last year...I like them because they are so colorful and they go with almost every solid color....

This could be a lovely romantic table for dinner for two, but this evening , its for the birds....

I have a collection of old beat up salt and pepper shakers (the more worn out the better) many of them belonged to my mom, these are especially cute, wonder what tables they have adorned...

I don't remember where the little painted glasses are from, they have butterflies and bees painted on them with the flowers, just right for our birds, you will see them again this summer I am sure...

Well, the sun is setting and I'll light the candles, the lighting is all on timers and should click on soon...............

This wall has outdoor lighting as well, so with a few candles on the table we should have just the perfect setting for our little get together.....I do love the outdoor lighting, it is all around the house and is always inviting you out for a sit and a chat...or sometimes just a quiet moment....

It's great to look out the kitchen window and see the birdhouses nestled among the flowers and ferns, sure makes washing those dishes easier.....

I think it is just the right time for a little glass of wine, maybe I'll just stop and smell the roses....

ahhhhh, that really is good wine, ( Chateau St. Michelle) . The weather is perfect with a tiny hint of a breeze, crisp and clean, one of those ideal kind of early evenings, you know what I mean, I'm sure you've experienced an evening like this ...

Can you just hear this little guy starting to give us a song, you know you can almost hear him...

The little blue birdhouse seems to go with the blue evening, don't you think?

Wish you all could join us for a little dinner, maybe next time....

Clairese the reading cherub looks like she is reading a bedtime story to the mother bird and her new egg...............

Thank you for taking the time to visit and hang AROUND THE HOUSE for just a little while...Maybe you have a special bird village for your birds.....if not maybe you have been inspired to create one in your own special little place...Thank you susan at betweennapsontheporch for hosting Tablescape Thursday.........Don't forget to leave a comment, I love to know what you think and am always inspired by all of you...Phyllis

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

2010-05-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, doesn't this just make you want to ride your bike down the street and wait for the parade to begin.....

You can hear the kids in the background and the smell of the wonderful BBQ, just the hum in the neighborhood, let me get a coke before I slam that screen door just one more time.....

This is a lot of excitement for Tina, however she does like the flag waving outside, she has been studying it all day.... She is very patriotic.....

The place setting is quite an assortment of bargains and already hads......wooden chargers (love them) 1.00 each at GW....The cute little bucket name places, are Target, 1.00 each and were a recent purchase...The wonderful red white and blue bowls are TJ Maxx......

Mr. S. says he likes the way the spoons are displayed like they are saluting, you gotta love that......I love this wonderful flatware, it is from Marshals and is a great quality 18/10. I think it would also look great on a western BBQ.....

The great napkins are pottery barn on sale 2 years ago.......I was so excited to find them (don't you love the way I look at shopping as finding things, like a scavenger hunt) I wonder, do you do that? After shopping saying things like "I didn't find anything"

The cute little red bike (haven't a clue where I bought it) I have had for years and usually sits in the window seat of the spare room, was your bike like this one? .....Mine was exactly like this one...I won it at a city jamboree and hundreds of people were in the stands at the school, I will never forget them calling out my number....I was so excited I hardly noticed at the time it was a boys bike, well that fact hit me when we got it home...I remember my parents saying "oh it's ok, don't worry we'll get that fixed" they never did, but some how it became cool for the girls to have boys bikes, (who knew)

The water goblets are a recent purchase .99 each, at GW....they are a great weighty glass with wonderful stems....If you look carefully Tina is having her nap on her window seat, notice I say her seat...

The silver sherbet cups were a great find at GW, they are Rogers silver plated (Paul Revere) very weighty and were 2.99 each.....of course they were totally black, wow a lot of silver polish later and you have beautiful silver dishes and Carpal Tunnel in your wrist...

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL pitcher was just meant for this setting, from Ross many months ago, I was thinkin ahead.......how could you resist....

You can always tell when evening is approaching and the sun is setting because the water glasses are then filled....you all remember the wonderful water pitcher from GW for 3.99 it is behind the water glass....

Yep, there goes the sun.....

All the small flags are from Michaels......

The STAR candle holders were collected from everywhere. I love how they go with so many settings and are smooth and sparkly.....

The large glass candle holders are from Pottery Barn, purchased a few years ago, there are many sizes, you may remember me using them at Christmas time.....

AH the candle light is working out just fine, Tina is getting one last look in her quest to chase that sun down room to room....

Doesn't this just say it all...................

One last SALUTE to AMERICA, and hooray for the RED WHITE AND BLUE

I don't know about you, but I am exhausted, so I am putting up my patriotic feet for a good long rest.............Thank you all for stopping by for a visit, you know I love it when you hang AROUND THE HOUSE....I hope you had a fun time betand maybe got some inspiration for your Memorial Day Weekend....Thanks to my friend Susan @ between naps on the porch for hosting the Tablescape Thursday....Phyllis

BEE HAPPY

2010-05-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's great to be back and doing a post....It has been one of those hectic months with lots of spring cleaning and organizing.....Hosting Mothers Day (more about that later) for around 40 people and dealing with this annoying carpul tunnel in my wrists....isn't it always something....

