Monday, February 10, 2014

I'm Late! I'm Late!

For a very important Valentine date.

Yes, I know that Valentines Day is still four days away, but I'm still late with this table. It's bad enough that I'm 3 days too late for the Valentine Par-Tay at Bargain Decorating With Laurie, but I'm actually even later than that.  

About 368 days later. 

This is the table that I dreamed up in my head for luncheon club last year. I had it all planned to go with my 2013 color of the year. I just didn't finish the kitchen makeover in time to host a luncheon until May. 

I hosted it this year, though.  Saturday, the club came over for a luncheon that I called, That's Amore!  The food was Italian. The table was the one that I dreamed up in my head last year. 


Which is why this table is mostly  white and silver...


...with just a pop of red. 

I used a white table cloth, white candles, 
white  tulips, and white china. 

(Cameo Platinum by Mikasa.) 

I  borrowed the little red and white plates from the Farm Sister and added a bold red napkin.

That was the only red on the table.
(Act I flatware by Oneida.)


An easy peasy transformation with some little candy boxes turned them into favors.  I just painted the exterior with white Fusion satin paint and trimmed the sides with silver paint and satin ribbon.

Then I decoupaged each guest's wedding monogram on the top. 



Never let it be said that Debbie let a good decoupage opportunity go to waste...

(Moonspun crystal by Lenox)


I told them to share the chocolates inside with their husbands. The Men of the Houses deserved a little favor this time because they had done me a favor.   

They helped me with the place cards... 



... by secretly sending me a photo of their own big fat 80s weddings.  


Of course, the groom below didn't have to send me a picture. That's the Farm Sister and the Cowboy once upon a time. I was the Maid of Honor at that wedding and had my own photo.

I remember that boy...



 I remember all those boys.
In fact,  I'll let you in on a secret: That's still the way I see them. 

High school sweethearts...

In the end, most of the men kept their secret. One young swain accidentally left his photo on the computer so his bride had a hint. She kept it mum, though, and still enjoyed the surprise.  I think we chose some pretty good boys.

I know I chose some very good friends.


Talkative ones, too.

 They arrived at 11:30 and never headed out the door until 6:00. 
I'm pretty sure that's a new record. 

Even though I still had a Sunday School lesson to finish, that was fine by me. We're studying "one another" in Sunday school, after all. Part of that one another-ing includes hospitality and fellowship. Saturday we had a little bit of both.

And there you have it:
 My 2013 pop of red Valentine table,
 better late than never. 


*****
Sharing at The Porch

54 comments:

Tanna said...

Every. last. detail: PERFECTION!! Debbie, I LOVE the placecard idea!! And, you are so blessed to enjoy such wonderful, l-o-n-g friendships! You are a rich woman. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful table AND the bright spot in my day of such wonderful friendships! blessings ~ tanna

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love the wedding photos ... that is totally sweet!! aww, romance is so grand. ( :

Debbie said...

LOVED every little thing about this! Such a GOOD idea on the wedding photos...loved that idea! And the heart place cards with monograms...soo cute! How fun this would be. You are one blessed lady. Enjoy your day!

Tricia said...

Debbie, this table is gorgeous! And the placecard idea is so sweet -- love it! I'm impressed with your decoupaged candy boxes, too. I always love seeing "our" crystal!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

I love this post, Debbie! Your table is beautiful and full of great, creative ideas. I love the decoupaged candy boxes, and the place cards are perfect. Don't you love when a party turns out so well that no one wants to leave? I think those are the best, and that tells me that you did a great job planning and hosting this luncheon. :)

Thanks for sharing with us -- hope you have a great day!!

Hugs,

Denise

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Debbie, I absolutely love this. What a great idea! I might have to borrow the photograph part. That is so sweet! Love the party favor monogrammed hearts (warms a Southern girl's heart!), too. And the Farm Sister's red plates are the perfect pop of red. Great 'scape and great friend (meaning you). I can understand why you visited all day?.. I might have been yakking into the night!

xoxox

Sheila

Elizabeth Dianne said...

You absolutely make fine art with a table and some accessories. This is not one of my gifts so I really appreciate it.

God bless you on this Valentine's Day, dear Debbie, for all your gifts--especially hospitality, teaching, and my favorite..........humor. xo xo

Tell the duchess I said Happy Valentine's Day!

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

Simple, elegant, classic. You definitely have the gift of hospitality. The wedding photos such a sweet idea.

Vee said...

The beauty of that table, the fellowship around it...the very essence of enjoying life. Now what in the world will you do this year?

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Such a beautiful table! I love the wedding photos as place cards.

elizabeth said...

