Tuesday, March 24, 2009

My Favorite Aunt's Tablescape

Welcome to yet another Tablescape Thursday, presented by our wonderful hostess Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Be sure to stop by her site and see her beautiful tablescape, as well as who else is participating.

As I was lying in bed the other night, I was thinking about not posting a tablescape because I was out of ideas. However, I thought about my Aunt Carolyn - who passed away several years ago, and I thought - yes, I'll do a post in memory of my favorite aunt!

We liked so many of the same things - reading, travel, crossword puzzles, etc., and she gave me many special items while she was living.

I will start with this tablecloth which Auntie cross-stitched in shades of green. This is one little sample, but it goes all over the cloth, as well as on the napkins!



She gave me my copy of Little Women when I was in the third grade, and then started me reading Nancy Drew (love her! - the old one, not the new one in movies and on TV). There is my copy of The Clue in the Ivy. She also gave me this little porcelain vase. Unfortunately it had a little accident several years ago, but I keep the other bud - see it on the book?

She gave me my first piece of Chantilly silver - the spoon that you see.

And then she gave me her good china - Wellesley - I love the creamy white design on the border and the color of the flowers in the middle.



I decided that some of our pink azaleas would look good on the table since they are just starting to bloom.

The books are sitting on an upside-down compote (from GW).

You can see some more of the cross-stitch, as well as the napkin (I didn't fold it so that you could see the whole design). Believe it or not, I really did iron the tablecloth!






Well, thanks for letting me share my Aunt Carolyn with you. I'll bet you have a favorite aunt, too! Be sure to visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch and I know you'll enjoy getting lots of good ideas from her and from all the other participants. Blessings, Linda

51 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Chère Linda...J'adore la nappe et les serviettes! Elles sont très belles....beaucoup de détails...et faites à main aussi! Mais les assiettes...ce sont elles qui sont mes préférées! C'est un "tablescape" très émouvant!!...Debbie

Kathy said...

Hello Linda, I am so glad you decided to share Aunt Carolyn's treasures with us, your tablescape is beautiful. Kathy.

PAT said...

Beautiful Beautiful table!!

ellen b. said...

Oh so lovely Linda! What a sweet tribute to your Auntie! The cloth and dishes are so beautiful. What treasures!

Mari @ Once Upon a Plate said...

How lovely, Linda! Items with history and sweet memories attached to them mean the most to me.

I'm so happy you decided to share the delightful memories and treasures from your dear Aunt.

Dream Mom said...

Oh, these are the best tablescapes...the ones that have some history and special things in them. I can see your aunt smiling down on you. How lovely it was that she shared the books and her love of silver with you.

My tablescape this week was also done in memory of my sister that died on March 1st. When I cleaned out her place, I found many things to use for tablescaping, including the pink petals and pink candles I used this week. Your post made me cry because I used things that were hers, like you did in yours with your aunt, and it made me miss her.

Martha said...

What a pretty table and all of those memories of your dear Aunt. She was special, I know, and so loved her little niece to share so many things with her.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I loved your post. The items from our family memories are the best!

Deb said...

Sooooo pretty! I love the tablecloth and napkins, they are so special! Love how you decribed the relationship you and your aunt had. How wonderful to have things that belonged to her. Deb

Kathleen said...

What a lovely tribute to your Aunt. The dishes are just wonderful..I know you must treasure them.
Beautiful table, glad you decided to do it!

The Norwegian said...

My, what fine and true things you have received from your Aunt Carolyn. I am a bookworm and Little Women and Nancy Drew are among the best! Love the Chantilly silver and Wellesley china. So pretty. A lovely post and a great tribute to someone special.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What precious memories of a favorite Aunt. I love the books and the china she gave you is just stunning. How wonderful to also have a tablecloth and napkins that she made. I love family heirlooms and appreciate you sharing. Hugs, Marty

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Linda,
This is just a classic! I love the china and silverware and the tablecloth and the beautiful flowers to boot! Cindy

Painter's Place said...

This is so pretty. Your Aunt would be so proud!

xinex said...

Oh, what a special tablescape, Linda! Your aunt is smiling from heaven! Everything she gave you is gorgeous, especially the dinnerware and the silveware. Love them!...Christine

Bab's Kitchen said...

Love the plates!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a sweet tribute to your aunt - and what lovely things she gave you as well as wonderful memories - thanks for sharing!

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Your table is beautiful. I love the way you stacked the books. ~Athella

Kathy said...

A beautiful table and a lovely auntie!
xo...Kathy

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

You are so fortunate to have your aunts things. Thanks for sharing. Happy TT.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

OH Linda what a special table this is with your Aunts china...oh girl I just love it...its just Priceless to say the least...thank you dear friend for sharing Wonderful...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Nancy Wyatt said...

