You’ve probably heard it said that a person often decorates with the same colors they wear. That’s not always true for me … but this week it sure isn’t! I don’t have a single green thing in my closet. Pinch me if you must. On top of that, I passed along virtually all of the few green linens and dishes I had during my 2012 Year of Downsizing. Still … for a “lover of all things Christmas,” you’d think I’d have more Kelly green stashed somewhere, but I don’t.
So what is this gal to do when I feature tablescapes on my blog –and St. Patty’s Day’s a-comin‘? Hmmm …
I first thought about doing an elaborate, all-white, Irish linen tablescape showcasing a stunning shamrock plant as the pièce de résistance. Aaahh … I can see it in my mind, but I don’t have a shamrock plant. Maybe I’ll plan ahead for next year …
Then I thought about heading to Dollar Tree to pick up a few lucky leprechauns … but why would I spend even a few dollars on stuff I don’t want? With sincerest apologies to my Irish ancestors, I’ve never really gotten into decorating for St. Patrick’s Day.
And then it hit me. THIS is exactly the kind of thing that goes through the minds of “beginning ” tablescapers. You know … the “I don’t have ___, so I can’t possibly do ___” rationale. Since I’ve always said tablescaping can be done without a lot of money … or “stuff” … that’s exactly what I’ll show you how to do this week.
St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday this year, so here’s a quick, super easy breakfast table to enjoy before heading out the door for church.
I started with grocery store flowers in a green thrift store vase and a $5 auction tablecloth. (No tablecloth? No problem! Use 12″ squares of decorative scrapbook paper for placemats — or place several down the center of your table as a runner.) Then I added inexpensive white plates, dollar store glasses, stainless flatware, and plain white napkins. Yes, mine are Irish linen, but yours don’t have to be!
My only nod to leprechaun lore is a “pot of gold” beads tumbling from a green beaded votive holder. I’d have preferred gold coins “sprinkled” down the center of the table, but since I didn’t have any, I had to get creative. To add a bit more interest to the centerpiece, I set the vase and votive on a salvaged beveled mirror. (A white runner or large doily would have worked, too.) It just doesn’t get any easier than this!
From what I understand, St. Patrick’s Day as we know it is actually a “Made in America” holiday. Traditionally, in Ireland, March 17 was a solemn day of reflection and devotion. Perhaps that’s not such a bad idea this year ...
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let thy peace lie over all.
Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.
Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here within…
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all, that one day, we
Another Budget-friendly post …
Tablescaping on a Budget
Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters
5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Blog Crawl at Cuisine Kathleen
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound where everything will be pink AND green this week!
NO green in your closet? I think I have mostly black AND green would be my second color-that and tan. I love green…St. Paddy’s Day or not. I love your sweet tablescape. It is looking pretty “green” to me- xo Diana
Susan, with your ‘magic’ touch you have created a fantastic tablescape for the wearing of the green! Love the pot o’ gold!! xo
I love this great tablescape, it’s soo for St. Patty’s celebration. I love your pot o’gold, too! I’m not Irish, but I got no greens in my closet and I really like it. Even if it’s an American kind of holiday, I think Americans are very exciting and happy people, but it doesn’t mean the spiritual part is not there. Thank you for the prayer. Happy St. Patrick’s week.
FABBY
I am now shamed for the second time tonight. I wanted to do a St. Patrick’s Day table, but I didn’t think I had the time or creativity. Then, BJ at Sweet Nothings took time out of her packing to do a picnic, and you create a perfectly wonderful “downsized” one. I’m going to pretend that if I had a great tablecloth like that, I would do one too.
That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
If you say so… 😉
Your table is beautiful and I always prefer to use what is on hand. One of the best things about reading blogs is getting ideas for doing things creatively and economically!
And voila! There we have it! A lesson in tablescaping that isn’t a budget buster! I have a lot of every kind of green EXCEPT kelly green in my inventory, so it’s always a challenge for me to come up with something that doesn’t require spending money. St. Patrick’s Day falls right around that time of year we’re saving every nickel found in the sofa seats to pay Uncle Sam, so frugality is a must! This was a really good tutorial for those beginning tablescapers who get dejected without a warehouse full of stuff! Have a wonderful week, Susan, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Susan, I like this approach to setting a pretty table, too! I do not need to buy new stuff, just re-think how to use what I have. Flowers were the only thing I bought for my St. Patrick’s Day table — the first one I’ve ever set for that holiday. I was tempted by some cute scalloped green plates at HEB, but managed to resist by thinking of my overflowing cupboards!
How fun is this. YOur pot of gold is perfect. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Your table is cute, love the pretty green of your tablecloth:@)
Well, this is delightful for St. Patrick’s Day. ‘-)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ~ Sarah
What a pretty and very Green post! I hope you enjoy your St Patrick’s day weekend.
Happy Pink (&Green!) Saturday and best wishes for a lovely weekend.
Natasha in Oz
For having nothing green you did a great St. Paddy’s table, Sue! Love the tablecloth.
Thank you for visiting, Susan. I stopped by earlier this week but had a feeling my comment did not go through. I had to click twice and the connection was having trouble that evening. I had commented how lovely your table is and how I don’t have much green among my linens or decor but I absolutely LOVE how you added a touch of it with the flowers.
Have a beautiful weekend…and yes, I do know how much you love anything related to hope. 😉
XOXO’s
Hi! I think your pretty vase and tablecloth make a perfect setting for St. Patty’s Day! i know it’s a day of reflection, but I was in Dublin just a few years ago on March 17th and they had the most hilarious parade going through the streets–a strange mixture of serious and frivolous and very enjoyable. Linda
I love your tablecloth, just perfect with this scape!
Thanks so much for taking the time to link to the crawl, I appreciate it!
And yes, my Irish born bil says it is an American invention, BUT THEN, SO IS CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE! 🙂 The Irish immigrants in NY ate it as it was a cheap meal.
My bil won’t eat beets because in Ireland it is considered pig food! 🙂