Boho Jungle Chic Tablescape

Some pieces just make you smile the second you see them. For me, it’s this pair of vintage Italian ceramic monkeys I inherited from my mom nearly fifty years after she brought them home. Glazed a creamy white with the sweetest little faces and curly tails, they’re stamped simply “Italy” on the bottom. They’ve lived on bookshelves as bookends, perched on mantels, and now as the centerpiece of my cozy little brunch table for two.

 

I wanted the whole setting to feel like a sun-drenched jungle brunch that somehow stayed elegant. Artificial palm leaves serve as oversized placemats, layered over a faux burlap tablecloth and a tone-on-tone boho woven runner with playful fringe. The beige cloth napkins from PurpleEssences add that soft, natural texture I love.

  

The black square dinner plates act as a dramatic base for the 9-inch Fitz and Floyd “Manhattan Garden” salad plates. Those salad plates are pure joy—raised dimensional leaves in shades of green on a creamy beige ground, finished with a delicate braided rim. They make every dish look like it belongs in a garden. 

 My beloved Juliska “Little Monkey” Petit Singe Whitewash mugs (retired pattern, now shockingly expensive on replacement sites) sit ready for coffee or tea. Each one has the cutest embossed baby monkey peeking out—talk about tableware that makes you grin! 

For glassware, I mixed Mikasa “Park Lane” crystal wine glasses with amber stemmed water glasses that pop beautifully against all the greens and whites. 

 

Cordless black table lamps on either side of the monkeys cast a soft, flattering glow, while the rustic Creative Co-Op Stoneware, Reactive Glaze Pitcher behind them holds a faux candle and faux grasses for that extra layer of romantic, flicker-free light.

 

The monkeys themselves sit front and center, one with his tail curled, the other looking sweetly curious, as if they’re waiting for my guest to arrive. Every time I walk past the table I catch myself smiling. That’s the magic of a tablescape done right—it turns an ordinary meal into something memorable and turns inherited treasures into new family stories. 

 

What vintage or sentimental piece do you love pulling out for your own table? I’d love to hear in the comments! 

 

By the way, if the monkeys look familiar it’s because I have used them in the past in this "A Night in the Tropics" Tablescape and in the Jungle Nights Tablescape. I think it’s important to get as much joy out of our beloved things as possible. 

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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Champagne Brunch Alfresco Tablescape

 

Last week’s cool mornings were perfect for an outdoor breakfast, and I drew inspiration from my vibrant Williams-Sonoma lemon plates to create a stunning tablescape. The result was a bold, colorful setup that brought joy to the meal.

I started with a whimsical lemon-patterned tablecloth from SporGenix, available on Amazon, which set a cheerful tone. On top, I layered Bordallo Pinheiro geranium leaf chargers for a touch of elegance. Simple indigo blue stoneware dinner plates from Larder & Vine provided a grounding contrast, with the star of the show—the Williams-Sonoma lemon plates—adding a pop of citrusy charm. 

For cereal, granola, or oatmeal, I used handled bowls I’ve cherished for years.

 

The glassware was a mix of sentimental and striking: yellow chalices inherited from my mother, cobalt blue champagne flutes, bubble glass lemon juice glasses, and petite Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage leaf espresso cups for a cohesive look.I chose Urban Villa green napkins (available here) to complement the palette, paired with the ornate Keawell Versailles flatware, a new favorite (find it here). 

 

Each place setting was adorned with a double sprig of fresh lemon balm from my deck garden, tucked into small spice jars repurposed as charming mini vases. Lemon salt and pepper shakers added an equally whimsical touch.

  

At the table’s center, a bold Pottery Barn hurricane served as a striking focal point. To elevate the festive vibe, I paired our champagne with a playful touch: my trusty oscillating bubble machine! Though the bubbles were fleeting due to the constant breeze in my area, they added a whimsical moment to the morning. At one point, however, it ran a bit amok.

This vibrant, citrus-inspired setup made our outdoor breakfast unforgettable, blending bold colors, personal treasures, and a dash of fun. 

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 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

A Red, White, and Blue Tablescape with Heart and History

 

Every time I set my table, I’m amazed by how much red, white, and blue dinnerware I’ve collected over the years. But it wasn’t always this way. In our previous home, my dining room was a vibrant showcase of jewel-toned dinnerware and stemware, proudly displayed in a vintage china cabinet. That changed when I inherited my mother’s collection of dinnerware and stemware, forcing me to part with some of my own pieces to make space. When we moved to our current home, I leaned hard into neutrals—a decision that led to letting go of treasures I’d later regret.

One regret stung more than most: my cobalt blue champagne flutes with their distinctive spiral design. For reasons I still can’t fathom, I included them in my dad’s estate sale. The moment they were gone, I missed them. I’d find myself poring over old photos of tablescapes where those flutes sparkled, feeling a pang of loss. Those glasses aren’t easy to find, but after a determined Google image search, I tracked down a matching set on eBay. Buying back something I’d let go felt a little wild, but when those flutes arrived, I couldn’t have been happier. They’re as lovely as I remembered, and I promise you, they’ll be gracing my table often.

That rediscovery inspired this year’s tablescape, along with a Mother’s Day gift to myself: a 16-piece dinnerware set by Pfaltzgraff in their “Kenna Red” pattern. Each piece is unique yet perfectly coordinated, creating a plate stack that looks effortlessly professional. The best part? The price was a steal for such a versatile collection. Dinnerware sets like this make it easy to mix and match colors and patterns for a polished, curated look.