Yes I finally got the Bee flatware and I have to tell you it is just so beautiful, the pictures aren't enough, they have a wonderful sheen and feel to them, love love them...they will go nicely with the bee things I have had for many years.....

I have had the Bee glasses for years, the small one is great for juices and the taller one for anything....

Well I didn't say I already had everything bees, when I was ordering the flatware I saw these plates and my heart just sank, you know I just had to have them...I thought I showed a lot of restraint with only purchasing dinner and salad plates......what do you think, don't you just love the honeycomb..the dinner plate with the honeycomb in the center.... wow

The salad plate with the raised bee in the center, love that.....

Don't miss the bee on the bowl........

Bee utilful napkin rings make their place with these napkins I made from fabric from the $2.00 fabric store...I also used Yvonne's tutorial on mitering the edges of the napkins, Yvonne's blog is Stone Gable
Be careful, you will get hooked on her blog, she does weekly menus and her tutorials are the best ever...
I love that Yvonne knows the correct size to make napkins, anywhere from 20x20 to 22x22 I have always made mine 20x20 and I appreciate her reminding me how to miter the corners, she has that tutorial on her blog on sidebar....Also a great shout out to Yvonne for those wonderful cinnamon rolls made from refrigerated bread sticks, I made them for Mothers Day and she was right, make sure you make a lot of them because they go like hot cakes....I will make them again and again, Thanks Yvonne...I will be attempting the daisy cupcakes from her shower party, can't wait....they are simply beautiful....

The place mats were a wonderful buy at the GW for 1.00 each, just right for the Bees...This place setting is for my sister Bobbie, she is having an operation tomorrow, wish her good luck and prayers, I know she will be fine...she is strong and has a wonderful supportive family....

I love the Rogers Silverplate water pitcher, also a good buy at the GW...I should have taken a before picture of it, it was so black with tarnish, love the beautiful shine....

The sweet little brass Bee napkin holders are from World Market, love their detail and love mixing the brass with the silver with the stainless....

Don't worry BEE happy.......

The Bee decanters are from Ross, love the way they match the Neiman Marcus plates, strange that one place wouldn't sell it all......

They were such a good price I purchased one large and two small. Although I don 't use decanters on my counters, I think they look great on the table and will be wonderful for flowers on future tablescapes...

Well you gotta have an orange tree, it is Orange County ya know ......I am always on the lookout for unusual things for centerpieces, you never know what will be just right till you try it.

The glass pitcher that holds the cranberry/raspberry juice is very old and don't remember where it came from, maybe a garage sale, it is a great size...

Of course we couldn't forget to mention Mr. S. after all he is my biggest fan and loves to have his place card on the table.....oh and don't worry he knows I am his biggest fan too......

The small little tree place card stands are from michaels.....

This has been a fun post with all the Bees, and whether you use them all on one setting or spread them around they are always fun to add to any setting....I would be remiss if I did not mention my dear friend Gloria @happy to be what a great lady and wonderful friend, she has the most wonderful antiques and stories that will keep you always coming back for more. She has been a little under the weather, I know all she needs is a shot of Wild Turkey and a little rest....take care Gloria and thanks for being such good friend and having a wonderful blog for me to run away to.

OK lets eat.....

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time AROUND THE HOUSE....I hope you liked the post, enjoyed yourself and maybe got some creative ideas for your next tablescape....Of course thank you my friend Susan @between naps on the porch for hosting her Tablescape Thursday, see you all again soon and remember DON'T WORRY, BEE HAPPY ....Phyllis

Bee Napkin rings from World Market

Place Mats and water pitcher Goodwill

Bee plates and Flatware Neiman Marcus

Bee Decanters from Ross

Candle holders Pottery Barn

TINA AND TULIPS

2010-04-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

So Pretty in Pink...

The pretty flowers are from Michaels and although they are silk, they perk me right up....especially after 2 weeks of complete cleaning and organizing drawers, shelves, closets, you name it, I organized it...Although not quite finished, one room to go...this is a nice break Pink Saturday

As I was looking around for some more pink, guess who I found, you guessed it Tina in the bedroom window for her nap.....

Did we wake you up little girl.......

Back to sleep for Tina......She loves that blanket...

Back to soft pretty pink flowers......

Go on back to sleep Tina.....

Ah thats a good kitty, she hears the water fountain outside the window and it puts her to sleep every time.....

I made these pillows last year to perk up the bedroom, a little pop of color....

Pictures of grandkids when they were so young....The pretty pink frame is a new addition, gotta find a great picture for it....I love the bust, it reminds me of my grandaughter, Bree....

Thanks for visiting my pink Saturday post...Thanks to Beverly @how sweet the sound for hosting...

EASTER LUNCH FOR TWO

2010-03-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our lunch table is set up in the living room today....I brought in a small fold down table from the garage storage, just the right size for two for tea or two for lunch.

