Beth Wood

I set a table today, for all to see,

But in reality, I was sharing “me”,

This is so true, a bit corny in rhyme, but my home and my table make me happiest, when shared. Shared with others gathered around the table, or with stories told and photos viewed.

My dining room table, chairs and china-cabinet were purchased by my mother when they moved into their first home, a small Craftsman bungalow. She told me the story of how she had looked at many furniture stores, carrying a photo of what she “liked,” a Williamsburg reproduction cherry-wood dining set, with curved glass inset in the hutch’s doors. She told me the salesman laughed at her, and I agreed that it was rude, and then he proceeded to say, “I suppose you wear a hoopskirt too?!”

Can you believe that?

Though the Colonial Reproduction furniture wasn’t considered on-trend in the 1960’s, my mother had a vision of what she wanted her home to look like. I admire that she thought and spoke for herself, whether it was popular to do so or not. I think her daughter is a bit like her…!

I remember dusting the table legs to “help” my mother clean. I couldn’t reach the tabletop, so I was in charge of the legs! I was proud that I could help her out, feeling quite “big” and very efficient, obviously…though I didn’t know those words at the time:)

As it turns out, it’s time to “help out” my mother once again.

I’ve recently inherited this dining set, with it’s cherry-wood shine and the curved glass windows of the hutch. The table is not “my style”, but the memories made and the conversations shared could fill any Dining Room no matter it’s size. I find myself in a real predicament, torn between sentiment and practicality, as well as the desire to make my home my own.

Would erasing parts of my past, make my home my own?

See what I mean?!!! Ugh!!

What would you do?

I don’t have the heart to paint it, I could give it away to someone if I thought they really would take care of it…but no one has offered!

A dilemma to resolve, now back to the tabletop!

I love to “mix” different patterns and textures in decorating. Whether I’m mixing greens in a Christmas garland or mixing patterns of napkins, linens and dishes, the tablescape transforms into a piece of art; collected items gathered for one purpose, to delight and inspire both guests and family around our table.

In this photo you can see the table runner, casual in style with a nubby texture and a brown grain stripe, I paired that with my Autumn-browned hydrangeas in a soup tureen for a large vase. I added a green pumpkin on an ironstone platter (just for color), and chippy candlesticks with white tapers. In reality, for a dinner with guests sitting across from each other, the hydrangeas are double in height to what they should be! Make sure people can “see each other” across your table by keeping your centerpieces low in height.

I chose to add velvet pumpkins, velvet acorns and real acorns along with the pumpkins and faux greens. Mix it up! It gives people something to really look at, and I think you always enjoy how someone else “does” their table or their home decor.

I know I do!

Warning: Quick subject changes may make you dizzy…!

I don’t know where you live, but this morning it began to snow, for the first time this year. I opened the front door to check the porch, (because I always do that!) and my poor pumpkins were covered in wet snow. My door mat boldly smiled up at me with shivering teeth, it’s an orange, smiling pumpkin for Halloween!

Busted! I waited too long to change out my decor.

When the snow melts, and I hope it’s soon, I have Christmas lights to put in the bushes, a small tree as well, and Christmas “everything else” to add.

How about you?

Have you started Christmas yet? You’re probably finished by now, but you’re too polite to say so, if so, thank you for not making me feel worse!

I won’t take your whole day chatting away, and your coffee is probably cold by now, but I did want to share my tablescape and talk a bit about how I put it together.

You have a blessed day, friend!

xx,