This year, I’ve added several new elements to the table. A fresh “Fourth of July” tablecloth, three patriotic stars, and a vibrant artificial flower arrangement set the tone. Confession: that centerpiece took four sets of flowers from Amazon to get right.The first set was a letdown, so I ordered another, then another, and finally one more. Persistence paid off—I arranged them in a basket, securing the lid with a bit of wire for a festive, overflowing look that I absolutely love.

The napkins, from Pottery Barn, are a staple in my collection. Their linen offerings never disappoint, with stellar quality that elevates any table. The little blue plates holding the tarts are a happy accident—found years ago at an antique shop, they somehow escaped my dad’s estate sale. I’m so glad they did; they’re perfect for this setup. The bold red water glasses make a striking statement and are versatile enough for year-round use.

The Fiestaware pitcher, a decades-old treasure, still holds its own despite the style changing at least twice since I got it. The flatware I inherited from my mother, though you can find similar sets here. These pieces tie the table together with a mix of nostalgia and timeless appeal.

This red, white, and blue tablescape is as versatile as it is vibrant, perfect for patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day, or the Fourth of July. It would also shine at a formal picnic, blending elegance with a touch of whimsy. Each piece tells a story—of lessons learned, treasures reclaimed, and new finds that spark joy. Here’s to setting tables that reflect who we are and the moments that matter.

 Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Summertime Tablescape Blog Hop!

 Click on the links below for more summer table inspiration from my blogging friends: 

Panoply - Summer Tablescape: Stars, Stripes, Checks and Plaids Forever!

Home is Where the Boat Is - Lakeside Table with Thistle and Bees

Hyacinths for the Soul - Marching Into Summer

Everyday Living -  A Garden Table to Welcome Summer

Pandora's Box - A Berry Good Brunch

Celebrating Everyday Life - Poolside Patriotic Party

Life and Linda - Adventure in the Skies

The Cat's Whizkerz - Come Sail Away

My Thrift Store Addiction - Heavenly Honeysuckle Picnic in the Garden

The Little Yellow Corner Store - What is Growing in the Garden Tablescape

Belle Bleu Interiors - A Quiet Summer's Afternoon

Dinner at Eight - Summertime Blues on a Carefree Table

Thrifting Wonderland - Summertime...Living is Easy

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Summer With a Cherry on Top

Mantel and Table - A Beautiful Red Table Setting - Roses Make It Easy

The Bookish Dilettante - Americana Tablescape for Summer

        

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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Mother’s Day Table Tribute: A Celebration of Special Women

 

This Mother’s Day, I’ve created a heartfelt table setting to honor the remarkable mothers who’ve touched my life.

At the heart of the display is a cherished 19th-century silver teapot from my late husband’s mother, repurposed as a vase. Its tarnished charm, which I’ve lovingly polished over the years, inspired the table’s color palette. I chose vibrant flowers to dictate the pink and green theme that runs throughout. 

 

The table features scalloped pink placemats from Solino Home (of the ruffled lavender napkins that I used here). I’m a huge fan of their linens and have quite the collection. 

The silver salt and pepper shakers, engraved with a “K” for my husband’s grandmother, Keogh, add a sentimental touch. Despite their age, they polish up beautifully, though not perfectly, which only adds to their character. 

The plate stack starts with weathered white scalloped chargers from Pier One, topped with violet plates from Tabletops Gallery. Next come Bordallo Pinheiro Majolica Green Geranium Leaf salad plates, and finally, Hartstone soup bowls from my mother’s decades-old luncheon set, proudly made in the USA.I used them previously here and here. Green check napkins from Pottery Barn tie the look together.

 

Crystal water glasses, a generous gift from my friend Kathy, are Mikasa’s “Parklane” pattern. Kathy, a devoted dog mom to Bentley, also passed along the International “Contessa” silverware, which graces this table.

 

To keep the pink theme, I’ve chosen pink coupe glasses for serving pink champagne.

For a touch of sparkle, I selected Victorian-style glass teacups and saucers.

 Antique crystal candlestick holders, a gift for our first married Christmas, add elegance, while new pink and green sherbet glasses promise to be summer staples.

Whether you’re a mother to children or furry companions, this Mother’s Day, treat yourself with love and care.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Mardi Gras Tablescape

 

I've never attempted a Mardi Gras tablescape before, so this was a delightful new challenge. When Mardi Gras rolls around, my mind immediately conjures images of New Orleans, Basin Street, and the soulful notes of jazz music. Honoring my father, who was a trumpet player, I adorned the table with his vintage sheet music from the 1940s, laying it over a luxurious black velvet tablecloth edged in gold.

  

Centering the table is my late parents’ trumpet player figure, a symbol of my dad's legacy. 

 I complemented this with sheet music candles, a charming find from Pottery Barn years ago. Puce colored votive holders are scattered around to give little hints of light.

 In keeping with the color theme, I chose deep green water glasses inherited from my mother, pairing them with purple Everest Goblet Glasses.

 

A vibrant Mardi Gras mask adds a playful touch. Scattered around are coins in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of gold, green, and purple.

  

For the tableware, I chose gold chargers and flatware to echo the festivity. The plate stack features purple dinner plates from Tabletops Unlimited, followed by Bordallo Pinheiro Majolica Green Geranium Leaf salad plates, and topped with sleek black appetizer plates for contrast.Each guest will find a floral headband at their setting, inviting them to embrace the spirit of the celebration. The bright green napkins, found here, add a rich pop of color, while a whimsical chameleon saltcellar from Pottery Barn years ago brings a touch of fun to the table.

The table gains a sparkling charm with vintage glass tea cups, filled with multicolored beads that are also strewn across the table for an extra festive look.

 

Now, with the table set, it's time to cook up a big pot of New Orleans-style gumbo and savor the meal amidst this vibrant Mardi Gras tableau.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.