Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Stainless Steel Magnolias

Back in December, I found these little plates and bowls at my favorite local second hand store, and I had my heart all set to use them during  magnolia season. 


Unfortunately, magnolia season is also a busy season. For a variety of reasons, I found myself without a tablescaping team.  Since I don't fly well solo, I convinced the two daughters to help me out with a table before the bloom was off the magnolia.  Thanks, girls...


We set it up under the tree in our lawn. 


Besides the magnolia plates and bowls, we used some vintage Austrian china. The scalloped edges looked like petals to me.


 We borrowed this sheer tablecloth from the Duchess and used it over a dark green linen one. We're pretending that those are magnolia blossoms on there.

They'll probably be petunias next...


I found the magnolia napkins at another local store.
The napkin rings are actually shower curtain rings.
 I hoarded them from The Practical One's college bathroom just for this purpose.  

Because we're  steel magnolias.


Technically brushed nickel magnolias, but just go along, folks... 


Stainless steel magnolias.
(American Colonial by Oneida.)


These votive holders are kind of like that sheer tablecloth. 
They can be any flower I want them to be.
Today, I want them to be magnolias
so I set them in a blossom folded napkin. 


We've used this casual stemware before. 
It's a set called Claudia that I bought years ago at Waccamaw.


Set on magnolia coasters made from prints of my Mother's Day card this year.


The centerpiece is one simple magnolia

The fragrance was absolutely heavenly.
They smell like a quiet gardenia.



So there you have it, our magnolia table in the daytime.


And then with candles...


...as the sun was going down.


*****
and The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.


57 comments:

Miss Char said...

Debbie, this table is just a knock out arrangement. I love all the elements and of course since we don't have magnolias in my neck of the woods I'm always drawn to them. Your table is such a beautiful expression of nature. Thanks so much for sharing.

Barbara F. said...

Just beautiful, Debbie. I love magnolias, actually had a magnolia-themed bath one time. The movie is also one of my favs. I love how you are able to set up in your yard. It looks so peaceful and serene. xo, Still experiencing commenting problems with Blogger :(

Crickit said...

I love your theme. Just Beautiful!

Tricia said...

Oh, how pretty! I adore magnolias, and the ones on our campus have been gorgeous this year. Lucky you, to find the perfect dishes! That tablecloth is stunning -- and I love the idea of shower curtain rings as napkin rings!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I'm tellilng you... if your food is anything like your tablescapes... YOU are a dangerous woman!!

Love love LOVE magnolias, we grew up with them in California, not so much in Texas.

You and your 2 girls are quite a team. Nothing better than that, is there?

xo

FrouFrouBritches said...

GORGEOUS! I love it all! That stemware is beautiful and I love the scalloped petal plates! I love Magnolias! They are so southern to me. Love that picture with the cancles! So pretty!

Sue said...

Such a pretty table Debbie. I have never smelled a magnolia, but we planted one last fall, so I hope to! Looks like fun times with your girls. Enjoy!

Canadagirl said...

You amaze me as usual! I would love to sit at a table that beautiful set. I know you are thinking well why don't "you" create one? Well, for now I need to focus on our finances one day at a time. I am learning what it means to wait on the Lord and let Him provide. But I can live through you in these master pieces, thank you! [o=

Blessings and (((HUGS)))
-Mary

Ann said...

Another amazing tablescape! LOVE it. Our neighbor planted a magnolia in her front yard eons ago. It now towers over everything and looks so lovely in the spring!

Now, a question, when you find these treasures at second hand stores, or on sale somewhere, how many place settings do you purchase? I just can't imagine having so many different dishes to store.

Also LOVE the table cloth! Wish I'd raided my gran'ma's stash when I was younger ......

Cheers!

Bev said...

Am new to your blog... Beautiful Pictures!!

no spring chicken said...

Man you're good! This table is drop dead gorgeous!! And Stainless Steele Magnolias? Can't wait for that movie to come out!

Blessings, Debbie

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

As a native Mississippi gal, this is one of my favorites. Gawgeous!

Lynn said...

Love it Debbie! I'm so glad you did get to do the table while the tree was still blooming, it's very pretty! Great plates and how fun to put the flower candles in the folded napkin. Way to shine with your Stainless Steel Magnolia Table:@)

Denise said...

Great job on this magnolia table team WOW! Wish I could have helped. I absolutely love the napkins...didn't know you had some like that. Maybe I could borrow them? You always capture all your pictures with the best light. Must be the new shiney red Kodak!

I have a magnolia tree in my yard but I've never noticed the fragrance. Don't know how I missed it.

