This sparkling table starts in Phoenix in November of 2020. Several friends got together – very safely – at Bella Terra, the beautiful historic home of blogger Mary Crozier.
We Sort of Had an Agenda
We had a rough plan of some things we wanted to do while we were together. For instance, take a lot of photos – teacups, anyone? – do some crafts, cook some food, trade tech skills for voice lessons. (Well, that trade didn’t really happen. I just got lots of tech help for free! But I reminded them that voice coaching can happen any time on Zoom. Just saying – it’s not too late, kids!)
In any case, one of the main things we wanted to do was set a tablescape together! So we created a gorgeous sparkling table for a dinner out under the stars one evening.
Usually, table setting is a solitary pursuit for me. And I like it that way! But creating with these talented ladies was a whole new experience. I absolutely loved working with other people – especially such creative people!
Who’s the Sparkling Table Crew?
But before we get much further, let me introduce you to my lovely table setting partners!
In order – Andrea of Design Morsels, Chas of Chas’ Crazy Creations, Mary of Life at Bella Terra, (you already know me,) and Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate!
I’m actually a relative newcomer to this group. Most of them (plus Cynthia of Create with Cynthia, and Kristin of White Arrows Home, who unfortunately couldn’t join us,) met last fall at a workshop taught by KariAnne of Thistlewood. After the workshop, they formed a weekly call to discuss all things blogging.
Fast forward to January 2020 when I met Mary in an Instagram group for another workshop we’d both signed up for. I loved her style and we totally hit it off! She invited me to the group, and I jumped right in.
Be sure to go all the way to the bottom for links to posts the others have done for this table!
The Orchard and an Antler
Mary has a lovely orchard on one side of her property, complete with a grassy center and strings of lights overhead. Her kind husband put a table out there for us, and we were ready to go!
Mary had also recently gotten a set of huge (I mean huge) antlers that some elk didn’t need anymore. You can see one of the antlers peeking out from beside the table in the photo above.
(Plus, no animals were harmed in the making of this tablescape. As Mary says, the antlers are sheds, meaning an animal was not killed for them. Elk grow antlers every year and shed their old ones.)
As improbable as it might seem, antlers and tables actually went together! It would never have occurred to me to use an antler as a centerpiece, but leave it to Chloe. As soon as we started talking tablescapes, she knew what we had to do!
Setting the Table
But let’s start at the beginning. Mary has an amazing collection of tableware and linens, so we started by choosing a tablecloth. Isn’t this gorgeous?
Here’s Chloe putting the pink runner down the center of the table.
And here’s what the antler looked like in the middle of the table.
Place Settings for our Sparkling Table
As you can also see in the photo above, we’d chosen some beautiful plates and chargers.
And also some lovely pink glassware, which Chas is helping to bring out from the house, in the photo below.
I love how the pink glasses pick up the pink in the dinner plates. And how the runner pulls them both together.
Our tablescape is looking great already!
Off to the Store!
But you know I just can’t have a tablescape without flowers! So Mary and I jetted off to the garden store. Since this felt like a harvest table, we also went to the grocery store for fruit, and more flowers.
Here’re some of our purchases on the work table we used for staging our decor.
Using Potted Flowers in the Centerpiece
When we were at the garden store, we saw some gorgeous snapdragon plants. They even had pink pots – it was obviously meant to be! And after they fulfilled their destiny on the table, Mary could plant them in her garden.
I was all ready to set one of them down right here in this nice clean open space.
Then I picked up the snapdragon. Oh my! I’m not putting those roots and damp dirt down on Mary’s lovely runner!
A Neat Little Trick for Protecting the Linen
So since I just happened to have a lot of plastic grocery-store-flower-wrapping handy, I used that. I cut a little square, just the right size to fit under a snapdragon.
When they’re on the table, you can hardly see the plastic! Even when it isn’t covered up by flowers and fruit.
Centerpiece Step Two – Flowers
After the antler, the next step for our centerpiece was those snapdragons. I snugged them around the antler prongs, in more or less a straight line.
Mary’s very large dog, Cooper, had been surveying the table progress. But I think in this photo, he’s heard something over the fence and is going to investigate.
We also picked up some deep red and yellow flowers, which play off the other colors in the plates.
The little vases of red and yellow joined their pink counterparts around the antler.
Here Mary has just turned the lights on, and it’s already becoming a sparkling table!
Centerpiece Step Three – Fruit
I’m telling you now, that making grapes balance on top of pears is not an easy job. But when it works, it’s really pretty! I just love fruit in a harvest tablescape.
First I put the larger, rounder fruits.