Today it's all about the little chicks....cute little fluffy chicks..... and of course the dishes, playing in the dishes...............

I love the fluffy chicks, don't they look sweet perched on the soft pink Hibiscus Kiss ....(Hibiscus tea with a drop of honey)

The pretty depression glass was a gift from my friend Mary, she knows I love it....the white plates are Lenox.....(you gotta love them cause they feel like silk) The cute cookie chick suckers are from Big Lots......Love their sweet little cheeks.........

Yummmmy....

The Hobnail glasses, again a gift from my friend Mary, many years ago....

Notice the shiny cushiony little stickers of chicks on the simple martini glasses, it makes them special for today...They are from Michaels............

The little chick cupcake containers are from Michaels.............here chick chick..

Small egg nest plates are from Marjolein Bastin for Natures Journey....so sweet

This is one of my Moms tablecloth, left to me.....love the delicate little flowers and leaves...

How did that bunny get in here, oh well maybe just one....................The candy dish is lovely depression glass and so delicate..........

Love the pretty flatware from Ross, lots of fun uses this summer, such pretty colors....

The napkin rings are from GW, love the perfect colors the delicate little flowers, and the price wow..................

I love mixing fun pieces with serious older collectables, it keeps them fresh and current when mixed in a playful setting, I guess now that I write that thought, it makes me realize I think that about most things......Keeping old valued pieces relivant, Maybe thats by not taking them to seriousely...I guess if I had a Mission Statement that would be my goal..........I love taking the older dishes out of the cupboard and after a warm bath letting them breath a little and make some new friends, maybe even a new young collector or two, before going back in the cupboard.....what do you think????

The soft pink votives are Citrus Blush and are from Claire Burke, oooooooohhhhhh the wonderful smell of the soft citrus is amazing...........

Sparkly*********

Thats a picture of my Mom in the background, I think she would have loved having lunch at this special little table just for two. She would have just raved over the depression glass, touched the embroidered flowers on the tablecloth so carefully. She would have tasted the candy, smelled the flowers on the table and laughed at the fluffy chicks...then announced "well, bring on the lunch" who could ask for more from a table setting...Not me...

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you had an enjoyable visit and just perhaps were inspired to bring your dishes out to play and mix with some new friends.....I love it when you leave a comment so I know you are there and I can come and find you for a visit...I read and appreciate each and every one. I love it when I see you are a new follower and if you would like to pick up my button for your sidebar, wow that would be a home run.......If you have any questions, I will be happy to reply. Thanks to Susan @betweennapsontheporch for hosting Tablescape Thursday and Cristy @Embellished Bayou for her Easter party, and Beverly @ How Sweet the sound for her Pink Saturday make sure you stop over and visit them.................Phyllis

WHITE BUNNIES AND JELLY BEANS

2010-03-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yummy Yummy white chocolate, Jelly Beans, gum drops, candy corn and cake is coming.....

The flowers are inside a glass inside of the square glass vase, the jelly beans and eggs are filling the space around the glass, less jelly beans to purchase....

This small three sided bunny vase belongs to my friend Mary and was a good find for her at the Goodwill.......

I think this bunny is eatting the dish.....

The bunny should be eatting the tulips not the plate.....

Can you believe this tablescape started out with just two white rabbits, well you know how that goes......

I love the little bunny plates, the sweetest ever, they can be hung on the wall or used for a display, I love them on the table...... the ribbon can be removed or changed out..

This is another sweet little bunny a tin rocking bunny ......

I love the way the sun shines through and changes the color of everything throughout the day...

These pretty pink glasses are gelato glasses from Italy.... I left them empty so you could see the lovely pale pink color....

I think a fresh strawberry gelato would be wonderful in these pretty pink glasses.....

Now I have that strawberry gelato on my mind, hummmmmmmmm .......

This one is just sooooo shy, bless his heart.....

Yummmmy candy.....MMMmmmm

I think the bunnies are multiplying.......

Yes they really are, the rabbits are multiplying, what do you think???

I'll have one of those chocolates, thank you .....

YUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYY

Now I just need a little of this and that, sooooo cute, notice the little bunnies on the bottles and the scent is Jelly Bean....Love that...

Ahhhhhhhhhhh..............

Placemats and napkins from Marshals
Bunny plates from Marshals

Bunnies collected from everywhere
All candy and cookies and grass from Big Lots

Metal white rocking bunny on shelf from GW
Italian Gelato pink glasses Ross

Easter sign Ross
Bunny hand soap and lotion, Ross

Cookies bunny plate GW

Thank you so much for visiting AROUND THE HOUSE, I hope you enjoyed the tablescape as much as I enjoyed putting it together....Please leave a comment, I read them all and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.......Of course thanks to my friend Susan from Between naps on the porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday......Phyllis

HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL

2010-03-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hoppin down the Bunny Trail....... /Be sure to turn your music up, thats me Peter Cotton-tail singin, you don't want to miss that.....

Brunch Time.....Come join us.....

