Friday, February 4, 2011

Valentine's Day Inspired Table, Artful Blogging


Hello Everyone!
I hope you all have had a great week....

I wanted to share a few pictures of a Valentine's inspired table setting.
I used a lot of roses from Whole Foods, trying to give my home a cottage feel.


I used antique french labeled jars as vases....


I used antique french yellow ware, that were once used as jam pots.
I added floral foam from Michaels to the pots.  My daughter Bethany helped me arrange the flowers in the little pots.


You could use something like this as a gift for each guest....


I scattered plastered letters around the table...


I filled a french canning jar with flowers....





I used an antique french document as a placemat....




I chose to use an assortment of flowers....
I however only used pink and white flowers for the table setting....


I set out an assortment of french linen napkins on the table.
I now wish I would have done something a little different with those napkins, after looking at these pictures....



I set out four of the blue french documents and used only two white french documents for the middle plates, to break it up a little bit.



This isn't how I would normally set our table, it is supposed to be a Valentine's Day inspired table setting.... : )


On a final note....




I wanted to say thank you to Jennifer Jackson and the Artful Blogging Magazine team for featuring my blog in the spring issue of Artful Blogging...
It is out on newsstands now.


I hope you all have a great weekend!!
Take Care,
Maria


150 comments:

Fishtail Cottage said...

The feature is well deserved! What a beautiful post! xoox

Julia said...

As always, you have the most beautiful and inspiring way of decorating. I just love all of the little details!

~Julia

Unknown said...

Ahhh, love! What a lovely table!
Congatulations on being featured in Artful blogging! That is very exciting!

Knicky Knacks said...

Just gorgeous and it appears you've passed down your talents to your daughter. Where do you find the time!

Ange said...

Only you, Maria, could have a sleek modern coffee machine alongside vintage artifacts and make it look perfect?! Your tablescape is a picture of beauty.
Congrats on the mag. feature too. Very well deserved :o)
Angex

Dear Lillie said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Maria! I saw your home featured on Jennifer's blog earlier tonight and fell in love with your Valentine's table!

Simple Home said...

What a beautiful table setting, and congratulations on the book feature. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a copy of the magazine.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Marcia ♥

Norrfrids Eija said...

In mid-winter here in Sweden it´s so wonderful to see your springlike pictures, just love everything about your home!
Eija

Tina said...

As always, sweet Maria, your decorating is just stunning! I love the roses and I think your linen napkins are perfect, just the way they are. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ~ Tina x

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

A very pretty table, meals could only be happy in a setting like this
Sharon
My French Country Home

Unknown said...

I love this so much! A terribly beautiful display!
xxxxxxxxxx

alwaysxbeing.blogspot.com

PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA said...

So beautiful! It looks like Spring has come into your wonderful home!
Have a happy weekend,
Fra

Ghirlanda di Popcorn said...

What a beautiful post Maria! I love you Valentine's table..
Lots of love
Silvia

The Sterling Cherub said...

Congratulations, Maria, on being featured by Jennifer for The Old Painted Cottage's Cottage of the Month! Great recognition, and you certainly deserve it! Jennifer has been doing that feature for quite a while now, and I've read and followed her blog for some time, and was so happy to see your home selected. Congratulations, also, on opening your online shop, best wishes to you for success!

Your Valentine's table is delightful, just so sweet! Your family must feel cherished.

Thank you for stopping by and becoming a friend of my little blog. It hopes to grow up and one day be more like yours!

Best,

Kimberly

Pascale said...

If it is the flowers of your garden , you are lucky !. it is so nice. eowiin

Rose Garden Malevik said...

Hi Maria
what a WONDERFUL Table.....
Your taste are so sweet :)
LOVE your Blog :)
I Hope Your weekend is Nice
and do not miss

S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y

S
H
O
W

O
F
F

WELCOME to Join it :)
Håkan ( The Roseman)

The enchanted home said...

