A Valentine Memory

For this week's Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, I thought I'd share one of my early
tablescapes since it happens to be a Valentine one which brings back fond memories. No, not of the dinner party but that this was the 'scape that made me start thinking, "Hey, I really like setting pretty tables!"

I actually only took two pictures of it using my son's digital camera as I didn't even own one back then.  I've created some close-up pics of a few areas using the editing tool on Flickr so I can share some details with you.

I set this table quite a few years ago for a Valentine's Dinner we were having with two other couples. It is pretty simple compared with some of my more recent 'scapes but I remember having so much fun "playing" with it.

Back then, my centerpieces were not too elaborate and usually consisted of some fresh flowers and some type of candleholder.

This is one of my favourite Partylite pieces, a prism tealight lamp.  Unfortunately, it is no longer available and I cherish this one.  It was quite expensive but I managed to have enough in sales when I hosted a party, that I got it for free!

 

 Some red and white tulips and baby's breath make a good colour combo for Valentine's Day.  I like the drama created by using a black tablecloth with the red/white.

 I didn't have any red placemats so I ironed some napkins so that the corners folded down and put a lace placemat on top.  Back then, these gold chargers (from The Shopping Channel) were the only type of chargers I owned.

I didn't even own proper wine glasses or water goblets and used a mishmash of stemware.

I realized I enjoyed tablescaping long before I knew that was the word for it and long before forums and blogs where I eventually found out I wasn't alone in this unique hobby.  Before that, my friends and family thought I was a little strange when I would spend hours setting a table even when no one would be eating at it!

Okay, I'll admit it, a lot of them still do find it/me strange!

Do you remember when you first started to realize you were having fun setting tables?  Was it way back or did you think of it as a "hobby" you might like to try once you saw some 'scapes on Tablescape Thursday? Has it grown into a major obsession where you think "centerpiece" with any decorative item you see?  Do you have dishes stored under the beds?

I'd love to hear anything you'd like to share on how/when you started tablescaping or even if you are still just thinking about it!    For plenty of encouragement and ideas, head on over to BNOTP for TT!