This is my family, we are Cottontail Rabbits, .......I live here with my sisters flopsy, mopsy and cotton-tail and my mom, you all know what happened to my dad, lets not even go there.....

This our home.....We all live underneath the roots of this very big old fir-tree stump ..........

Nice home huh, it's huge inside.....We call it a burrow.......

Good Mornin.....

CANDY CANDY CANDY.... thats what they are lookin for.....

This is me, my name is Peter, Peter Rabbit that is, I am known around here as Peter Cottontail, you may have heard of me.....

This is Aunt Bess she is all about the carrots.....

Everyone is gathering at our place to look for candy easter eggs and carrots..... Yummmmmmy......

Mrs. S. found these little champagne flutes at the GW for 99 cents each then half off for only 49 cents each for 8 glasses, wow shes a good shopper.....

Those candy eggs are my favorite....

We have come a long way since I had that incident in the garden, I learned to stay away from Mr. McGregor's garden......Thats for sure.......

We grow our own carrots now, Yummy

We've got most everything we need, we even have our own dishes made by Wedgewood, could you believe it, they have our pictures on them, we all agree they are very special....

We are all over these dishes........ Did you see me?

I was so small then, Mom had to help me with everything....

I love the way our story is told all around the dishes.....

and the cups....

The Carrot (YUMM) placecard holders are from a small antique store, notice the tiny little bunny on the top of the card, Mrs. S. does not seem too keen on writing names on those cards, Mr. S. doesn't understand that.

Mr. S. thinks this is great, he just loves our wonderful tree root home and actually helped make it so cozy and he loves all her dishes, I think thats because she loves them, what do you think.....he's the best...

Me again...

Thanks for stoppin by, hopp you enjoyed meetin my family, it's time for brunch, so leave a comment and let me know what you think, she lets me read them all and she loves hearing from you all. Hoppin you had a good time it was fun to have you.......Peter Cotton-tail

Dishes Wedgewood from TJ MAX over a period of time
Small Champagne glasses from Goodwill..49 cents each

Grass from home depot, it's that astro turf you see on the big roll/small roll already cut 15.00
Tree Stump from side of house, it died last year and Mr. S cut off top, it was in a broken pot, I pulled it out, washed off dirt /Mr. S. helped prepare opening for entrance and helped with labor and encouragement.....

Moss from Michaels
Rabbits from Ross Store to

Napkins from TJ Max

Thanks again for taking time for a little whimsy and fun, hope you enjoyed yourself..Phyllis

Thanks to Susan @betweennapsontheporch for hosting today......Also Linking to http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/ You should never miss her posts, they are wonderful...

I am also linking to Marty @a stroll thru life Marty is taking over Tabletop tuesday and she is the perfect person to take over for Barb......good choice

I WON A PRIZE

2010-03-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Wow I won a contest, I was so excited to see the beautiful gift from Bunny Jean, shes from bunnyjeansdecorandmore she has such wonderful things, wait till you see...Thanks Bunny for the great tea, I have already tried the fruit and the green tea one, love them both...

Notice the little hand made chocolate, she makes those and lots of other little faux desserts, they are so sweet and so real looking, I love them...and you will too....

Thank you Bunny Jean for the beautiful sugar and creamer and the cute chocolate and of course the lovely teas and the soooo thoughtful note enclosed, I always enjoy Bunnys blog, go visit her and you won't be disappointed....

People keep trying to eat my little chocolate...hee hee ...Thanks again Bunny

Phyllis

BUTTERFLIES AND PINK LEMONADE

2010-03-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

March 1st was the first day of spring, and what a beautiful day ....It really is a pink lemonade and butterfly day....

The butterfly desserts are made from my new butterfly pan, wow they are hard to decorate, fun to make though, I just wanted to make them the same colors as the flowers in the plates.....The Pan is Nordic and was found at TJMaxx for 19.00 there are 6 butterfly sections in each pan....great quality pan...

Love all the cute little butterflies, they are from Michaels and have wires attached that I erased in the google program Picasa.......easy and fun...

I left the wire showing in this picture to show you how they are attached.....

These pictures are taken on the deck outside the bedroom and living room. This summer I will do more tablescapes outside and by the outdoor fireplace, still a little cold outside, but you have to give March 1st the respect that the first day of spring deserves, the birds sure know what the date is......The table cloth is from Home Depot and is indoor outdoor carpet cut to fit the table top....they have large pieces for 15.00....there is a huge piece left after cutting this out.....I like the garden party kind of feel and the grassy look...

The cute goblet glasses with the flowers imbeded are a great find from GW for 1.00 each...gotta love that...

The small ceramic birds are from my sister Bobbie, she always finds the greatest things and knows I really like fat little ceramic birds....Maybe I will do a birdhouse with lots of birds tablescape, I think Michael from Designs by Gollum did one of those and I really loved that
look, but then again she has such beautiful things and the best ever food, just a warning though if you go for a visit you may never leave.

This cute little green chair usually sits on top of a cabinet outside the garage, very old but I just love the carving on the back of the chair.....