Can I come over for Valentines day? Sooo pretty,delicate, romantic and beautiful! Love it all....thank you for those wonderful "take me away" pictures.

melissa said...

Your table looks absolutely amazing - the recognition you received is well deserved! :)
Melissa xx

Amy Chalmers said...

What I love about your table is that it has a fresh simplicity about it but still filled with interest. A fine balance that you capture quite consistently! I enjoy the shots that show the rest of the home in the background with the bright windows. It looks like a wonderful place to live.

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

This is such a beautiful table setting... so much attention to details. I just love how you use the French document as the place matts, and the different colors together! My favorite colors for flowers... pink and white, and their so pretty in the French canning jar... and what a great ideal to use the French music cards, and give to the guest as a gifts! It's all absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on being featured as Cottage of the month, and being featured in the Artful Blogging Magazine!!!
Blessings~~~ Daphne Nicole

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi Maria,
I enjoyed learning a bit more about you through your article in Artful Blogging. Your Valentine table setting is lovely...will pop over to The Cottage of the Month now!
Take care, Laura

pure Viefalt said...

Oh dera maria,

I'm soooo impressed, what a wonderful, light decoration and the pictures are especially marvelous. Your home is every time a little wonder to me;-)

yours sincerely
Betty

katrina lauren said...

beautiful as always....i can't get enough of your blog and leave inspired every time!
xx
k.

BonjourRomance said...

What a romantic table - simple and elegant.
Bon weekend,
Mimi

Laura said...

Your pictures take my breath away. They are so beautiful. Maria... you truly have a gift. Lx

Vintage Gal said...

Absolutely Deeevine ;-)

White and Rust said...

It is so gorgeous! Very pretty and Romantic. Congratulations on your features, you are a very artful blogger!

Maison Beldecor said...

Hello Maria!
Absolutely gorgeous table setting sooo great and frenchy...
Warm wishes
Bine

Kathi said...

lovely! the table is perfect and the honors well deserved. best to you

Everlasting Blooms said...

That is SO perfectly pretty! I love it :)

~ Congrats on being in Artful Blogging LOVE that magazine and it is well deserved to you!

Anne Marie said...

Good morning Maria...what a beautiful table setting...I would love to sit and have coffee with you there!!

that's wonderful news about your feature...and being so humble as not shouting it...humility shows a lot of character -

have a great weekend!
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie

SLR said...

What a beautiful table setting! Is there anything better than pink and white flowers?! I am excited to see the rest of your home at Cottage Of The Month! I just so happened to read about you in Artful Blogging yesterday, and it was a lovely article. I still cannot get over that you have 5 children and manage to do all you do and keep your home so gorgeous...you are an inspiration!!!

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

It is so gorgeous! and it made me smile to see some pieces that I own - glasses, mugs, etc.

High Street Cottage said...

Maria, I thought Jennifer's feature of your home was awesome. There were photos I had not seen, and the table setting was amazing. I have such a hard time taking pictures of my table settings that I never bother. But that particular aspect of the feature was one of my favorites, with all the pinks and rustic containers for the flowers. Beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and Congrats on not only the feature, but on being mentioned in Artful Blogging as well. xoxo tami

Rhonda said...

Your photos brought tears to my eyes, your dining room table is beautifully set.

I'm drawn to the art of setting a table and all the different elements used.

Congratulations on your home being featured, what an honor.

(New to your blog and lovin' it) Rhonda

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Oh my gosh Maria ~
Your table looks so
very beautiful!!
I love the pink and
white flowers ~
They make me so happy
because they remind me
of spring ~
Thank you for sharing
details on how you
created your table setting ~

xoxo
Lori

Unknown said...

Just stunning, leave it to you to make Valentine's Day special .. Way to go a Cottage of the month.

~~Pattie~~

FEDERICA said...

Maria è bellissimoooo! That's gorgeous! Pure heaven!

Miss Giny said...

It's gorgeous ! I love it !

Ticking and Toile said...

beautiful post Maria! Love the tablescape...it's just perfect!

Congrats on your feature in artful blogging :)

xo,
Shellagh

martinealison said...

J'aime l'ensemble de ces petites notes françaises qui flottent sur votre table de Saint Valentin...
L'amoureux pourrait être aussi un peu français...!?
Bisous

Shannan Martin said...

Positively dreamy, Maria! Oh, how I pine for Spring!!

Can't wait to pick up Artful Blogging and find YOU in it. :)

Anne Lorys said...

YOU, young lady, are a bonafide, gifted, very deserving, blogging superstar!!!

So very proud of you and all you have accomplished this past year.
And I know you've worked your butt off too, my friend.

Thanks for inspiring me today. :-)

XOXO,
Anne

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on both your features, Maria! I loved seeing pictures of your home that I haven't seen before, such as your family room... loved it!! What a beautiful table setting... your photography was stunning!!
Happy weekend to you, my friend!
xoxo,
Jo :)

Beth said...

Congrats on your features...totally well deserved!

I love, love, love you Valentine inspired table! You are so creative and your images are perfect!!! xoxo Beth

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a lovely, romantic table you've set!

Congrats on your features!

paperbird said...

such loveliness today!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Congrats on both!! :) The table you set is so beautiful, as always. I am convinced that there isn't one ugly thing in your home. I bet all of your food is stored in antique turqoise jars and your kid's backpacks are made out of vintage French hemp.

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria,
I loved seeing different views of your home in the feature. All I can say is GORGEOUS! I could get lost in looking at these pictures -your home is just as charming as can be ~ thanks for sharing so much with us. :)
sarah xo

Robin Johnson said...

So very pretty! I love the pale pink and white flowers together, they make such a statement.

Elyse said...

hi maria,

how fun and beautifully photographed. loving the jam pots for flowers. nice contrasts.

congrats on artful blogging! it sounds like a gasp-worthy issue (jessica, such pretty things) is in there, too.

celebrate!

xo
elyse

Melanie said...

Maria,
Your home is great. Love, love, love your cabinets.
We also have the same floors!
Thanks for the eye candy,
Melanie

Robyn said...

Maria, everything looks lovely! It's like a breath of FRESH SPRING AIR! ...I just can't wait for Spring~! Happy Valentines day to you!~

The Flying Bee said...

Maria,

Your table setting is beautiful! Congrats on your feature...I just read it!

xo,
Adrienne

Between You and Me said...

Maria....your table looks effortless...and I'm grateful that your napkins look exactly the way they look.....the table begs someone to sit and eat and laugh and visit......

you are beyond gifted...I sure hope you know it!

What time of day do you shoot your pictures and do you edit them at all? I know you have tons of light in your house, but the pictures are totally magazine worthy. :)))) Can you tell us a little about how you take your pictures, etc???

mybelleepoque said...

Ok... the paint is coming our at our house... I am so inspired to redecorate :) You are so talented!

Jenn Jorgensen said...

I read the article in Artful Blogging. You are inspiring. Your home is stunning!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Very pretty,
I went by Jennifer's and had a look, nice!

Hope to see you at the Flea tomorrow bright & early, at least now I know what you look like, Maria!
Take care, cher ami ;)
xoxo~Tracie

Allison said...

I must have looked at your posting at least 10 times today, Maria. It is so beautiful, soft, romantic, dreamy, heavenly and absolutely lovely. It calms me looking at your table with the soft pinks and whites. It is perfection. Congratulations on your feature in Artful Blogging.

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

~*~* BEAUTIFUL *~*~ Your cottage of the month feature was my favorite so far!! Hugs, Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Bevann said...

Wow...what beautiful breath-taking photos!!!

Bevann

Ann said...

I am in awe of your Valentine's Table Setting... so gorgeous:)

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear Maria,
wow, your table setting is so beautiful!
What beautiful details.
I cook every year for my husband on Valentine's Day is a 3-course menu and set the table even more beautiful than usual
Wish you a happy new week,
Hugs,
Yvonne

Lara said...

