Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Checkered Past


Sharing a Checkered Past Today
~Last year's Valentine's Day Tablescape~
Set with favorite things!

Courtly Check balls 
filled a silver bowl,

and Courtly Check 
bows were abundant.


I wanted to change things up a bit
so just for fun each place setting was different.

A black woven mat below
a pewter charger anchors this setting.

Layers of red mix between
the black and white checked pieces,


and are topped with a spongeware heart shaped bowl and a 
crown themed cloth held by a checked ring
 by Round Top Collection.
Flatware is vintage.


The color block mat holds a
Courtly Check charger by MacKenzie-Childs

and is topped with layers of red
mixed with black and white checks.

Red and white flatware 
is from Pottery Barn.


A small square decoupaged plate holds
a Round Top Collection jar of red hot hearts.


This perky little Courtly Check rooster, along with
the CC balls and hearts are the work of talented blogger, 
Linda @ My Shabby Rose Cottage.


More of the crown 
themed textiles anchor this setting. 
 A white charger in 
Vintage Garden from Ambiance Collection 
holds the stack of red pottery mixed  
with the checked pieces. 
 Flatware is Sir Christopher by Wallace.


Layers of red and white with a
touch of the black and white check.


The footed bowl is from
Crate and Barrel's 2010 Christmas pottery.

A square woven mat, 
a gold charger from Home Essentials and Beyond, 
and a red square Waechtersbach plate from Germany 
contrasts with the round checkered pieces.


The squares are topped with layers 
of plates in the Queen's Rooster from Neiman Marcus 
and Royal Stafford's black and white checked. 
Christophe flatware is in the Talisman pattern.


A small checked heart from
Round Top Collection holds a cloth napkin.


Sweetheart topiary 
ivy take center stage . . .

along with 
this key to my heart,


this spiffy red shoe . . .

and a little mercury glass.


Checking off the days 
till Valentine's Day 2011.


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.

87 comments:

  1. I love this post!
    Love the black and white checks.

    blessings

    barbara jean

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  2. Those checks with the pink and red is adorable. I love the heart mobile. VEry cute!

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  3. I love your courtly check! I've just started collecting the McKenzie-Childs last year. It just seems to perk things up.
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  4. So nice to see this Valentine's Day tablescape again, it is stunning.
    Congratulations on winning JoJo's giveaway, too.

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  5. Oh my I love everything about your post! Black an Red look great together. Have a great day, Vicky

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  6. Hi Sarah! When your comment said you had the Rooster dishes I had to stop by to see them - well I almost didn't recognize them! I love how differently they look just by combining them with new accent pieces. Love your setting!
    Thanks for visiting.

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  7. What a fun table Sarah! Lovin' the mis-matched settings and great colors! Looking forward to seeing this year's table:@)

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  8. What a super special table setting this is! I love how each setting has it's own personality ~ very clever!

    I'm visiting via Rednesday, so you know I love all that RED!!!

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  9. Oh..........how wonderful! I love the checks...love them all!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  10. I love the black and white check mixed with the red. Great tablescape. I really love the red shoe planter. That is so unique!

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  11. Yay!!! You have totally inspired me this morning. I'm in the middle of redecorating my kitchen with yellow, black, and red, and you have just lit my fire with pattern ideas.

    I love the whole kit and caboodle.

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  12. Sarah,
    What a vision of romantic loveliness! Classic black and white all "dolled up" with red and an air of a love theme. Those MacKenzie~Childs accent pieces are absolutely darling. You have such a wonderful way of pulling so many different pieces together to flow harmonious with one another. Thank you for the reminder that Valentine's Day is a day of love!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  13. OMG! I can't get over all your hearts collections! A checkered but a beautiful past!

    You have a very beautiful blog.

