Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Wise Old Table

This table was inspired by an old bird.

This is Hoot.

He's a little pitcher made back in the ceramics craze of the early '70s. Perhaps you remember it. Back in their Donna Reed days, The Duchess and her girlfriends took a class together. Hoot was actually made by one of them and given as a gift.


Poor Hoot perched in the corner of an attic for about three decades, but then...



... owls started flying all over blog land last year!  
We remembered old Hoot.  
Down he flew to her kitchen counter.

I was in TJ Maxx earlier in the fall and saw these little dishes. Don't those little owls on the rim resemble Hoot?


Yeah. I thought so too.

So I told the Duchess and suggested a little seasonal vignette for her kitchen counter. She offered to buy enough for a whole owl themed tablescape... on one condition.

She didn't want to see the word  Hooters in my blog post.

So she won't.



We found these little Ooters at the Christmas Tree Shop for about a dollar a piece.


The rest of the place setting is made with black chargers and a set of  taupe -on-white dishes that belong to the Duchess.  We separated the dinner and salad plates with a plain black plate for no good reason.



There was really no better choice than that iron flatware again.


 So we're using it. 
Again.


The water goblet belongs to the Duchess. I have no clue where it came from or a pattern. Sorry.
The flutes were purchased from a thrift store because we liked the black stems.





The napkins came directly off my kitchen table. They are usually gathered with those rooster rings from last week's table. I love them. They reverse with contrasting black and white patterns. A local gift shop decided to put all their napkins on mega clearance in the spring, and I was like a kid at Christmas.


I think I might need a 12 step linen program.

The larger candles were purchased at Hobby Lobby earlier in the year. I don't know if you can see it, but they have sort of a damask look.


Small votive lanterns belong to the Farm Sister. 


An owl table in the candlelight


By the way,  dry rabbit tobacco and
dog fennel from the side of the road is highly flammable
if someone accidentally sets it too close to the flame.

Just thought I would pass that along. 


And now in black and white.
I wanted to play with it. You can hardly tell the difference, can you?


Nevertheless, the black and white version is my favorite picture of all.

Not that anybody gives a hoot...

*****
Sharing with Susan and the The Porch People




63 comments:

Angel said...

Oh Debbie, I've told you before but I'll say it again...You are a HOOT! I love your owl table and how you went out of your way not to use the word Hooters per the Duchess' request (wink).

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Debbie! I love it! And one of my best friends (and some cousins) are Chi O's, and they would kill for these dishes! How CUTE!

Of course, the commentary is always scintillating! Don't you love the fact that I know such big words. Now, the question remains, did I spell it right???

Love this post, girlfriend!

XO,

Sheila

Lynn said...

Love both of the owl plates and Hoot looks right at home! A great table for the Halloween season:@)

Anonymous said...

Debbie, this is gorgeous!! Black and white is my favorite combination after red and aqua of course. Love the last pic in b&w too. You layer those dishes perfectly. I wish I had that many to layer. ;) My favorite on this table; however, are the lanterns, SO cute. It's perfect for this week. You did good, girl, you did good. ;)
Love ya!

Ruby Jean said...

Oh... ANOTHER very LOVELY table setting... The color combination is just simply BEAUTIFUL!!!

Jennie said...

LOVE owls (they're so wise). And you (collectively, I guess) have the best collection of flatware. I'm in awe! My mom would LOVE in on this dishes action with you. And I think you would love access to her dishes hoard, I mean, collection. :)

For what it's worth, my favorite is the black and white one too!

Barbara F. said...

Debbie, this is a gorgeous table, I love everything about it! And I love that mosaic showing the different layers! I can't seem to get past two :( but the ceramic owl looks like he came from Pottery Barn or another high-priced store. One of my top 3 fav Halloween tables I've seen - 2 thumbs up, kiddo. xo

Alycia Nichols said...

What wonderful Ooters!!! SO funny!!! Fun owl vase. Isn't it funny how what's old is suddenly new again? I'm always glad when something I have hung onto for decades is back in favor...makes me feel like a trendsetter. Ha! :-) Very cool to do this table in all black and white. VERY cool!!!

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my gosh - that looked so beautiful and classy. You ought to that professionally some how if you don't - like a catering business or something.

I can picture a classy dinner affair for some charity event for Halloween or anything really.

I love it. And you are soooooo funny! You are a hoot.


sandie

Debbie said...

Oh I sooo enjoyed this! The table is just stunning...and you are soo funny!

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

Some one HAS to say it ... WHAT a HOOOT !!! I am so glad that you didn't use HOOTERS in the post per the Duchess' request (mmmmmm hmmmmmm) and I remember my mother having those owls ...
love love love this tablescape
(())

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Love this fun AND classy table! Be.YOOTERful!

xinex said...

This is just the cutest table of the evening, Debbie. I love those owl plates and the napkins look great. I like the plaid placemats too. Everything on the table go so well together...Christine

Anonymous said...

Clever and eye appealing setting! The owl theme is great - especially when you can give your Hoot a second chance at a purposeful life. He's the center of attention, now!

I'd do these tablescapes - if I didn't have to be working half the week - and if I had a place to keep all the different settings! Me cottage just ain't big enough!

Living vicariously through folks like you - with all the room and time in the world . . .

Joy!
Kathy

Sharon said...

WHOOOO is my favorite tablescaping woman? Well, you don't have to be wise to figure that one out.

This is an adorable setting, and I just love it. Debbie, I LOVE Hoot - I want one! He is the perfect host. He can keep an eye on everyone (even though the whole "Linda Blair" 360-degree head turn thing that owls do is a little creepy...just sayin')

I would love to join all the other "Hooters" at this meal. (Sorry, Duchess - couldn't resist!)

Marlis said...

Well I'll be hooted! If this isn't the cutest table full of so many cute hooters! A terrific success! love each piece. xo marlis

Patti said...

Debbie, first of all, never worry about being slow in getting by for a visit. I am quite behind most days as well. So many blogs I enjoy reading...not enough time to read them all and get all my fruit preservation done too.

Anyhow, this is a totally stunning tablescape! You created a real beauty.

I must tell you, I know those flutes. I have a set of 8 each: flutes, water goblets, and wine glasses. I think the manufacturer was Luminarc. Remember I told you that when I got married in 1986, black lacquer was all the rage. So, not only was my diningroom, bedroom, and livingroom furniture black lacquer, but my formal dishes were black with a gold rim, and I had all those black-stemmed glasses. I still have them...in a box in the garage, never to be used again, I'm sure.

Have a great rest of the week.

Love,
Patti

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Hoooo!!! Hooo!!! Hooo...ray! What an adorable table. I love the owl rimmed plates and they certainly do resemble the duchess's pottery owl, which by the way is so wonderful! Isn't that amazing you found those plates? I love the owl plates from CTS too. You have got to come visit my table soon. Great minds are thinking very similiar these days. I think you are entertaining one one of my guests. LOL!

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
You know I love your Tablescapes ever one, and the black and white is beautiful with your Owl dishes!!! You have a eye for beauty and it always shows !!!! Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Halloween Tablescape.
I hope you have a great week.
XXOO Diane

Mevely317 said...

Ooooh, I love this black/white theme, I think the best! "Oot" is sweet, but I'm positively salivating over the flatware.
Great pix!

The Tablescaper said...

Great table. Love all of your attention to detail.

- The Tablescaper

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Now THIS is the kind of "Halloween" tablescape I like! Your black and white napkins and placemats are great with the new dishes and the vintage owl vase. They give the table such a casual yet classy look -- and you're so right: the flatware is THE right choice. I'm glad you didn't give a hoot about using it again this week!

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

You put me to shame. I have beauiful china and all the good stuff, and I pull out paper plates way more often than I should! :(

BUT... I am going to send you picturs of my Christmas table just to prove that I do actually use those beautiful things once in awhile. I am such a fan of your tables!! Does tablescaping vicariously count??

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

..."a 12 step linen program"...OH, I need that too! Those napkins are gorgeous and your owl-ly tablescape is terrific!

DD

Gina said...

This is such a pretty tablescape! I love all the black & white. I love all the owl dishes and especially Hoot. Isn't it funny how everything comes back into style?

Denise said...

I give a hooty-hoot! I just love this black and white combination. I might have to steal them for my house. Whoooo would have thought that old owl would come back in style? So cute. I just love the whole table.

Always Nesting said...

I give a hoot and that table is just gorgeous. Just a touch of Halloween colors to make it festive but not enough to make it tacky. Love every detail.