Aren't these the cuttest candle holder garden tools, they are from TJ Maxx, they were around 3.00 they are so rustic looking....

The wreaths around the floral plates were from Marshals, love the little pots attached to them...However I do think the butterfly cupcakes could use a little help, but they will taste good anyway...

Tucking the silverware in the gardening gloves is an idea I stole from Susan between naps on the porch...she has great ideas, a beautiful home and is the guru of the tablescaping world. When I first began blogging she was so helpful and supportive...

Can you tell why this is a favorite spot for Mr. S. in the summer time.....Hmmmmm

I really like the silverware it is Robert Welch and the design is by P. Russell-Clarke, it is so sleek and the forks and very long and slender, very different feel....

The dishes are Roscher and the pattern is Jasmine, this is a picture of the plate without the salad plate.....there are also nice size bowls with this group...Dishes from Ross....

It sure does say Spring, don't you think.....

I set the tablescape the night before to see what the table would look like with candles and some low lighting....There is a large chandelier above the table on a dimmer so that helps set the mood....

I like to think the butterflies came out in the evening because they saw the flowers, thats my story and I'm stickin to it....

If you are in a cold and snowy area, just be patient the sun is coming your way....

The house is an L shape and the gazebo is located in the corner of that L and opens up not only to the Master bedroom but to the Living room. That is the living room in the background, I have the door shut, don't want a house full of butterflies now do you???? If you look real close you can see Tina sleeping on the floor in the Living room....

Thanks for stopping by and hanging AROUND THE HOUSE. I hope you had a good time, got some tips, saw some new things or just enjoyed visiting....Please leave a comment so I know you are out there......I read them all and love hearing from you all.....If you are already a follower yay and if you have already picked up my button for your sidebar then a double yay yay ....you just make my day...Phyllis

A TINY HINT OF EASTER

2010-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Now you know that you hardly noticed Mr.Rabbit hangin out......

Yummy yummy.... your not even hardly noticing the cold soup.....

You just know the star of this post are these beautiful plates...I watched them in the back of the store Steinmart for about 6 months....I loved the beautiful bold design however I could not recover from the 36.00 for each plate price tag.....over time I watched them go down to 24.oo each...too much, then down to 12.00 each, with the sales they were having I ended up finally paying 4.50 each for 8 plates.....Even when I checked out, the sales lady said "do you even know the incredible deal you got on these plates" I said I know I know hee hee hee.... They feel very special to me......

They are 12" plates and they feel like silk.....

The white salad plates and napkin rings are Lennox. I love the way the plates feel....

I think these will be perfect in the summertime out on the deck with the wonderful blue and white, what do you think?

Now who would have thought a year later I would find these coordinating napkins at TJ Maxx, they are by Badgley Mishka, I also have them in black and white, I used them with the Valentines day tray...I think I mislabeled them on that post....oh well

I think I will hunt through alot of posts I am sure one of you have a great cold soup recipe, I am practicing for summer......

The soup is gazpacho soup with lime and croutons it's from Trader Joes, they make the best soups....Dinner will be Broiled chicken with wild rice and Green beans....yummmmm

I know its way too early for Easter but what can it hurt if he just sits around...... He was a great find at the GW for 7.99, yay for me and no chips, he's at home now....

The small blue covered dish was my moms, I don't know what you call it, do you? It is heavy and has shell designs on it and it is a foggy frosty kind of glass,the feet of the dish are fish very pretty, I am hoping someone knows exactly what it is called.....You all are so smart about that kind of thing, I know you'll know...Maybe my friend Gloria will know...she is at Happy to be ......

The silver candle sticks were another GW find at 3.00 each, what a great find and I love the way they look with the striking dishes....Spring is coming can you tell....

I used the small white pitchers as water pitchers, no individual ones this time.......

Thanks for stopping by and hanging AROUND THE HOUSE, I hope you saw some things you liked and maybe got some ideas or maybe just had an enjoyable visit knowing you don't have to do the dishes and put away all of the glassware....Please leave a message and let me know what you think, I always enjoy reading all of the comments and love it when you decide to follow.....Phyllis

BREAKFAST IN PROVENCE

2010-02-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

I think these eggs were collected fresh this morning from my french hens......

OK..... So it isn't really in Provence, but since I haven't been to France, this is as close as I can come to what makes me feel a little bit country french ....

I did the menu in french because I knew my friend Debbie @http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com will be looking in and I didn't want to make a mistake since she is all about anything french having been a french teacher and very well traveled in France. I always enjoy Debbie's blog, so stop over and give her a visit.....I hope my spelling is correct in the french menu ....the rest, well it is just my take on the french feeling of breakfast.

I absolutely adore these dishes, they are from Ross. I purchased them a few months ago and have never used them because I only had 1 cup.....however I am relentless....and one day there they were plenty of cups, well I had to have the rest for my set.....

The dishes have french writing on them and a wonderful french stamp on the inside of the bowl...the unusual and refreshing thing is that the backs of the dishes are as interesting as the fronts, I will try to show you in the pictures...

