Robin Flies South...

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

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Parsley, sage, rosemary etc.

I am able to grow my own herbs year round here with one exception. My basil expects to be treated to sunny days, warm evenings and lots of water!  The nerve of it!  As a result, every few months I have to replace it.  Sometimes it gets all woody and flowery and sometimes it gets too cold.   Before I planted the latest one I figured I may as well get some double duty and use it in my table centerpiece.


While at BJ's a while back, I came across these Pfaltzgraff dessert plates hiding among the Holiday gifts.  I am using them as appetizer plates this time.  Each one has a different herb on it.





Okay, you get the idea!  I won't bore you with all six!

The weather this morning was sunny and clear so I set my table up outside on the pool deck.



I have long been admiring the ivory colored chargers I see at places like Pier One but at around $15 a piece, I haven't bought any.  I saw on one of the blogs they had painted a charger (I really need to remember to "Pin" these things so I can give credit!).  I found a set of 6 metal chargers at the Goodwill clearance center that were badly scratched and decided to give them a makeover.  I can't imagine what happened to them in their previous life to be in this condition!



  I used primer spray paint and then a few coats of Ivory Gloss.   I was pretty happy with the way they came out after an investment of less than $9 for the 6 plates and paint.



I used a placemat from IKEA, green dinner plate from Dollar Tree and a salad plate (Federalist Ironstone). 


It's always a challenge to come up with a centerpiece when you have a big umbrella pole in the middle of the table.  My carnations from last week still looked good so I arranged them in a pitcher with some greens from my yard.  In keeping with the herb theme I even used Rosemary and parsley!  Just a note-parsley wilts right away.  Stick with the Rosemary!


I used a colorful cotton scarf to cover up the pole.  Then I added some flowers to the pitcher that picked up the colors in the scarf.



I got a set of these little shovel garden markers at the Villeroy and Boch outlet.  They came with chalk to use on them but it came off when it rained so I used a white paint pen instead.


The glassware is from Dollar Tree, the napkin rings are from Old Time Pottery, the napkins are from a "vintage" shop, and my silverware is Gingko.



I placed these candlesticks on the other side of the table so the back of the centerpiece could be enjoyed too.


Yes, that shadow is me taking the picture!  I'm such a professional!


A little peek of the pool in these two!




I was hoping to get some shots as the sun went down but didn't get home until after dark so I shot a few by candlelight.



I had to take a few close ups of the flowers!   The bright green fuzzy ones are fake but I like their texture next to the smooth petals of the real flowers.



Tomorrow my basil will join the other herbs when I plant it in my little herb garden.  Do you have an herb garden?  When I lived in NJ I tried to bring the plants in for the winter but they never survived.  I  love having fresh herbs just outside my door!  Just another positive to living here.

I am joining the party at Tablescape Thursday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch.  Please stop by and visit some of the other tablescapes. 
 Also be sure to visit my sister's blog Creating Wonderful Spaces!






















14 comments:

A Perfect Setting said...

So pretty, Robin! I can't wait until I can get back outside! I love those little herb plates, such a fresh and inviting tablescape!

PAT said...

I love the herb plates Robin. Your table is beautiful!

Marigene said...

I ♥♥♥ all the green! What a great find those herb plates were. Where did you find the bright lime candles...the ones I have seen have too much of a grayish tinge to them.

Tricia said...

Love the little herb plates! We nurse our basil along all winter, but it's looking pretty sad right now. Those chargers look wonderful now -- and I also wonder what the heck happened to them before you got hold of them! This table makes me look forward to uncovering our pool. Wish we had a screened enclosure to keep out all the oak leaves!

Gina said...

Oh this is so pretty! I love how the bright green dinner plates make the herb plates stand out. The chargers look great and were a super idea!

Alycia Nichols said...

I am sure you must know that those of us living in the Midwest who are shivering our rears off right about now want to come down there and punch you out! :-) Oh, how we wish for the warmth you are enjoying! It is supposed to be in the single digits over the next few days, and we are NOT looking forward to it after such a mild beginning of winter! Your table is beautiful, Robin, and I love how you used the herb plates. Makes me want to turn on a little Simon & Garfunkel! The centerpiece florals are gorgeous, and everything is perfect! Enjoy your warm weather while we suffer....suffer....suffer. ;-)

Debbie said...

I love this table. The colors are just beautiful, especially the green. It's so POPPY of a green color, roo. I paint my chargers all the time so I love it that you painted yours. (Also love them next to the place mats.)

I can imagine how great this table smells as well as looks, especially with the fresh basil. I love that aroma. What a find with the herb plates. They made this table just plain perfect.

Elaine said...

Love your herb table! I bought a basil plant two years ago and I still have it! It's been indoors for it's entire life, though I intended to put it outside and forgot! Great idea to decorate the umbrella pole. Your painted chargers look wonderful, and those placemats are perfect!

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Wow, love your beautiful tablescape and floral centerpiece! The herb plates are just precious. Love the large candleholders too. Think its great you incorporated the "thrifty" items into your lovely table! Clever idea to wrap the pole with a scarf. Thanks for visiting my blog. You have a new follower! Pam

Aledia said...

Hi!
Thank You so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a sweet comment!

I love your herb table setting, those little plates are so sweet and your painted chargers look great!

I'm so ready for spring... Have a really great day!

Aledia~

Unknown said...

Your table is gorgeous! I'm so jealous that you can set a table outside. Will be a while before we can get outside. It's 6 degrees here this am. XO Cindy

Tracy said...

Very cute tablescape and I loved that you used herbs in your flower arrangement. Thanks for coming by my blog, I appreciate your visit. And I envy you that warm weather, we are getting 5" of snow right now. Have a nice Sunday!

Unknown said...

Thank you for all your kind words. I am so jealous of the Villeroy and Boch outlet shopping trip... I need to find one.

I have also been coveting the ivory chargers at Pier One but way too expensive. I thought about painting chargers... think about chalkboard paint, How cute would that be.

Great Job on the table and for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate it.

Cynthia

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

I am an avid herb grower (and collector of plates), so I just love these. Your table looks so pretty with all of the springtime, sunshine-y colors. We have a grey day here with a dusting of snow.