Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Abstinence

It's Thursday! Yipee! I get to play with my plates and table. Thanks to Susan for hosting this program cause it gives us a chance to express our creativity. Please visit Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/, enjoy her tablescape and then go visit the others and enjoy them as well. I know I will!
For this week, since Lent just started and we are supposed to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and the following 7 Fridays, I thought I would serve sushi which I, John and my mama all like. And why not create a perfect Asian ambience with Oriental accessories?


My friend and I went to Baton Rouge last Monday to go shopping for more rugs. I spotted this orchid centerpiece just as we were leaving and I asked the store owner how much it is. Because my friend and I bought enough rugs to make him happy, he told me I can have it for free and for my friend to get one too. I like the natural and Asian look of it.

Then we saw a store that had a 70% off sign posted on the window. Don't you just love and stop for signs like that? Naturally we went in and I spotted those Asian warriors. Everything in the store with white tags were 70% off but the red tagged ones (meaning they've been reduced considerably already) were at 30% off. These had a red tag of $8 so I paid 30% off of that for each of them.

I used thick bamboo placemats I bought from Pier 1 a long time ago in Florida. I bought the sushi plate set from Florida also. Dh bought the little bunny sauce servers from World Market when he was working temporarily in Sanford, FL on locum tenens. Aren't they cute and just perfect for serving soy sauce individually?

Aren't these brown rectangular plate chargers unusual? If you click on the picture, you will see that they are embossed leather (could be faux, not too sure) and they have a very nice texture. I got them at the same store I found the warriors and they cost me $3.50 each. I only bought 2 because at the time, I wasn't sure what I would use them for. Shucks! Now I want to go back to buy more and you know what that means. If I go back, you know that's not all that I will spend money on.

Serving California maki, unagi, Miso soup and green tea.

See the green Persian rug? It's one of the 8 rugs that we bought from that guy in Baton Rouge. Now, do you see why he gave me the scalloped round rug in the foyer for free? I love the green rug color for this nook. It matches the valance, which by the way are table runners which I hooked into the curtain rings.

I tweaked the cabinet top and added Asian accessories. The cabinet already has an Asian look to it.

I am just showing you different views here. Of course you know you can click to enlarge the pictures, right? Orchids are my favorite flowers.

Do you like my blue and white ceramic tea pot napkin holders?

the handsome warriors guarding the table

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my tablescape contribution for this week. I sure enjoyed having you over.
Thanks again Susan, for this wonderful event!














63 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Christine, what a gorgeous tablescape. I love the orchid plant and the figurines. They are just beautiful. Your menu sounds wonderful and your dishes are just lovely. Your new dining rug is absolutely gorgeous. I really love the color. Very clever to take the tablerunners and turn them into valances. So creative. You always have the most interesting accessories, such a treat to see. Hugs, Marty

Kat said...

This is beautiful Christine. I love all of your accessories, and those bunny servers are so cute. The centerpiece is lovely, just perfect for this setting. Great post, you always have the most wonderful ideas! Kathy

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely table Christine. I love your whole room. The centerpiece is so appropriate for the theme of your table. I'm sure the sushi was fabulous :0)

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Christine, What a beautiful tablescape. I love orchids,too. Your figurines are very interesting to me. I love all of the textures you used. Your rug is beautiful. Great job!
Hugs, Terrie

Sue said...

Hi Christine....beautiful table. I love the Asian Warriors...and that green rug is gorgeous!! Boy would it look great in my kitchen....Sue.

Martha said...

A beautiful table -- love all things Asian.

Tomarie said...

C...everything you put together looks warm, rich and elegant! And...you create spaces, and in this case a tablescape :-), that is inviting and welcoming! Just beautiful!
And I love the bunny servers too! :-) Love ya! L~

Unknown said...

This tablescape is so unique and different. A true work of art! I really feel like I am in Asia. You have captured the essence of this culture!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh Christine! This is just gorgeous! I love your orchids and the Asian warriors. The little bunny sauce pourers add a touch of whimsy (just like Gollum taught us!) lol Perfect tablescape!...hugs...Debbie

Maryrose said...

Hi Christine,
Wonderful table. I adore your warriors and I think I am craving sushi. Delicious tablescape. Thanks for sharing, Maryrose

Deb said...

Very inviting, thanks for sharing

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Dear Friend - you nailed this table. It is breathtaking! I do not know what asset I love best, but my eyes were simply drawn to those incredible oblong plates. The orchid is to die for! And FREE?? :-) Thank you so much for sharing this - I was inspired! Blessings, Barb

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dear Christine! How lovely! No one could have set a table like you! Your orchid centerpiece is lovely and those figurines! You are so good!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :0

Sherri said...

I love sushi. This is a beautifully done table with attention to all the details! I love it. The colors are so rich, warm and just flow. Wonderful table.

Belinda said...

