Everyday Living

Why I Tablescape

~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”
Proverbs 25:11

Sunflowers & Summer.  Colour My World.  A Very Merry Birthday.  Back Up & Punt.  A Walk On The Wild Side.  Do these names ring a bell?  If you guessed that they are the names of tablescapes you have seen here at Everyday Living, you are right!  Each week on Tuesday, it is a safe bet to say that you see either my dining room or garden on our series Tablescape Tuesday.  But my love affair with tablescaping did not start with the blog.  It goes way back…and today would you allow me to share how it all began?  You may want to pull up a seat and sit a spell…

 

My Mother was the Queen of the Kitchen.  She used her gift of service and hospitality in a way that I can only dream to imitate!  She spent most of her days cooking the most delicious food that I have ever put in my mouth!  Stopping by her house always meant a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea, with your choice of at least two sweets…chocolate chip cookies, pecan pie, hummingbird cake, and my personal favorite, sweet potato cobbler!  And Sunday lunch…oh Sunday lunch was the highlight of the week…a buffet that was so good and filling, it was guaranteed to make that Sunday afternoon nap a perfect one!
 
But it wasn’t only the food that made every meal at her house special.  
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Her table was always set with the best that she had..cotton tablecloths and napkins that were starched and hand-pressed, never a paper plate or a solo cup!  Her table was a gift to her family and friends that gathered there….and we never knew who might be sitting at her table!  My Mother always opened her heart and her home to those she loved and those in need…a grieving widow, a new family at the church, or maybe someone who just needed to know they were loved and important.  You always felt special when you walked into her doors and into her arms.
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Her love and her table knew no prejudice.
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My Mother has been at home with the Lord for a little over 9 years now, but the example she lived before me continues on.  And although her kitchen was small, those walls held more love than I could ever explain…and it is where my love for tablescaping began!
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Most of my tablescapes have a memory attached!  Only a couple of months into blogging, I had the bright idea of a picnic under the trees right here on our property!  Butch, being the amazing husband he is, was so cooperative and said he would help me take everything to the little spot that I had chosen. The next thing I know, he has a wheelbarrow at our door ready to be loaded down!!  This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but it worked and we had the sweetest time eating the picnic I had prepared!  Butch played his guitar, we sang, we made a memory!
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How have I possibly set 103 different tables for Tablescape Tuesday?  Honestly, I didn’t think it would be possible to continue the series for as long as I have, but it is still going strong!  One blogging friend wrote such sweet words when she said that “she was amazed that I was able to use the same elements in different ways! ” I will let you in on a little secret…I have learned the art of mixing it up!  If you look back, you will see that I really don’t have that many sets of dishes!   I love mixing patterns and bringing in lots of colors, so the options are endless when my creative juices get flowing!
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Many have asked where I store stemware, dishes, linens, etc.  Let me say it this way…if you open the powder room cabinet, candle holders may fall out.  If you look under guest beds, don’t be surprised to see Christmas dishes stored in boxes.  I always seem to find places!…and sometimes I hide things so well I cannot find them myself (I am still looking for my Peacock napkin rings!!)
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 I rarely post a tablescape in my kitchen.  But this breakfast setting on our kitchen island is the most viewed of all our tablesettings!
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I love setting a table that brings out who I am…this one shows my love for travel and is oh-so-romantic!
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And of course I go all out for family birthdays!
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And don’t we all love those friends who are encouragers?  These two ladies have been so supportive of me in all of my tablescaping!  Janice (on the left) has been a friend for years and she introduced me to Margaret (middle).  From my very first blog post, Margaret was one of my biggest fans!  She commented on every post and was sure to tell all of her friends about the blog.  She even recommended that I publish a book of my tablesettings!  Sadly, Margaret has been very sick for several months.  I dedicate this post to her, my special friend.  Love, hugs, and prayers for you, my sweet Margaret!

Comments

  1. Beautiful post, Pam! This makes your tablescapes even more beautiful knowing you’re inspired by your mom’s gift of hospitality. I love that your husband is so supportive! Thanks for sharing your gift! Also, praying for your sweet friend, Margaret.

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  2. What a beautiful post, Pam! You really do have some of the most beautiful tablescapes that I have seen. They are always so lovely, with lots of vibrant colors. It sounds as if you had a great teacher. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman. You represent her well!