Mr. S. thought he should be in the picture since his favorite meal is breakfast, note that he has been in the garage working and just had to stop in......Mr. S. is the best....even if he hasn't shaved....

Par Avion is french for Air Mail...I know you are impressed......with my french...
The stamp inside the cereal bowl, so cute...

This is the front of the cup<> note that it not only has the rooster, it has that same stamp on the bottom.......and the top...

This is the back of the cup and it has the most interesting french writing and the same french stamp on the top of the cup that is on the cereal bowl.......

I don't know the name of the silver pattern, I have collected simple silver patterns for years and these are from that collection...maybe someone out there knows the pattern, it is King Edward by Gorham and it has a beautiful patina.....

Note how the plates are swirlie around the edges like a dancing girl's skirt, (can you tell I like these dishes)

I am practicing my photo skills in low light again with my lanterns instead of candles. The little lanterns were purchased at a wholesale silk flower co., they actually work quite well and use a special candle oil that doesn't smoke or smell and just burns clean....I told Mr. S. to remember we have these just in case we have an electrical burn out we can actually use these....the cool thing is that you can actually raise and lower the globe to light the wick and you can adjust the height of the flame with the knob...so cool..everyone has their own and you know how I love that...

You remember the blackboard, we used it on Halloween............

The orange juice bottles are labeled magnesia and have old rusty bells wired on the necks, they were from TJ Maxx of all places.....3.00 each... The large rooster is a gift from my sister Bobbie, I think she brought back from a visit to Texas...Love the rooster...

I found the little carrier for my milk bottles at a little thrift shop for 5.00, it is just the perfect size for my little milk bottles.....The sugar baskets are from Michaels and were 1.00 ea.......

The little fresh egg sign is metal and is from a little thrift store and was 2.99.....all these items were collected over time, some I have had for years and some aren't as old....I know you all know what I mean, I have seen alot of your collections and I am so impressed with your wonderful treasures... I usually begin my table scapes by something that has inspired me, then out to the garage to look for items to go with the setting.....then just start adding and subtracting....I always wonder if you all do it the same way, or do you know exactly what it will look like before you begin, maybe it comes easier for some of you?? Which ever way you do it, I am sure you will agree, it sure is creative and fun.....

Thank you for stopping by and being so supportive of my blog, it means so much to me when you hang AROUND THE HOUSE .....I always appreciate all the comments and love it when you choose to be a follower...As always thanks to Susan @ between naps on the porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday. Phyllis

WOW.....I WON A CONTEST

2010-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:00

I won this cute jewelry box from the contest at http://yoga-gal.blogspot/ it is from Anthropology and is the cutest, prettiest little box with all the bright colors...

You can see the mirror on the inside back.......

The inside is a beautiful burgundy color and coordinates with the top beautifully....

Thank you for picking me Katie...Go visit katie and see some of the wonderful posts she has...

Thanks for visiting AROUND THE HOUSE......

THE CATS MEOW

2010-01-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

This post is for all of you out there who love animals, dogs, cats, birds, but especially cats, because these dishes are so perfect to be paired with the cat picture. Everyone comments on that picture and Tina my cat thinks it is her...As most of you know when my mom passed away a few years ago she left her cat Tina, since everyone in our family were dog people, as were we, we had two sheltie dogs, it was a dilemma. I went ahead and took Tina home and after a month or so she had the run of the house...

Of course you can use the smaller plates for salad or bread plates. I usually don't spread all the dishes out this way, it always kind of looks like they are for sale, you know how the antique stores lay every single piece of the china out on the table. This time I just wanted you to see the dinner plates, they are so cute...The dishes are from TJ Maxx and were on sale 2.00 each, what a deal...

Cupcakes for everyone, isn't she soooo cute....... Just a tiny touch of pale pink on kitties ears and on the top of the cupcakes.,,,,

The dessert dishes are depression glass and were purchased at Quartsite in Arizona a few years ago when we had a place at the Colorado River. We would drive there on Sundays about 10 miles from our river house and find wonderful treasures... They have the largest swapmeet in the world, people come from all over the world for 2 months out of the year, it is wild... The small juice glasses are depression glass as well and were my moms.....

Such sweet little juice glasses.....

These pictures were all taken in the daytime and I am going to attempt to do an evening shoot again, you know how I feel about it when it looks like you didn't pay the electric bill....

I have many many white napkins and decided to put a cats paw picture on four of them, to go with my cat table....downloaded on internet cats paws and copied a picture...drew it in pencil on each napkin and colored it in with laundry marker (black) they will wash up nicely....I even like the way the marker bled a little so it looks like cat fur, lol... I sure wish I had one of those sewing machines that you just touch the computer button and you can have those beautiful initial napkins, I'm dreamin.....

I loved the idea of cat paws walking on the tablecloth, so I cut out the shape from felt and laid them on the cloth, the felt is sticky back felt from Michaels and is very inexpensive. When you are finished, just peel it off.... I do think this would be a great idea for many creative fun little projects for your white tablecloths that won't damage them and can just be peeled off.....hummm I will be thinkin about that.,,,

No I haven't lit the candles yet, soon....

