Monday, July 11, 2016

Asian Lily-Inspired Tablescape


I want to thank everyone for your prayers and lovely comments during what has proven to be one of the most difficult times of my life.
I cannot tell you how consoling it was to hear such encouraging words from so many of you. As you can imagine, I haven't done much cooking during the past couple of weeks, but I did set many a table.
It probably sounds odd, but while I was caring for Mr. O-P here at home during those last days, I felt completely helpless. I tried to keep the house quiet and calm, but needed something pleasant to occupy my mind, as well as something peaceful, calming, and pretty to look at to remind me that life is indeed beautiful, and it does go on.
I bought a bouquet of Asian lilies while at the market one day. I love the light fragrance they emit, something I would breathe in throughout the day. This simple act of deeply inhaling their sweet fragrance was, itself, quite calming. The lilies inspired this very simple, serene table setting.
I wanted it to be neutral and white to give the impression of peace.
The Asian glassware I’d painted nearly six years ago for an anniversary party that I had given for my parents. I kept telling myself that I needed to donate these to Savers, thinking I would never use them again, but something prevented me from doing so and now find I use them when I serve Chinese food, as well as with this table.
It is my first table in a series of them that you will see in the upcoming weeks. In looking at the photos of them all, I can gradually see myself working toward recovery.
Placemats – Pier One
Soup Bowls – Sur la Table
Coffee Set – Pottery Barn
Flatware – My mother’s picnicware

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9 comments:

  1. Cee PluseJuly 11, 2016 at 6:46 AM

    So nice to see you back! This is a beautifully serene tablescape. You have a knack that I envy for creating elegantly understated tables with just a touch of the unexpected thrown in (like your DIY hand-painted glasses). I always enjoy your posts, and look forward to seeing the tablescape journey to recovery you've mentioned.

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  2. Doreen@foxdenrdJuly 11, 2016 at 11:24 AM

    Lovely to see you!

    I just picked up 2 Asian lily's. They're still in the car actually.

    You put together a beautiful and elegant table.

    XXX

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  3. jmacJuly 11, 2016 at 2:11 PM

    Perfect! And soothing yourself with simplistic beauty is perfect therapy. You can lose the unpleasant thoughts while styling and know that he is getting just as much pleasure watching you do what he knows you love to do. A sign to both of you that you will survive this.
    When you least expect it, he will send you signs letting you know he is just fine. And that will calm your soul in unexpected ways. And make you smile!

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  4. Mae TravelsJuly 11, 2016 at 2:42 PM

    Finding solace in flowers is very inspiring. I hope you experience continued healing in your very sad time. As always, you are supremely creative with the tablescapes (while the rest of us just try to remember the essentials!)

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  5. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryJuly 11, 2016 at 4:28 PM

    So glad to see you back. Your tablescape is beautiful and I am looking forward to seeing more.

    Take care of yourself - time will heal. i wish you sunny peaceful days.

    Hugs to you,

    Mary

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  6. MarigeneJuly 11, 2016 at 5:59 PM

    Beautiful serene tablescape...I can almost smell the lilies.
    Been thinking of you this last week, Pattie.

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  7. Nellie's Cozy PlaceJuly 11, 2016 at 8:49 PM

    This is such a lovely tablescape. I love white dishes and it just looks so
    fresh and peaceful.......very nice job as always. The glasses you made are
    so cute as well...........

    I have not been by in awhile so not sure what has happened but it sounds
    like you maybe lost your husband........if so I am so very sorry to hear that hon, and will send up some prayers for you as I can only imagine what a difficult time this is for you. I have always found decorating to be a lil
    like theraphy for me, seems it must be the same for you hon,
    Blessings and Hugs,
    Nellie

    May the God of all Peace be with you during this sad time.............

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  8. GRC_LtdJuly 12, 2016 at 7:22 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Doesn't matter if you know it's coming, the finality is still a major shock to the fabric of your life. So glad you are creating a peaceful place for yourself. I strongly recommend "The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit" by Azim Khamisa. Azim lost a son to murder and has truly turned his grief into hope and peace.
    Much love to you as you adjust your life and heal your spirit.

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  9. sandyJuly 12, 2016 at 4:02 PM

    Beautiful post and table , with your talk of creating a calm and peaceful environment for Mr. O-P. I'm one of those people who believe that even though they are physically not present they are always near in spirit - always helps me with the loss of someone. I can't imagine after so many years together being alone and I hope your days will eventually become filled with light and joy as you head into the future and allow however much time it takes to heal your heart. The table looks so beautiful and I love the receipe above on the salad.

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Thank you so much for commenting, I love every one of them! I am, however, unable to respond to anonymous comments.