Spring Table For Two {Budget Friendly}

TSE is a happy woman today. I had the pleasure of catching up with an old friend for a few hours and we enjoyed a fab lunch in the backyard. It was a bit cool-ish, but I managed to find a sunny spot to set everything up. We enjoyed a light lunch of mini chicken salad sandwiches on pumpernickel, our favorite mini pretzels, watermelon skewers soaked in minty simple syrup and sipped on watermelon lemonade. I probably don't need to add that there were TONS of giggles all afternoon.

I had been working on a "table on a budget" tablescape for a few weeks, with the goal of using items from thrift stores, dollar stores and things I already owned. There was one stipulation to using things I owned, they had to be less than $5, and I pulled it off. It was easy to do because I'm forever shopping for a bargain, but this time, I was shopping in my own home. A few things to note, everything doesn't have to be a part of a matched set and ribbon is your friend.

The basic table began like this:

And the end result is a simple, uncluttered table for two.

I'll do a breakdown in another post, detailing each piece. Today, I just wanted to show you that you can create a lovely table on a very small budget.

I hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll find inspiration to spend a little time thrifting or visiting a dollar store or two as well as shopping your home for great pieces to create a pretty table. You just may be surprised by what you'll discover. Why not start with Memorial Day?

Sheila Denise

White Dishes and Why Does This Always Happen To Me???

Okay...the good news first. I have more white dishes!!!! They are the KA-yutest little things. I have the mama sized version and the babies have joined the party. Thank you for allowing me to carry on about such nothingness, but I am one excited chicklette.
Just look at how tiny the little baby is.

Now for the rest of the story...

I've come to realize that I have a real knack for discovering food items and falling head over heels in love with them, only to have them discontinued. What gives?? My Aunt Maxine and I had this discussion a few days ago and we listed several items that have fallen along the wayside that I enjoyed tremendously.

Here's a short list of gone but not forgottens:

1. Ruby Tuesday's bread sticks (some of y'all may be too young to remember these).
2. Bonnie shortbread cookies by Lance.
3. Lemon and Strawberry powdered sugar by Domino.
4. French Vanilla Creme coffee (the manufacturer escapes me - it's been almost 15 years and I STILL remember the oh so perfect taste of this coffee).
5. Cabot's Horseradish Cheddar. Mind you, I just discovered this in 2009 and could only find it in Publix stores in Macon. I was recently shattered to hear that it will no longer be available (per Mr. Publix Man).
6. Tostitos Sweet & Spicy Summer Salsa. I purchased a jar at Big Lots in Valdosta YESTERDAY only to do a little Googling tonight to find out that it's discontinued.

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY do bad things happen to good people??? Okay, I know I'm being bit dramatic, but I'm heartbroken once again. I'll enjoy this one little jar and will be on the lookout for it in every nook and cranny of ALL the Big Lots in the state of GA.

This stuff is tasty, tasty, tasty. If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe this guy. From what I've read about him so far, he's quite the guru on all things hot and spicy and he is definitely right about this salsa.

I think I'll try it on blackened fish tacos this weekend. Stay tuned...


Sheila Denise

White Dishes: Episode 4

I've had a great last few weeks regarding white dishes. Ross Stores are quickly becoming one of my "fabulous finds" spots. I've managed to find several unique white dishes there, so I've placed them on permanent rotation.

I also had the pleasure of stumbling across some rectangular custard dishes at Dollar Tree. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised (actually, SHOCKED) to find these little jewels at Dollar Tree. I plan to pay closer attention to that store.

Below are my recently purchased items:

Egg Tray:
Bowls (for nuts, small desserts, etc.):

Rectangular Custard Dishes (for Creme Brulee, Individual Baked Ziti, Mac & Cheese, nuts, etc):
Thanks for allowing me to share my addiction.

Sheila Denise

White Dishes: Episode 3

This entry highlights a beautiful cake stand purchased from Goodwill. I am a frequent prowler of Goodwill, Salvation Army, other thrift shops and garage/yard sales. I absolutely LOVE unique items and finding them at bargain prices makes the purchase even more rewarding. I'm always on the prowl for a great deal.

The moral of this story--don't sleep on non-traditional shopping opportunities to feed your fetish(s).

P.S. This is Mother's dining table. We're guessing that it's at least 60 years old. We restored it in the early 90's. It was covered in dark dark dark stain, but after stripping it, here's the natural color of the wood. Isn't it beautiful??

Sheila Denise

White Dishes: Episode 2

The urge to shop overcame me today. It was so strong that I chose to skip lunch and shop instead. I've always had hit-or-miss kinda luck in Ross Dress For Less, but I thought I'd give it a shot and I'm soooooo glad I did.

I stumbled upon these little pitchers. They are by Over and Back/BIA. I have quite a number of their items, so I know they're durable. The curved dishes showcased in Episode 1 are the same brand.

They'll hold approximately 2 cups--the perfect size for salad dressings, sauces and simple syrups at my Spring and Summer gatherings. These are a great compliment to my ever-growing arsenal of white dishes and a nice nudge to get me into the entertaining mode (as if I need an excuse).

I love Spring and Summer entertaining.

Sheila Denise

White Dishes: Episode 1

As mentioned in my little bio, I'm a lover of white dishes. I have no idea how many I have, but I do know they won't all fit in my kitchen, so they live unhappily in the garage as well as the bonus room. I think I'll convert the bonus into a hugemongous butler's pantry to house all my white dishes in style...someday.

I was shopping earlier this week (I shop almost daily) and stumbled upon these:

I knew instantly they'd become a part of my tribe of white plates, platters, bowls and the like. I scooped them up and naturally started scouring the store for more. Unfortunately, I didn't find more; however, I'm still on the prowl.

I can't be the only person who feels that specific foods MUST be served on specific dishes. When I saw these, I instantly thought about salads and hors d' oeuvres. I later read, on a message board I frequent, that a member had enjoyed an Asian Chicken Salad for dinner and the light bulb went off!!

I'm one of those people who must find an excuse to use the new stuff right away, so I did. Now I can gleefully tuck them away with the rest of my babies.


Sheila Denise