Aloha

It all started with this postcard …

 
I bought it over a decade ago on the only trip I’ve ever taken to Hawaii.  For some reason it struck me as hilarious … Still does. The time’s never seemed right to send it to anyone — until now.
 
This weekend, my parents leave with my nephew on his “trip with the grandparents” vacation — and the college freshman chose Hawaii. In honor of their trip, I’ve been planning a tablescape … but Renaissance Man didn’t know that when he and Little Man surprised me with this orchid for Mother’s Day. He must’ve read my mind…

 
Another piece of my inspiration was this Hawaiian girl plaster bust that belongs to my daughter (aka Little Man’s Mommy).  We often laugh about her “collecting heads.”  I’ll have to show you her collection sometime…

 
Vintage shell-design pottery piece by Haeger …

 
Tablecloth I bought in Hawaii …

 
A little Hawaiian girl …

 
and boy … and, of course, sand and seashells …

 
Seagrass placemats … and my everday Oneida Mozart stainless (with its wave-like pattern)


 
And then I broke the “rules” …
There is absolutely no brown in the tablecloth, but these heavy acrylic dishes (found at an overstock store) with their swirls — like the ones on the tablecloth …

 
and flowers …

 
and wavy shapes …

 
just felt right — as long as I added the blue napkin … in a non-traditional location. The dishes complement the placemats and plaster busts and sand …

 
Even the Dollar Tree goblets add some elegant sparkle to the candlelit table …

 

 

 
Safe travel and happy memory-making, Family!

 
You’ve chosen a beautiful destination …

 
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’ll join me for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch — where every week you’ll see LOTS of fabulous tablescapes.
 
Have you ever been to Hawaii? If so, what did you enjoy most? I’d love to know! Can you tell I loved the orchids?


 
 
HINT:  Rather than using sand, use Talus. It shows up better in a tablescape — and in pictures! — and it’s also a lot less messy! I bought mine several years ago at Hobby Lobby … and I use it over and over.  You can also see it in use HERE in my Moonlight Beach tablescape.

Comments

  1. What a wonderful idea – the Grandparents and grandson trip. And Hawaii – how wonderful! Your tablescape is a celebration, the colors and the accents are perfect. I have never been to Hawaii, but your table seems to capture the spirit.

  2. I’ve never heard of Talus…thanks for the tip. I lived a summer in Hawaii when I was in college. I adore it…and your table. Thank you for sharing your charming design and for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay

  3. I think your table is very in tune for the approaching trip to Hawaii. The orchids are truly beautiful and photograph like a dream! You did not break a rule as far as I am concerned….the china looks perfect with the cloth and by the way, the brownish burnt orange compliments the brown in the china. I think sometimes when we “break” a fashion rule that new ideas are born and creativity can grow in us.

  4. I’ve never heard of talus either. Thanks!

    I thought the whole thing was wonderful, and I think the brown with the blue just looked like tiki huts on the water against the tablecloth.

    I’ve never been to Hawaii, but my parents have. Mother says it is absolutely wonderful.

  5. What a cute table! I think your dishes fit the setting very well too. So neat that it all came together like that right at this time. I hope your grandson has a great time and the postcard well, it’s a hoot! 🙂 Finally, following you now, so sorry I thought I already was!

  6. gorgeous! the browns and waviness to the dishes just totally work. i loved, loved, loved our vacation to hawaii last year. i loved maui for its own reasons, and kauai for different ones. such great memories, and truly a relaxing vacation.

  7. Love your Hawaiian tablescape. Sounds like a wonderful trip — how fun to set the table with the vacation theme.

  8. What a delightful island tablescape. I would never have guessed those great dishes were acrylic, they look like more like a heavy ceramic. The centerpiece is beautiful with the heads and that shocking pink orchid.