Easter?
Really?
LOL….I am so slow that the faster I go, the more be-hinder I get.
Today, I am going to join a group of bloggers who are showing their Easter Tablescapes.
Please understand that these tablescapes are for inspiration ONLY!
I had a friend say to me….“I can’t do that” OR
“I don’t have the money to buy all new stuff for a pretty Easter Tablescape.”
Hey, I get you.
I understand you.
This is me talking, sweet folks.
Perhaps some bloggers are trying to tell you how to decorate and using their designing backgrounds to help.
But the majority of us are just like you.
Every day people.
We have budgets.
Take a look at these green stemmed glasses…they are from the dollar tree several years ago.
I believe they still have them.
We bloggers make designing faux paxs (read that as mistakes)too.
But we just say we like the juxtaposition of rustic and vintage….or some such thing.
But what we are really trying to explain is…. there is no wrong way to set up a tablescape.
No mistakes.
If you want to use paper plates and napkins….that is ok.
If you have vintage and heirloom linens, that is ok.
If you prefer eating on a TV Tray, that is ok.
Just because you see a pretty tablescape by one of us….please know that we are NOT trying to tell you how to set a table.
Do it the way you want to do it.
Mix it up like I did in the above photo. Purple and Pink and Green.
What we are doing is showing you a way to set a tablescape with what we have on hand.
Give you inspiration to look around your home.
Most of us do not go out and buy all new items for a tablescape.
If, on a rare occasion I do that….I leave that baby up for a long, long time.
I want to enjoy my money’s worth. LOL
I tell the Captain,’ let’s eat outside on the Lanai’….so I don’t have to muss up the pretty tablescape.
The point is…We, bloggers use what we have.
We may splurge on flowers or use faux flowers.
These are faux cherry blossoms in a pink watering can.
(When you purchase faux flowers, make sure they look good…you want your money’s worth….and they will reward you in future tablescapes or vignettes.)
We may find a sale on napkin rings OR we may just fold the napkin and place it near or on the plate.
No rules.
We may see some cute little salad plates on sale…and buy them (usually only 4)…that is one trick we use.
Not many of us are set up to put a matching 12 place setting on the table, like for a large family holiday dinner.
No, we use 4 place settings or sometimes 2 or sometimes 6.
See? … my plate stacks are using only 4 dinner plates and 4 salad plates.
Mix and Match.
No right or wrong way.
By the way, these petal plates are about 20 years old.
I bought them at the Sun Fresh Super Market while buying groceries.
I own only three 12 place settings of dinnerware, that I have had for years.
One set is over 50 years old.
One set is 15 years old and the other is about 20 years old and was gifted to me.
All the others are mostly 4 place settings.
Some of us have favorite chargers that we use over and over and sometimes we just use a tablecloth or place mat.
And I have been known to use a napkin as a place mat.
And here is another spoiler alert.
We don’t always make our little cute cut out and frosted cookies.
We buy them.
Now, before someone yells at me and says they make home made…..I do too.
But sometimes, I buy them already made or they are semi-homemade.
The point is short cuts are ok too.
None of us are super, Stepford Wives…Our tablescape may be pretty, but perhaps our sink has dirty dishes in it or the laundry needs to be done.
It takes time to set up tablescapes, take photos, edit them, write the post and take care of a family.
Sidebar Note: I meant to fill the pink egg plate with deviled eggs. 🙁
🙁 I didn’t get any made. ;(
I have also been known to go into my garden and pick up a garden gnome or a ceramic rabbit to use as a centerpiece.
Wipe them off and set them on the table.
Or if you have a pretty urn or covered casserole…they are also good centerpieces.
I love this pink watering can.
Who knows? Next time you see it, it could be painted blue or green.
Spray paint is wonderful.
Add a little bunny from your what not shelf like this one.
Or this little bird.
The pink pineapples are really candles with the lids on and the bunny place card holders are from Pier 1 several years ago.
All I did was place them on a saucer, their little bottoms hide the coffee cup indentation.
So as you look at these different tablescapes….know that there are ideas there to help jog your memory, if you are wanting to set a pretty table.
You don’t have to set your table exactly like the blogger sets hers.
Steal an idea or not.
Hugs to you all and now I need to clean up my office.
Please don’t look at it…wait, I will just close the door.
Another spoiler alert.
A Special Thanks to my dear friend Chloe….she works so hard setting up these Blog hops and I want her to know how much I appreciate her. Hugs dear friend.
