Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Lady Bug, Lady Bug...

...fly away home!  And, that is exactly what they have done, only to my home!  Before I show you my newest tablescape creation, I have a little secret to share with you.  I have not always been such a big fan of ladybugs!  Now, I do remember finding quite a bit of delight in them as a child when you push their bottoms and they up and fly away.  Though as an adult, they have caused me more suffering then joy.  What in the world, you say?

When we lived across town in our old house I had french doors in our dining room that led out to a sunny back deck.  Unfortunately, the ladybugs were very attracted to the southern exposure of our back deck with it's double doors that lead inside.  A couple of times every year these bugs would swarm to get inside from fall through spring.  Much to my dismay they were quite successful at it as well.
I used to have to get the shop vac out regularly to get them all sucked up, because they arrived in masses!

  Okay, before you go getting all sentimental on me let me further explain why.  Apparently, I suffer from ladybug allergies.  It took me quite a few years to discover what was going on, but by process of elimination I figured out these little creatures were the culprit of my discomfort.  Without fail when they arrived I would feel really bad.  My symptoms included headaches, sinus troubles and eventually breathing difficulties, often making me think I just had a chest cold.  But after suspecting they were the trigger and doing quite a bit of research online I found out I am not alone.  I also found it quite amazing because I have very few allergies in general such as sulphites and those curly, hairy thingys from oak trees.  So, as I hope you can understand now why I said I was not a big ladybug fan...until recently that is!

This is what started the return of my ladybug love.  
When I found these cream and sugar pieces at Ross, I immediately fell in love.  

 I hope you can endure these photos, as I've set this table this morning and the sun is streaming in! I don't think I'll have more time to do this post this evening before dinner so please forgive.

I had no idea at the time I bought the cream and sugar pieces that I would also eventually find the dishes to match.  But I am sooo glad that I did!


I just love these plates!  They also had salad plates to go with the set but they were a bit different and I wasn't as crazy about them so I didn't get those.  

Besides, I remembered my Christmas salad plates and thought they would be a perfect compliment.

The only thing is, these plates have such raised details that I didn't want to set the salad plates on top.

So, I used them as part of the centerpiece instead.

I also knew immediately I would use my black checked napkins.

Do you remember this napkin ring idea?  I used it last year on my fall tablescape.

I love my new black bamboo flatware with this setting too.

It's give us a very outdoorsy feel even though we are inside because it continues to be over 100 degrees here in South Carolina.  Yes, I am soooo over this extreme heat, yall!

The green goblets remind me of the fresh green grass on my plates.


I brought my Oregano in from the screened porch to use as my centerpiece.  I think it's very fitting for this setting, but I also wanted to show you something I found in the dirt outside near the deck and pool construction area.

It is a ladybug pick to go in your pots.  I can't remember if this is mine or possibly the previous owners.  I think it is so wild that I just found this now.



Think you could stands a few bugs at the table too?  If so you better get on over to Ross soon, I'm sure these plates won't stick around long.
LOL!

I am joining BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday today.  Please enjoy many more tablescapes by clicking on the words above.  You will be glad you did!
The following is a list of my info on my setting;
Dinner Plates; Hausenware designed by Libby Wilke purchased from Ross
Salad Plates; Holiday Gatherings from Lenox purchased from Belks
Cream and Sugar; Hausenware purchased from Ross
Flatware; Bamboo purchased from Home Goods
Napkins; Black checked purchased from Old Time Pottery
Glasses; Better Homes and Garden purchased from Walmart

Thanks for visiting today and leave me a note if you did.
I love to hear from you!
Have a great day everyone!
Mary









14 comments:

  1. How could you not love those lady bugs and I bet they don't even make you feel bad!!! Such a pretty festive table!

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  2. Now these are worth a trip to Ross. There is one not too far from me. The colors that you've used, the additional tabletop elements, and yes, the wonderful sun kissing the table make a perfect combination for your marvelous whimsical tablescape. I think that you and I have a similar eye for design. I always love everything that you do, and I can see myself making many of the same choices...to wit...our bamboo flatware. Thank you for sharing your darling design. Cherry Kay

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  3. That's so interesting about the allergy to lady bugs. You just never know what will trigger an allergy I guess.

    I just love ladybugs (the decorative kind, not the real ones)I would love those plates, and I completely agree that your Christmas salad plates are the perfect compliment to them. The black and white is must. I totally agree!

    This was a happy table, and I even liked the morning sun's rays on it!

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  4. I love this, Mary. I have the cream and sugar server set and I have been looking for a teapot to match ever since. How lucky that you found the plates too. I did not even know they exist. I love your other plates too, very pretty...Christine

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  5. Mary, that is just lovely! I would love some Lady Bug plates, but no Ross here. I think you will get a CTS sooner than we get a Ross. CTS is opening all over the place!
    I never knew about the ladybug allergy, amazing!
    Love the bamboo flatware too!

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  6. I love,love,love lady bugs..so sweet.
    Your tablescape is wonderful.
    ~Jo

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  7. Mary the pool is fabulous!! They only put in gunite pools around here and always pour the concrete slab and gunite pretty much right after one another. Very interesting to see the leveling. I am wondering if they do not wait out here because our dirt is differ.
    Also loving your ladybug place settings! Too cute! Hope you are still enjoying your pool!

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  8. What a great tablescape! Your photos are fantastic, as well. Love the lady bugs!

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  9. Love it, suh a great table setting and the lady bug dishes set beautiful my little girl would go crazy over it.

    Thank you for sharing

    Love,
    Karin Şen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  10. Mary, I was in several Ross stores this week and not only saw all of your pieces but they also had the pitcher, tea pot and mugs. I debated and now wish they had come home with me. LOve the cheery and bright tablescape.
    Cathy's Cupboard Calamity

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  11. I am so glad that you found ladybugs that you could really enjoy! This table has such a pretty, summery feel to it. I just love your dishes. The black and white looks perfect with them. The sun just adds to your pretty pictures.

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  12. That is the sweetest table yet Mary. I just adore the cute little lady bugs.

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  13. Neat idea to sub in the plaid salad plates! They do go quite well with the ladybug motif!!! Great summery table!

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  14. Your dishes are beautiful! I wish I had the time to go hunt for them.
    I love the colors and they would match my kitchen.
    I haven't heard of anyone being allergic to them.
    My sister gets them in droves at one point every year.
    Have a good week!

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