Ann said...

I am having table envy. I also can't get your table settings out of my head. Whenever I wander through the housewares department of ANY store from WalMart to Dillards, I wonder "what would Debbie do" with this set of dishes? ... or "Debbie would LOVE these ...."

This one is another winner and I love the little "hooters." ; \

Cheers!

Decor To Adore said...

Now this is a tablescape to hoot and holler about!

Marigene said...

Oh my gosh, I don't give a HOOT what anyone says...this is one of the nicest tables I have seen...I just ♥ it! I am glad that you rescued your vase from the attic, it is adorable. You have quite the collection of owl dishes...they look stunning on the black/white checked placemats.
I need a 12 step program when it comes to linens, too!
Thanks for sharing this great table...have a wonderful weekend.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I can honestly say this post was a hoot and a half...and then some!!! Heeehehehe!

I'm quite smitten with all your little owls and the gorgeous tablescape. How very creative of ya.

God bless ya sweetie and have a remarkable day!!! :o)

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I am HOOTINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG all the way from Texas...girlfriend your are too creative and have a perfect designer's eye. Now dish stores need to hire you to come make all their dishes just beautiful...then sales would go through the roof.

Love, love it....now come on over and set my table for 11 for Saturday birthday lunch...now it is 8 boys and only 3 girls, so you will have to explain what everything is for to those guys.

Great job...it was such a hoot to drop in...as always!!

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

I am amazed at how you ladies set such spectacular looking tables. I saw some owl dishes when out shopping and wondered what to do with them. It is apparent you knew exactly how to use them. This is very tastefully done and I love it.---------Shannon

Unknown said...

The adorable owls are a hoot! I adore your crisp black and white table. The owl vase is awesome - perfect!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful table ! Great buys! Lucky You! Thanks for sharing,Joann

Ivy and Elephants said...

Who-o-o-o could have thought up such a stunning table scape using owls???? Why you, of course!
It looks truly elegant and so creative!
Hugs,
Patti

Canadagirl said...

You are too puny! I enjoyed this tablescape. You really out did yourself again. [o= I love owls and I am having fun finding some patterns on sewing or knitting some. We will see if I get beyond the thinking and dreaming part.

So wonderful seeing you be creative again.

Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Your hooters...OOPS, she didn't say I couldn't say it...are fabulous, and yes, I lived through the whole owl thing in the 70's and just don't think I can do it again LOL! thanks for stopping by good luck on my giveaway!!

Carol

Shanee@LivingLifeSouthernStyle said...

Didn't care for owls till I saw this tablescape! Now I am a ooter lover! I love black and white tablescapes and this one is beautiful. Nice for Halloween...so unique.

Taunnie said...

One word DIVINE! Ok, I can't leave it at one word. I love the owls and the black and white color scheme is breathtaking. BEAUTIFUL!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I really like this! I was going to say "it's a hoot!" but I'm sure that has already been said! I'm in love with black and white and this is wonderful! Love that vase too, haven't seen those, not even on Donna Reed Show! I want those napkins!! If you find a 12-step program for linen lovers, I'll join you! I just bought more again today!

Great job!

Katherine

Barbara said...

Please don't tell me you really caught it on fire! I am smiling at these owls. Everything comes back again. Your plates are amazing! I am very partial to black and white and this table is gorgeous. Sign me up for the linen program. I knew I was in trouble today when I opened the closet and napkins started falling out. The worse thing is that the new ones I ordered showed up today! Yikes!

FrouFrouBritches said...

Oh, I laughed out loud about the 12 step program. So loud in fact, that my Hubby actually looked up from the World Series. HA!

I love the owl theme! Hoot is "in" once again. I adore your napkins but my favorite thing would have to be the black and white buffalo plaid placemats. I love buffalo plaid almost as much as houndstooth.

Anonymous said...

Hi friend love your post thanks for sharing...loves soraya

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
I love the black and white theme today. Very sophisticated and very pretty. I had those same flutes with the black stems because I liked them, too.

~Jean

Renée said...

All I can say is there are a lot of Happy H O O T E R S like me out there wishing we'd been so wise. Gathering all of those owlie dishes to your nest and pairing them with the old iron flatware is worth hollering about! Happy Halloween to one of my favorite group of hoots in Georgia!

