"Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself."
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Welcome to another Tablescape Tuesday

...graciously hosted by Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch


I used the table from my previous post (the antique shop post) as inspiration for this table but I improvised quite a bit. When I "mimic" a table, I don't attempt to use the inspiration table as a mold for mine, I just use it as a jumping off point. The goal is to evoke the same feeling & look...not to copy each detail.

I used peacock feathers (they remind me of my MamMaw!) instead of pheasant feathers & added some sticks as filler. Then I went through my "need to polish" box of silver. I thought the tarnish on the silver pieces would help evoke that "antique store" appeal I was going for. The "runner" is actually a thrifted curtain I posted about here ..... I added some porcelain birds to the 'scape just because I liked them w/ the toile.


The bronze chargers are just the cheapo plastic ones, the bone china plates are White Silk by Mikasa & the little brown & white ironstone plates are Royal China Cavalier in the Sussex pattern. I have the large dinner plates in this pattern also but I really want to upgrade to a nicer toile plate. *sigh* I found the goblets while thrifting but I think I've seen them @ Walmart.


One of my hubby's grandmother's birds. This pheasant is one of my favorites! The tiny hobnail cake pedestal I got @ Hobby Lobby...I have a large, med & small of these plates & I love them even though they're not vintage.


I didn't have a large silverware chest so I improvised again & used this wicker suitcase.

"Give us our dream." I actually believe we have to create that dream for ourselves. ;o)


Aren't these little owls cute? I just bought them on my last thrifting jaunt...I'll share my other finds later in the week.

I love these little King's Crown thumbprint goblets. They're tiny & must have been meant for cordials. I have the larger wine glasses in this pattern also. I really like the ruby flash ones that are so popular but I already have other ruby goblets & the clear are much more versatile.
Another one of my hubby's grandmother's birds. You saw it's mate on the wicker suitcase.

I'm trying to copy Susan w/ some "mood lighting" . ;o)


For dinner, we had bacon-wrapped shrimp & chicken bites & roasted asparagus w/ a browned butter balsalmic reduction drizzled on both. The sauce is another allrecipes recipe that I have modified a lot so this version is my own. It's good on everything! Caramelized onions, roasted potatoes, asparagus, steaks (it's fantastic on steaks!), chicken, bacon-wrapped shrimp....I have yet to try it on something that it wasn't excellent on. We added slivers of peppers inside the chicken & shrimp bites & slivered parmesan over the asparagus. I told hubby he should have pre-cooked the bacon longer! *grins*
Brown Butter Balsamic Reduction
4 tbp unsalted butter
2 tbp balsamic vinegar
1 tbp low-sodium soy sauce
Brown butter over low-med heat in small saucepan until it starts to turn brown. Add balsamic & soy & cook until kinda syrupy. When you can pull your spatula across the bottom of the pan & "part" the mixture & see the bottom of the pan, then it's done. Drizzle it on anything...I'd be willing to bet that it would even be good on ice cream. ;o)



I probably won't make it around to all the tables today as I am keeping a sick grandchild but I'll get to them this evening or tomorrow. But don't y'all wait on me...head over to Tablescape Tuesday & see all the creative submissions.

And don't forget that Friday is De-Lurk day & I am drawing names for this lovely pansy painting .

27 comments:

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Beautiful table and the menu sounds delicious!

the author said...

That is totally gorgeous! I am in love with the browns...

I'm hoping your rose didn't get lost in the mail. Holler if it doesn't arrive today.

Gone said...

Gee Cami...everything is just lovely! From the tablescape to the food...yummmmmmmmmmy and beautiful!

RetiredAtLast said...

Thanks for the recipe. Everything looks so inviting. Love the way you used nature in your tablelscape. The centerpiece and your collection of birds add so much.

Bo said...

What a beautifully appointed table, plus you made it so interesting for your guests to look at it...lots of good conversation starters there! ;-) Bo

Terri Steffes said...

Beautiful table! I love the wicker mixed in with the birds and the brown transferware plates.

Stacey said...

Cami this is so pretty. Looks like it's from a magazine cover!!

Anonymous said...

Your table looks beautiful. I wish that I could decorate my dining room table. If only my 17 month old wouldn't destroy it! Oh well, one day!

a quiet life said...

beautiul table, love your extra touches and colors~

Anonymous said...

I love the color scheme! Beautiful table and now I am hungry for that meal at 7am! Too funny!

hope your grandchild gets better real soon!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful table you created. I like all your details! I hope your little sick one gets better real soon!

CIELO said...

Good morning! First time here and I'm already loving what I see... ;) awesome blog! I came from Susan's and certainly will come back.... visit the house in the roses for more Tuesday Tablescape!

cielo

Deb said...

Hi Cami! This is so lovely! I love that you chose to use that basket it looks beautiful. Deb

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Cami this is totaly beautiful girl...I just love all the browns..and all the silver..I just tell people mine is pewter so I don't have to polish it girl!! BRAVO!! to you you doing a great table and with real food..girl after my old heart..Oooh I got so excited I almost forgot to tell you thanks for coming by for tea with me!! hugs and smiles Gloria

Anonymous said...

Hi Cami! Oh, your table is too gorgeous for words. Love all the antique birds you've used and that table runner (curtain) is lovely! Now your food sounds so delicious and looks yummy! I'm sure a grand time was had by all! Thanks for coming to visit me today!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Salmagundi said...

I love the feel of this table. Well done!! That pheasant under glass is the best. Sally

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Very pretty. I like the mood lighting!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I hope your husband knows how lucky he is. This is such a charming tablescape, and that food is making my mouth water! Love all the prety birds and the peacock feathers. laurie

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table!

Kathleen Ellis said...

What a beautiful table! I love all the details...especially the feathers! Many times I use curtains and coverlets for my tables...fun, isn't it?!

I am very impressed with your menu...it looks fabulous! You presented it so beautifully, too!

Thank you for the inspiration!

Thank you for stopping by and introducing yourself, too!

Unknown said...

Cami, This is a beautiful table! SO Pretty!

~Liz~

Melissa Miller said...

How lovely! The black and white toile looks so nice.

Melissa Miller said...

Oops that's brown isn't it? It's all gorgeous. :) Love the glass dome too.

brettinsky said...

The tablecloth looks great as the runner, I don't think I have ever seen it done like that, it looks great!

I love your chairs too!

Unknown said...

Ewe! How pretty. I, too, am a King Crown freak! I just love those thumbprint designed ones. I collect the red along with the rest of the set. Yes, the little ones are cordials. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I am glad you enjoyed. Please be sure to stop by the boutique. There's sooo much to see besides shopping ~ Authentic Family recipes, Inspirational Quotes, contests, events, articles, and much more to see. Until we blog again! Rita

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Cami...love this table! I love the color scheme...and the nature/hunt feel it has. Love how you pulled all these wonderful things you had together to create this wonderful table. I really love the pheasant under the cloche/dome! And that food!!! Yum! The mood lighting was perfect!

Schotzy said...

I love the toile and the whole idea of the birds and the basket hamper and the drape of the cloth is mesmerizingly beautiful!