Maria this is stunning! Your photography and styling and colour choices take my breath away! :) I love these photos - so amazing! All your flowers are beautiful (Whole Foods has the best flowers!) and I love them in the darling French yellowware.. I will peek again and again at your Valentine's setting! Oh and I bought more Mrs. Meyer's this weekend - the laven, all purpose cleaner - you got me hooked!
Hugs,
Lara

vicki archer said...

Your table and styling is so beautiful....Congratulations.....xv

makyloua said...

very nice table !!! tribute to spring

Servies en Brocante said...

i love your flowers!!

Simple Home said...

Congratulations on the feature dear Maria. Your table looks beautiful and oh so inspiring! ♥
Blessings,
Marcia

Jeannie B. said...

I love the way your house looks so fresh and uncluttered. Lovely

Anonymous said...

How very pretty! LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors. So feminine, so dainty, so perfect...I just found your blog about two months ago. Have been following ever since. I have just started a blog, still a baby blog, barely has a diaper on! I just added you to my blog roll, and I'd love if you stopped by if you have a chance. I think this is so cool connecting with people from everywhere!

Sherman Unkefer said...

Lovely setting! I love the colors you used, very feminine and fresh.

Julie said...

Congrats! The table and your home are gorgeous!

Jem said...

I always marvel at how incredibly light and airy your home feels from the pictures - so much more so than any other place I have seen in fact! :-)

layers of memory said...

Hi Maria
loved your recent photos and your interviews......i was wondering we have seen so many lovely pictures of your home i was curious to see some photos of your kitchen....would you ever consider putting some of those on your blog??

Lana Manis said...

Maria ~ your blog is a never-ending source of inspiration! I always enjoy my visits here.
Congratulations on the well-deserved Artful Blogging feature, too! :)

All That Jazz said...

SO fun, love the colors you used in the decor on your table, Maria! The initial mugs are a great touch, the black and white topography just adds a great "pop."
I was really bummed to read your Nate appearance was not on his website. What gives? I think we should email the network and request it! :-)
Hope you had a wonderful weekend!!
~michelle~

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Maria, thank you again for allowing me to feature your beautiful home as COTM on my site. Your photos always take my breath away, and I know my readers loved your style. Congrats on the magazine, I'll have to check that out.

oxox
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

I have two of those Anthro mugs. Love them. Fun to see how you used them on the table.

Little Emma English Home said...

Lovely table Maria, Romantic and fresh. I love daisies and how you mixed witht the other flowers. We're having some Spring air in Italy as well- can't wait!

Un abbraccio xx

Jacoline said...

Just Lovely !!!

AT HOME BLOG said...

Hi MariA!
Beautiful romantic table, I love the way you choose the flowers... the music sheet.. everithing is so fresh and romantic!
kisses
Etta

Val said...

Beyond Gorgeous!!!!!

Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures said...

So so pretty as always!
I love the paper as place mats!
You've done it again!

Tricia said...

Congrats on your feature Maria and love your table setting! What time shall I arrive for the party??
xo~
T

Anxiety Cause said...

Everything looks light, fresh, beautiful and elegant!

Ivy said...

Oh, Maria this is absolutely breathtaking. You do such a wonderful job decorating, it's gorgeous!

Seawashed said...

Looks beautiful...I did feature your new store in a post on my blog last Friday...I got alot of sweet comments for you. ox

Chelsea Talks Smack said...

Adorable, this is so charming!

Vær våken said...

On my goodness, your table is breathtaking!! I love the flowers. They remind me of a really wanted Spring!!! Hope you're off to a lovely week!

Kristin xo

vosgesparis said...

I have a valentines give away running and another really exciting one next week! Come over and play ;)
desiree

LuLu said...

b e a u t i f u l!!
xo,
LuLu

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

beautiful, Maria - OH SO beautiful!!

