Weren’t we just doing Thanksgiving and Christmas tablescapes? And now here it’s already the beginning of June — and at My Place to Yours we’re smack dab in the middle of graduation and wedding season … with a busy Summer ahead.
Same thing at your house?
I’m glad you took a minute today to stop by!
This week’s tablescape is a seasonal one of sorts because it features the Southern-favorite magnolia. I’d never had a magnolia tree in my yard until we bought our old house, but it had a big one in the back yard. I got so excited thinking of the gorgeous blossoms and fragrant breezes it would provide.
But when we began plans for adding a garage at the back of our house, Renaissance Man said the magnolia would have to go. I don’t THINK so! We started negotiating … and adjusting the plans … and finally, together, we came up with the perfect solution. The tree would stay! I’ve never regretted it; I don’t think he has. One of these days I’ll show you the before and after of our backyard — and the solution for the tree.
Last week Renaissance Man and I returned home just in time to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. Road-weary though we were, I did take time to set a quick table for two … and since there were still a few beautiful magnolia blossoms low enough for me to reach, I floated one in a large centerpiece bowl. The house smelled wonderful!
I was thankful all over again that we’d found a way to save the beautiful old tree. That was just one of many challenges we’ve faced together through the years.
The memories are many.
Some good, some bad, some happy, some sad.
But, with God’s help, we’ve faced each situation together … and are all the more strong because of it.
In addition to beauty, dignity, and nobility, the magnolia is associated with perseverance. Definitely a choice Renaissance Man and I made at the beginning. You know … through thick and thin; rich and poor; dirty laundry and unwashed dishes; teenagers …
I think I’ll stop there. If you’ve ever had teenagers, surely you get the picture!
So here’s to magnolias …
and memory-making …
and many more years of both …
To all of you Summer brides (past or present), I wish for you perseverance … and memories as beautiful as the purest, whitest magnolia blossom.
I’m linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.
Won’t you join me?
Dishes: Mikasa “Italian Countryside”
Flatware: Mikasa “Italian Countryside” stainless
Iced tea glasses: vintage King’s Crown “Thumbprint” purchased at auction
Centerpiece bowl: gift from a friend
Charger plates: purchased at auction
Placemats: Big Lots (on clearance)
Napkins and runner: vintage pieces found at auctions
Lenox pierced votive holders: set of 5 purchased at Goodwill (for $1 apiece!)
By
Magnolias are truly so outlandishly amazing. I am so glad that you were able to save the magnolia tree! Congrats on 21 years! I do also hope that all of us can perservere through the tough times of marriage. Love the table and especially the magnolia and the placemats. Joni
Being the Southerner that I am I dearly LOVE Magnolia’s and every Southern home MUST have a magnolia tree. So happy to hear that you were able to save yours.
Lovely table and I am crazy about those placemats. Just gorgeous.
Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband! Such an elegant setting for a romantic dinner for 2. I love that Italian Countryside. xo,
Happy happy anniversary, albeit a tad bit late. Here’s to many more wonderful years. And to the Magnolia tree, who like marriages has weathered many a storm. Love the wonderful table you set. The magnolia is stunning in the crystal bowl! many blessing, marlis
What a romantic anniversary dinner the two of you must have had at that gloriously beautiful table! I love it! My mother has a pretty magnolia tree in her yard, too. There is just nothing like them!
I’m hosting my annual Wedding Blog Party and Giveaway on June 10th and so hope you will be able to join us. Come read all about it!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
What a pretty table and I love the magnolia. Isn’t their fragrance amazing!!!
Congratulations on your anniversary!
When our young friends get married, we always encourage them to stop for a moment before they retreat back down the aisle and take in the moment that has been their wedding….the place, all the friends and family. And we urge them to keep this memory close, so that when they do go through those tough times, they can together, go back to that evening and recall that time…and start once again. Your magnolia tablescape is wonderful. I’m so glad that you were able to keep the tree. Cherry Kay
Love your magnolia tablescape and lovely tribute to long lasting companionship of marriage. Always a series of storms and rainbows.
Gorgeous! I LOVE Magnolia and I LOVE Lace. Your table setting is so romantic and ageless. I REALLY LOVE those little votive candles, pierced creamy white always reminds me of vintage lace. One of my VERY Favorite things.
Thank you for sharing.
Have a wonderful week,
Hugs,
Donna
That is just lovely Susan and what gorgeous magnolia blossoms! I think that wishing newly married couples perseverance is so much better than wishing them happiness…cause happiness is fleeting and in today’s world it is commitment and perseverance that carries us through those tough times in our lives and marriages. Congrats on your 21st anniversary! What a wonderful example you are to your children…and to us! 🙂
Vanessa
Hi Susan, Congrats on your anniversary! You’re still young! 🙂
Your magnolia and table are lovely! I’m glad you were able to keep the tree. They don’t grow here.
Have a great weekend! I’m glad you entered my giveaway.
~ Julie
thank you for your sweet comment! I am so excited to move…and so ready!!! only 16 more days of boxed up life! Your table is beautiful! I love magnolias. I have a book written by my grandfather called Magnolia Maid, so they hold a very special place in my heart.
Happy Anniversary! Your post is beautiful. I’d love to dine at that gorgeous table with the lemony scent of that gorgeous magnolia filling my senses. ~ Sarah
PS
I have a magnolia post up too.
THE MAGNOLIA TREE
There’s a majestic, old magnolia tree,
That stands in my front yard;
It’s a tree that’s grown there for ages,
And whose beauty you can’t disregard.
She spreads her branches quite nobly,
And her stance is that of a queen;
She stretches her arms so commandingly,
As if certainly crying out to be seen.
She’s the center of much activity,
And I know a squirrel family lives there;
I’m sure she affords them much comfort,
For her branches don’t ever go bare.
There’s so much that’s gone on around her,
I’m sure that so much could be told;
But, she keeps all her secrets well guarded
And, simply, remains a sight to behold.
2008- Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems