after the storm

after the storm
Welcome autumn!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

a tablescape for the 4th...

It’s hot here. The rabbits are flattened out in the tree wells hoping to find some wet ground. The quail are all bunched together on the grass under the big mesquite tree, trying to find some cool. Daredevil doves are trying to ride the pool cleaner, hoping to get a drink. We just try to stay inside.


No picnicking on the grass on the 4th for us. No backyard barbeques on the patio. Well, we will probably be barbequing but we will definitely be eating inside.
The heat has faded most of my flowers. The roses are trying to hang on but the red ones aren’t happy right now. I decided to cut some crepe myrtle, thinking they would look a bit like a fireworks burst. Not so much… I don’t think I have ever used it inside before but it was the only white I have. I don’t think this will last until Sunday but I can always cut some more. I purposely kept the bouquet simple and a bit sparse. The laciness of the flowers seems to show better that way.



I got these vintage jello molds a few months ago. What actually constitutes vintage these days? It is a little disconcerting to see things in antique stores that I remember my mother having. I wasn’t sure what I would use them for or even why I wanted them. I used a few on my project table to hold little goodies. It wasn’t until after I had taken most of the photos that I thought of using them as candle holders. Does it work?


I love how different everything looks after dark.
Especially, during the blue hour...



For more tablescapes, please join Susan and everyone else at Tablescape Thursday.

36 comments:

a quiet life said...

they do look like fireworks!

great table, i adore the denim...

so how hot are you? for 3 4ths we were 117, this year just under 100~ no dining out now either, the wasps are ruling the roost!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love your table, what a beautiful job!
We have similar placemats, come see!
And the flowers are just so perfect here!
Cindy

Lynn said...

Great table, love your placemats and candle holders! Happy 4th of July!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, I love the idea of using jello molds for candle holders. I have 12 of those that belonged to my mother-in-law, and I can't wait to copy your idea. I hate to tell you that we are enjoying 60 something temps right now.

Jacqueline said...

What fun placemats! Did you make them? I need some like that. The jello molds definitely work. I understand, I used the last of my red roses for the tablescape this week. The heat has come overnight. Thanks for sharing on Tablescapes Thursday and have a wonderful 4th of July.

Kathy said...

Love your placemats! Yep, too hot here too for outdoors! But, will certainly enjoy some bar-b-que!
Great job on your tablescape!
Kathy

Marigene said...

Cute table...the placemats are adorable. I have 3 sizes of those jello molds...use them to make cakelettes all the time, just make sure your grease them well! Have a great weekend, Barbara.

Marlis said...

I think if I use old jean pockets on some denim I can copy your placemats. Too cool. I love the flowers, the remind me of sparklers. great job.

xinex said...

I just love your patiotic tablescape, Barbara. The star dishes are so pretty and you put everything together so well.....Christine

The Charm of Home said...

Your table looks perfect against the colors in your dining room. How perfect and very Americana, it has a Mary Emmerling feel. I hope the bobcat doesn't find your bunnies! Have a great 4th!
Sherry

bj said...

Oh, Barbara..I just adore your table. The flowers look just right.
All my roses have just given up, I think. They were all so beautiful in the late spring...just bursting out all over the place in prettiness...now, it's just too hot here in West Texas for them. Winter being my favorite season, I am already ready for it!! :)
xo bj

Mary said...

What fun denim placemats with pockets full of flatware! The vintage jello molds are perfect for your votives. Happy 4th :-)

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Barabra, thank you for your visit and the nice comment. I love your table, also. This denim placemats are so cute with the pockets full of flatware. Nice idea. That's a pretty patriotic table. Love all the details.
Greetings, Johanna

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Love your festive setting! Cute placemats! I also adore your star plates! Visiting you from TT! Happy 4th!

Sweetladyelaine said...

I love the placemats! Just a perfct table...thank you!

Tricia said...

What a wonderful opening paragraph! I could just FEEL the heat! Your table looks great -- very festive, with all the stars and those darling placemats!

craftyles said...