Blessings Always
Monday
Belle Bleu Interiors | Corner of Plaid and Paisley | A casa di Bianca |
My Thrift Store Addiction | The Little Yellow Corner Store
Tuesday
Everyday Living | Home is Where the Boat Is | Knock it Off Kim
Me and My Captain | Living With Thanksgiving
Wednesday
Debbee’s Buzz | Bluesky at Home | The Painted Apron | Celebrate & Decorate
Thursday
Sweet Sensations | Zucchini Sisters | My Family Thyme | Chasing Quaintness
Friday
Red Cottage Chronicles | Katherine’s Corner | Life and Linda | Our Crafty Mom
Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Kari, I loved this post this morning! You made me laugh, and I adore your truth telling personality! Your tablescape is gorgeous, and those sweet petal plates caught my eye first thing. It is always fun blog hopping with you! Enjoy your weekend!!!
Kari says
Thanks Shannon…we all need to smile more don’t ya think?
lynnemyfamilythyme says
I love this post! Your message is so important. I am inspired by your creativity and appreciate how each one of us approaches our table differently, using what we have. Your table is absolutely beautiful. I love the colors you used. The cherry blossoms in the pink watering can are lovely. So happy to be hopping with you!
Kim Young -KnockitOffKim says
Kari, I love your tables, but I have to say, what I look forward to most is reading your posts and this one is no exception! I’m not a perfect tablescaper – if that’s an actual label.. lol. I love thinking outside of the box for each table and I especially love seeing how others in the group do the same thing.. it’s SO fun! I really love how articulately you just explained my every thought, and set a gorgeous table at the same time! Thank you and Happy Easter to you!
Kari says
thank you Kim, I’m glad you liked the setting and my ramblings. Thank you for stopping by and Happy Easter to you too.
Tammy in Albuquerque says
Hi Kari~ Beautiful tablescape and beautiful words. I read blogs because I enjoy seeing each person’s creativity. It’s truly special to see everyone’s vision and see their hearts come through in each tablescape. I have everyday dishes, a set my sweet grandmother left me, and a set from my mom. I’m embarrassed to say the two latter have never been used. My creativity comes in other ways and that works for me. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to relax in the evenings with my tea and enjoy reading blogs that make me happy just by seeing what each person creates. That just tickles me pink! Blessing to you.
Kari says
Blessings to you sweet Tammy…always in my prayers.
Julie Briones says
You did a great job on sharing your thoughts and intentions, both in the post and comments, Kari. Thank you. Along with that I want to say I love the lovely pansy plates, and the faux cherry blossoms… they DO look real. Are those cookies sitting on the salad plate? They are adorable, and so unique! Thanks for sharing at Homestyle Gathering!
Kari says
thanks Julie for stopping by.hugs
Rebecca says
I so love this post, Kari! You said it so well that we bloggers are regular people with budgets and that there’s no correct way to set a table. I think the most I’ve spent was $15 for a tablecloth at Homegoods. The tables are so more interesting when we use things that we have on hand. I chuckled reading this as I’d brought my concrete bunny out of the potting shed for my tablescape. I have to say the most satisfying part of these hops for me is that I get to use my mom’s beloved vintage items and share them with like minded people. It’s so true that we’re not “stepford wives”. The only room in my house that’s tidy is the dining room where I create the tablescapes…the rest of the house is cluttered with my daughter’s toys! And yes, there is laundry to be done and dishes in the sink.
The pink, purple and green color scheme you chose is lovely. I was instantly drawn to your centerpiece of cherry blossoms in the pink watering can. I love the green flatware and stemware. And the pink pineapple and bird are darling. As always, it’s a pleasure hopping with you. I hope you and the Captain have a wonderful Easter!
Kari says
THANK YOU! Here is a little background on why I wrote this post.
Rebecca We all know of the “super” bloggers who receive compensation for posting…new cabinets, furniture, etc….and it appears from the readers I talk to… these readers feel cheated that they have to go out and purchase these items when they want to update their homes and get nothing for free from vendors. So many times I hear…”well, I have to actually pay for a new lawn umbrella, I can’t be like you bloggers..I don’t get anything free!”…and another comment I hear is, a few of my readers don’t like the affiliate advertising….which btw, I do not have. When I explain it is just a few cents…they remind me that when they tell a friend about an item, they get nothing. I know we can’t please everyone and it does cost to write a blog, but it is what we have chosen to do.