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  14. This is just the cutest thing I've ever seen. I love your plates... you know I don't have one single valentine decoration.. hummmmmmm I think I said the same thing last year, lol.. thank you for coming by to see the little robins.
    hugs ~lynne~

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  15. Sarah, I love them all. Each one is wonderful.♥

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  16. Very pretty table settings. I like all of them, but the black and red looks nice together.

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  17. I love the table settings.

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  18. Everything is so cute and unique. Thanks for stopping by!

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  19. Dear Sarah,
    Debbie and I like to thank you for your kind comment.
    Debbie and her home are very special.
    Boy, you got me with all the red and white!
    It was absolutely beautiful !!!!!!
    I am thinking up something special for Valentines Day.
    Hopefully I also get the "girls" together again, Laura, Paula, Carole etc....
    It has been a trying year so far, but I am an optimist...so it will change soon!
    Warmest hugs,
    Evi

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  20. I copied a picture of this for a shout out on my blog. If that's not ok, please let me know.

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  21. Hello Sarah,
    wonderful Valentine's table with your beloved black-white checks and Dior pink. Love that colors.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  22. Hi Sarah! How pretty! I love the pink with the black and white check...so festive! your tablescapes are always so packed with eye candy! Hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

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  23. I LOVE the black and white...and the red...and the crowns. It's all just gorgeous! Can I please come and live with you and eat pie? :-)

    Just found your blog and evidently I'm the only person in blogland that was unaware of it ~ how did that happen? I'm a fellow Texan and a new follower so I look forward to getting to know you!

    Pat

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  24. That is simply darling Sarah! I love the bandana napkins, I have done that and it is fun. What a great looking table...my boys would love it. You have inspired me to do one soon.

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  25. Hi... I found you through the Rednesday Linky. I'm your newest follower. http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

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  26. This is so pretty! I love how you mixed the checks! My friend Debbie at Mountains Breaths will love this!
    Your Valentine is very lucky, bless his ♥!

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  27. I love this post! Kathleen from Cuisine Kathleen gave me the heads up! I am a McKenzie-Childs fan, and this is a superb table setting. I'll be coming back to look at it again and again!

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  28. Sarah, I am so glad to find your blog. When I was a little girl my grandmother gave me a framed copy of "Hyacinths for the soul" and I have loved that poem ever since. Your Valentine tablesetting is just lovely . I particularly like the use of all the checks to tie things together.

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  29. Love this. Of course, I am so partial to black and white. You put it all together beautifully!

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  30. Absolutely the coolest! I love your mix of dishes and the colors are my favorite combo anyway. Happy V day.. your table is divine.

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  31. Sarah, I received a McKenzie Childs catalog in the mail today, and it immediately made me think of you! I love the courtly check dishes and all your accessories. This is such a beautiful Valentine themed table!

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  32. What a wonderful display and use of all your checkered goodies... delightful!!

    Thanks for stopping by!!

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  33. Sarah -
    How wildly fabulous that you have enough of this look to do four different settings and have them look so cohesive. This is a fresh and exciting table. I never see Courtly Check without thinking of you. It certainly is your signature.
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

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  34. Sarah -
    How wildly fabulous that you have enough of this look to do four different settings and have them look so cohesive. This is a fresh and exciting table. I never see Courtly Check without thinking of you. It certainly is your signature.
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

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  35. Oh, Sarah, I felt like I was at some fabulous store shopping for wonderful tableware with each placesetting different yet tied together with the wonderful courtly check. What an incredible setting. I adore that red shoe. I had a beautiful white one in the garden but little angels broke it one day.

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  36. This is a very pretty table scape! I would like to invite you to link this up to my new link party, Masterpiece Monday, at Boogieboard Cottage. The link will be up all week. Take care, Mary :O)

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  37. Sarah, I had to come back again to see this very pretty tablescape! I am glad I found you, and am your newest follower.

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  38. Oh I LOVE your courtly check and all your different layered elements! I'd like to play musical chairs at your table so I can get a closer look at all your wonderful settings :-)

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  39. You might know how much I love this table. I am in heaven, just looking at all the wonderfulness.
    love, bj

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  40. My favorite color combo...this is my dream table to dine at!!