Hey, not to bad, I didn't turn the lights too dark. The candles add a nice little glow....

Tina is gonna love this, don't you think???? I love those cat paws on the tablecloth....

The napkin rings are Lennox and were purchased a couple of years ago.....

I think I will hold Tina up to the table to see it because as you all know she is a very well behaved cat, and she would never get on any tables...don't ask me why, maybe because she was raised with well mannered sheltie dogs and she behaves more like a dog....

I had fun doing this tablescape and (isn't that what it's all about) If you are an animal lover, a plate lover, or even a fun crafter, I am sure you will feel at home for this little luncheon....hope you enjoyed all the pictures as much as I enjoyed creating them.....

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time AROUND THE HOUSE, please leave a comment and let me know what you think....I read them all and love hearing from you...Thanks susan from @between naps on the porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday.....Phyllis

BLUE IS FOR JANUARY

2010-01-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

loved the blue dishes, remember I put two on the wall and I was going to go back and get the dinner plates.... You knew I just had to put something on this table, right.....

Well I just kept thinking how much I might really use the blue dishes. I decided on the same design only in white with the blue salad plates on top. The plates are from TJ Maxx and were I think 3.00 each..

Yep, I think the white plates will be wonderful and will go with so many more settings........

The small porcelain birds are from Germany are very old and they belonged to my mom, there are four of them and they are each posed in a different position... The large flower container is a pitcher from Home Goods and a Christmas or birthday gift from my friend Mary...

The small jar is full of silver spoons, it is usually by the coffee maker I thought it looked sweet on the table...,it is a great way to display your silver spoons and actually use them to stir coffee with cream and sugar...

The glasses are from Marshals and actually were cheaper then the dollar tree...could you believe that.....

That is a pie plate with the dome I got at Pier 1 many years ago and I use it for cookies, pie, bread and even danish and muffins, love the pie dish.....

It has just been pouring raining here for the last couple of days...I hope it lets up soon...I shouldn't complain to you all with the snow and bad weather out there that you have to deal with.

These flowers sure do cheer up this space with this dreary weather, hows a girl suppose to shop and browse around town in this kind of weather....

This one looks like he is getting ready to tweet a pretty little song...

I knew he was ready to tweet.....

Some of the little silver spoons are small soup spoons some are teaspoons and some are little sugar scoops......they are all mismatched and kind of interesting...... the votive candle holders are from Crate and Barrel, on sale of course.....

I think the different textures of the charger and the dishes makes for an interesting look...

You gotta have a little sparkle....I always wish I could have the lights down low and have the candles lit and it would look so romantic....somehow when I do it, it always looks like I didn't pay the electric bill and we have emergency light from the candles.....

Thanks for stopping by, you know I love it when you hang AROUND THE HOUSE...Please leave a comment, I love hearing from you and I read them all.....I have a new button and would love for you to pick it up.....Thanks Susan @between naps on the porch for hosting today....

A CUP OF COFFEE

2010-01-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

This picture and shelf with a cup is located on the wall between the eatting area and the den...

I think it fills the wall space nicely and I love the way the picture resembles the precious little cup...

If you look carefully you can see the cute little butterfly on the flowers...

Coffee would be good in this precious little cup...

The tattered little shelf is perfect for the cute little coffee cup...

The cup was from a little antique shop in Orange, Ca. There was only one and

thats all I really needed.....

I can't remember where I purchased the picture.....I do love the simple lines...

Although I love the cup and believe it would be perfect for my daily cup of coffee.....

These are my new Christmas coffee cups from my friend Mary.....They are from the Pottery Barn and I love the shape the size and the feel of my wonderful new cups....

The numbers stand for Feb. 28, 1949, thats the date the store opened and don't you love the fact that it is 14 oz.......me too....Yep I'll remember the old cups, but I think I'll use the new ones .....Which ones will you use......

Thanks for stopping by and hanging AROUND THE HOUSE. Please leave a comment so I know you were here...I read and enjoy all of your responses...Just click on the word comments and leave a message... Phyllis

Thanks Susan for met. Mon. @betweennapsontheporch for hosting and table top tuesdayhttp://gritsandglamour.blogspot/

SOMETIMES NOTHING IS GOOD TOO,,,

2010-01-12T13:12:00.001-08:00

Sometimes you just need a rest from things to look at. I thought you might just enjoy looking at almost nothing except a clean and simple table with something fresh and soft especially after all the wonderful Christmas settings that were just so delicious......so now just some calm after the storm....

I added a little blue to the white and cream to just continue the calm and quiet we have going on..Even Mr. S. enjoys this because he knows it never lasts too long...

I just had to put my ebay champagne bucket on the table. I got it for 15.00, you can sure tell the difference in old silver patina and new silver, wow it has such a wonderful warm glow...what do you think...

I could have put some champagne with ice in the bucket, no, nothing to distract the relaxing vibe we've got goin on....