Oh my goodness, Christine! This is a breathtaking tablescape...every detail is perfectly thought out. Your new rug is gorgeous, and wow, eight new rugs?! How exciting! The orchid is stunning, and the PERFECT centerpiece for your theme this week, and the warriors are incredible...they anchor the setting in a beautiful way. I really like the blue and white napkin rings too...and the little bunny rabbits at each setting for the soy sauce?! I'm in love with them! Your home is beautiful...I love seeing your creative ideas every week. :-)

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

I have fammily that used to live in Baton Rouge, my cousin Beckie and Shiles. They loved it and she has the coolest antiques from shopping there and NO!
Anyway...I love your blog and tablescape. Those little oriental figure men are my favoite. I love that you added them to the table. So pretty. Happy Ash Wed.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Beautiful, Christine! I love the orchid, and those plates are perfect. Congratulations on the rugs!

Kathleen said...

Lovely Christine,,,the napkin rings are great!
Wonderful tablescape!

Unknown said...

You are some shopper! Those Japanese warriors are a great addition and I think orchids add so much to any table, any time, any color. Lovely

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Not only is your tablescape beautiful, you home is lovely. Thanks for sharing.

Lady Katherine said...

Just love it! I could be ready to eat in 2 and half hours it would take me to drive there. lol I love the table, dishes, centerpiece, great you got it free, and 70 % off sale, yes thats a stopper!lol Your rugs are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

* Christine, your talents at tablescaping are well-known & much admired, & tonight's beautiful display is yet another example of your super style! (And BARGAIN prowess, "you hottie, you"!!). EVERYTHING looks soooo lovely~~~ warm & inviting & yet exciting, too, at what lay ahead to be consumed! Thank you for sharing your talents! Love, Linda

Melissa Miller said...

~WOW~ Christine this is so beautiful. I love the Asian theme and all the soothing colors.
You did a fabulous job!

My father was in the AF and we lived in Japan for many years when I was a toddler. I remember many things even though we left when I was three.

Sushi is our favorite meal!!! Love it!

Have a wonderful day.
~Melissa :)

Fifi Flowers said...

I would like to order an assorted sashimi plate please! LOVELY!

Katy said...

Beautifully done! Love the shops in Baton Rouge myself and its about time for another trip! Thanks for sharing... the asian theme is going strong on my tablescape this week too, love seeing yours! ~Katy

Mari @ Once Upon a Plate said...

Absolutely gorgeous, I love it all.

Very Nice!

Elaine said...

Those Chinese Warriors are just incredible! Wow on the rug also....love that green.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Christine,
I love it! This is so unique and those warriors really add so much. Love your dining room table and chairs too. Beautiful! Cindy

Candy said...

Perfect place settings and lovely touches for a wonderful dinning experience.
Enjoy, Candy

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Wow - everything is so beautiful. I especially like the square plates, the orchids and the beautiful Persian rug! Well done! Linda

Bo said...

Hi Christine...I'll get to the tablescape in a minute but first, I'm in awe of your "placemat" curtains & your new rug...they go together so well! Now, your Asian themed table looks fantastic & you picked up some wonderful bargains..
& a FREE orchid...wow! Everything is so well thought out...I think I have some artichoke candleholders similar to yours...;-) Bo

Diana LaMarre said...

What a great Asian table. I have never seen rectangular chargers. Just beautiful!

Jewel Sauls said...

Your Asian themed table is amazing! Love everything, especially the new rug. :D Jewel

nikkicrumpet said...

I love the whole Asian flavor of that tablescape. But how could it be anything but gorgeous when it's surrounded by that beautiful room! The new green rug is perfect...your house is just yummy! Show us more rooms please!

KBeau said...

I love everything you have done. You have such a wonderful eye for pulling everything together. I'll have to admit that I don't think I could eat sushi. Maybe I would like it if I tried it. My youngest son insists that I need to give it a try.

Thanks for visiting my blog and for being a follower. I look forward to more visits and more conversation.

Tracy said...

What a beautiful exotic tablescape! I have to show it to my daughter, she is in love with Asian culture. I really like your creative idea of table runners as window valances, they look great!

Kathysue said...

Hi C, I love,love, this TT.I think this might be one of my favorties that you have done and that is hard to pick because you always make every table so special.Love hte 3 warriors.I just spotted 3 warriors on line in a soft green/blue that I contemplated on getting and now I see your 3 guys it is tempting me even more.Beautiful job as always,Hugs Kathysue

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, this is such a pretty tablescape. Love those square plates, and those warriors are wonderful. I'm tellin' ya, I've never seen anyone get the deals that you get! Your new rugs are beautiful, and to get that centerpiece AND a rug free! I've got to go shopping with you! laurie

Anonymous said...

Breathtakingly beautiful, Christine!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Mornin' Girlfriend...

Ohhh my, I'm terribly behind with all my visits...I do apologize at being so late to come by!

Well my friend, your Asian tablescape is just gorgeous!!! Wow you got a deal on your centerpiece and it's absolutely perfect!!! I love your new rug...the design and colors are so pretty and your new valances are perfect with it! What a great idea...using tablerunners for valances!!! I'm submitting that idea to memory!

I love all of your new vignettes (playing catch-up...just looked at your foyer redo) I especially like the little vignette that you did in on your buffet in the kitchen/eating area...that little bird plate is so sweet!!!

