Rarely do I have a problem putting a table together, but this one was hard, I mean really hard. The challenge began with wanting to use a lace table topper given me by one of our exchange students. It is white and not big enough to be manipulated in the same way as runners or cloths.
As you can see, things didn’t get off to a very good start. Is this boring or what?
Definitely some tweaking is required. Turning pieces upside down, rearranging them and adding some candles helped. Now there is some dimension and texture starting to happen.
When it came time to select dishes for the table, I decided to stay with a neutral (hard for me) palette and chose these hobnail edged plates, yet another of many purchases from TJ Maxx.
Surveying the developing look, I couldn’t do it, that is stay colorless, so I added touches of color with multi patterned napkins, floral for gals
and animal print for the guys.
At the last minute, a flower or herb stem was tucked into each napkin.
Speaking of flowers, they were another way to add a little color to the table, so the cake stand pear was replaced with a lovely pitcher of subtle hued fall blooms.
Now things are beginning to come together, and a touch more color is sneaked in with the addition of the goblets.
Standing back and taking a look, I think OK, this is kinda me, but the getting there wasn’t easy.
I have to tell you if it took me this long to set every table, there would be fewer of them! Isn’t it amazing how some things can be such a challenge?
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Lulu's Musings 
It’s nice to see the glasses we gave you back when..decorated this lovely table.
Sandy G
Yep, and I think of you every time they are used.
I have that same problem it always amazes me how everyone in blog land has everything they need for their tables, while I’m standing here going HUH or DUH trying to make these tables work. please tell me how you arranged the plates on the wall that is the most beautiful array I have ever seen ,what kinda of holders do you use? Susie
Susie, so many people have asked about the plates so a post is coming.
Delightful! Love it! My granddaughter was ALL smiles as we went through the posting! And I think those stems on the glassware — out of sight! Love them!
That is absolutely gorgeous. Don’t you just love TJ Maxx? You can get some great things there.
This table is different from your usual colorful ones, maybe your struggles started with the neutral palette in your centerpiece, which is so different and very cool, by the way! I think once you added some color pops, I could tell you felt better about the whole thing! I recently had a similar experience and it wasn’t fun! Tablescapes are never hard for me, but I did post it and got great comments, so maybe it is a matter of fresh eyes or something! I think it looks lovely!
It looks so fabulous, Linda. You have a real talent!
I admire people who can do this. Me, I have to copy others. May be copying you
I really liked the way this table turned out! That lace topper is beautiful, and you’ve highlighted it well. My table was a challenge this week as well. It’s hard to be between seasons! I love your final product. Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
Beautiful and classy as usual. Well, you just can’t help it. Lol. 🙂 Looks great!
Thank you, Levi. You flatter me.
Just the facts as I see them. Lol. Some have and some don’t. Have a great weekend!!!
Hi Lulu, it’s lovely, I like the colours and the flowers napkins matching with the center flowers.
I loved the first picture as it’s clean and rustic almost. The end picture and getting there is such a talent!!
More determination than talent!
So much fun to read these Linda. Lights up my day. And, someday when I have finished graduate school and my novel, I will have fun setting the table with something new rather than the same ol’, same ol.
What you are doing requires a little more oomph!
So beautiful and perfect! I believe it takes time to achieve that.
For the result, way too much time was spent!
Beautiful as always…
As they say, where there is a will, there is a way. Nice result.
Sometimes the way is hard to find!