Having said all that, I just wanted the sweet readers to know that many of us (bloggers) are just like them…. we shop for bargains and use items in our homes and gardens, many times using the same pieces in different settings, which make it seem like the item is new when it is used with different dishes/place mats or table cloths. And if we do use a new tablecloth, it is $15. out of our own pockets. And most of us are certainly not “Experts” in any home decor or table styling, we just like to play with our dishes and vignettes. (Of course there are exceptions to the rule, there always is.) LOL
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week end.
amberlyonferguson2017 says
This is such a great post Kari! Not only is your tablescape pretty in shades of pink but I love all the points you made about how we bloggers use what we have. I think a lot of readers get overwhelmed thinking they can’t do what bloggers do because they think we spend tons of money. Just last week I scored a full complete set of vintage dishes place setting for 6 plus a few extra pieces for $5.00 at a rummage sale. I actually love to mix vintage dishes anyway.
I love that you shared “behind the scenes” of how we mix and match and also that you said there is no right or wrong. I didn’t use any flatware for my tablescape. I actually forgot all about it until after I had taken all the pictures! Oh well, the post was mainly about daffodils and vintage dishes. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful!
By the way when you commented on my post you mentioned that you like to see the music references I add in my blog posts, and it jogged my memory that I had forgotten to include a picture of my Frenchy music bunny on the piano. I went back and quickly added the photo to my post. I think you will like him!
So happy to be joining you for the Easter hop this week. Have a blessed Easter!
Kari says
Thanks Amber for your kind words. And I did go back and look at your Frenchy music bunny on the piano….so so cute and a perfect place for him too. I adore music, learned to play the accordion and piano at an early age, but for the last 15 years or so, I have not had a piano in my home. (it always seems like something is missing) 🙂 but I make up for it by singing all the time. Of course I sing in church…but it is when I sing at the drop of a single word that reminds me of a song…my family have been known to roll their eyes. LOL Check out this recent post “Be Yourself because You are Awesome” at https://www.meandmycaptain.com/2019/03/awesome-yourself/ and you will see the real me.
Katherines Corner says
It is a lovely table and the pansy plates may be one of my favorite things, no wait ,maybe the pink rabbit…or the pink pineapple..or…hmmm I like it all! I know how you feel about budget I have enjoyed being on the hop so much! I haven’t bought anything for it. I have used what I have. Hugs!
Kari says
Thanks Katherine, Happy Easter!
Benita says
Kari, I love that you shared the “behind the scenes” information. Sometimes it does look like we have it all together or that things are always perfect! They are never that way at my house. Right now, I’m sitting in a sea of boxes because everything had to be boxed up due to new flooring being installed. I’ve not been able to comment, as yet, on everyone’s blogs, I’ve not been able to write any posts or keep my house or office tidy…it’s a wreck… but it’s okay!
Now, with that being said, I love your table! It is absolutely gorgeous! I love the color palette with pinks and greens, the birds and the bunnies, the centerpiece, the cookies…everything! Store-bought, homemade, custom built…it doesn’t matter…the result is the same…beauty offered from a friend! Love and hugs sweet friend!
Kari says
That is what I am talking about Benita….there are times our homes are a “wreck” but our vignette or tablescape is beautiful. LOL Thank you sweet friend…and I would love to do new wood floors as this Florida tile is getting tiresome. Hugs
Cheryl King says
I love your perspective of “use what you have”! We really do have so many options already in our homes if we just look around and think creatively! Thanks for the inspiration.
Kari says
thank you Cheryl for stopping by and giving your input. That makes my day. 🙂
Sandra Garth says
Amen and high five for telling it like it is! Mix and match and use what you have first is the name of the game. This post should be required reading for new stylists and is a refresher for those of us who’ve been doing this for a while. Your table is gorgeous and inviting. Happy Easter dear friend!
Kari says
Sandra, I didn’t want our readers to think they couldn’t do what we do.
As I told Bonnie earlier…
One friend of mine commented on another blogger’s post… the blogger received all her appliances free from a sponsor and she resented the fact that bloggers get their whole house remodeled or they have a complete back yard make over and get all new lawn furniture and fancy BBQ grills free just for advertising! My friend commented that one such blogger received not only all her lawn furniture and outdoor dishes free…she received a free $2500.00 outdoor umbrella (she checked the price) and my friend said that was the straw that broke the camels back and she quit following that blogger. My friend felt bad because she couldn’t afford outdoor furniture and here was a blogger getting it free….and posting her windfall.
I understand where she is coming from…but I felt the need to explain that most of us are not sponsored and we shop for bargains and pay for them ourselves, just like people who don’t write blogs.
Hugs my friend.
Catherine says
Kari, your table is absolutely beautiful! I love how you describe the life of a tablescaper and the way we pull all types of elements together to style our tables. It does take time to plan the table, iron the linens, style, photograph, edit, watermark then write the blog, but it’s lots of fun. Looking forward to your next creation.
