Pages

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Something Copied, Something Blue

This week's tablescape was inspired by Babs at Upstairs Downstairs, who posted last week about using coffee beans in candleholders.  I immediately thought of two hurricane-style candleholders that would be perfect.  I added coffee beans to the grocery list, then managed to find a bag for $3.99 at HEB.  I settled some short cream pillar candles into the holders, then poured the beans around them.
The dark brown of the coffee beans reminded me of some chocolate brown napkins I'd bought while visiting my sister in Nashville, at a wonderful shop called Color.  I'd bought them to go with some pale blue dishes -- Sophie Conran for Portmeirion in forget-me-not blue.  But I needed placemats!  At Dillards, I found some white mats trimmed in dark brown at 50% off, so they came home with me.  Here's the placesetting.
I remembered I had some small glass votive holders that I could also fill with coffee beans.  I've used them before filled with colored sugar or sprinkles, but coffee beans worked, too!
Here's what the plates look like by themselves.  I like the handmade look.
I added some creamy white alstroemeria, also from the grocery store, with stems cut to fit into a silverplate julep cup.
I was pleased with the simple and clean look of the table.
Another view. . .
One more. . .
Thanks again to Babs for the inspirational idea, and thank you for visiting this week.  I appreciate my faithful followers!  I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch this week, so be sure to check out all the other tablescapes posted there.

29 comments:

  1. I think this is one of your prettiest tables. I love the ice blue with brown. When that color combination first hit the scene, I wasn't sure about it. Now, it's one of my favorites. I also put out some coffee beans this week thanks to the prompt from Babs. Love the smell.

    Very lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the simplicity of this! I'll bet that when the candles are lit the smell is heavenly, too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful elegant table as always! The coffee bean idea is so pretty -- do you smell it? I would like that!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh boy do I love this table, great score on the price of the beans! The color combination is so warm and comfy this week. Thanks for sharing and the great inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great idea to use the coffee beans! They look great with the brown napkins. I love the whole centerpiece!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm going to copy Babs' idea as well. Love the aroma of coffee beans! Your color combo is lovely. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is just so warm and wonderful! It is perfect for our cold January days. I bet the beans smell fabulous too. Although I can't stand the flavor of coffee, I love the smell of coffee beans and fresh ground coffee. It has to be in our family's taste buds because I can't even pawn off a mocha flavored chocolate to any of my children either! Funny how those things are.

    I just saw some brown plates today. I may have to go and buy some!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tricia, I love the blue and brown combo. Those hurricanes are exquisite ~ that etching on them is so pretty. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  9. A very pretty table and I love the coffee beans idea. I'll have to try that!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Okay, now I want some coffee beans, too! Very pretty table - love the hurricanes.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am not a coffee person, but I might buy some just to decorate with with. I love the look and I love the look of your table. Joni

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful table!! Love the brown and blue and the alstromoeria centerpiece.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've never bought coffee beans in my life, but they are going to be added to my grocery list. This is a gorgeous tablescape, and I love your color palate. The new placemats will see lots of use! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like the coffee bean idea, Tricia. I will copy that sometime and I bet the aroma's good too. I love your plates, love the color and the texture. Beautiful tablescape...Christie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the combo of color and the coffee bean idea! You executed it very well!
    The beans are so cute in the miniature candle holders too! Great looking placemats! Your floral arrangment is perfect! The white with silver speaks volumes!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my! Tricia, I love the colors. So warm and inviting. I am desperately in love with those hurricane type candleholders. The mint julip with the folowers is a great idea. You tables are always so beautiful and I always enjoy visiting. Blessings, GInger

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lovely...the blue and brown is so pretty together, Tricia.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love the color combo and the coffee beans are awesome. I really want to use them but I am afraid the aroma would drive me to drink (coffee) and then I would be a useless twitchy mess! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Trish,

    I did see someone else using coffee beans with candles; I can't remember if it was Babs or not. I do like her blog, though. This is a great idea; I love the smell of coffee beans (and freshly brewing coffee)! Your light blue and browns are pretty together. I also like the handmade look of your Portmeirion dishes. Speaking of this color combo, my MIL re-did their bathroom last year, and she went with the light blues and browns. It does look very fresh and contemporary.

    I'm glad you enjoyed seeing Replacements, Ltd.! Thanks for telling me about that book; I hadn't heard of it, but now I may have to try to find it. :)

    Thanks for your visit and have a great day!

    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  20. That Babs is such an inspiration! You set a beautiful table, and I LOVE the forget-me-not blue color! It looks wonderful with the coffee brown!!! Great buy on the placemats, too, Tricia! They're perfect for this! I'll bet the room smelled wonderful with all those coffee beans!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a beautiful tablescape and elegant in it's simplicity. I love the coffee bean idea too, so I may copy both of you!! Super buy on the placemats. Thanks Tricia for sharing such great ideas. Hugs,
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've always loved the look of blue and brown.. So elegant. Your table is perfectly put together. the coffee beans are a great touch.. bet they smell great too. xo marlis

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love the coffee beans surrounding the candles. They look pretty with your blue dishes. The alstromerias in the silver cup are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Beautiful table and I love that you shared your thought process on how you created your table! How are you enjoying Downton? I'm loving the "tension" between Cora and Mrs. Crawley!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like everything you have used on this table. In fact, what you have done would look great in my dining room!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh, I am so now in the market for blue plates!!! I love that shade of blue! Great table!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Both of the posts of the tables are so different and what a wonderful idea to use coffee beans with candles. Thanks for sharing the idea from Upstairs, Downstairs. The brown and blue hues are lovely together and very simple. The brown napkins and elegant brown and white placemats bring all the colors together. Happy Tablescaping! Pam

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love the idea of the coffee beans and how perfect they look with your new placemats and napkins. The dishes are wonderful...such a soft color. Very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love brown these days, just love it. I am an Ethan Allen freak and they use the coffee beans in their candles just like you did here. Your third picture could win a photography contest. Really. I love it!

    ReplyDelete