I had a July birthday this summer. Again. I threw myself a party. Again. Since my birthday is inevitable and I love throwing parties, I decided to create a set of linens that would work with my three outdoor tables and that I would love to use on my birthday and possibly other times throughout the year. The Outside Inside Tablescape idea was born.
This spring, we fixed up our back yard and patio with a new dark green umbrella, newly painted wrought iron accessories, and we painted the nasty white plastic fencing dark green as well.
Remember when I bought those thirty two green napkins from Tuesday Morning for St. Patrick’s Day and book club?
I have 32 of the green napkins — eight of each pattern.
I ran all over town from one store to another gathering up the sets of eight, with four different but coordinating patterns in each set. I knew that I wanted to use those napkins for my birthday party, so I started looking for tablecloths to go with them. Finally, I decided to make my own and found beautiful lined linen curtains at World Market.
One panel was perfect for each of my banquet tables, and I needed two panels to join together for the large round umbrella table.
Making the round tablecloth was easy — I measured and trimmed two panels so that they would meet in the center, then joined them together with a bound seam.
The pattern of the tablecloths went well with my existing outdoor plates, and I also grabbed a bunch of sets of green and blue plastic-handled flatware at Five Below.
I played around with various ways to set the table for this post, but for the actual party I set the pieces up in a buffet.
A green Murano glass bowl complements the strong blue of the (fake) hydrangeas.
After I used this new set of tablecloths to match my outside decor, I realized that the linens were more versatile than I had originally expected. I knew I could use it indoors as well in a late summer transitional table setting.
I started with the round linen cloth and reused the straw placemats. I followed with Pfaltzgraff Filigree stoneware plates and added the sea blue glass accent plates.
My everyday stainless steel flatware with wood-handled steak knives creates an informality, and the setting showcases my collection of handmade mugs by artist friend Bill.
I tried the double napkin technique to bring more blue to the napkins, but I’m not convinced. I would use white napkins if I had a do-over. 🙂
Every tablescape needs a little sparkle, so I added the glass votives I bought at the Salvation Army store for 25 cents apiece and a vintage covered glass butter dish.
I repeated the white and the filigree pattern from the plates in the center doily, and covered the umbrella pole hole at the same time. The stoneware vase and oil lamp from the Brush Creek Pottery at Sauder Village in Ohio continues the informal setting. Bill’s pottery bowl adds to the mix and the beautiful apples and peaches bring this table into its transitional roots.
Finally, another burst of white and blue from my garden top it all off — the hydrangeas and sage live next to each other outside and they talk to each other well when inside, too.
We’ve really enjoyed using the dining room table this week, soaking in the comfortable beauty of this setting.
Thank you for visiting and be sure to leave a comment — I love to hear from you. What would you have done with those double napkins? I’m ready for some suggestions!
I’m linking up this week at Let’s Dish with Cuisine Kathleen, Open House Party with No Minimalist Here, Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life, and Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. Be sure to visit these creative bloggers for lovely photos and inspiration.
Got my bags, got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
I long to hear that, “All aboard!”
Music and lyrics by Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer (1944)
I love this idea, the outside-inside is fabulous. Love your pretty yard and your tablescape is stunnng. So many beautiful ideas and such wonderful linens. Happy Belated Birthday. How fun is this. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Marty, I am inspired every week by the tablescaping community. I am honored to be counted among such a talented group!
I love all the different green napkins, just like you had them. I recognized those Filigree plates – that’s what we had when we first got married. I regret that we gave them away 🙁 They are so versatile!
Dawn, we bought 20 of the Pfaltzgraff plates shortly after we were married and have used them for everything. They are usually our go-to option for an informal party and I’ve never regretted buying them.
This makes me want to retire. Sigh.
Melinda, it’s time for me to come over and photograph your new table and set the table for you. Can’t wait!
Beautiful tablescapes! I especially like the look outdoors. I love World Market as well. When I lived in Chicago years ago there was one right down the street from my apartment. I never left there empty-handed.
Dana, I discovered Cost Plus World Market on Fishermans’ Wharf in San Francisco (probably before you were born) and I’ve been shopping there ever since. It’s become a very difficult habit to break!
Really pretty and all those different green napkins look great! You are very creative….
Bev, it’s been a real blessing for me to find friends in the blogging world who love dishes as much as I do. My family hates it when I say, “I’ve got an idea…” Thanks for visiting!
What a beautiful tablecloth idea. The flowered curtain certainly created a pretty background for your table linens. The mix of different plates picks all your colors! l love your table settings. Have a great week!
Pam
Very clever!! I love all your layered elements!
You put the table together so beautifully. I love the mix of plates and did a good job on the napkins and tablecloth. I also like the outside-inside concept….Christine
Such a pretty table. Your curtain/tablecloth is beautiful. Those white Hydrangeas are breath-taking. Ours are completely gone. How nice to have a friend who creates such pretty pottery pieces. laurie
So the question is: Does it read curtain or tablecloth? I would be unhappy if people went home saying that was a nice curtain.
Belated Happy Birthday, Jennie!
I love your eye for color and your creativity. You’re giving me some ideas for my upcoming birthday.
Marcia
Hi Jennie, Your table is beautiful and I appreciate you sharing it at the Open House party. Happy belated birthday to you!
Hugs,
Sherry
Love the colors you chose and the white hydrangeas are just gorgeous! Happy memorial day
What a beautiful setting. Love your mix of details and the outside-inside concept.
I smiled at one of your comments above about Cost Plus in SF. I, too, discovered that store the first time I visited SF back in the early 1980. I’m a fan and was thrilled when World Market started opening up locations here in Austin. It’s one of my favorite stores. I always find something.
Love the tablecloth. It gives a nice cohesive look to all of the other elements. I like to use drapes to make table covers, pillow covers, and even to cover the chair seats in the kitchen. It is a very economical way to achieve the perfect look. The white hydrangeas are beautiful in this lovely setting.
How beautiful, Jennie! Love the colors!
Thanks for linking to Let’s Dish!
I love World Market cloths!!