Kathleen said...

Another triumph. So sophisticated! I love everything, particularly the coasters, by coincidence I'm just having a go at making some myself.

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Debbie, your table is lovely! Can I come over for lunch? What a lovely setting outside.
~ Julie

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Who says you don't know how to tablescape solo? You and the girls did a great job! (I still can't believe I passed on those fantastic candleholdlers when I saw them.) That stemware may be "casual," but it makes a stunning statement in your tablescape! Your STEEL magnolias table is perfect!

Marlis said...

Totally love your magnolias! The sheer tablecloth over the green is a beautiful backdrop for the lovely dishes. I love the flower candle holder and the napkins are soo perfect. This table has style and class and is certainly a favorite! xo~marlis

Mary said...

Debbie this is soooo gorgeous! I love all your elements from the sheer tablecloth, your petal edged dishes, wonderful napkins, to your steel magnolias!

The Tablescaper said...

Such a stunning celebration of magnolias! Just gorgeous.

- The Tablescaper

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Beautiful! In my last house my whole bedroom was magnolias. Mine are blooming now, I am going to cut some and bring them in, I can smell them now!

Carol

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Magnolias are so pretty, but we don't have them in New England, at least I don't think we do! Your table is so pretty and southern to me. and your napkin blossom/votive is quite clever. Very nice, and extra special to have help from your girls. Linda

All The Pretty Dishes said...

Really beautiful and I love your photography.

Entertaining Women said...

Steel Magnolias...I needed that this day. We attended a funeral for my god-daughter today. She was only 32, and a tormented soul...my consolation is that I know that she loved sweet Jesus. Beautiful setting...mine is going to be posted a bit late this week. Thank you for sharing your lovely design...I like that your girls collaborated with you. Cherry Kay

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh this was just wonderful...you all are beautiful Steel Magnolias...and I so enjoyed it. So glad the girls were there to help and enjoy also. This was so peaceful and that was what I needed to see today...thanks!

Maryann said...

Such a pretty table, I never seem to be able to come up with ideas like this, Thanks for inspiring me. By the way the pictures are beautiful

Anonymous said...

A gorgeous table!! I love the mix of blue and green, and use that quite often on my own tables. I also love your creativity right down to the shower curtain (ahem) napkin rings :)
Thanks for sharing!! Jannet

Nikki (Sarah) said...

okay...this is pure class...you set an amazing table.....love the ref. to steel magnolis.....

Chatty Crone said...

I have to say you knocked my socks off! The table scape was exquisite. I loved it all and couldn't really pick a favorite piece. I can just smell the magnolias. Lovely to look at.

I have a guestion - where did you get the flower votive?

Sandie

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

It's so pretty by candlelight! That's a really lovely tablescape.

Dawn said...

This is so pretty! I have always wanted a table of mine to look like that at dusk. :)

Unknown said...

You and your girls did a fabulous job, Debbie!!! I laughed out loud with the "steel magnolias"!!!! Perfect.
Love your seasons that you have. We are entering our next season pretty soon: hot.
xo
lynn

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi There Debbie!

This table is truly gorgeous! The big magnolia tree is a perfect backdrop for your table. I have to tell you I was so excited to see your flatware because that is our everyday flatware, and I really love it. It doesn't show wear so easily, and I'm planning to use it in some upcoming tablescapes. Also, I have the Claudia stemware. It always looks pretty, doesn't it? I used mine in "My First Tablescape" back in the winter. Your sheer tablecloth is beautiful, and so is the crystal container holding your fragrant magnolia blossom. I'm really impressed with the napkin fold; I've always been afraid to try that one. Last, but not least, all of your plates are just lovely. Are the magnolia plates Homer Loughlin? You and the daughters did a great job on this table, and I love the candlelight pics. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such kind comments.

Denise

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

Beautiful! Love that evening photo...sooo lovely! Magnolias are one of my fav flowers so I just love this tablescape!

Marigene said...

Beautiful table...the magnolia dishes are so pretty.

Kathleen said...

That is so pretty! Love the magnolias, steel and otherwise! The tablecloth and napkins look wonderful! I am so glad you got to do it!

Sue said...

Oh how pretty Debbie,
All I have to say girl is if we were neighbors I would either be eating at your home or borrowing your dinner ware, I mean all the time. A beautiful tablescape.
Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for praying for Will, we have only heard one time from him and that brings concerns.
Hugs,
Sue

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Oh I looooove that setting...ya'll did a wonderful job. Great find on the plates !
As for the garage, there is not one fabulous thing about it except it will be CLEAN and done :)) ... I am finishing up the floor today...it's just grey. (())

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Since I Love magnolias, These are beautiful! Talented also!

