Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Circle of Friendship



This Thursday marks the 100th week of Tablescape Thursday, the delightful weekly meme that Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch hosts each Thursday. Susan suggested that we share an outdoor table or something festive this week in celebration of Tablescape Thursday's big day. I chose to share a table from a recent visit to Santa Fe, NM, where I was a guest for a leisurely week in a lovely adobe home that sits in the hills of Santa Fe looking west to the Jemez Mountains.



Not one to let a tablescaping opportunity pass me by, I set about playing with the dishes in the cupboards. A charming set of oval dishes from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico caught my imagination. I was drawn to the naive paintings and the little story that they tell.


The rustic brown tones were the perfect compliment to the outdoor Mexican equipale furniture crafted from tanned pigskin and Mexican cedar strips.


Placemats of natural reed added an interesting layer of texture on the pigskin tabletop.


A woven rebozo casually draped across the table provided both color and a place for serving plates to snuggle in.


The loose weave and subtle colors gave a soft touch to the table.


Colorful bandanas offered more color and texture when tied with simple curling ribbon of bright colors.


Add a small bowl striped in vibrant colors . . .


A mug of turquoise for one placesetting, and . . .


One of sunshine yellow for the other.






Normally the evenings usher in a brilliant sunset, but this particular evening offered cloudy skies with rain in the distance.


It still afforded a magnificent backdrop of the mountains to the West.


Candlelight set the mood.


As the circle of friends gathered round to share the evening.


The sun slowly set in the West, and . . .


The magic of the "blue hour" provided the perfect touch for our evening meal outdoors.


Happy 100th Week of Tablescape Thursday, Susan. I credit you and this wonderful meme as the reason I began HFTS.


The circle of friends that I've made in Blogville have touched my heart with their constant generosity of creativity and shared friendship.

The "Circle of Friends" candleholder known as Dansas en Circulo de Amigos was created in Mexico to represent continuity, the connection within families, and the close bond between friends. So circle around, dear friends and join Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch in her celebration of this memorable 100th week of Tablescape Thursday.






Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

64 comments:

  1. Sarah, what a wonderful outdoor setting. Love your tablescape and the plates are really neat. Love the candle lit in the circle of friends at dusk. Very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful tablescape. The plates with the paintings are lovely. Oh how I love that candle holder. It is magnificent.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! Absolutely gorgeous table (as always!), a great location, and great meaning to the centerpiece you chose. Oh so nicely done.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sarah, have I ever told you that my daughter's name is Sarah. You live in such a beautiful place. This tablescape really sets a lovely mood. I love your candle centerpiece. I love the way the light flickers from one of these. Your balcony is so inviting, I could stare at your sky for hours.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous scenery and what a lovely table and chairs. The dishes are so southwest and using the turquoise throw was a great addition. I have that same "circle of friends" on my patio table. I love it. Beautiful. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, Sarah! Aren't we bloggers so funny? Even on vacation we can't stop tablescaping? lol I did the same thing in NC!! Your tablescape is simply gorgeous...just the right amount of simplicity to keep those wonderful plates as the center of attention! And I love the candle...so unusual! What a wonderful view you had! Is this your friend's home? Fabulous! And your photos are wonderful as usual! It sounds like you had a great girls week!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sarah you don't know what wonderful memories you brought back of my trip to Sante Fe. This table setting and the sunset views are wonderful.
    Hugs,
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Sarah,
    You created a beautiful outdoor tablescape. It was just perfect for your surroundings. Your pictures are wonderful, I especially like the ones during the "blue hour".
    Thank you for all of your visits and sweet comments on my blog. I really appreciate the time you take to stop by!
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fabuluos tablescape, Sarah! I really liked the story telling plates and the "Circle of Friends" candleholder. Your photos of the table with the evening sky in the background are very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sarah oh Sarah this is an exquisite post! you had me at the turqoiuse napkins, ribbons and the earthy browns...the combimation of colours are simply exquisite. Whenevr I see colour combos that strike my eye not only do my eyes soak it all in but i feel a tingle all over. Its beautiful. The candlelight, teh dusky feel of the sky...oh soooo romantic. I love the native ness of teh table ware too. Oh This just made my day. You are so talented :))))

    n tq for dropping by n ur kind comments.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wonderful post, Sarah!

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and seeing the wonderful pictures. Great tablescape and great sunset!

    Happy Tablescape Thursday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. That was a very pretty table scape - I like that you didn't detract from the bowls, but kept things fairly simple, using colour. You didn't need a colourful sunset!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah~
    I so can relate to "not one to let a tablescaping opportunity by"...too funny & so true! Love those charming oval dishes. It looks like a lovely setting to dine. The Circle of Friends is such a sweet sentiment~ thanks for sharing your creativity and generous comments with me!