Catherine
Kari says
Thanks Catherine, I have had friends ask about what goes into a tablescape in the making and thought it was a good opportunity to describe it. Thanks for stopping by friend.
Rita C. says
Kari, you are awesome. Keep it real, girl. Your table is beautiful, but the words behind it are even better. I personally love collecting dishes, but am learning to not gather as much. It’ll simply be my personal challenge to see how much more I can mix and match what I have after the move. I am really looking forward to it!
Kari says
Rita as you know, I don’t use sponsored posts….you don’t either and we are all ok. 😉
I envy you your booths as you get to see so many vintage items. When I discover a piece or dish, I get so excited. The captain said to me the other day, “it doesn’t take much to excite you” LOL
Marsha says
Hi Kari, I love both your pretty table and your wise words. Creating a table should be fun and the process of choosing an item for its many parts is the thrill and excitement of designing. The search for an item which fits in so well while having a sometimes strict budget, is definitely what makes it all the more exciting. To scour stores, thrift stores, basements, attics, arts and craft stores for a decor piece for a tablescape is like being on a treasure hunt and striking it rich when you find just the right item at the right price. So much creativity and resourcefulness. I love the flower shaped plates and the floral sprinkling can centerpiece. As sweet as putting on a pink Easter bonnet.
Kari says
thanks Marsha…..isn’t that the truth? I get so excited when I find a piece I am looking for that I am like a child with a new toy. And after all these years, I still enjoy playing with my dishes. thanks for stopping by. Happy Easter.
Deri says
Hi Kari. I wanted to thank you and your blogger friends for your wonderful blogs and the inspiration you give with your beautiful tables. Until about two years ago I had no idea there were other people out there who loved to set tables like I do and you make me feel so good about doing Tablescapes. I find inspiration for table ideas everywhere I go, thrift stores, dollar stores nature and retail stores. I watch for bargains and sometimes splurge on some things I know I will use a lot. And like you said, I “shop” my house all the time. Thank you so much, I look forward to your blogs everyday!
Kari says
Thanks Deri….so glad we have been helpful. I have “played” with dishes since I was a little girl and I am still playing. thanks for following me on my blog.
Cecilia says
Kari, I love your thoughts about shopping our homes and gardens first to keep things budget-friendly. I do the same thing. I love the pretty colors, floral accents, and of course–bunnies! Beautiful tablescape! Happy to be joining you during the hop this week! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Kari says
Cecilia, thanks for stopping by and we shall just keep on shopping our homes and gardens….for more inspiration.
the Painted Apron says
This post should be titled “Confessions of a Tablescaper” 😂 We definitely do some kooky things, all in the name of love for beautiful and unique tablescapes! I love your soft color palette and the pink watering can centerpiece is fabulous! At first I thought the garnish on your plate stack was styled mashed potatoes {not a bad idea!!!} but I guess it is frosted cookie? Whatever it is, it looks adorable! Love all your sweet bunnies peeking everywhere. Thanks for the fun,
Jenna
Chloe Crabtree says
First, thank you for your kind words. It is a lot of work and lately I have been wondering if this is all worth it. The hops….not the blog. I love logging, but I am having one of those discouraging days. This made your post such a joy to read today. Life doesn’t have to be perfect, tables don’t need to be perfect, just enjoy the journey! Thanks for the lovely story and pretty table!!
Kari says
You are welcome Chloe….and we all have that feeling from time to time. Do you remember that song by Peggy Lee? The name of it is: “Is that all there is?”
Some days are like that, but as Scarlet O’Hara said in “Gone With The Wind”…..”After all…tomorrow is another day” Hugs sweet friend.
the Painted Apron says
This post should be titled “Confessions of a Tablescaper” 😂 I had to smile at the comment about the garden gnome, looking back I have used some kooky things for centerpieces! My favorite tablescapes are the ones that come together from shopping the house and repurposing what I already have, so much satisfaction in that! {Not to forget to mention I’m addicted to HomeGoods and have to limit my visits there…} Your table is lovely Kari, I love the soft colors and especially the pink watering can! So many sweet memories, bunnies and Easter touches, but one thing you didn’t confess, and the one thing I’m dying to know is what is on the plates?? It looks like styled mashed potatoes? Pink mashed potatoes? Whether it’s a frosted cookie or mashed potatoes, it is seriously cute!
Jenna
Kari says
Oh wow Jenna….mashed potatoes? They are a fave of mine and I will NEVER turn them down….and they would never last long enough to be styled on any plate.
