Robin Flies South...

A blog about decorating and tablescaping with an emphasis on creativity and smart shopping over cash!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Tiptoeing into Fall!

Thank you, Susan, of Between Naps on the Porch, for hosting Tablescape Thursday. Please  take a look at all the other tablescapes.  You won't be sorry!  The talent and imagination of these bloggers continues to amaze me every week.

October is here! We had a day this week where we turned off the air conditioning and opened all the windows to a cool, crisp breeze!  I may be exaggerating a little bit with the cool and crisp part, but there was a pleasant breeze.  I finally gave in to some fall decorating and had so much fun doing it.  I re-filled my front door baskets with some autumn color and put some new plants in my front porch pots.  You can read about my baskets here.  I've also been busy with some spray painting (ivory, silver and gold).  I have been known to get on a roll where I want to spray paint everything!



So, I am finally joining the Fall tablescape party that so many of you have been hanging out in for weeks.  Last year I bought theses napkins (see close up of fabric above) at Tuesday Morning and still hadn't used them.  Since I was attempting to bridge the coastal, beach colors of the summer with the warm shades of fall these were a perfect starting point. 


Since the blue background has a grayish cast I was able to use my gray handled flatware (Ross).  On one of my many Good Will trips I bought these taupe and ivory checked placemats.  Sometimes you  buy something because you know it will work in the future.  I  got a chance to do some major dish stacking this week. 


My friend, Kathy, and I found a great deal on these dishes on clearance at Burlington Coat Factory.  We each bought some of the pieces knowing we could share (she lives right next door!).  These are the chargers (less than $1 each).



I added an ivory dinner plate (Federalist Ironstone).



Then a blue plate to coordinate with the napkins.  (Beall's Outlet)



The salad plate that matches the charger was next.


 I love these white leaf plates.  I think I will get a lot of use out of them.  The white is so seasonless (is that a word?).  They are from Ross (I had to go to 2 stores to find 4).



Then I topped the whole stack with a little pumpkin.



I like the way the plate edges look together.  I have learned to really pay attention to the edges of plates I am thinking of purchasing. 


I used my Dollar Tree "crystal".  Never have to worry about breaking one of these!


The centerpiece consists of 2 blue plates (local thrift store) on a rack (Ross) that I filled with a "beachy" fall assortment.  I added a few pine cones and three candles to the top layer.



On either side I placed brown ceramic pumpkins (Ross), sitting atop viney candle rings with beads and crystals (.59 each at GW).  You have to bring your imagination with you to GW.  There is so much there that just needs a little ingenuity to make it work. 


The only other things I added were tea lights sitting on top of some blue glass beads and these cute acorn salt and pepper shakers (Ross, less than $5).


I think I achieved my goal with this table.  Just a hint left of summer, heading into fall.  Of course, this is Florida and it's still in the high 80's everyday.  You won't hear me complaining, though!



I decorated my side table, too.  The big pumpkin (lights up) is from Marshall's and the little ones are from Dollar Tree.  They are sitting on a "faux" stack of books from Ross.











Of course, I have to have some candlelight shots!







Thanks for stopping by.  I always welcome your comments!  Please visit my sister, Elaine, at her blog, Creating Wonderful Spaces, to see her tablescape for this week.


14 comments:

Elaine said...

I think this is my favorite yet! You did a fabulous job of capturing autumn in Florida. The plates are just beautiful, and yes, those are the acorn salt and pepper shakers I almost bought. Just love it, Rob!

Unknown said...

Beautiful table! Love the colors ,Thanks for sharing,JoAnn

Tardevil said...

Pretty table! Love all the plates and pumpkins!

Kathleen said...

Love this color combo! The napkins from Bealls are so pretty! I never see anything like that on their website!
The plates are lovely! Excellent job, Robin.

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

Gorgeous fall post! Love your setting.
Thanks for sharing. Hope to see you on my blog:)

xinex said...

Beautiful mix of clors, Robin! I love all your Fall accessories. The emerald stone did notinspire my tablescape cause I set the table first before I got the ring. Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby!..Christine

Alycia Nichols said...

First, I am going to whine like a spoiled first grader: Whaaaaaaa!!! You found those chargers & salad plates at Burlington?!?!?! I bought some a few years back that look like that exact same pattern. Are yours American Atlelier "Empress" ironstone in putty color? I bought this pattern in kind of a creamy white. I almost bought the putty, too, but foolishly held back. I haven't really been shopping lately, so I don't know if our Burlington has these or not. Whaaaaaaaa!!! I want them!!!!!!! OK...done with the whinng. On to your beautiful table! You put this together so beautifully, and I love the shades of blue and taupe tempered by the white. Just gorgeous! The napkins have such a great pattern, and the placemats are a perfect pairing!!! I'm with you...NEVER leave things behind that you know will look great in the future, even if you don't have an immediate plan for them! Like those putty-color dishes. Back to the whining....!!! :-) Have a great day!

A Perfect Setting said...

Hi Robin, wow what a great find at Burlington! I may just run down there later today and see if they have them. I never think to go there. Great color combination to bridge the beach with fall! The plates look so great together, especially with the creamy white. I know what you mean about GW, I try to hit it once a week, Salvation army as well. Beautiful table!! Oh, and thanks for your visits and kind comments!!

Diane said...

Over from BNOTP and have been visiting your blog, you have a beautiful home, love your diningroom! I am your newest follower, looking forward to upcoming posts. Diane

Kathe said...

Okay, you will find me at Burlington tomorrow! There is one within walking distance and I never think to go there! Well I am thinking of it now! Gorgeous table! You asked about my chargers. If I remember right they were under $4.00 each with tax. Just lime Goodwill, you have to think outside the box when you go to a restaurant supply store! Thanks for visiting!

Barb said...

Hi Robin, your table is lovely...I love the soft, soft colors and all the wonderful little touches. The chargers are gorgeous and what a deal!

Lovely!

Barb

Marigene said...

Robin, I ♥♥♥ that color combination! The charger plates are gorgeous, love the textured rims.
Have a great weekend!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Everything looks lovely. You created all this beauty while avoiding housecleaning? lol Thanks for visiting my blog.

Sharon said...

I absolutely love this table setting! I love, love, love the napkins...the pattern and the colors! Beautiful! The plates look awesome with them! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier! I am a newbie as I'm sure you know, and every single comment and follower is so welcome! I will be following you!
Sharon