    The "cherry cookies" are actually Mary Engelbreit toppers I picked up at Michael's to embellish my pages, rather than cupcakes. I would love to have a cookie cutter that shape :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. How neat, and really different! The table looks great, it looks like you had a nice trip!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Sarah, such a lovely and inviting table! I have the centerpiece you are show. A dear friend gave it to me many years ago. It is meaningful.

    Have a blessed day!

    Hugs, Barb ♥

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is one of my favorite tablescapes. It seems so tranquil and peaceful, I could see sitting there and talking, drinking wine, and eating spicey food. Your posts are always a delight.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is one of my favorite tablescapes. It seems so tranquil and peaceful, I could see sitting there and talking, drinking wine, and eating spicey food. Your posts are always a delight.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This tablescape captures the feeling of the Southwest perfectly. I love this like crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The colouful striped bowl appeals to me enormously but, above all, I love the circle of friends. What a wonderful concept!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh what a lovely table setting,, and such a gorgeous place to sit and watch the Sun set..... so beautiful...
    Have a great week

    Hugs;
    Alaura

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sarah, I love those oval plates! They are so charming, and you made such a pretty tablescape with them. I've always loved those "circle of friends" candle holders. The pretty yellows and blues just pop on this table, and of course, the bandanas are perfect as napkins in this setting. What fun to play with someone else's dishes! laurie

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sarah, this is so lovely! I just love those unique dishes and how you put them together with other things. The colors are just so great together - a subtle southwest style filled with grace. Those candleholders have always been a favorite with me. Santa Fe is such a wonderful place. So glad that HFTS was inspired by Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sarah-I love those plates too! The rebozo (I have to look that one up :) is just the right touch of color. What a beautiful setting under any weather conditions! Circle of Friendship was the perfect post for the celebration---our blog circle !!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Fantastic representation of the circle of bloggers who gather at Susan's table each week! Very appropriate, Sarah & beautifully done, too.

    I also learned 2 new words, teacher. "equipale & rebozo" THANKS!

    ReplyDelete
  25. You always come up with the most unique and interesting tablescapes!

    I like what you said about the circle of friends! I have missed you in my circle lately!

    Katherine

    ReplyDelete
  26. The circle of friends candleholder is so beautiful. Love the plates and the pops of color with the turquoise bandanas and cups. Very pretty, very unique tablescape!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Circle of friends... so appropriate for tonight and TT! What a lovely table set with such meaningful elements. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your trip!
    The oval dishes are true treasures!
    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  28. That is lovely! Such beautiful shots, you captured so much of the beauty!
    The circle of friends...wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sarah, this is wonderful I've had to come back twice to take it all in. I am so getting one of the circle of friends. Next trip to Santa Fe is going to be happening again very soon. I love the handdyed woven piece. It adds just the perfect pop of color. Thanks for stopping earlier.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Sarah,

    Beautiful and inspiring! The setting was even lovelier as it got darker. Thanks for sharing.

    Anne-Marie

    ReplyDelete
  31. You have captured the magnificence of the western dessert beautifully in your tablescape. The shot of turquoise is the perfect complement to the earth colors of your pottery. I can just feel the cool evening air as it comes off the dessert. Thank you for sharing your design. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love those plates. I used to live in New Mexico and they bring back memories of my time there. You did a beautiful job putting it all together.

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is true talent--to come up with a great table in someone else's house! Those plates are so interesting, and the view is beautiful. I have seen that centerpiece before and it always moves me. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is beautiful, Sarah! You really captured the Southwestern adobe style. Don't you just love Santa Fe? It's so pretty with all the mountains....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh Sarah! You always create such beautiful and very thoughtful tables. This is again a wonderful one and such a lovely tribute to the event of 100 Tablescapes. I have seen those candleholders here, too. But what a brillant idea to use is especially for this tablescape. I also enjoy the friendship with bloggers around the world. I love this ceramic plates with the native paintures. Somehow a sort of Mexican Quimer. And as always, you choose every detail perfect. Love the blue rebozo and the napkins, too and also the soft colors of the mugs and the vibrant of the small bowls. And the great photos of the background. Thank you so much.
    Greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sarah,

    Santa Fe is one of my favorite places to visit.
    Your tablescape is charming and captures the feel of New Mexico. The circle of friends candle holder is such a nice centerpiece. I love the picture at dusk with it lit and the gorgeous view in the background. It's all lovely.
    Hope you had a wonderful stay,

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  37. Dear Sarah,
    Enjoyed visiting your place with all the details you have placed amongst your tablescape! Very nice setting for Tablescape Thursday's 100th post. This is such fun to me as well as entertaining and I'm so glad to have been able to stop by and say hello!
    God bless and may you have a sweet day,
    d

    ReplyDelete
  38. what a unique table in such a pretty setting! you had fun whipping that up, its wonderful, and yes, you are surrounded by a circle of friends~

    ReplyDelete
  39. You captured the flavor of Santa Fe exactly! I feel like I am there. I love your oval dishes. Beautiful table for the 100th party.