When I think of you kicking the can, I still laugh out loud. Thanks for all the fun!

Mary said...

Debbie, I love this! I've seen owls everywhere lately and those little owl rimmed dishes would have flown into my cart if I had spied them! Love all the layers for no good reason :) and I'm glad Hoot is no longer confined to the attic! Your commentary had me smiling all the way thru your post~ you are HOOT!

Rettabug said...

How fun...I remember those ceramic classes waaay back when.
I have a friend in Hilton Head that collects owls & you KNOW I'm sending her a link to this tablescape. She'll be "HOOTING" with laughter...and envy.

Great job!
Rett

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

You never disappoint me Debbie. Fab table and fab commentary. I laughed my way through all of your hooting, and I think the table is such fun. The ceramic vase is really wonderful, and I love the plates bordered with owls. Those reversable napkins are so pretty. I need to go to a Linens anon. program too. I am completely out of storage space for linens, but still wanting more! laurie

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You have made a black and white table look gorgeous...with owls too

Chubby Chieque said...

B&W=HOOT!

I so love the way you put together your treasure. Perfectly combination. This is my style. So simple but so elegant, in every angle.

Happy TS...

Greetings from a chilly Stockholm,
/chie

Babs said...

LOL, I'm still laughing at the 12 step program for table linens. Where do I sign up?
You and your tablescape are 'hoots'. Love the little black owl plates and the Donna Reed days owl pitcher. Thanks for sharing your ooters tablescape and a lot of giggles.
Have a great weekend,
Babs

Kelli said...

Oh how I love you Debbie!! Your little part of blog land has become so popular!! Leaving now with a smile on my face and in my heart. Owls are big around my house. Sophie's going to dress up like one for Halloween. LOVELY!

Sue said...

Waaayyy back in the 70's when I got married {it was the LATE 70's} any hoo ~ owls were all the rage! In fact, as a wedding gift, I actually got a macrame owl!!!! {I note that other people actually got china and such, I got owls and macrame hangers. I know, it is the thought that counts.}
But I digress. As much as I don't have a real fondness for owls, I really do love your table. You have brought out the cuteness in the owls. I may have to revise my owl opinion.

As always, love a visit to Debbie Land!!

Unknown said...

Setting fire to your centerpiece sounds like something I would do!
Love the little ooters. Poor Duchess. What ever will she do with you?
I hate to remind you, but you forgot the most important part of the table: candy.corn.
xo
lynn

Ginger said...

Love the table!
On a different note,I would like to share your "Boy Named Chip" post when I am speaking in a few weeks at a ladies' retreat. I'll credit you, of course; you perfectly summed up one of the points the Lord has given me for that talk. Your writing is a blessing; thanks so much.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

hey Debbie...this is so neat. Love all of t and the best...how you ended the post. You got a gift...an awesome incredible gift

Linda Q said...

This is a really cute twist on Fall and Halloween time. Like the owls and black and white always a classic.
Linda

Sue said...

Hi Debbie, as always such a beautiful tablescape, the black and white... so elegant.
I also want to comment on your Sunday post, Oh how I would love to be a student in your Bible study class. You are some kinda Awesome teacher.
So blessed.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Hopefully I can post today. I haven't been able for a while on your blog!
Beautiful post. I'll keep it short...in case.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a wise and wonderful tablescape! Love your owls -- so fun for Halloween too. Thanks for your sweet visit. We're doing a Bible Study in the Old Testament too -- week 8 of 15 -- I can certainly relate.

Sharlotte said...

Oh, Debbie, I love this post. Always fun to see what you're doing! It must be really fun to be near your mother and sister. You girls must have a lot of fun shopping and making tables.
And...when is your book coming out? {hint, hint}Looks like a lot of people would LOVE to read more!!!You're an amazing writer!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Oh Debbie, this post really is a hoot!! I do love the little 'ooters (pronounced in the Cockney style I'm sure) :) My mom took a ceramics class for several years when we were growing up, and she loved it. Made lots of neat things.

I love the variety of dishes you used, and my favorite elements on the table (besides Hoot, of course) are the gorgeous black and white napkins and pillar candles from Hobby Lobby.

This is a charming Halloween table, and thanks for sharing in your uniquely witty way. :)

Hugs,

Denise at Forest Manor

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