I'm having a giveaway - would love for you to enter for a chance to win!!!

Hugs to you sweet girl ~

Tracy.

Karla@TheClassyWoman said...

So beautiful! This table setting has me excited for spring!! :)

Tania - Grange de Charme said...

Hi Maria , this post is so romantic ! beautiful photos and a perfect style ! I love it !

Margherita Calati ph said...

oh dear, i just discovered your blog and i'm totally impressed by it!
your style is awesome, in this post i can see a million of beautiful things! the table, the pink and white flowers, every little details.. oh, amazing!!

your home is my dream! totally white, vintage and country style but - at the same time - i can say that you have a sort of minimal style! perfect :D

i follow you, sure!! you will be a font of inspiration for me :)

kisses!!

http://lmphotografic.blogspot.com

Frøken Anker said...

NICE - NICE - NICE - what can I say :)

Have a nice day...
Birgitte

Jenny k. said...

wow.
utterly beautiful in every way.
you have a special gift of creating beauty.

jennifer@nicolejanehome said...

I just LOVE your blog. Every time I drop by, I get so inspired. Your photography is lovely and the tablescapes are divine. Thank you.

vintagegirl said...

I'm new to the blogging world, but I came across your blog and have to say it's beautiful...love your style!

Sharon(please don't pay too much attention to my blog, it's still a work in progress) :)

Gaia said...

Your pics are always a breath of fresh air!
I'm so enchanted every time I visit your blog!
LOL

gbloom studio said...

Your home is just beautiful! You pictures are yummy!!!! I have a question...do your chandeliers work? I love them, did you find them at flea markets? I have been looking and they are so hard to find.
Gina

June said...

Oh Maria, truly this is the loveliest table setting I've seen to date! You know I adore your style, but this is crazy gorgeous!
hugs to you...

Jessica Wrasman said...

So naturally beautiful! I love the mismatched chairs and flower placement.

Carol said...

Love your blog and your home is beautiful. So deserved for Cottage of the Month.
Carol
freshlinenscottonandlace.blogspot.com

Tonya @ Love of Family And Home said...

It all looks gorgeous! Your photos are beautiful! Looks like the pictures in a magazine!

Alča said...

Really really nice decoration, color combination. I love french style and this one is perfect. Also the photos are great. Good job :-) Alena

vintagegirl said...

Wow, this is beautiful... Love the soft romantic feel and the lighting is gorgeous! How exciting to be feautured in the magazine ~ congrats!

Sharon(new blogger in progress)
http://vintagegirl-dezigns.blogspot.com

sarah@boxwoodclippings said...

so bright and beautiful, i love how first taste of spring is so refreshing. may i come for tea?

smile said...

Hi, Love your pictures! Hope it's ok if I borrow one or two and link to your blog from mine?

Thanks! Have a great weekend!

Rhônya Holman said...

I just found your blog and read all of it in one go. You have a lovely style! *(^_^)*
Cheers!

Mary said...

Omigosh,that is just beyond gorgeous! I will look forward to seeing the feature in Artful Blogging. :)

Free Art Printables said...

Maria, your table setting is gorgeous! Congrats on artful blogging and cottage of the month! I can't wait to see it!

Jeanne Oliver said...

That is such an incredible and comfortable table setting!! I can't wait to see your article in Artful Blogging...way to go. This has been an amazing year for you.

The Distressed Mother said...

Beautiful table!

Betty and Roxy said...

Oooh Valentines Day tomorrow...thanks for the reminder! Lovely post too!

Asian Stationary said...

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.

Simply Me said...

Hi There, I just wanted to say how much you have inspired me! I wish you a Happy Valentines Day! I Love your Work, So Simply Love that

butiksofie said...

