Wednesday, October 19, 2011

It's a Hen Party

Nothing like being fashionably late to a party...

After our tablescaping  hiatus,  it was fun to play with dishes last week and hang out at Susan's Porch.  So fun, in fact, that we decided to get together for another dish party this week.

Which around here is more of a hen party...

OK, maybe that's a rooster. I can't tell. 
I'm not the Farm Sister.


 Our table inspiration was this little pumpkin plate. 


Like all of our tables, this one was imagined up after Sunday dinner.  We planned to gather on Tuesday to serve up our invisible luncheon.

Unfortunately, it was a dark and stormy day yesterday,
 and it rained all over our dish parade. 

We had to do it today instead.  That's why we're running  late.
 And that's why this post will be short on yakking.  


You're welcome...

Aside from the plate, the only new element on this table is the charger. I bought it this year at Walmart because I liked the leaves and acorns on it.   Originally, it was brown and orange.

Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with its original colors.  It's just that I actually use chargers around here, and they didn't go with anything I was planning for fall this year.


They went Heirloom white with a  light brown glaze to match the luncheon plate.
We put it all on these warm fall place mats.


Basic black flatware


We used these harvest gold napkins last week. I got them at Walmart last year. 
 The napkin ring usually roosts on my kitchen table. 


I have absolutely no clue where the stemware came from. 


Little pumpkin place cards. 


Centerpiece of rooster- hens and a pumpkin filled cloche


And painted orange candles.

Once I discovered that I could paint plain old white candles any color I wanted,
 I stopped buying anything but  basic white candles for my tables.

'Cause I'm cheap ya know...


(I'm adding this to answer some questions below.) 

I just pick the craft paint or paints that I want and brush it on with a sponge brush. 
One coat should do, two if you want it darker. It dries pretty quickly.
And yes, it burns just like an unpainted candle.

Easy. Peasy.


And there you have it.
 Welcome to the Duchess's kitchen table,


Where you can always find something to cackle about.



Now, I'm headed over to join  The Porch People

58 comments:

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Debbie, Your farm table is darling. I lover the hen and rooster's coloring!

I had thought of painting my candles black since that is not so easy to find, but I was afraid if I lit them they might react to the paint and become a FLARE instead of a candle :]

Came by from Susan's. I think I'm # 35 at her party. Kid's Halloween Table :)

I also host a party... for sharing on any topic!

xoxo Bunny Jean
Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party!

Ruby Jean said...

Okay I know this may sound like a Very Silly question... But are you a Party/Event planner...??? Because you set the most Beautiful Tables and you have Amazing stuff...

And how do you paint the candles..???

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Love this -- how do you paint your candles? They look great!

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

This is fantastic! Each and every single picture is so gorgeous.Love your warm autumn settings...yes, every bit of it. Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

Barbara F. said...

This is so cute and autumn-y and I love everything about it. Even the imaginary things! xo

Anonymous said...

A wealth of tips here, milady! Painting candles - who'd a'thunk it?! I guess you would.

Now, about those charger plates. Can't say I've ever used them - but I'm seeing them so often now on tablescapes that I believe I must look for a set - or two - depending upon the cost. I like doing things on the cheap, myself. When I get them - to be sure - all Blogworld will know when I have to dream up a tablescape and show them off.

Fun post!

Joy!
Kathy

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Debbie, this is so cute. I love all the cheerful fall colors. I would never have imagined that candle tapers could be painted and then still burned like usual. Wow. Thanks for letting us in on the hen party :)

Hugs,

Denise

xinex said...

I love your farm table, Debbie. The charger is very pretty both in rust and white. Your barn plates, place card holders and your centerpiece are all outstanding...Christine

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

I'm cheap, too, but I hadn't yet realized I could paint candles! Thank you, thank you! :-) I love what you did to your chargers! Did you just add glaze to craft paint? Do tell!

Thanks for your comment - and your prayers! This was a fun post to read, and so I'm quitting for the weekend. Tomorrow starts early! Blessings, Friend!

Lynn said...

I love it Debbie! Fun pumpkin plates and the chargers look great! Who would have thought you could paint candles-great idea:@)

Mary said...

Debbie~ You rule the ROOST in the painting & refinishing department!!! I LOVE your chargers painted white with a glaze and who knew you could paint candles?! What fun...I want to be a hen at your party :)

Tricia said...

Wow, Debbie, I think you have just started a new Blogland sensation -- painted candles! Very clever! Your table looks wonderfully seasonal -- and great photography!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I would love to be a chickie at your hen party! Hehe! Your table is beautiful and I loved hearing how your family dreams up tablescapes. That is so special! I am quite impressed with your painting skills too. Your painted chargers and especially the candles are both wonderful ideas!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Love that Duchess' table! And I LOVE to cackle!