Ohhh my...Girl, you have been shopping...hehe! Eight new rugs??? I can't wait to see them all in your home...love the new round rug in the foyer!

It looks like you've been having some beautiful weather...a walk in capris & short sleeves...ahhh! It's been really nice here as well...in the 50's and 60's! Sure is making me have "Spring Fever"...hehe!!!

Well Darlin', I've written a book (but I had to get caught up..hehe!) Have a wonderful day!
Love ya,
Chari

Anonymous said...

You are so very good at this.my goodness,It looks like a prop in a designer store.You missed your calling my dear.And hey,I LOVE that bird plate.It's gorgeous...Ann

Alisa Lucas-Brown said...

I love your table! It is absolutely gorgeous - so stylish and pulled together. You have done a great job! I love how you have coordinated the room with additional accessories and flowers. Just like a picture out of a magazine. Love it!
Smiles,
Alisa

Chandy said...

I love that table!!! Of course, I'm biased since it's Asian, lol! Honestly, it is awesome how well you captured a Sushi formal dining experience would be in a Western home. Sweet choice, Christine. You rock! I'm so copying now (if you don't mind...)

Hugs,
Carolyn of What Now? Tablescapes

Cass @ That Old House said...

Very chic!

You have brought those elements together with creativity and taste and the result is stunning.

And I want your rugs.

Now.

Cass

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Christine another stellar tablescape..all your accessories are just beautiful.. I believe you have the luck of the Irish on your side when you go shopping.. Thanks for your prayers, they mean the world... hugs ~lynne~

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

What an amazing tablescape...I have never seen anything like this before. Very very creative on your part!
Blessings,
Debbie

Linda Q said...

Inspiring asian themed table and side board, love it! You found some great finds for it.
Linda Q

SmilingSally said...

I love this Asian tablescape. What time is dinner?

Tardevil said...

Your table is gorgeous. I think I need to come to BR. It has taken me a year to find 3 rugs, I can't imagine 8 in one trip. LOVE that orchid. It is beautiful!

Cindy J. said...

Christine... Christine, I am nearly speechless, this is soooo awesome! I love everything about this beautiful table and the new rug is gorgous and clever girl incorporating the table runner for a valance! I also wanted to thank-you so much for your prayers and loving support and let you know my son is doing so much better. I felt the weight of the world leave my shoulders as he was allowed to come home yesterday. Each detail of this TT is simply perfect.. I think you could do a book yourself. Love, Cindy

~CC Catherine said...

Christine, what a lovely Asian theme tablescape. You've totally outdone yourself today! Very NICE! ;) ~CC Catherine

Kathleen Ellis said...

Beautiful Christine...every detail just adds another layer of interest and awe! Your rug is beautiful, too! You had a very profitable shopping trip!
Have a wonderful weekend!
;-D

Kathleen Ellis said...

Beautiful Christine...every detail just adds another layer of interest and awe! Your rug is beautiful, too! You had a very profitable shopping trip!
Have a wonderful weekend!
;-D

Glenda said...

I'm thinking that both you and the shop owner should have been wearing masks during your transactions. Not sure who got the best end of the deal, but as long as you were both happy, it really doesn't matter.

I've never eaten sushi, so I can't speak to your menu, but it does sound delicious. I'll take some of the tea for certain. Fifi Flowers is welcome to the sashimi, but I'm willing to try the sushi as long as the fish has at least been threatened with the heat of cooking. I think your table setting would work for any Asian themed meal. It is gorgeous, and my eye is drawn to your centerpiece, which is beautiful, love the orchids. Very clever use of the table runners.

Looking forward to Saturday. Hope I'm not too late. I've had a problem in that department lately.

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Hey Christine,
What a pretty tablescape....the asian flair is perfect with your menu too. You are sooo good girl! Love the runners for valances idea! by the way...yes, I did email suesuesays and I told her about your new blog...if she hasn't visited you yet....she will. She said she was going to soon. Have a great night!
big hugs,
Queenie~

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Running late this week visiting blogs....again...gorgeous table!
Hope you had a great Tablescape Thursday
Susan

Jill said...

WOW! Now that's what I call a table. I am coming to your house for dinner this week. I tried sushi when I was vacationing in Miami and I actually like it. I kept thinking that I would die later from eating it but I never did.. lol! I signed your follower list..

Nicole ~ said...

What an exquisite table setting you have. I love the blue and white ceramic tea pot napkin holders, and the cute little bunny bunny sauce servers. And, you got some really impressive deals on your shopping trip to Baton Rouge. I always love seeing all of your pretty collections.

xinex said...

Thanks for the visit and the lovely comment again, Glenda! You are not too late for Saturday. I won't go to Pompeii without you since you researched it in school and you can help me guide the tour.

santamaker said...

Great and creative centerpiece with the asian figurines and orchid. Lovely!

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Christine, everything is just so beautiful. ~Athella

lvroftiques said...

Christine that tablescape is asian perfection! Sooooo beautiful! Love Vanna

Four Paws and Co said...

Christine, your tablescape is fabulous! Sounds like you had an amazing shopping trip. You hit the mother lode of great deals! ♥ Diane

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