Then the grapes. And somewhere along the way, Chloe rejoined me and put pomegranates on the plates. A perfect touch.
24 Karat Gold-Trimmed Flatware Helps the Sparkling Table Along
Mary’s flatware is beautiful. It’s called Napoleon Bee from Wallace. It’s silver with 24 karat gold accents. And of course, they have bees on the handles.
It’s really reflective, and totally helps create a sparkling table. You’ll get a better look at it further down.
In the meantime, here are a couple “table in the orchard” photos for you.
We added some votive candles to the table for even more glow as it started to get dark.
Sparkling Table Under a Beautiful Night Sky
And then we watched the sun go down and the stars come up! The lights glowed and yes – the table sparkled!
Lots and Lots of Pictures!
That’s the thing about bloggers – we all take pictures all the time! Here’s Mary taking a break from the kitchen to get some beautiful shots.
I took a whole bunch too, so I’m just going to let the photos do the talking for a while. Isn’t it the sparklingest sparkling table you’ve ever seen?
This overhead shot is a great one to get a real idea how the antler looked.
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
And so, I’ll always remember this sparkling table with gratitude. I’m so thankful that I met this wonderful group of talented women. That they welcomed me so graciously to their circle. That I had the chance to share this time with them. That I got to witness their talents firsthand, and got to learn from their experience.
That’s my wish for you too. That in this time of such upheaval and “distance,” you can find, keep, and celebrate wonderful friends.
Thank You!
I’m so grateful for you being here! I’ve truly loved meeting and getting to know so many of you! Thank you so much for sharing your time and your ideas with me. I truly appreciate it. Lots of love and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Shop the Sparkling Table Post
Click on the links below for pieces we used on this table. If the exact item isn’t available any more, I chose a similar option.
This post includes affiliate links for your shopping convenience. If you click on a link and end up buying anything from that site within 24 hours, I get a small commission with no extra cost to you. It’s a Win-Win, and helps cover the cost of publishing Mantel and Table. (You can read the whole disclosure policy here.) Thanks so much for shopping with me!
And remember, a portion of anything you buy from MANTELandTABLE.com goes to Habitat for Humanity and Proud Ground. With our purchases, we get to help people build homes for their own mantels and tables!
- String Lights
- Napoleon Bee Flatware
- Brass Chargers
- Johnson Brothers Dinner Plates
- Pink Vintage Style Goblets
- Pink Wine Glasses
A Sort of Blog Hop
Mary and Chloe have written posts about our sparkling table, and you can visit them at the links below.
Pin the Sparkling Table for Later
This Post Shared With
- Tablescape Thursday #635 – Hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
- Tuesday Turn About #77 – Hosted by Thistle Key Lane
- Charming Homes & Gardens #35 – Hosted by Shiplap and Shells
- Thursday Favorite Things – Hosted by Follow the Yellow Brick Home
- Centerpiece Wednesday #227 – Hosted by Karin’s Kottage
- Tablescape Thursday #705 – Hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
- Thursday Favorite Things 03.31.22 – Hosted by Katherine’s Corner
- Fabulous Friday 4/14/23 – Hosted by South House Designs
You ladies really did a GREAT job – that tablescape is STUNNING!!!! wow!
And I absolutely love Mary’s property. Her blog is one of my favs. How NEAT you ladies met in real life.
I kinda love that a lot. ♥
Isn’t she wonderful?! And yes it was such a treat to meet in real life and get to know her and the other lovely bloggers from our group. I’d love to make the trip to OH one of these days too! 🙂 Happy Long Weekend!
This is over the top gorgeous!! So inspiring & truly magical.
Thanks so much Karen! So glad you like it too! 🙂 I’m so happy you stopped by, my friend!
WOW!! That is just breathtakingly gorgeous!! STUNNING both in the day time and spectacular in the evening with the lights!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks so much for sharing as it was such a delight to see and read about!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Oh thank you so much Deb – it’s one of my favorite tables ever. ❤ I’m so happy you like it as much as I do! Thanks so much for stopping over, and hugs back!
Barbara, what a stunning table. Creating it as a group project worked out so well. Tablescape by committee! I can imagine all the laughter during dinner. The antlers formed a great support for the flowers. Mary’s beautiful china and glassware made the perfect place settings. You gals did such a great job.
Hi Carol! It really was an amazing experience to work with such talented tablescapers. Leave it to Chloe to think of antlers! 🤣 And yes, Mary’s tableware collection is wonderful. So glad you liked it, and Happy Thursday!
It is stunning! But I shy away from centerpieces that prevent people from seeing or talking to each other across the table. How do you have a tall spectacular centerpiece without having to stand up or try to find the little hole in the decorations so you can talk to the person across from you?