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  41. Oh Sarah -- I DO love your checkered past -- thanks for reposting this -- It is truly one of the most adorable Valentine's tables ever!

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  42. So pretty! I love the black and white checks.

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  43. Love black with pink. How cheerful it all looks. Happy V day to you

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  44. Sarah...you certainly do have a Colorful Checkered Past! It's just what I need for Inspiration to get in the Valentine Decorating Mood. Love that all the settings are different and your mix of dishes and accessories...DELIGHTFUL!!! Okay! Off I go...Thriftin for Valentine Stuff...I really don't have any! Thanks for the Inspirations!!!!

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  45. I am thrilled to see this because I don't remember a single inch of it last year. Perhaps I was wrapped up with DH & hospital visits. :/

    Anyway, it is just spectacular!!! I'm SO glad you reposted it for everyone to enjoy again.

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  46. What a beautiful tablesetting, and it looks like it would be really fun to dine at!
    Happy REDnesday!
    Carol

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  47. Sarah, this is just the MOST charming table EVER! You put together so many wonderful and different place settings. What fun it was to see this (I probably saw it last year, but with my memory, I don't know!-You'd think I'd remember something this incredible though). I love everything about this post - including your very clever post title. I'm so glad you are linking this to Favorite Things. (You could link it again for the V'tine party-thanks for posting the party button on your blog). Hugs, laurie

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  48. What a great table. I love the various dishes layered, the colors used and how the black and white check just brings it all together. Truly creative and a feast for the eyes!

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  49. Stunningly beautiful, Sarah. If this table doesn't make one smile, none will!

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  50. Hi Sarah! Oh, I'm loving your checks in every way! Your table setting is just so charming!
    Thank you for the tip on putting salads in the little chicken dishes. Now I'll have to be on the search for at least a couple more.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  51. This is so pretty, Sarah. I like all the blacks, whites and reds and all those checks and squares. So beautifully put together...Christine

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  52. This is an adorable tablescape, Sarah. Every detail is happy. I love the combination of red and black and of checks. Just as cute as can be. Very, very festive! And of course, I adore the flatware.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  53. This is just such a creative table. I enjoyed seeing all the different place settings. The colors are so fun together too. I am showing checks on my blog today as well. :)

    Donna

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  54. This is just marvelous! I love what you've done. I have an apron and tea towel in the crown pattern. Did you get it at World Market? Mine are from there. I could sit and look at this table setting for hours. I just might come back and visit it here on your blog. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

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  55. I adore courtly check and anything MacKenzie Childs or what looks like their stuff. Check out what I have done using MC as inspiration.

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  56. Hi Sarah~ What an absolutely beautiful and fun tablescape! I love all the checks - black and white check is always so classic and pretty and the red mixed in is a perfect accent! Thanks for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  57. Hi Sarah...

    Oooh...your courtly checked Valentine table is just sooo pretty and sooo much fun, my friend! It is sweet whimsy at its best!!! I loved that you made each of the place settings a bit different. I had so much fun looking through each of them! The black and white check is so pretty with the red! My friend, you really do have some of the prettiest dishes! I always love to see your beautiful tables! Ohhh..and the centerpiece...magnificent!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful table with us...I really did enjoy!

    Warmest winter wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  58. I love the Courtly Check collection. Love the way you have supplemented your collection. Beautiful table and again what a great collection.

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  59. OMG! I did a black and white and pink setting w/bandanas too! LOL! Now my table isn't nearly as gorgeous as yours but I love that you used those elements also. I love your topiary centerpiece and of course your MacKenzie Childs dishes are fabulous! Love it!

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  60. Love, love, love your table, especially the fact that each place is set differently. That's what makes it so much fun.

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  61. Oh Lady S,

    No more words to say, I jst said "ahhhhhhh" while drooling §;-)

    This is absolutely stunning setting ready for Valentine's Day.