    ReplyDelete
  40. The earthtones with the turquoise look so beautiful and like I imagine a desert sunset to look. I've never been there, but that's what I imagine. I love that candle centerpiece. It's soul stirring.

    I feel as if I have taken a little trip to the west by looking at your table. LOVELY!

    ReplyDelete
  41. What an appealing table! I love the rustic elements, and the addition of the turquoise and yellow adds wonderful interest to the natural colors and textures you've used here. Very authentic!

    ReplyDelete
  42. G'day Sarah ~ Your table setting is so inviting. Love the punches of color to accent you plates. Beautiful ...

    Have a lovely weekend.
    TTFN ~Marydon

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your table is beautiful, and so unique. What a wonderful view...I'd be happy with paper plates to be sitting in that spot! I love the pops of color and the dishes are really interesting.

    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sarah,
    Love your table. Very unique and pretty. Beautiful job photographing it at dusk. it is just magic with the "circle of friends" candle. Really nice.
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is a unique tablescape. I very much like your dishes and especially your centerpiece which says so much, simple but makes an appropriate statement regarding dinner. Sarah, thanks for coming by Americana By Candlelight today, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sarah I love this table. The plates are very interesting and I like how you used other colors to brighten up the table. Gorgeous candle light photos!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Those unique pottery dishes are fabulous, Sarah. I had a candle holder like that, but sadly it got broken in our move from Arizona.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love your colors and what a wonderful centerpiece for a celebration of tablescapers!

    ReplyDelete
  49. How beautiful a tablesetting you created Miss Sarah! I love the dishes and the cute little placesettings you created..of course the view is amazing! Love the circle of friends candleholder...I'm so grateful that I've met some lovely people like you through blogging!! Have a great weekend my friend.

    Miss Bloomers

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love what you've done here Sarah, it's very warm and inviting! :-)

    Have a wonderful Friday!
    Hugs,
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love it!! I am having a CSN Giveway on my blog My Dream Canvas and would love for you to drop by.

    ReplyDelete
  52. how sweet, warm, and beautiful these are.
    cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Dear Sarah,
    You just can't help it can you? Creating beautiful tablescapes wherever you are with whatever is to hand.
    I love this simple outdoor setting and the circle of friendship says it all.
    I'm grateful that you & I joined hands so many years ago and looking forward to completing the circle again in Savannah later this year.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Very dramatic, and romantic. It really sets a great atmosphere. I've seen a lot of the 'family circle' candleholders in my day when I lived in the Sonoran desert.

    For your convenience, Here Is My Show and Tell Bargain Link. Hope to see you visit with me.

    ReplyDelete
  55. What a lovely outdoor setting...I'd love to be there with you relaxing, chatting...

    Have a fabulous Friday. ~Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  56. Love this original tablescape...so different than what we are used to seeing. You did a beautiful job of bringing in color and textures, staying in theme, and choosing a most inspirational and beautiful centerpiece with the circle of friendship. And on top of it all you were rewarded with the beautiful sky and sunset to put the finishing touches on your creation. Absolutely wonderful!

    ~jermaine~

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Sarah,
    I love the "blue hour", how gorgeous with your table scape and circle of friends glowing in the candlelight. Love the plates, items that hold a memory of special times are wonderful for remembering and cherishing our getaways, aren't they? Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sarah, this is amazing! What fun it must have been creating this lovely tablescape with such unique and beautiful pieces. I love the turquoise mixed in...really stunning! I especially love the circle of friends candleholder. Blogland is very much like that holder...a big circle of friends. So glad you are in my circle!:-) Great blue hour pics! Susan

    ReplyDelete
  59. A tablescape like no other and the scenery just amazing. The blue hour sky is beautiful. Having just heard about the blue hour, I just took some photos of it. It was fun! You learn something new everyday.

    Your sentiment about the "circle of friends" was so sweet. Have a wonderful weekend Sarah. xo Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  60. Very unusual tableware and setting - in a delightful way.
    Beautifully done.
    The blue is such a wonderful contrast color bringing out the great brown tones in the dishes.
    Love the circle of friends.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am a sunset lover too. Your pictures are beautiful!
    I love it when people write about Mexico. I have some great memories from there having lived there for a total of four years, but travel there often as we have our business in Colima.
    Thank you for your visit today.
    I'll be back!
    Have a great weekend.
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

    ReplyDelete
  62. Just beautiful.I love the plates. They're so unique and go so well with your outdoor furniture. And well that sunset is the crowning glory.

    Hope to see you tomorrow at Summer Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  63. Such delightful memories of times I've been in Santa Fe......a truly lovely place full of color and natural beauty.

    Your sunset pics are gorgous Sarah, so glad you had such a pleasurable time in New Mexico.

    Hugs - Mary

    P.S. Did you see my post on your gift this past week? I showed more photos of it in Africa!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.