Two Parties: A Birthday AND A Graduation

 
Congratulations, Beverly, on three years of PINK FUN!
When I saw this table while out shopping several months ago, I knew it would show up sometime at Pink Saturday…

It’s really not my style, but it definitely made me think of Pink Saturday. I think a birthday party is the perfect time to share it — and I know some of you will love it!

But today you get 2 for 1 …
You may remember that I recently hosted a bridal shower on my front porch. You can read about it HERE. The bride and groom are both English teachers, so I used books as part of the decorations.

As parties often do, this one passed too quickly, so before putting everything away, I decided to do a quick graduation tablescape for you. Watch how easy it is to go from one kind of event to the next …

I started with the exact same flower arrangement …

and the exact same scrapbook paper-covered books … since, presumably, graduates know about books!

Then I quickly covered the table with a matelasse throw
(straight off the foot of my bed) …
and added black chargers and white Gibson “Claremont” dishes
(also fondly known here in Blogland as Gollum China).

Next came Mikasa “Italian Countryside” stainless flatware …

and smoky-grey Dollar Tree glasses.

No fancy folded napkins today. I used the obvious:

a traditional “diploma” roll (held together with a not-so-obvious hair scrunchy).

Finally, I tucked in a black mortarboard (aka graduation cap).
Doesn’t everyone save those old things when the kids graduate?

I have two of them …

Super simple transformation!

Congratulations to the class of 2011!

Obviously, I’m partying with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.
After all, it’s Birthday #3 at Pink Saturday!

Comments

  1. Susan, this is a great way to get the most out of items already on hand. Love the flowers, and the “Gollum” china is beautiful. xo,

  2. You certainly know how to throw a party in style. Great job.

  3. Looks fantastic!

    Happy Pink Saturday!

  4. So pretty! I love the hotpink and black and white. I am quite impressed at how effortlessly you transitioned from one party to the next. Excellent job! I love your tablescape! The pink octopus party setting is wacky isn’t it?

  5. Hi Susan, You are the tablescape queen! Everything is beautiful! Love the idea of reusing the grad caps . . . why don’t kids want their sentimental, well earned stuff?
    I’m off to see your bridal shower.
    Have a nice weekend!
    ~ Julie

  6. How charming are both your tables!!

    I love anything to do with books, and ANY excuse for USE!

    I don’t think I’ve ever used black and white for decor (well there WAS that set of black naugahyde furniture when we built our den, but that’s history), but your knack of combining such classics with other items and colors—just amazing.

    rachel

  7. Darling post 🙂
    Happy Pink Saturday!!

    I love the colors pink,black and white on your tablescape…just lovely:)

    Kay Ellen

  8. Beautiful Susan, as always! I like your creative eye! I love the picket fence and the book covers are wonderful! Setting the candles on the books instead of just the table is a great idea.

    And using the same concept for both events is not only a time saver but a money saver too! Who doesn’t want to save a little of both!

    Love it all!
    Sheila

  9. Susan, what a great table for Bev’s 3rd PS celebration.
    And I love your shower setting too.
    I had my Gibson pre blogging, so mine is Linens and Things with a 20 off coupon white china! Now Linens and Things has no more stores, but I have my dishes! 🙂

  10. Happy Pink Saturday, Susan. Thank you for always making Pink Saturday special.

    The birthday table is fun – and very pink. It is perfect for our celebration.

    And, your shower and tablescape are fabulous.