Thursday, August 26, 2010

Summer Vintage Tablescape

I don't iron. I haven't owned an iron for about 8 years. A few years ago, my daughter and I went over to a friend's house to hang out a bit. She had her iron and ironing board out, and my little girl pointed to it and said, "Mommy, what's that?" Exactly.

Last weekend, as I was prepping for a reception, I used this awesome steamer to steam out all the wrinkles in the linens. I thought to myself, "I really should at least have an iron." Then, last week, as God would have it, I was shopping at the best grocery store in the world, when I saw a steaming iron. I think it was maybe $10. I decided it was time to break down and get one. (I even grabbed the ironing board for $8 while I was at it.)

So, then, this morning, while the kids were playing happily, I decided to work on a new tablescape. I've been wanting to play around with some vintage finds that I had recently collected from estate sales and clearance racks. And, plus, with my hubby having night class two nights in a row, I figured we could use a nice sit down dinner all together. So I dove into designing.

With my handy dandy new steaming iron, I freshened up the linens...almost ALL the linens. I got a little carried away. I couldn't stop! It was absolutely addicting! I knew there was a reason why I didn't have one. I now understand why my grandmother would say "those creases in the linens were her pride and joy".



I've always loved vintage pieces. They have such a story to tell, and they are all crafted so beautifully. As, I took everything out, I was really pleased how well all the pieces went together. Usually, when I'm on the hunt, I don't try to match with what I have. I just grab what I like that's a good price, and then try to find a good spot for it.

I couldn't wait to sit down with my family for a nice dinner together. But, then I remembered what I had made for dinner prior to designing the table. Any guesses?


Baked spaghetti. Oh, well. They wash up well, and hey, I can bring out that iron thing again!

Linking up to a very fun linky that I just found today! I just can't keep up with all these fabulous blogs.

Have you been in the studio creating this week? Go check out Sneak Peek Fridays with Jennifer!
StudioJRU

24 comments:

  1. Of course it was spaghetti! This post makes me smile. I agree...sometimes when I start ironing, I actually enjoy it. I like the smell of freshly ironed vintage linens. I never dreamed that I would say that I find ironing relaxing, but I really do. It's a great time to think and reflect. Thanks for sharing your charming table design. Cherry Kay

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  2. Your linens are beautiful and pressed to perfection. A lovely table set for family dinner with baked spaghetti.

    All the Best,

    Requi

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  3. I didn't guess the "baked" part, but the "spaghetti" part was a given. :-) Your table looks beautiful, and I loved your post.
    PS - If you're ever looking for something to iron, please give me a call.

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  4. Oh wow... I love it! I love the mix and no matchy matchy. It is just beautiful! What a special table for your family to sit together. :)

    Thank you so much for sharing what you are creatin' this week!!

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  5. Cute table! I avoid ironing as much as possible too : ) The steam makes all the difference though.

    PS Thank you for visiting me at The Tiny Tudor yesterday!

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  6. What a wonderful setting with all the different pieces brought together. Nice use of the varied textures and designs.
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  7. I keep wondering where can you get an iron for $10 these days? :) I like how you mixed all the vintage pieces together. Beautiful table! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. I like how both Aldi and I make an appearance in this entry. Did you do it to antagonize me?

    I am so proud of your ironing.

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  9. I am such a fan of vintage linens, and yours are lovely AS IS the whole table. I love the mason jars for glasses. Perfect vintage touch.

    I'm so glad you found the TT party! Now, I'll look for you again because I know that I will like it!

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  10. Goodness Gracious Alive..your table setting was beautiful! In love with the vintage linens and when I first saw yours, I immediately thought of my grandmother. :)) Such a nice walk down memory lane..thank you so much for sharing.

    Hugs of Georgia Sunshine,
    Terri

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  11. Love your linens. You made me laugh so hard by not having a iron, I have one but do not use it. I teach a homeschool class for girls 3rd through 5th grade and one of the things I am suppose to teach this year is ironing, I am hoping that since you seemed to have no problem jumping back into ironing that it like riding a bike and I will be fine. So glad you shared you are a bright spot in my day.

    Cha Cha

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  12. TOO funny about the ironing! There is something immediately rewarding about it (and vacuuming and cleaning toilets). You can see your progress...I love that! The table turned out *great*! Of course, it was baked spaghetti. Now onto stain-removal (another "rewarding" household chore)! ;)

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. Fun post to read! Ironing is a lost art! If I could be at home more (not at work) I'd love to have everything all freshly pressed! Your tablescape looks very pretty - hope not too much spaghetti landed on it!

    DD

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  14. I've gone thru the same experience with ironing and sewing. I used to think they were so much work, and now I love doing both. When I am sewing, I just shake my head and think how lazy I must have been when I was younger and thought making a bobbin and ironing fabric took SO long. Now I actually enjoy both. It's so interesting how we change over time. Love how you set the table--how special and festive!

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  15. I have an iron for one reason, only...linens! I find it very relaxing to iron napkins and tablecloths.
    Your table looks lovely, hope your napkins and tablecloth didn't suffer too badly.
    Have a great weekend, Melissa.

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  16. You ladies are so sweet! Thanks for all the encouragement. I never knew I could love something I hated so much!

    Oh, and Kari, I knew you'd love that. mwahaahaa. ;)

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  17. Wow. We don't have one either. My mom thinks it is horrible! I keep meaning to get one.

    Your table looked gorgeous. What beautiful plates and linens. Just stunning. Glad the ironing torned out to be therapuetic. : )

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  18. Oh, you have inspired me to have a tea party with my girls! How beautiful! It makes doing things that I'm not fond of {laundry and cooking} a work of art {which I do love}.

    Just gorgeous!

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  19. I, too, hate the iron. I just don't understand how people can make this a weekly chore. However, if my ironing were to help in the production in a table such as yours and I viewed it as a pathway to ART, perhaps I could drag it out...once in a while.

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  20. Your finds and bargains came together so beautifully. Just lovely.

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  21. Gorgeous...I don't iron either.....Love your blog...

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  22. I am smiling and soaking up all of your table "beauty".
    Loved your ironing story-- I can so relate--ironing is last thing I want to do, but when
    I'm flattening all those wrinkles, I feel so accomplished. Love your blog!! :D

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  23. So beautiful!! I'm afraid I use my iron quite a bit, but have learned to find something entertaining to listen to while I iron - it makes the time pass quickly!

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  24. Love this post-- the ironing thing, the vintage finds-- the tablescape! Beautiful

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