    Have a blessed w/end,
    /chie

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  62. Now that's my kind of table! Enjoy your holiday this year!

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  63. What adorable pinks and all the other colors. So pretty to look at. Happy Pink Saturday.

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  64. I really love this tablescape, Sarah! I've been directing all my non blogging friends to come over for a look.

    Enjoy your pleasant weather this weekend!

    ♥ Pat

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  65. This is just toooo gorgeous for words--it has a life of its own and I love the checkerboard with pink...it's fantastic!! Woo hoo...it's all beautiful!!!
    XO

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  66. The Courtly Check is wonderful with the Valentine Pinks. Amazingly wonderful tablescape. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  67. Fabulous! I love that you incorporated the black check in with everything - absolutely makes the pink Pop! Thanks so much for stopping by my page - I'm following now! -diane
    http://www.sweeteuropeandreams.com

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  68. I LOVE CHECKERS!!! My kitchen and dining room are black and white checker and it is a classic look that dates way back to the 1600s, at least in old Dutch paintings!!!! SARA DEAR! THank you for coming to leave me a comment! May your weekend be filled with peaceful relaxation and joy my friend. What a sweet post to get us started on the LOVE TRAIN!!!

    Many kind regards, Anita

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  69. Love this post! I have always had a weakness for checks & stripes: so fresh-looking. And fabulous with that touch of strong colour. Lovely settings.

    Happy Pink Saturday!

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  70. Absolutely beautiful. Love all your checked pieces. You have so many lovely plates and accessories. This is breathtaking. I am your newest follower.
    Please visit me, although I don't have anything this exciting. Maybe you will still like to follow me.
    Thanks for sharing. Ginger

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  71. Your table is divine! I most Certainly am going to "HAVE" to get some of the courtly check(LOVE,LOVE,LOVE IT!!!) I had them send me their catalog so I can "Study" it... I MUST have the ruffled cake plate and Well(I'm making a list,hehe). Every detail of you table makes me want to be there for tea!
    Thank you So Much for sharing...
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  72. Hi Sarah, This is such a pretty Valentine tablescape! I love all the black and white checks.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  73. This looks so lovely. I look forward to you stopping by at My Dream Canvas:-)

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  74. Very pretty Sarah. Love the colors and the patterns.
    Sherry

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  75. OMG Sarah! 79 comments and me the 80th. Well you must know that I'm loving your post. Especially all the courtly checks. I will definitely pop over to Linda's to look for her hearts.
    Awesome look for your special table.
    ´*•.¸(´*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
    ♥•.*.*.*.Cherry*.*.*.•♥
    ♥•.*.*.*.Chick.*.*.*.•♥
    ¸.•*´(¸.•*´♥´*•.¸)´*•.¸

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  76. I just LOVE stopping by to see your checks. This is just gorgeous! Each item is too sweet.

    I'm still visiting around Pink Saturday posts! Have a great week.

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  77. I'm still making Pink saturday rounds and I'm so glad I made it to your blog! What a charming table! I'm going to have to try some of these for Valentine's Day, my girls would be so excited to have such a fancy table!

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  78. Wow, comments at the end of a very long list...so nice to have so many of interest..I love your post too! The black and white checks are such a nice change..I think I'm coming back..LOL!
    Very Nice..
    ~Shirley & Cupid..

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  79. Wow the hot pink with the black and white is so bold and fun and beautiful! Love that you used a black and white checkered pattern, it fits so well. Love your mercury glass. Brilliantly done!

    Thanks so much for adding it to The Valentines Party!

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  80. This is one of my favorites!! Thanks for the encore!

    Love the shoe!

    Katherine

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  81. Adorable tablescape! Love the black checks with the red. Happy Valentine's Day!
    Tammy

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  82. How beautiful! I'm happy you reposted, because I wasn't around as a blogger last year. I will enjoy following you and enjoying your lovely blog! Annie

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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.