A couple of recent forces inspired what I think turned out to be a really lovely tablescape: first, we had absolutely gorgeous weather the weekend of Valentine’s Day, which rarely happens, and which prompted me to get out into the garden do some clean-up of last year’s spent perennials. This “False Spring” (because we’re now, at least temporarily, back to snowy cold here in Iowa) sure got me thinking about how close we are to actual Spring – so that was one thing.
And second, I saw a tablescape someone had posted online showing some very pretty salad plates they had found at Home Goods, themed for St. Patrick’s Day. And that reminded me that I still had a Home Goods gift card that I had not redeemed yet!
When I walked into my local HG, it was like stepping into Springtime overload: silk florals, pastel colors, and Easter-themed decor everywhere. I made my way over to the tableware section where I found one endcap that had the St. Patrick’s themed items, but alas none of the salad plates I was looking for. I did find several beautiful plates, though, and eventually chose four of these by Grace Teaware.
They remind me so much of artwork by one of my favorite artist/illustrators, the Dutch watercolorist Marjolein Bastin. And, standing there in the store, I was also able to think of several items I already owned that would go nicely with them – so that made them seem like the best possible buy out of everything I had considered.
The final tally for my shopping trip was four dinner plates, four placemats, and a set of three kitchen towels. My gift card was for $50, so with all of this I only spent $8 of my own money!
Of course I had to immediately set a table with my new items when I got home and decided to go for a French country look. I’m sad to say my phone camera is kind of washing out the pink tones of the placemats – please consider them a true muted dusty rose color. Here’s the table!
The thrifted tablecloth is a champagne-colored damask – although, funny sidebar about the color: I used to have a car in this color, and my mother referred to it as “muckledon.” That term has Scots-Irish roots (as do I, on my mother’s side), and is often used to describe an animal that is the color of gray-brown mud or even manure. It’s not entirely complimentary… which is why it always makes me laugh, but also why I prefer the term “champagne” to describe this soft hue that is just past ivory but not quite tan.
Salad plates are “Nautica” by Pink Sands Tableware (thrifted). They are a soft pink and green plaid, though a bit washed out by my camera. The Grace Teaware dinner plates are called “Magnolia Garden,” but that seems odd because the primary flowers depicted look more like roses to me. The unique placemats, also from Home Goods, are very thick and a woven texture, the primary color being more of a pink than is showing up in the photos.
Napkins and napkin rings were thrifted and already in my stash. The napkins are perfect for this color scheme and vibe; I love the woven texture, short fringe, and subtle color scheme of these napkins – they feel just a bit rustic to me! !
The metal napkin rings with verdigris finish also look appropriately rustic, like aged garden urns.
Flatware is the beautiful stainless “Napoleon Bee” by Wallace – these were an Amazon purchase a few years ago. Here’s an affiliate link, meaning I do earn a small commission if you purchase though it doesn’t increase the price. If you purchase, thank you! (Stainless Napoleon Bee flatware by Wallace)
Glassware is a columnar tumbler in a rose-pink color; I think these are highball glasses in pale Amethyst by Libbey.
I decided to use fresh flowers for this table, so on my way back from Home Goods I stopped at Trader Joe’s and picked up three bundles including roses, baby’s breath, and filler greenery. I found what I think is a perfect French Country vase in my stash, so they look very pretty even if unprofessionally arranged.
Silverplate salt and pepper shakers are Oneida Community “Henley,” and were thrifted.
Here are a few more views around the table!
Here’s a birdseye view from the top of the step stool!
And of course the put-away shot, with everything ready to go back into the cupboards – except of course for those lovely roses, which I’ll be enjoying for the next week!
And finally, here’s a Pinnable image in case you want to save this post for future ideas… or, just to save a picture of those gorgeous dinner plates!
I’ll be linking my French Country Home Goods tablescape to Susan’s long-running link party, Tablescape Thursday, as soon as next week’s party goes live – for now, have a look at her blog “Between Naps on the Porch” and past tablescape link parties!
