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July 20, 2015 By Shirley

A Creative Carolina Tablescape

A Creative Carolina Tablescape was the thing to create when my theme for my dinner group party was

“A Taste of Carolina”

We are a part of a Dinner Group consisting of wonderful friends

who I must say are fantastic cooks and gracious hosts.

I created this tablescape a couple of years ago and thought that I would present it again

to show you how to incorporate the love of your state and a unique parting gift for your guests.

It my was my turn and I had a very hectic schedule that week

so with some advice from a friend I decided to do something different.

TAKE OUT!!!  From some of my favorite restaurants and deli’s in my city.

I live in an area filled will the most wonderful restaurants.

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Simple Centerpiece of three “North Carolina” Beverage Glasses of Flowers

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

At the end of the evening, they will be given to my guests.

Carolina Tablescape

My chef announcing the theme of the dinner

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Carolina Tablescape

Place card holders with the names of the “food origins”

Carolina Tablescape

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality

Sunflowers and Roses-Housepitality Designs

Flowers from Trader Joe’s….North Carolina Beverage Glasses from Catstudio

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Have you noticed “peaks and valleys” of fabric on the plates?

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

 

You are probably thinking, what is a Lifesaver doing on a napkin?

 

The “Water Lily” napkin fold needed something in the middle of the “flower”.

The Lifesaver mint doubles as decoration for the napkin and an after dinner mint!

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Dinner Plate: Lenox Butler’s Pantry.

Salad plate: Noritake Summer Estate.

The actual table setting was meant to be simple….along with the meal.

I thought a “pretty folded napkin” would add some whimsy and fun to the table.

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

Tablecloth and napkins by Ralph Lauren (HomeGoods).

Carolina Tablescape-Housepitality Designs

It was a wonderful evening of food, drink and great conversation with wonderful friends.

I certainly did this dinner the “Christopher Lowell” style.

You know. . . . go to your favorite store, restaurant, or deli and embellish your “pre-cooked” food

and everyone is happy!

 

I am joining:

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Carolina Tablescape, Flower Napkin Fold, North Carolina glasses, North Carolina Tablescape, sunflowers, Tablescape 47 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:19 am

    Shirley,
    This is fabulous. What a great idea for your turn to host and what a cute and wonderful center piece that then is given to your guests when they leave. Super cute and so thoughtful. I bet you had a great evening with your friends. I know you are the hostess with the mostess and are so thoughtful with every thing you did for a nice evening. There is nothing better than celebrating with great friends and wonderful food. Have a great start to the new week ahead. Hope Haven was fun.
    Kris

    Reply
  2. Kim says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:52 am

    Love that tablescape and remember it well. The lifesaver is the best idea.

    Reply
  3. Celestina Marie says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Hi Shirley, love this tablescape!! What a wonderful idea for your state and bringing in the food from fabulous restaurants around your area. Love the centerpieces and then as gifts. So creative and thoughtful. The pattern in the table cloth and napkins is gorgeous and I love the flower you created with the napkin and center lifesaver. I know your friends enjoyed a special time. You are the best!!
    Hugs, cm

    Reply
  4. Anne@DesignDreams says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:20 am

    Sooooooooo gorgeous! I need you to style my table photos, I’m so not good at that! Love your napkins…

    Reply
  5. Lauren says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:25 am

    What a beautiful, thoughtful and inspiring tablescape. I love the North Carolina glasses and the idea to give the centerpieces to guests. Thanks for sharing where you found them. I have seen the pillows and dish towels at Southern Season, but have never seen the glasses, I really need to get those!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 20, 2015 at 11:45 am

      Lauren, if they are not at A Southern Season, you can find them on the Catstudio web site!…

      Reply
  6. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:39 am

    This is stunning. I adore the little chef also, what a fun addition to the event. Your table is absolutely stunning.

    Reply
  7. DeEtte says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:41 am

    What a beautiful table setting! So bright and cheery. Love, love, love the tablecloth and napkins, and I have never seen napkins folded that way. How cute!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 20, 2015 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks DeEtte…the folds are called Water Lily.