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  3. What a sweet, sweet post, Pam. Thank you for sharing your love for this wonderful hobby. I am obviously a fan of yours, and this just brings a little more depth into knowing more about the good person you are, and knowledge of the life values important to you. Happy tablescaping!
    Rita C at Panoply

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  4. What a sweet post, Pam. I’m sorry your friend is sick. I know she must mean so much to you! Supportive friends are a real treasure, and I know she must feel your love and returned support. Your mother’s example sounds hard to repeat, but I see those same qualities in you. Thanks for sharing your tablescaping story. And yes, the kitchen post was one of my favorites, too. 🙂 Kitchens reveal more about us than any other room, I believe. Your kitchen is beautiful, as is the rest of your house!

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  5. Beautiful post. I love hearing about your sweet and talented mother. It is true, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You have her spirit and talent too.
    I have been amazed how you have done so many tablescapes and so often! I love having many of your tablescapes in this one post. I pin so many of your tables and will certainly be pinning this post.
    Wonderful to hear about your encouraging friends and seeing their pictures. Prayers for Margaret!

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    • Thanks, sweet Bonnie! And, thanks for pinning! As I was preparing this post, I was amazed that I had done that many tablescapes, many I had forgotten! Wishing you a joy-filled Thursday!

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  6. What you say is so true. My Mom inspired me through her love of nature and gardening. My fondest memories are of she and I in her beautiful garden sharing the joys that God created.
    Thank you for taking the time to share your inspiring and beautiful memories and tablescapes too.
    Jemma from Thoughts Of Home On Thursday.

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  7. Your mother sounds like such an incredible person, and what a gift she gave you Pam! My mother was a huge influence on me also, my parents loved to entertain, and we sat at the dining room table for dinner every night. I inherited her love of dishware and setting a pretty table. Tablescaping for me is therapy, and creating a scene for a meal or a party is almost as good as the meal or party itself! I do remember that picnic post when I first started getting to know you, and I LOVE the rooster one in your kitchen. Happy tablescaping Pam, I know there are endless tables waiting for you!
    Jenna

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  8. Pam, this was such a sweet post and a wonderful tribute to your mother. Your tablescapes are always breathtaking. I enjoy them all. You made me laugh talking about where you store your items. It sounds like a familiar problem at my house. Every time I bring a new dish or tablesetting item home my husband asks where are you going to put it? I’m also sending prayers and good thought Margaret’s way.

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  9. Pam,
    You truly have a special gift! Such beautiful settings. I found you OTOH and so glad that I did.

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  10. Pam, this wonderful post made me cry and smile…in a good kind of way on the crying part! Blessed me beyond measure to read about the wonderful memories of your mama in the kitchen. One of the things you said about your mama that truly touched my heart was; Her table was a gift to her family and friends that gathered there….and we never knew who might be sitting at her table! Oh that is exactly how it was with my grandmother! You NEVER knew who would be eating with us. People would just show up and I can remember thinking that we would not have enough food to go around. Granny would say…The Lord blessed that fish and they had plenty and He’s gonna bless what I’ve made. No one will leave my house hungry!!! I love your tablescapes! You surely inspire me. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    • Cindy, what beautiful sentiments you shared about your grandmother! I often wondered how my Mother could stretch the food, but she always had plenty with carry-outs for everyone! Beautiful memories! Blessings, Pam

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  11. I too love tablescapes. We have a ladies tea every year. Love doing a table. Such a sweet tribute to 2 very special friends of mine too! Margaret needs our prayers daily. Thank you.

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  12. Your Mother sounds like an amzing woman! What a gift she gave you and that you continue to give to all of us! I loved that kitchen setting too, remember it well! I loved this story, thanks for sharing it. I will pray for Margaret.

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  13. Mi querida Pam, realmente emocionante tus mensajes. Emoción en la alegría de vivir que transmites y emocionante en la bondad de tu alma.
    Nadie puede fingir sentimientos tan hermosos si no son verdaderos, sencillamente porque no podrían llegar directo a nuestros corazones.
    Todo es bello, todo es magnífico!!!
    El recuerdo para tu madre lo has mencionado en otras ocasiones y el relato de su personalidad me llega directo al alma…Sí, ya sé que la conozco, ya sé que hubo un ser que hizo a su hija feliz….y eso es lo más hermoso que se puede decir de una madre.
    Tus mesas son maravillosas, tu creatividad no tiene límites…Te aprecio y te valoro grandemente. Gracias amiga
    Dolores
    My dear Pam, really exciting your messages. Emotion in the joy of living that transmit and exciting in the goodness of your soul.
    Nobody can pretend so beautiful feelings if they are not true, simply because they could not go straight to our hearts.
    Everything is beautiful, everything is great !!!
    The memory for your mother have said on other occasions and the story of his personality comes direct me to the soul … Yes, I know that I know, I know it was a being that made her happy daughter …. and that’s the most beautiful thing you can say to a mother.
    Your tables are wonderful, your creativity has no limits … I appreciate and I value greatly. Thanks friend
    Dolores