Signed,
Ima Hen

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT! and love your painted candles! I have gotten into decorating candles this Fall and selling them in my booth...too much fun I tell ya!

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

eye candy, every time. I just love your tables. On this one, I can't let go of the idea of painting my own candles... duh!!! It would never have entered my mind to do that. Between you and the candles, and Janette and the floor painting... I might actually try some of these things!

xo

Chatty Crone said...

I've never been to a Hen Party - but it sure seems like it would be a fun thing to do.

Another awesome table - perfect for the season.

Painting your candles and telling your story of how you come up with it.

Loved it all.
sandie

Denise said...

It may have been dreary outside but the Duchess certainly kept us cackling inside! It's a wonder you were able to take any decent pictures. Maybe we should invest in some of those lights that photographers use when the sun isn't cooperating. Just a thought.

I shall have to march myself to Wal-mart for some chargers for me to use. Of course I'll have to swing by your house for some of your white spray paint. And then you'll have to use some of your glaze to make it look just right. Sounds like I might need to add your sewing projects to my list to make up for your painting help!! (I hope you didn't need the sewing any time soon).

The rooster/hen party table turned out great. Glad we had a chance to cackle while we worked. And, BTW, I never mind the verbal meandering that you include with the dishes. Such fun!

Ann said...

Dang it, Debbie!

Now I have to run over to my local Wal Mart and see if they have any of those chargers left. I saw them a couple of weeks ago and shrugged them off cuz of the color.

Duh. I, the one time art major, never thought of painting them!

I feel so stupid. : /

Anyway, another hit out of the ballpark for you, your sister and your mom! Amazing and oh so cute!

Cheers!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Cuuuuuute table, Debbie, and I'm wild over those chargers! I tell you, WalMart is really doing some good stuff. Are these from Better Homes? I love that line!

Running like a crazy person this morning.

XO,

Sheila

Marlis said...

I'm so cockadoodle dooing over this table! Love it. The plates are so cool for the fall. Great tip on painting the candles.. i need to remember that one! Paint them and then roll them in glitter wow. that would be fun too. I also like that you painted the chargers.. now I might actually get some. Great fun stopping in.. xo marlis

Marigene said...

Debbie, I am an old hen that would love to sit at your cute table...love the barnyard plates. I like what you have done with the chargers, great idea.

Unknown said...

Really?? Painting chargers and candles??? How do you come up with that? I just look at it and think, "wrong color. too bad." and walk away. The cloche is pretty spectacular all on it's own...
LOVE this table!!
xo
lynn

FrouFrouBritches said...

WHAT? You can paint candles??? I had no idea! That is brilliant! Love the cloche! Sooo pretty! The chargers turned out fantastic! I love the white with the glaze. So pretty! It's fabulous!

The entire table is gorgeous!

Sharon said...

You amaze me, you know that? I agree with one of the above comments - you really could be a party/event planner. I think people would pay good money for someone to come up with the ideas you do, and then to execute the design. Glazing chargers, painting candles...so very clever!

And, I have to say that I think your first picture is a hen, definitely. I say this based on the later photo of the two chickens. If you notice, the chicken in the background has this rather proud stand-up comb, and his chest is all puffed out. To me, that just screams rooster...just sayin'

Loved this hen party. Count me in for the clucking and cackling. Just don't make me laugh so hard I lay an egg.

Kelli said...

I totally want this for my table. It screams fall! Fall has arrived here with temps in the 40's early this morning. LOVE IT! ((HUGS))

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Well , there ya go, this is why we blog...I didn't know you could paint candles or charger plates for that matter...This old dog is still learning new tricks! Thank you!

Carol

Donna said...

Hi, Debbie,
Sorry I missed the party. :( Your hen/rooster table is very pretty and inviting.
Also, I wanted to tell you how much I loved that picture you posted. How amazing was that!
D

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

Now that is just warm and inviting ... just what's needed on this cold day in S.GA. brrrrr
(())

Alycia Nichols said...

Fantabulous job on the chargers!!! I never thought of that! I have so many chargers that have outlived their usefulness in their current color that could benefit from a little paint & glaze. Great idea!!!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Wow...another table that takes my breathe away....it all looks so rich...and perfect.....Debbie...this one is awesome...and you amazingly creative....

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is really cute! I love those pumpkin/barn plates, so different!

Great job!

Thanks for the ideas of painting the chargers, and the candles!