      Reply
  8. Cindy says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Oh my, this NC girl loves your glasses…such a great idea! Beautiful table setting!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  9. Betsy@coastal-colors says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:52 am

    Shirley, your table is gorgeous! I love your idea of a Carolina theme. The napkin flowers are adorable and add a great touch of whimsy to your china. The glasses and floral arrangements are so colorful- what a clever idea to give them as a departing gift to your guests. I know a fun time was had by all!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 20, 2015 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks Betsy…had so much fun at Haven that I forgot to take many pictures!!!

      Reply
  10. Cindy says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Oh Shirley…this is beautiful! Everything screams “I’M GORGEOUS!” I really would love to know how to do the napkin fold because I’ve never seen that before! It’s really beautiful!!! Hope you had a wonderful time at HAVEN:)

    Reply
  11. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Now you need to do a tutorial on the napkin fold! Love the whole table and a brilliant idea to do take out!!! May just think about that next month when it is my turn for our dinner group!!! Hope you had a blast at Haven!!!

    Reply
  12. Betty brown says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Everything you do just appeals to me.Love your post.:)

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 20, 2015 at 7:02 pm

      Thanks Betty!

      Reply
  13. Jan Garon says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:28 am

    This is beautiful! I love the floral fabric you chose for your tablecloth and napkins. Simple table settings with beautiful fabric are always gorgeous and yours definitely is.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 20, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      Thanks Jan!!

      Reply
  14. Anita says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Shirley, I love your table! What a great Idea to use take out food ala CL! I LOVE him and always loved his show. I have been spying those table linens on eBay and might just have to get that pattern. Love how the soft blue looks with the yellow. Pretty, pretty!!

    Reply
  15. Des says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:47 am

    I absolutely LOVE this table vignette!!!! The floral table cloth and napkins paired with the beautiful flower centerpieces is just DIVINE!!!! The little lifesaver in the middle of each napkin is such a sweet touch too! Have a great week….
    ~Des

    Reply
  16. Pam Richardson says

    July 20, 2015 at 10:17 am

    Shirley, love the Ralph Lauren linens and everything about your setting! When you have great restaurants nearby, why not incorporate their excellent food! Great ideas for busy hostesses. I have had so many people over the years to say, “I can’t cook, so I dont’t entertain.” That excuse is poor, since you can purchase great food! Have a beautiful Monday!
    Blessings,
    Pam

    Reply
  17. judianni says

    July 20, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Hi Shirley, What a wonderful idea for a stressful week! The whole point is eating good food with good friends and having a good time! With your beautiful tablescape and take home centerpieces and with YOU feeling rested and enjoying company I expect all enjoyed the evening and the variety of delicious foods. Great idea I’m going to copy one of these days!!!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 20, 2015 at 7:04 pm

      A great time was had by all Judianni!

      Reply
  18. Pat@back porch musings says

    July 20, 2015 at 11:12 am

    I remember this, Shirley. It is gorgeous! I think it is about time for me to come up with a tablescape for a table rather than the island.:-)

    Reply
  19. Michelle Mortensen says

    July 20, 2015 at 11:26 am

    This is a great tablescape! I really like the little North Carolina glass used as a vase. My Bestie D just bought one for California in a cute shop in Newport Beach when we were shopping together. She was giving it as a giftand I suggested she put some flowers in it when she presented it. The table linens you used are also lovely. Is the stemware Waterford?
    Best,
    Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
    P.S. Feel free to pop over to my blog to see its new design!

    Reply
  20. Mary Ferguson says

    July 20, 2015 at 11:55 am

    Beautiful tablescape – love the tablecloth and napkins. Everything was perfect. What did you serve for dinner? It is a great idea. I am having a few friends over the 31st to celebrate my Birthday and we are having a wonderful deep dish pizza with tossed salad. We get together about once every two months as we all worked to gather and most of us were laid off due to 9/11/ We have kept in contact with each other over the years. They all wanted to come to my house so therefore a take out dinner. I am just not able to cook and prepare all the things that go with a snappy dinner. Should be fun and less stress.
    So glad that your guests enjoyed the evening.
    Mary

    Reply
  21. Mary Alice Patterson says

    July 20, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Your tablescape looks so beautiful, Shirley!! Love how you presented the napkins, and the centerpiece is so pretty. Take out is my kind of dinner party!! Perfect idea, especially when life is so hectic. Enables you to enjoy as well.
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  22. Cindy says

    July 20, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Beautiful table and super idea to do takeout from the area. Pretty centerpiece and table. I’m sure it was a fun time for all

    Cindy

    Reply
  23. Rita C. at Panoply says

    July 20, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    So smart, Shirley, and pretty, to boot! I love the Catstudio products, and have gifted them a couple times (and to myself!). I like how you did this, but I’m sure it even took some good planning and hostess coordination. Really, though, it’s about the thoughtful details (and the company) that matters.