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    • Mi dulce Dolores, Me encanta leer sus comentarios dulces. Mi madre ha sido mi mayor influencia. Su legado de amor sigue vivo en todos los que la conocían. Como me gusta tratar de continuar sus tradiciones! Envío de abrazos y oraciones, mi amigo! Pam

      My sweet Dolores, I love reading your sweet comments. My Mother has been my greatest influence. Her legacy of love lives on in all those who knew her. I enjoy trying to carry on her traditions! Sending hugs and prayers, my friend! Pam

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  15. I am Margaret’s sister-in-law. Thankful for the ladies who have said they would pray for her. She mentioned your blog to me a long time ago. I will be following your posts now. I did not know how to get on it but now I see below that I can sign up on. Thank you for your friendship and prayers for MARGARET.

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  16. I am inspired. Like you, my mom was my original inspiration and mentor in hospitality, creativing and homemaking. I admit I have gotten a bit lazy and miss that part of being creative. Thanks for the nudge. Linda

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  18. Pam, your mom set an example for you and you set an example for others. We eat many meals in this life and we might as well make them beautiful and filled with memories.

    Happy Thoughts of Home. Pinning.

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  19. I so enjoyed reading this and learning of your mom’s influence. I’m not sure why I tablescape. It is just a part of who I am.

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  20. I am always inspired by your tablescapes. I love a pretty table and try to always do something special for company and family. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

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  22. Hi Pam, I think your table settings are a beautiful tribute to your mother’s memory! I’m sure she’s smiling down on each one of them. Thanks for injecting some beauty into our everyday lives! Blessings, Janet

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  23. As a fellow “tablescaper”, I can so relate to all the things you’ve let us in on here! I remember when my friends and family thought I was nuts for setting a table even when I knew no one would be sitting at it! I’m so happy to have discovered “blogland” and know that there are others out there who enjoy the same hobby as I do. As you know, it so helps to have a supportive hubby too! Sorry your friend is sick, how nice to dedicate your post to her.

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    • Lori, thanks so much! I love that so many bloggers have the tablescaping bug! My sweet husband helped me yesterday evening with a Tablescape, I couldn’t do it without him! ~Blessings

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  24. Our life experiences, our families, our loves are reflected in what we do. Your tablescapes are a memorial to your mother and her love.

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  25. Loved this post Pam. Sounds like your mother was a very beautiful soul. I know she lives in your heart everyday and her love of home was definitely passed on to you…Your tablescapes are always gorgeous. Nice to see your friends and my thoughts and prayers go out to your friend Margaret.

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  28. I always adore your tablescapes Pam. What a tribute to your sweet mother! I remember that picnic under the trees. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  29. What a beautiful post! Your tablescapes are beautiful, and it’s such fun to know the inspiration behind your creations.

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!

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  30. This is such a sweet post, Pam, and very inspiring. While I do try to always set a nice table, even for just the two of us, I often take the easy way out. I have a love for pretty things (not necessarily expensive things) and cooking good food to share with family and friends. Your mom sounded very much like my grandmother. She was a lady who never met a stranger, or ever hesitated to share a meal even when things were not plentiful. I am so grateful to have had my sweet MawMaw in my life and had the opportunity to spend countless hours with her. Sadly, my mom did not inherit any of those sweet traits…she definitely preferred paper plates and solo cups…lol!

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  32. I loved reading this post! How very special to have such a gift from your Mom. Your tablescapes show that a lot of love goes into them and now I know where it is from.

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  33. What a special post! I think my love of tablescaping started with my grandmothers. My mom did her best, too, and I wish she were still here to share meals with me. Your pretty tablescapes are inspirational to many of us. Thank you for sharing them and their “back story.”

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