Katherine

Karen said...

~beautiful table setting. Love the chargers!

Anita Diaz said...

Well, don't be short on yakking, I always enjoy that part!! This is too cute too!! You are on a roll for sure! I love what you did with the chargers! I wish I had some of those. I agree with you about the dinner plate size! It drives me crazy to have these huge plates. I often give the children a salad plate unless I'm using something old. Thanks for stopping by! Always nice to see you:-)

Ivy and Elephants said...

What a gorgeous table! Any "hen" would be honor to feed there. So clever of you to paint the chargers.
Hugs,
Patti

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
What a great fall tablescape. Love all the warm colors, the rooster napkin rings, the cloche full of wee pumpkins...and the painted candles! When I saw that I said, "huh?" I would never have thought of painting candles but now that I know, I'm over the moon with ideas! I can see how you have so much fun when you have such a close relationship with your sister and the Duchess! That's a beautiful thing.

~Jean

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh My Word Debbie, you are brilliant! Painted chargers and painted candles! I love it. Can't wait to paint some candles now. Your table is so fun. Love the rooster on the barn plates, and what cute napkin rings. I can just hear you 3 sitting around that table, cackling. Actually, I bet a lot of cackling went on when you were creating this tablescape. As always, I love it. laurie

Patti said...

Oh, Debbie, you have created a totally gorgeous autumn table! What a warmth exudes from that setting.

The charges are beautiful, and those barn/pumpkin plates are fabulous. And the tip about painting white cahdles, well, I never knew that. Thanks for sharing that little bit of info.

Have a great weekend,
Patti

bj said...

Now this is a table to crow about. :)))

Angel said...

I've just got three words for you today...

YOU. ARE. AMAZING!

corners of my life said...

I wish y'all could come over to play and bring your lovely dishes.

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Speaking of being late, I'm late getting here to comment but I just had to tell you how gorgeous your table is. I truly love everything about it! The rooster napkin rings are one of my favorite things on the table. You definitely have a gift!------
Shannon

Unknown said...

Love your table! So cute Thanks for sharing,Joann

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a beautiful Fall table, Debbie! I love that you painted your chargers to better go with what you've got. Cute pumpkin place card holders and I love your cloche centerpiece!

Anonymous said...

what a great post! thanks for sharing..loves from holland..God bless you..

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Well I am late to the party so you will have to take 45 minutes to get to this comment...LOL

Just great, as always. I have also been painting my candles...fun and yes, cheaper.

Roosters and hens..too cute, the small pumpkins...well can I say you all must have so much fun shopping.

Great table talented one.

Babs said...

Well, you may not be 'Farm Sister', but you set a darling farm table. All your special touches with the painted chargers and painted candles...who knew? I think the Heirloom White with the light brown glaze is so pretty. Much better with your place mats and dishes than the dark color. You're so creative.
Hope you have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Love your idea with the chargers...so creative. I enjoyed touring this table, Debbie. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great weekend. Don't know about your neck of the woods, but sure is pretty weather in South Florida today.
Hugs.

Red Couch Recipes said...

I am kicking myself that I didn't buy those chargers at Wal-Mart last year -- who would have thunk to paint them --- what a great idea, as well as painting candlesticks! Recently I wanted some black ones and nonone had any. Thanks for the great ideas. Love the hen quote by Mark Twain! Now, if I just could get my hens to start laying! Joni

Anonymous said...

Very Nice! The rooster/chickens are neat looking.

Have a Wonderful Weekend :-)

*The Old Geezer Blog

Decor To Adore said...

Now this tablescape is truly something to give a big cockle doodle do to! :)

Kalyan said...

Simply beautiful...lovely artifacts!

Renée said...

S M A S H I N G....love the painted chargers. I saw them yesterday and thought they looked too plastic and cheap. Never thought to paint them, so will be going back as they will be festive with my ruffled plates like the Duchess has. I'm thinking oil rubbed bronze...yes, no? Anyway thanks for more inspiration!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Darlin', I just wanted to let ya know I just read your newest post and how it touched my heart!!! Your analogy is so very true.

God bless ya and have an amazin' week sweetie!!! :o)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh...BYW...love your hens!

The Charm of Home said...

Very cute table Debbie! I love the napkins. It is all in the perfect colors for fall. Loved your chocolate analogy. ;)
Sherry

Anita Diaz said...

I'm just going to have to link up that chocolate thing to my worship leader blog!! Amazing!! Amazing!! BTW, I have not figured out how to do anything at pinterest!

MaroDe said...

This is a beautiful table scape Debbie! Thank you for sharing!

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