Hi Lynne! Being able to see my guests is paramount for me too. This one may look taller than it really was – we didn’t seem to have any trouble talking over it. But yes, I often test before I finish the centerpiece to make sure we can see each other. One way to be able to still have a tall centerpiece is to not put it in the “center,” but put it off to one side and then set the table around that. I’ve done some pretty spectacularly tall arrangements and put them in the corner, which seemed to work. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked the table, and thanks so much for becoming a subscriber! I’m so happy you’re here!
It’s so beautiful! Sure wish I could have been there with all of you in person! Love the photo of you all together! Can’t wait for Florida!
Kristin! I’m sorry I missed this comment! We sure missed you, in fact I took a little video for you and Cynthia, of setting this table! But it was too big to send you on my phone. One day I’ll figure out how to get it to you! 😉 Lots of love and Holiday Wishes my friend!
What a beautiful tablescape – you ladies did a fabulous job. What fun it must have been. I think the night view is my favorite – so pretty!
Thanks so much Kim – it was really a marvelous experience! And so much fun! I like the night views best too! 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Your photos are lovely! It was such an amazing experience, wasn’t it?
It totally was! I could live out in that orchard! 🙂 Can’t wait to see Florida!
So fun, and I’m jealous! 😉 Hugs, and thanks for sharing your party with us!
It WAS so fun Julie! It was frustrating to have to maintain all our safety protocols though. I’m staying home now till I can hug people again! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Barbara, with all my Thanksgiving houseguests I’m behind in responding but what a fabulous blog post. I may copy the whole thing and posted it on Life at Bella Terra. You did such a fabulous job explaining the process and your photos are amazing. This would also be a lovely Valentines table wouldn’t it? And that we were all healthy and safe during our visit. I learned so much and I’m still chuckling over some of our escapades! You are the best!
YES! It was TOTALLY the best! What a weekend and I learned so much too, plus meeting you all in person was fabulous! Feel free to copy any or all – I’d be honored! Can’t wait to see your mantel post coming up. Happy Friday in the meantime!
Ooooh, by day or by night what a gorgeous sight! Everything is simply beautiful!
Thank you so much JP – I’m so glad you like it! And I’m so glad you joined us as a subscriber! I’d love to hear from you any time! Welcome to Mantel and Table!
What fun and HOW FABULOUS!
I just subscribed to YOUR BLOG found you on PRIVATE NEWPORT!
Now did I read this right you are in ARIZONA with the table in the orchard?!!!
Contessa!! Don’t you love Private Newport?! I’m honored that you subscribed – your blog is wonderful! I found you through Cindy Hattersley a while ago and your posts always make me smile!
Yes, this table was in Arizona at Bella Terra, the historic home of my friend Mary. It’s such a beautiful place! Ill be sharing several more posts of my time there, and I know you’ll love the inside too!
Thanks so much for joining us, and Welcome to Mantel and Table!
What a lovely experience and a fun group of new friends! Love the evening pictures…the table is beautiful – you ladies did a fabulous job!
Hi Denise! It was SO fun to work with other people on a table – so many beautiful things I would totally never have thought of! I’m glad you like the evening photos – it was so much fun to be out there in the warm night! Thanks for always stopping by, and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend, if I haven’t said that already! 🙂 Off to HHH next!
I absolutely LOVED this Barbara. I’m so happy that you all got together and that table is gorgeous. I hope you don’t mind me featuring it on my weekly round up tomorrow. And if you haven’t already shared it at Charming Homes and Gardens, I hope you do!
Oh Kim – I would be honored!! And I’ll definitely share it on next week’s CH&G! Thank you so much – I really appreciate it! Hope you’re having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!
Barbara, what a gorgeous table styled by a group of lovely bloggers! That must have been so much fun and a great collaboration with like-minded and talented ladies. I am sure everyone enjoyed their time together. Thanks for sharing this wonderful and creative tablescape in beautiful surroundings.
Hi Pam – it was a truly wonderful experience and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity! Thanks so much for stopping by – I hope you’re having a lovely holiday weekend!
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing this wonderful table and your talented self!
Any time! 🙂 Thank you so much for being here – I’m so happy we’re friends!
Oh my gosh, it was so lovely friend! Thanks for the shout out, and it was so fun watching everyone put this wonderful table scape together. The meal was wonderful, and the evening was magical. I can check off the bucket list that I was able to see one of these amazing tablescapes in person and enjoy it with you! Looking forward to the next one and miss everyone already! Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too Chas! I hope you have a wonderful day – I’m so grateful that I met you and can call you a friend! XOXO