    Reply
  24. Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Very pretty! Love the life saver idea 🙂

    Reply
  25. Merry pierson says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    Shirley I LOVE everything about this table!

    Reply
  26. Leila Jane says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    So, I’m dying to know what “the taste of Carolina” food was ~ to go with that beautiful table setting and the adorable North Carolina glasses full of flowers! I think that bringing in true and trusted food from wonderful restaurants is a great way to go ~ and you provided the wonderful setting for it all. Very thoughtful and generous of you to send home the Carolina glasses with flowers afterward with your guests! May I come to dinner next time? LOL!

    Reply
  27. Pamela says

    July 20, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    Everything looks so pretty Shirley!

    Reply
  28. Joanne Boulter says

    July 20, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Shirley your table setting is beautiful. I love the colors and the fresh flowers. Jo

    Reply
  29. Design Chic says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    This North Carolina girl loves your tablesetting! So pretty and I love the tablecloth and napkins, and the flowers…gorgeous! Happy Monday, Shirley!

    Reply
  30. Teresa Emrich says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    WOULD love to know what the menu was! Table setting was beautiful. How often does your dinner group meet?

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      July 21, 2015 at 11:05 am

      We meet 4 times a year. I used each restaurant and deli for each course, I.e. dessert and rolls from the bakery, and entree from Daniels of Shrimp Scampi and Vodka al la Penne….salads from Fosters…It was fun and I have finally realized that it is all about the company and friendship!

      Reply
  31. rattlebridge farm says

    July 20, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    You’ve captured the essence of a Carolina summer. Everything is so elegant and beautiful.

    Reply
  32. Mary says

    July 21, 2015 at 5:26 am

    I loved this sweet repeat of your Carolina dinner as much as the first time Shirley! I really love the water lily napkin folds 🙂

    Reply
  33. debbiedoos says

    July 21, 2015 at 8:42 am

    Beautiful! And I love your way of thinking with the food:) The lifesaver is a cute touch on your pretty napkins.

    Reply
  34. martina says

    July 21, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Beautiful setting Shirley!! Love your pretty table linens and what a great idea for the centerpiece…I’m sure your guests loved them!!

    Reply
  35. Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says

    July 21, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Yes, and YES! First, I love anything from CatStudio. Second, it doesn’t all have to be cooked from scratch for it to be a fabulously successful evening. Way to go! XO, Christy

    Reply
  36. Loi Thai Tone on Tone says

    July 21, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    That is such a gracious, summery table setting! Please teach me how to fold my napkins like those – so pretty!! And please send me an invite next time 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  37. Doreen@househoneys says

    July 21, 2015 at 9:22 pm

    This post reminds me that somewhere I have a book all about napkin folds, and I think this might be one of them. If I recall, it’s not so easy to do, but you nailed it!

    Confession time: one Thanksgiving I purchased the sides and no one was the wiser. 🙂

    Hope you had a great time at Haven Shirley. I heard there were some inspiring speakers there.

    Reply
  38. Sheila@mykentuckyliving says

    July 21, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    Well, I love every single thing on your table…tablecloth and matching napkins, crystal, and those carolina glasses are just too cool. We are heading to the Carolinas in Sept for our sand and sun therapy. We think next year we would like to spend the cold months in South Carolina…We sold our house on Hilton Head, so we now lease from someone else. Anyway…love your Carolina theme.
    xo
    sheila

    Reply
  39. Jordan@the2seasons says

    July 23, 2015 at 8:44 am

    This is so pretty and I LOVE the North Carolina glasses. I have been collecting the state vintage glasses for a few years now and I never thought as using them to hold flowers on a table. You always have great ideas!

    Reply
  40. LorB says

    July 26, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    Such a pretty table setting and I love what you did with the napkins…

    Reply

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About Me

Hi I’m Shirley and I am here to share my love of classic interiors, french country style, my passion for flowers and making our home, The Hickory Cottage, a warm and hospitable home for family and friends.

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