I hope your eyes are still resting, I don't want anything too startling or attention getting...

Uh oh, I knew I felt some eyes following us.....

Ah thats better, now back to a nice restful relaxing post......You know you all have worked too hard and need this quiet time.......

We are in Sunny Southern California and it is a beautiful day today, not to warm and not too cold...gotta love the weather...I am finishing this blog from yesterday and it rained all night, whats that all about, it is cool now but no rain today...
This is a teapot collection above the stove top ....

This color looks good too, these plates are from Marshals and are very inexpensive, I may have to go back and get the dinner plates that go with these saucers, a little color is good too, still peaceful...

Yea, maybe every other plate, I think that will work for now....

I love the fresh clean soft colors right now, but you just gotta know I am thinkin about a tablescape somewhere in the back of my head, I am sure you know what I mean....

Thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy it when you hang AROUND THE HOUSE, please leave a comment by clicking on the word comment at the end of each post...I always read them all and love to hear what you have to say....Oh I also have a new button on my side bar and I will be so excited to have you pick it up...Thanks susan @between naps on the porch for hosting...

TABLESCAPE STORAGE

2009-12-31T19:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the New year, I guess it always has to start with a little storing of all the decorations put back in their containers and put in the attic of the garage...(I did want to say to all of my friends in the colder states, I left the snow on the blog to make you feel at home...however here in sunny southern Ca. today is was warm and almost in the eighties)....sorry for that....

This is part of my side of the garage, except for the tools and the tv, those however are religated to Mr. S.

This is more of my side, I designed the cupboard doors to be sliders so no matter if the car is in the garage I will never have a problem opening and closing the doors ....brilliant huh..

This is the rest of my side of the garage, but as we discussed not the tv or cabinet below. I will show you his side, just so you won't think I have to much....would I do that, never...not to Mr. S.

As you can see the car goes in the garage, his Suv is in the driveway, too tall for garage anyway.

He has a couple of chairs and watches some tv when he is working outside and likes to smoke an occasional cigar.....

This is the rest of Mr. S's side of the garage with the work bench and large drawers with cupboards below......Now back to my dish storage..... The carpet is a kind of indoor outdoor and is glued to the concrete floor....Nothing seems to bother the carpet, not even the car.....

I am sure I need more shelves and a whole redo of the inside, wow maybe one of the grandkids will take pity and come and help me soon.....

There is a nice sangria jar in the back, I think a great Mexican feast with fresh sangria, MMMmm, I love the summer time, it is the perfect for celebration outside...

The dishes on the left are Jungle dishes with monkeys all over them, love them and will do a tablescape soon with monkeys everywhere.......your gonna love it.....next to those dishes are some Easter dishes I found on sale a couple of months ago.

You can get a better look at the Easter dishes, they are so darned cute....

Place mats and chargers, I use these alot in the summer outside....

oh my it is starting to look a little disarranged maybe just messy, ya thats what it is ...

I think the plates are stacked to high, must have another shelf to relieve the pressure on those poor plates......

Many of these items are gifts from friends who know I love dishes, they sure are in need of an organizer....that will be another post...

Remember those little red egg cups and the cow cups, cute cute they sure made the breakfast table sing...

You may be wondering where all the Christmas stuff goes, it goes in the attic in the garage, Mr. S. had a door put in that pulls down the steps and he puts all the decorations up there....he has a small little tiny workshop outside the garage for smelly oily greasy things....

I don't have a large home with alot of space for hutches and credenzas to house alot of extra dishes, so these cabinets in the garage are just ideal for me....Of course my dishes I use every day are in the kitchen along with some more valuable pieces...anyway this works for us.....I would love to know what works for you, where do you put your fun pieces when not in use, I know Susan had a wonderful friend show us her dish room wowowowow, she had the most beautiful things and the ideal place to store all of them... but I do know lots of you have unique places and tips for storing your tablescaping fun pieces, I would sure love to see them..... I'll be back soon with an organized storage cabinet, maybe a new shelf....

Thanks for hanging AROUND THE HOUSE, thanks susan @betweennapsontheporch for hosting
Please leave a comment, I love to hear from all of you......

MUSICAL CHERUBS

2009-12-27T18:04:00.001-08:00

These are my musical cherubs, they are a set of four playing their instruments....I purchased them maybe twenty years ago and I display them at Christmas time when I can remember to get them out...

Isn't she the prettiest little thing playing her music...

Of course the trumpet has to chime in ....

Wow she is all about the percussion.......

This is the last little member of our musical group.....

Aren't they having the best time...I am not sure what they are made of, maybe a resin then gilded....

The Cherubs in the back are sitting on large glass candle holders to elevate them...

Isn't she just a little beauty......

Thanks for visiting.....I hope you all enjoyed the Cherubs as much as we do....If you would like to leave a comment, just click on the word comment...I read them all and enjoy hearing what you think.....as always thanks for hanging AROUND THE HOUSE....

Thanks Susan @between naps on the porch for hosting today...