Knitpickity

Tuesday Tables

 OK my next theme for the regular writing I think I will focus on table settings - I love setting the table and if oh money was no object, I would have enough dishes to fill at least a dozen china hutches.  So to depress this urge I thought I would play "virtual paper dolls" here and set the table with my findings from around the internet.

Since it is November I thought I would do Thanksgiving table suggestions.  Now on Turkey day the food should be front and center - it is a busy day with tons of cooking and I tend to favor the stuff that you can clean in the dishwasher - I love fine china just as much as the next girl but after 2 days of round the clock cooking I just want another glass of wine - not dishpan hands.

Ok so who really wants the frustration of ironing the tablecloth on Turkey day - let's start with some fabulous placemats from Pier 1

They are supposed to be on clearance right now for $2.88 - hmmmm might just need to go get some tomorrow

Napkins from Target 

Napkin rings from www.candlelightsolutions.com - I think with a bit of ingenuity and a trip to michaels you could make something along these lines too - possibly bringing out the brown of the placemat more

Dishes from Pier 1 - I love the mixture of square and round plates - I would mix and match with the square dinner plates but the round salad plates

Diamond Goblet and tumbler also from Pier 1

  

Scattered leaf platters around the table - also Pier 1 - for holding nuts or tidbits and other assorted goodies

 
  Dessert plates from Ebay - ARABIA Finland RUSKA Dessert Plates  - Can't you just see the pumpkin pie served on these 

Flatware - for some reason Reed and Barton Allora catches my eye - Macy's has it on sale

Maybe the scrolled fruit bowl full of fall squash on the sideboard - Pier 1 yet again!

I love the pomegranate centerpiece from Pottery barn - hmmmmm wonder if this also could be duplicated for a wee bit less

and then to do a runner that picks up the color from the placemats maybe a simple brown fabric with texture and a pale green velvet ribbon?
 
 
  So that is my casual setting - still not completely happy with the shade of green of the plates but maybe just maybe if it was covered with all of the goodies - you might not notice :)

 
 
  
 
 
 

Weekly Wish List

 I have been trying to blog more often and hopefully the decorating bug monologues are not putting you to sleep.

I am trying to come up with some themes to encourage me to write more often and I think I have come up with one which will be my weekly wishlist - these are retail items on clearance from my favorite stores (restoration hardware, pottery barn, pier one, ballard designs, horchow, ebay, etc) that I really really like.  I will limit to 5 and hopefully this will help some one else come across some fabulous finds.

But never ever pay retail dahlin' - that is  my motto - clearance, thrift, used but never full price.

OK so for this week

Number 5 - From Pottery Barn

I like this as an alternative to the armoire in the bedroom - most flat screens do not work in traditional armoires and in this neat piece you could slide a small tv and still have a functional dresser for the gentleman or guest in your life - and at less than half price it seems to be a good deal too . . .

 Farmhouse Media Hutch

Number 4 - From Pier 1

I can see so many different flowers just pop in this vase - or dramatic branches - imagine cherry blossoms or forsythia in the spring - a bevy of bright tulips or huge peonies late spring  and even simple brown branches for a lovely fall arrangement - not a huge sale but a great value under $30

Pier 1 Green Vase

Number 3 - From Pierre Deux

I like how fresh and fabulously unfussy this rug is - soft shade of brown and tan in a handhooked rug - very french but also very understated - and for $329 really not too bad

 Pierre Deux Fleur de Dentelle Rug Wheat/Brown 5.3 x 8.3  

Number 2 - Horchow

I have a "thing" for dishes - which is why I have too many - so why am I lusting for a set of these plates by Royal Doulton - because they are fresh and pretty and ooh la la

I cannot post the picture here - silly flash player but here is a link - love love love the look with the red charger

Royal Doulton "Provence Rouge" Dinnerware

and finally  
  

Number 1 - Also from Horchow

Obviously I have some unresolved disney issues from my childhood because I have contemplated telling the kids we cannot eat for a couple of weeks so that I can buy the following vanity chair in blue and gold

Princess Vanity Chair - I would only use it in my dressing room I promise! 

A note to my teenager

Dear Teenager:

 

Just a quick note to explain some things.  I do not expect that you will read this but from time to time things just have to be said.

 

1. I know you need me but do not want me.  It confuses and frustrates you. Sometimes it confuses and frustrates me too – we will get past this – maybe not until you are much older but we will balance out.
2. I do not get you.  Heck, you do not get yourself.  You are at a time in your life that defies logic.  Maybe God invented the teenage years to prove that there are certain things that cannot be explained by science.  Do not expect me to always understand but trust in the love that I have for you.
3. Understand that this is parental cramming.  Years ago when I first held you in my arms I had a lifetime, or so I was told, to raise you.  These years have gone by faster than I could have ever imagined.  So I, as all parents do, am in a panic.  So many things to tell you and teach you and help you with before time is up.
4. You are already your own person.  You are making choices that will shape your life.  The balance of control is moving from me to you.  In part it is hard to let go and in part I am trying to help.
5. We are human too.  This time in your life is where you learn that parents often make mistakes, do not have all the answers and that there are things in life that you repeat and and never get resolved.  There is no magic grown up button.  Learning that each person has to do the best they can with what they are given is humbling.

 

There are many more things I wish I could tell you and I wish you would hear.  I am going to let go, you are going to continue with the choices that you make.  Just know that I am and always have been here for you.

 

Love,

 

Mom