I love what you did with the jello molds. I always see those and never know what I would do with them. Next time-I'll pick them up. Love the denim and stars. Very cute and patriotic. Happy Fourth!

Unknown said...

Love your star plates and the cute jean placemats!

Beautiful!

Hugs
Charo

Paula@SweetPea said...

Your tablescape looks so nice! I really like how you used your vintage jello molds as votive holders. My mom made jello for us using molds just like yours quite frequently. I'll have to tell her how she can use them now that her kids are grown and gone.

The Pennington Point said...

Your table looks great! I love the vintage jello molds. I know what you mean about seeing your childhood things in antique stores. I always tell my kids, "We used to have one of those when I was little....but that doesn't mean I'm old!" Lisa~

happyhome said...

LOVE your tablescape! Where did you find your dishes? Happy 4th!

Beansieleigh said...

Love the denim placemats, Barbara! Did you make them, or buy them??.. I have been wanting to make some of my own FOREVER, but I just never seem to get around to it. Your table looks wonderful! Love your star dishes too!... Happy 4th of July to you! ~tina

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a cute layering of dishes, and I love those denim placemats with the pocket for the flatware. Have a wonderful holiday weekend. laurie

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is just wonderful! Love it! Great job!

Katherine

Anita Diaz said...

This is just a gorgeous table! Love the jello molds with candles. Love the placemats, and the crape myrtle is perfect! Thanks for stopping by!!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

So cute! Love the jellow molds idea - how creative. And your crepe myrtle does look like fireworks! Thanks for your sweet visit - Happy 4th!

A Hint of Home said...

Your dishes are adorable and so cute the way you displayed them. I love your placemats. Did you make them?
Thanks for your visit.

Requi Tablescaping Escapades said...

Definitely a festive, patriotic table. I love the after dark pic, almost expecting to see the flames bursting in the air from the fireworks. Happy Independence Day!

All the Best,

Requi

Red Couch Recipes said...

First of all, I loved your comments about vintage things! LOL! Like everyone else I love, love, love the cute jean placemats! I used to have a crepe myrtle tree and loved it...it looks great! Happy (indoors) 4th of July! Joni

Jacqueline said...

Thanks for telling me about the placemats. I think I will make some. I am a girl that likes a little bling too, and I can just see some of these cute blinged up pockets adorning placemats. Thanks again.

Rettabug said...

You've done a SPECTACULAR display with this table! The darling placemats are simply wonderful, as are the vintage molds to hold your tea lights. Great idea & I'm glad you bought them!

I ♥ ♥ ♥ your star shaped bowls...where did you ever find those?
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Rett
The Gazebo House
come see what I did with JellO LOL

Bill said...

I've bought several of those individual gelatin molds lately. I know a lady who still uses hers for congealed salads -- they're so pretty and refreshing this time of year. I love the idea of using them, as you did, for tealight holders. I'll definitely have to try that!

I agree that crepe myrtles don't make the best cut flowers, but they're certainly pretty (and it's great that they're such reliable bloomers when almost everything else is overwhelmed by the heat).

Hope you and yours have a very happy 4th!
Bill

Paige Thomas King said...

You certainly made-up for my lack of a patriotic display! Sorry it is so hot. We're enjoying some beautiful weather (but you probably don't want to hear that)--the heat will return with a vengance next week.
Love the flowers and the jello mold votives!
Paige

The Barnett Family said...

Where did you get your placemats? Did you make them? Lovin' all the patriotic tablescapes. You are soo lucky to be able to enjoy all those critters from your home. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing! Happy 4th.

paperbutterfly said...

Very creative! Your placemats are darling! I remember the jello molds...my aunt had them. I would love to have some for votive holders, maybe for dipping sauces too.
Thank you for taking the time to come and leave such a kind comment. I am now your newest follower. Hope you come back soon and join the ladies.
Happy 4th.
Pam

Alison @ Welcome Sunshine Home said...

This is gorgeous! I love how it looks after dark too.

Enjoy the week! :)