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Your Tablescapes are fabulous sweet lady. I also love your Magnolias with the Beautiful dishes. I hope you have a Great Memorial Day weekend.
XXOO
Diane

Sharon said...

This was a beautiful table!! For some reason, I just find the mixture of green and white to be such a soothing color combination. I pulled up a chair at the magnolia table, put on my best Southern drawl, and asked to be passed the fried green tomatoes.

As for the tablecloth - I'm DEFINITELY seeing magnolias there.

Mrs. New Shiny Red Kodak is carrying on the tradition proudly, by the way!

Wondering - is it OK if my steel is a little *tarnished*? Feeling a little like tin lately...

GOD BLESS!

Lynn said...

Your table is absolutely gorgeous! I could use your and your daughters' help around here as I am decorating-impaired. But I love seeing the beauty that others create; it inspires me. Thank you for sharing your lovely talents.

Tami said...

So I'm finally catching up again after more busy times. What a lovely table! Actually, I took a look at all of them-so pretty! I needed you at our women's retreat-we set up four tables to represent the different personalities. You would have been perfect for doing that! And I bet I would laugh the whole time as you make me laugh and smile when I read your blog.

And I just noticed my button! Wow, thanks. I am honored to be on your blog. Man, I worked hard on that button being that I'm pretty computer challenged. Thanks again!

Looking forward to your next table.

Anonymous said...

My wife has been dragging me around to all our local stores looking for a new set of dishes that she says we desperately need. I'm not sure why she wants my input on dishes... all I know how to do is eat out of them! :-)

Decor To Adore said...

Oh this tablescape brought back memories of when I lived in Georgia!

So lovely.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Ver, very gorgeous! I love this tablescape, great team! Pretty plates with the magnolias, wow, nice you could find them and the way your put them together with the scallop ones is perfect! Love the tablecloth too and those fav photos taken at night, just lovely! I'm also at SS.
Lots of hugs.
FABBY

Sarah said...

The magnolia trees are in bloom here now and it smells heavenly on my morning walks. I want to design a table around these gorgeous blooms too. How nice that you found a set of beautiful magnolia design dishes.
~ Sarah

Anonymous said...

Debbie,
What a lovely setting for a lovely tablescape. The candlelight looks so romantic.
Thank you for your kind comments. Isaac made a full and miraculous recovery.

Shug said...

Lovely, and I am very proud of you for going through with something that you had dreams of...I think you all did an outstanding job...
Blessings...
shug

Luncheons at the Junction said...

I love all of your postings, but I have to say I am partial to this one. The Magnolia plates are a real show stopper, and the perfect jumping off point for this table. I also love the napkins - they shine against the pure white of the tablecloth. Green and white is such a serene setting - I just love this one! Thanks for sharing.

Rettabug said...

I can't decide if I like it better during the day or the night time...both looks are spectacular.

"Technically brushed nickel magnolias, but just go along, folks... " had me laughing out loud. I love your humor, Lady!!

Hugs,
Rett

p.s. I have some of the same Claudia glassware!
Don't you miss Waccamaw?

The Tablescaper said...

Looking forward to having you be a part of "Where do you keep it all? - Part 2".

- The Tablescaper

Gayle said...

Another fabulous table, my friend. Lovin' it immensely.

Jennie said...

Hope everything is okay! Been missing your posts. Saw that you read my Mom Things, but I think you may have missed my Tuesday post. I don't make a habit out of soliciting, but you might be interested in reading it. :)

Tanna said...

Beautiful magnolia tablescape! Looks like a perfect evening in store... {sigh}...

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, what a lovely table! I love your Magnolia plates. How clever of you to do the flower napkin fold with the green napkin under the white votive holders, and those shower curtain rings make great napkin rings, and what a cute post title. Great job! laurie

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Debbie, I have to admit I have no talent in the table-scaping business and as a result, I flip by most blogs that feature them--

But, dear friend, there is something about your table scapes that is other worldly and hard to set to words--

It pulls one in--like a magnet--the love, the fellowship, the promise of such oneness and fun fill the air--it makes me wonder if you will be in charge of the tables at the marriage supper of the lamb (I am not kidding)--the heavenliness of this table made my heart burst with joy and thanksgiving this morning.

Our tables are set full to overflowing each day by His remarkable grace and love--what will we do with our table today?

Debbie, I cannot wait to sit down and "sup" with you dear friend--maybe someday. I love you.

D.

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