I'll be right over for the beautiful party! Oh, it's already over...DARN!

Miss Char said...

We'll ya know I'm a sucker I am for white on white and the white tulips are just perfection. Thanks for sharing even if it is a year late :)

Kathleen said...

Hi Debbie! Are your ears ringing? I talked about you in my post. I came back from NOggin' for Laurie's party.
I love the favors and so cute to have the wedding pics as place markers! Love ly table!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Love it all! Seriously! Red is my color and I love how you used just a pop of it! Makes it very elegant.

I think your lunch club is wonderful, I may have to steal that idea, but more than that I love that you have been able to stay close with all your girlfriends and their guys from your youth. What a precious thing.

You're inspirational to me!

Deanna

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You have such talent! Perfect table...love the idea of the old wedding photos, I still see hubs that way...so sweet

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I love your table, Debbie and the decoupaged boxes and the darling frames are the best. Don't we all just think of each other still as boys and girls? I love that! We're only as old as we feel in our ❤️'s!! Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweetie!
P.S. I'm loving your pillows from your previous post!!

Lynn said...

I love it, what fun! No doubt the wedding pics were the start of many conversations and it's really neat that the guys helped out:@)

Denise said...

Your Valentine table was truly just lovely. The photos and candy were such a wonderful surprise. I didn't share my candy but since he didn't have to get our picture I don't feel so bad. We had such a wonderful time. I can't wait until we meet again.

PS BTW, the food was fabulous, too.

Anonymous said...

What an awesome party!!!! Love the'80's wedding pictures, too - I have one of those, just don't have the husband anymore. But, Ed and I are happy mid-lifers finding love and to be true - I DID know him way back then. He worked at the bookstore where I spent all my babysitting money - and he was already married.

But, I digress. You table is elegant and love the decoupage touches. Now - that's all my tags are, you know. But, yeah - it's a layering thing and I'm growing in it. I'm sure you'd be fab!
Joy!
Kathy

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is just precious. What a blessing to still live in the same city.
My husband said to me yesterday, I still see you as if you were 19! What a joy for all of us to do that with each other, except our kids, they want to be seen as grown.
What a nice party.

Janet Martin said...

This is so beautiful and special, both the words and the pictures. In fact, I'd like to do something like this!

Thank-you for the inspiration and your visit by 'my place'.

Maryann said...

I love the wedding photos as place settings, such a great idea! Everything was just lovely

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

WELL DONE! What a fun time you provided for your friends.

Glad of your pretty renovation, love your beautiful table and happy idea.

Sharon said...

Oh Debbie - vintage you!

An elegant table, with just the right touches. I love the idea of having the little photographs be the *name placards* - how adorable.

Wish I could have been part of the conversation - but I really enjoyed being with you...invisibly.

xo

Mary said...

What fun Debbie! Love your decoupage boxes and stealth with your photos for your That's Amore luncheon ♥. My 50 something friends of the 80s are still thought of as boys and girls :)

Barbara F. said...

Lovely table, and your luncheons have got to be fantastic! I know your menu was wonderful. Great idea for the photos. I am just seeing this today, you don't always show up in my reader since this gosh dang Bloglovin' nonsense! xo

Christine said...

I'm taking really good notes!
This is beautiful and I wanted to send you our picture so I could enjoy the day with you.

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Oh, I love when a long-dreamed-of tablescape finally becomes real! Yours is perfectly elegant with its minimal pops of red, and the monogrammed candy boxes add such a nice touch of Southern charm. As for those wedding photos... Who can beat that idea? :-)

Debbiedoos said...

How sweet Debbie! I love the place setting card idea, really neat. Have a lovely day! XO

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Your Tablescape is so elegant and classic with the wedding photos such a sweet idea on your table, I am also loving the red just makes it pop. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Valentine's Day.
God Bless.
xxoo
Diane

Barbara Neubeck said...

Debbie... I loved this table setting... you put so much thought into everything you do... so glad your friends had a great luncheon...and stayed late... Hugs and Blessings
Barb xxx

Lorrie said...

Such a FUN party! Great attention to the little details like the monograms and photos that make it extra special. I have the same pattern of red and white plates - they are great for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Canada Day and more!

Red Couch Recipes said...

Debbie, what a great personal table. Those wedding pics are so sweet. Love the candy boxes and the pop of red. Six and one-half hours of talking is my kind of party. Joni

Alycia Nichols said...

That wedding photo idea is one of the best ever!!! I love that. Might have to steal it for future! :-)

You did a really great job with the monogrammed boxes, Debbie. Wow! Very chic!

The table overall has a very sophisticated feel, especially with those pretty white tulips. The pinch of red lends just enough of the "color of love" without overwhelming the table.