So very pretty! Thanks for stopping in at my giveaway! I look forward to following your blog!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing your special things that your aunt gave you. They are beautiful. Her china is very exotic and unusual- very pretty! The things that she gave you help you to remember her and that is so wonderful!

susan said...

Your aunt sounds like a special lady. She shared so much of herself and sparked lifelong interests for you! Beautiful!

Wanda said...

The green is so right for spring, and it is so lovely to have such a conection to a dear Aunt. I have 3 that I dearly loved.

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Your tablescape was lovely...especially because of the sentiments behind it. Very pretty china...and tablecloth. Have a great day!

~CC Catherine said...

Nina, What a totally pretty and sentimental tablescape! I Love everything from the unique table centerpiece to the stunning dishes. Really, this is a precious table that I'd be honored to sit at! ;) ~CC Catherine

Linda in AZ * said...

* Linda, not only is your table lovely & I ADORE Auntie's china, but the sentiment behind it all really touches one's heart~~~ deeply! I think she would be so proud~~~ thank you for sharing it~~~ Linda

Marie Anne said...

What a lovely tribute to your favorite aunt!

Bo said...

Hi Linda...Your Aunt Carolyn sounds like a lovely lady. The gifts she gave you are such treasures & you have created a beautiful tablescape in her memory.
The china is GORGEOUS! ;-) Bo

MindyMac said...

Really, really pretty! I can't believe your azaleas are blooming like that! Our haven't at all! Sweet Aunt Caroline.

Jewel Sauls said...

What a wonderful tribute to your aunt! I love the cross stitched linens. Your centerpiece is just lovely. :D Jewel

Tardevil said...

What a pretty table. Love the china pattern - I haven't seen that one before.

Chandy said...

Beautiful table and lovely dinnerware!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful elegance. What a wonderful remembrance of your Aunt. You gave her things your touch, and it looks terrific.

SouthernGal said...

What a beautiful and special tablecloth. Knowing that your favorite aunt cross stitched it herself if very special. Beautiful table.

Maryrose said...

What a charming post. I wish I had an Aunt Carolyn to expose me to all of those fun things. I loved your table and the way you displayed your love for Aunt Carolyn (and actually her love for you).
Maryrose

The Stylish House said...

Linda,
I just posted my Tablescape and came over here. I can’t believe it, I did a tribute to my grandmother like you did for your sweet aunt. You know what they say about great minds! I enjoyed getting to know your aunt she was a special lady.

Sue said...

What a charming memory filled table you shared with us today. What a special niece you must have been to your Auntie....She surely blessed you with some beautiful items to keep your family traditions going.
Hugs,
Sue

From the Old InkWell said...

HOW SWEET AND SENTIMENTAL! WHAT A CREATIVE WAY TO DISPLAY MEMORIES!

Connie said...

Beautiful table and tribute!

Unknown said...

What a heartfelt tribute and a lovely table. I'm sure she watching over you now.
Happy Twirls,
Libby

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Sounds like you had a fabulous aunt. She gave you many beautiful things. My aunts have never given me anything. But luckily I am the kind of aunt that does things with my nieces & one of my nieces & I both love the same things, so I am always giving her stuff.

Oh and I love the old Nancy Drew too. I would love to read the books & pretend I was Nancy Drew. Such fond memories.

Beautiful tablescape.

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

what a wonderful tribute to your aunt! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan

The Country Nest said...

Beautiful, to look at and in sentiment too.
hugs,
Donna

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Linda, this is just lovely! I love that china pattern. The tablecloth and napkins are so pretty. And what a clever idea to turn the compote upside down for the centerpiece. Great tablescape, and how wonderful to have all of these memories of a favorite aunt. laurie

Cass @ That Old House said...

Thank you for sharing Aunt Carolyn with us. How wonderful to pay tribute to her in this way. Her handwork in the tablecloth is gorgeous, and how wonderful for you-- to have an aunt who introduced you to both Little Women and the REAL Nancy Drew!

Fabulous post, thanks! Cass

Jojo said...

That is a beautiful springtime table full of memories. So lovely.

Melissa Miller said...

Linda you have created such a beautiful table!

The dishes are gorgeous.

Happy Spring!
~Melissa :)

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Hi Linda! You've got to be kidding?! Your mom! That is so funny!!! I love your table! We've got the same silver from my mother-n-law! Gorgeous china and tablecloth! God Bless! Lauralu :)

Charlotte said...

Hi Linda....beautiful beautiful china....