A Southern Belle and New Orleans

Tablescapes are so much fun to put together. Today, we're strolling down the French Quarter. It's a little warm/HOT but that's part of the charm of the Quarter. I actually spent my teenage years living on the Westbank of New Orleans. I have so many wonderful memories of those years.

Since I warned you it would be hot, we're going to sit outside. Now don't whine. We have a ceiling fan. You will  be okay.

My inspiration piece is my New Orleans vintage tablecloth. I just love it! I bought it on eBay many years ago.

The table cloth is square and has New Orleans landmarks all around the edges. There is even a Dixie Land band!

I found the crab plates at Marshall's quite a while ago. There were only 3 and I thought"well, I'll find some more". No, none, nowhere...even checked eBay. I love the plate and bowl combo and use them on a regular basis just for us. You saw the chips didn't you?

The plates are by April Cornell for Silvestri.

I've used a variety of Louisiana items such as the Dixie Sampler, a Magnolia arrangement, a southern belle planter and Fleur-de-lis.

I found this Dixieland cross-stitch sampler at a local antique mall for just a few dollars. I knew I would use it somewhere...someday. Someone put in a lot of work on this. Notice I am even using a fleur-de-lis plate holder. As my grandmother would say...Well, lah de dah.

The rose ceramic napkin holders were a gift I had given to my mother. I love using her things now. These even have a few chips but that makes them more precious because she loved to use them.

I use my vintage Southern Belle planter in a lot of settings. If you're going to be a Southern Belle, you have to have a planter. I think that's a rule.

Sweet iced tea is served in a great-aunt's Depression glass Iridized Iris & Herringbone pitcher. Take a look at the glasses. See the Southern Belle scenes?

While I was playing slaving over this arrangement, I decided to try a different look. A little lighter? I cut some flowers and put them in a syrup pitcher, brought in a candle and a miniature ceramic figurine. I also used a metal pineapple since it is the sign of hospitality.  I might like this better...what about you?

I bought the sweet little butter dish one one of our antiquing vacation trips. I love the small size. It will hold about 1/2 of a stick of butter. You have to have butter for your cornbread.

I believe he is singing to his sweetheart, Oh Susannah 
"I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee,
I'm going to Louisiana, my true love for to see

After all of these pictures, were you wondering if Mr. Dumpling ever had Supper (it is Supper here)? Well, of course he did. And what could be more Southern than Red Beans w/Ham, Rice, Cornbread and sweet Iced Tea!!! I'll be posting the recipe next week.

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Sharing with:

Tablescape Thursday
Vintage Thingie Thursday
Strut Your Stuff Thursday
Boost My Blog Friday
Flaunt It Friday 
Show and Tell Friday 
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday

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Happy Memorial Day!

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival of liberty.” 

 — John F. Kennedy

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Tablescape - Southern Belle

There is just not anything I love/hoard as much as dishes. I can't help myself. It is a genetic issue which also afflicted my mother. I like every shape, every color and almost any combination.

Today, my inspiration piece is a hand embroidered and crocheted cloth. I bought this little treasure in Round Top, TX many years ago. A lovely woman had a small booth set up and was raising money for her mission work. This cloth had been made in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe by her students. Well, you can imagine how my heart started beating when I saw the Southern Belle. It was meant for me. Really.

The colors used are so gorgeous especially the lavender, purple and blue. I used the following dishes:

My lavender chargers from JC Penny's and Lenox Butler's Pantry square plates.

On top of that are salad plates which match the chargers.

And the Pièce de résistance are my antique Noritake cream soup and underplate. I don't use a lot of blue but these just stole my heart. See all the pretty soft colors?

Do you shop at Marshall's? Fortunately for me, the closest Marshall's is about 65 miles away. I have probably gradually purchased every piece of white china and serving pieces they sell. In this setting, I used the cake plate, milk and sugar and the spaghetti holder. It served as my vase. Now if you are from LA, you will quickly pick up the significance of the flower colors. Geaux Tigers!

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I added a sweet little vintage Lefton Southern Belle planter and my sun purple syrup holder.

It will be filled with Blackberry Mint syrup...our current addiction. Add it to tea and it's just beyond yummy! Mr. Dumpling has been known to make a special trip to the store to get the berries. What a man! I'll post the recipe for it next week for some of the Foodie Parties.


I'm linking this post to the following parties for this week:

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