Always better late than never! You did a fantastic job, and I congratulate you on putting on a luncheon that really rocked!!!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is wonderful! The little framed wedding photos are perfect, as well as the monogrammed candy boxes! I really like that artsy photo shot between the (new) chairs! You are so creative with everything!

Katherine

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Oh, what fun! You all had a BLAST, I'm sure!

Your table's so awesome! What's 368 days among friends?!?!

I'm going to get "into" tablescaping soon-- my one and only tablescape you'll likely ever see. I'm working on it, and it's fun!

Happy week,
Kelley~

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbie! Oh, what a wonderful event. Your table is beautiful and I love the snaps of all of your friends at their weddings. How marvelous you've all stayed close. That's a treasure in itself. Thanks for popping in to see me and have a great week.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kath said...

Beautiful pics, Debbie!
Blessings :-)

The Tablescaper said...

So pretty! Love, love, love the monograms.

Hope you'll link to Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

The Polka Dot Closet said...

OMG I AMORE everything...Every last detail! The wedding pictures...OMG what a great detail....This is so elegant! And they sayed 6 and 1/2 hours...Hysterical. You really out did yourself, such a good idea to start a year ahead lol!

Carol

Sue said...

Absolutely stunning tablescape, I sure wish i lived nearby I would most certainly horn swaggle an invite! Oh how i would love to visit with you Debbie! I would have asked to stay overnight, too and went to Sunday school with You, I bet you are such an awesome teacher.
I love what you did with the candy boxes,and the sweet surprises for the ladies, and like you I still see my guy as when we first met! As always thank you for always being so uplifting and encouraging.
Thank you for your condolences for our family.
Hugs,
Sue

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie I know why you were late. It's because perfection takes a lot of time. This table is definitely perfection! Oh how I love those silver heart boxes with the monogram on top. That is brilliant, as are the little framed wedding pictures. I love that square mirrored vase filled with tulips, and since I also have the Moonspun crystal, you know I love it. I am not surprised that everyone stayed so long. I know they had so much fun just seeing your table and enjoying the Italian cuisine, they couldn't stand to leave your house. I'm so glad you made it to the party. Happy Valentine's Day. laurie

Jacqueline said...

Oh, this is the greatest idea for a friend party! I am going to have to do this for my friends. They would love it and the surprise of the photos would be the best!! Your monogrammed hearts are just perfect!

Angel said...

Your table looks beautiful Debbie! The pop of red, the sentimental touches, the creative details...no wonder nobody wanted to leave. I may have overstayed my welcome a bit too. :)

P.S. I know it may be a little late to be leaving a comment, but I figured you'd forgive me since we are both members of the better late than never club.

Hope you and Sir Lotsa Hair have a lovely Valentine's Day!

Tea in Texas said...

The very unique use of photos as place cards. Time as you used it made you work without too much stress. When you have a week to work out your table, you can just stress out and then you over think the task. You did great!
Pam

Rosie M. said...

I am totally impressed with your attention to detail and the loveliness of your table. What lucky friends you have to be so well taken care of!! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

Chatty Crone said...

Debbie, your table is gorgeous! I love the placecard idea too - very sweet. I'm impressed with your candy boxes, too. I always love coming here and seeing your gorgeous photos too! Loved it today and happy Valentine's day. sandie

Crickit said...

So Beautiful!

Bonnie said...

Your tablescape looks like something out of a magazine with many creative ideas. Love the monogram heart boxes and framed photos. Very clever and was a hit I am sure.

When your guests stay that long your party was a great success.

Every detail was perfect. Love the pop of red plate.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

You always have such lovely personal touches to your tablescapes! This one is just gorgeous and so elegant!

Sarah said...

Beautiful table! Love the personal touch with the framed photos and monogram boxes. I did something similar - painted my boxes with charkboard paint and then added names for each place setting.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Mevely317 said...

Beautiful!!! Not in a million years would I be able to replicate these monogrammed boxes, but ooh'd and ah'd all the same. Seriously, I've got to look again.

Love the idea of using old pix as place-cards. Imagine your friends' reactions were priceless, weren't they?

Have a sweet new week!

Myra

Kathleen said...

Hi Debbie, this table is superb. Simple elegance and the photographs... a touch of genius! I bet they got your friends talking for half of the afternoon on their own with all the memories attached.

Also the wreath on your front door is really pretty. I think you come from a very talented gene pool!

Sharlotte said...

This is such a neat table...the pictures, the favors, the dishes and glassware. I know you had a wonderful time.
(I'm glad that you all have all the icy days behind you!)

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