Samantha’s Table

This is my niece, Samantha.

And, this is my niece Samantha.

And, this is my niece Samantha.

Recently, she passed her State licensing test after attending beauty school (above) for 10 months.  We are all proud of her and excited for her, so we had a party to celebrate her and her accomplishments (anything for a party!).

However, the party was on a week night and everyone had to work.  Samantha, now unemployed and done with school, offered to come over and help with anything needed.  She arrived at 3:00 p.m. and I asked her to set the table.

Since we were having crab for dinner (her favorite), we chose a seascape tablescape theme for Samantha’s table.  We got out blue tablecloths and placed them on the table (it took two tablecloths).  Then, I walked her around the house pointing out “sea” related things she could use  in her “seascape tablescape.”

 “You can use these,” I pointed to three large glass vases full of shells.  “You can use them as is, or take the shells out.”

 “You can use these, “ I pointed to five round glass canisters on pedestals full of white shells.  “Same story; you can use them, as is, or take the shells out.  Whatever you want to do.”

Then, onto Charlie’s office, I pointed to the top of the bookcase and said, “You can use that fish soup tureen for your seascape tablescape; it belonged to Charlie’s Aunt Justine.”  She passed away 10 years ago.  “And, you can use that fake turtle shell,” which I purchased at Home Goods several years ago.

Into the guest bathroom, I pointed to a large conch shell and a line-up of small shells; then into the master bath and I pointed to a line-up of small starfish and large starfish – “you can use these.”

Then, I took her into my office and pointed to the cast iron mermaid bookends.  “You can use these for your seascape tablescape.”

Then, I took her out to our garage storage and showed her containers of decorative marbles, some blue Christmas decorations, and blue baskets and other blue serving pieces.  Back in the house, I showed her the dish, glass, napkin choices available, etc.  Finally, I left her with these instructions, “You can do whatever you want to do for your seascape tablescape and use whatever you want – just go crazy – it’s up to you.”  Well, 40 minutes later I hear, “Auntie Carole, I’m done.”

I walked into the dining room to discover this beautiful, amazing seascape tablescape!  Forgive the wrinkled tablecloths (don’t judge)!  This was an impromptu party thrown together on a week night at the last minute!  Plus, she covered it with so much stuff (see additional pictures below), that the wrinkles were unnoticeable in the end!  I’ve included some close-ups of her design work on this table in the collage above.

Next step – the place settings!

1. She used placemats as “chargers.”  Oops!  Some of them are tweaked from being stuffed in a closet!
2. Samantha added beautiful glass goblets purchased several years ago from Z Gallerie.
3. She added water glasses purchased many years ago from a boutique (I don’t remember the store) plus dinner plates by Lenox (Butler Pantry is the name of the pattern), again purchased many years ago!
4. Then she added napkins.
5. Next, the dessert plates in clear blue (I think I got them at Wal-Mart a long time ago).
6. Then she added silverware – this pattern is from Princess House and called Pavilion.

A close-up of a finished place setting.

And a final close-up of a job well-done!  Didn’t she do a fabulous job?

Later, she helped with dinner and did 90% of the dishes!  One amazing young lady!  Congratulations, Samantha, on your accomplishments AND on this beautiful table!  I sure love that girl!

Tootles,

Related Posts:

(other tablescape posts)

• 15 Tips for an Easy and Stress-free Kid’s Birthday Party
• Decorating the Table for an Easter Celebration
• Decorating the Table for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
• Easy Shamrocks and Leprechaun Centerpiece
• Easy Valentine Candy and Cookie Buffet
• Ice Cream Sundae Dessert Buffet
• Princess Paloozza
• Samantha’s Christmas Table
• The Charms of Afternoon Tea
• Toot Sweet 4 Two Turns One:  Blog-o-versary Party Recap

Linking to:

Brag About It | Home Sweet Home | Inspire Me Tuesday | Make It Pretty Monday | Saturday Sharefest | Tablescape Thursday | The Scoop | Tuesdays at Our Home