No, alas, the white “blob” is a frosted cookie as is the pink one on the lavender plate.
I would like to say they still exist, but I got hungry last evening as I was catching up on my reading and drinking my hot tea…. and I ate them. Well, not quite true. I started the beginnings of an upset stomach (due to sweets, too much of a good thing) and I managed to take control of myself and stop my “binge” eating before I had to call in the troops.
Thanks for stopping by dear friend….and I love Home Goods too.
the Painted Apron says
haha, like I said, we tablescapers can do some crazy things! Sorry about your tummy 🙂
Mary says
I love your pretty pink, purple and green color palette Kari! Your pretty petal plates have staying power and look like fresh blooms after 20 years! What I so enjoy about these blog hops is how everyone has a different approach and styling techniques, so fun to see the differences! Thank you for keeping it fresh and real, I always enjoy having a virtual seat at your table and blog hopping with you. ♥
Kari says
thanks Mary. I agree. It is always fun to see what each table has in store for our eyes.
I also want to take this moment to express my sorrow at losing your Gracie. My Jesse has been showing his age lately (12 years old) and he is so little (5 pounds) and has been to the vet more times than I like to admit. It is only a matter of time, I am told. Hugs to your Lola.
Everyday Living says
Kari, you are “so real” my friend and I love that about you, a beautiful character quality. You perfectly nailed us, we are average and there is nothing wrong with that. As lovely as your commentary is so is your table! Your color palette is spot on and I love the watering can with the cherry blossoms! A cookie would be perfect with my coffee😊
Kari says
Thanks sweet friend. I love these blog hops to see all the creativity of our fellow bloggers.
So many different ways to set a table.
You are right, we are average.
Just as an FYI…When I stumble, and I DO stumble…I say…”please be patient with me, God isn’t finished with me yet.” 🙂
Bonnie Morgan says
Kari, I wish I had read your post ten years ago! Yes, for us dish lovers two or four plates are enough and how I wish I had bought only salad plates and changed them out years ago. I used the theory buy ten so you can serve your family when they come. That got too expensive and I now I have no room for more dishes.
Love your purple, green and pink tablescape. Your watering can is a charming holder for the cherry blossoms.
I got a kick out of your comment about meaning to fill your egg plate with deviled eggs! That happens to me every time I do a table. Yes, I have a lot of those!
You do color, texture and variety so well. The cookies look delicious. I would like one right now.
Have a great week, Kari.
Kari says
Thanks Bonnie…I just like to keep it real; So many of us are not “sponsored” for one reason or another…and everything comes out of our pockets.
One friend commented on a post when a blogger received all her appliances free from a sponsor and she resented the fact that bloggers get their whole house remodeled or they have a complete back yard make over and get all new lawn furniture and fancy BBQ grills free just for advertising. She commented that one such blogger’s umbrella was $2500.00 alone. My friend said she quit reading that particular bloggers’ posts.
So, I wanted to write a post to explain that many of us are out there shopping for bargains, just like the average Joe’s.
Debbee says
As pretty as your table was to see, what I enjoyed most was reading your post. I’m with you girl! I “only” own 4 sets of dishes, and the 12 place setting is my wedding China. The two 8 piece I’ve had for 35 and 20 plus years. The 4th 8 piece I bout several years ago for Thanksgiving overflow tables — $16 and almost as cheap as paper. Yes, I have a budget and limited storage too. I do admit to being a plate addict, which was fueled by seeing tables on Pinterest and blog hops.
Kari says
I know Debbee, I hear ya. My storage is reaching it’s peak. People want to tour my “storage” when they visit me and I show them every nook and cranny. Sometimes the paper plates have such beautiful designs and I have resorted to melamine to save space. LOL Thanks for stopping by.
Donna Bianca says
Beautiful tablescape and beautiful words, Kari! I absolutely agree with you ❤
Kari says
Thanks Donna, I don’t want readers to have the idea that we always have it all together. We are people too, with the same issues… just like they are.
Ann Krucek says
Kari, I love, love,love💕 your post today! Your writing about what we do is so spot on! I get a lot of questions about my tables and why I do them. Sometimes the best things we do are not the most expensive things, but how we have repurposed something, or taken a wild idea and expanded on it. That’s why I enjoy these hops so much, you never know what you are going to see and be delighted with- like your pink sprinkling can filled with blooms!! Thanks for a wonderful post!! 🌸🌺🦋
Kari says
Thank you Ann, I don’t like pretense…and I still haven’t gotten my office straightened up. LOL