Dearest Maria, wow so many comments!!!Do you still see me:-)))...your table setting is gorgeous!!!I love every single detail!!Hughs Anja

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Hi Maria~ I just received my order from your shop today!! Such a nice valentine gift to myself!;) I LOVE my lavender pillows and thanks for the little extra! I will be ordering more beautiful items on Friday!! Hugs, Rachel :)

French Farmhouse 425

raggygirlvintage said...

It is all so lovely, like a breath of fresh air, flowers make all the difference! I just have to know where you get your chandeliers? On my wishlist this year but haven't found anything as nice as this....
Tracey

Bridget @ The Rehab Boutique said...

Everything is beautiful, calm and serene, I love it all!!

Vintage Home said...

oh i just love your table!!!

Kelley said...

Just wonderful Maria!

I picked up a copy of Artful Blogging on a whim at the book store and loved it! I recognized your home right away because it's so special and bright.

Congratulations! So very deserved...xo kelley

Kristi@lovelyvélo said...

congrats and what a stunning table... so inviting!

shamanaccount said...

You deserved to be featured! With that splendid hearts day tablescape, intensely serene and lovely.

picturebook.. mine. said...

P E R F E C T !!

MyBluePeacock said...

You do an absolutely beautiful job! I love looking at your pics.

Amanda aSweetLifeRocks said...

Maria, you have a gorgeous blog and lots of artistic ability. Thanks for sharing part of you with the rest of us.

Unknown said...

You have such a beautiful place, the way to decorate is amazing. Love your Blog!

Brad Fallon said...

What a stunning table!

Husprojekt Drömhus said...

amazing & lovely,and for me breathtaking!

hugs
Tiina

Unknown said...

Beautiful flowers + stunning setting = dreamy!

Jes/Vita villa vila said...

Hi Maria!

First time here and I must say your blog and your beautiful pictures is really wonderful! Love coming back here for inspiration! ♥

/Jes, Sweden

Tiffany said...

Beautiful pictures~Congrats on the features!

Unknown said...

Everything is SO lovely. The table is gorgeous...such creative place mats. Do you have a roof or is it just one, giant piece of glass with some antique, tin tiles on the living room part?! Ha! You have the BEST lighting. Love your photography as much as your linens, etc. You have such a gift.

xoxo,
Jami

Unknown said...

...and pardon my manners, congratulations on your features!!! (I was caught up in your pictures.)

Tapping World Summit 2011 said...

Oh my! Everything looks perfect and wonderful!

Rawai Guesthouse said...

What a very lovely table setting! The flowers look nice!

På vår gata said...

I have recently found you're blog and it's wonderful.
I absolutely love your home and your decorating is magnificant!

/D

Anonymous said...

everything is so beautiful! you have an eye for beauty!

Vikki said...

I just wanted to give you HUGE props, not only on your MAGNIFICENT home and styling (seriously, I'm drooling!) but on sharing Brianna's blog!

I, of course, entered her giveaway (I guess I never explored going directly to the source, being in eastern Canada and fearing crazy shipping costs), and I thought I would share my personal post on her with you, as I had to give DW a shout out too! :)

http://buoybird.com/2011/02/22/a-new-friend/

I have been following DW for about a year now; you were a HUGE inspiration for me to push forward with my own blog, and I constantly referred to you while taking Decor8's blogging course last Sept. :P

Feel better from the sickies; a house full of 'em makes for a heck of a lot of passing it around! Love and prayers sent your way!!!

xo,
Vik

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Maria- Just beautiful!

Happy Belated Valentine's Day and I hope everyone is feeling better!

Loretta

Footwear said...

simple beautiful and grace full design thanks for sharing it

lindley said...

Found you in Artful Blogging at a bookstore and wrote down your site! Visited for the first time tonight and I will be back! Everything is beautiful and crisp and romantic--just what this Mommy of 3 boys wants to look at!!! :)

Armelle said...

I love, love, love your home. It is absolutely gorgeous, and I am soooooo jealous. I am new to blogging and just started my own at http://lavievintagebleu.blogspot.com. Please stop by and check it out. I'd love if you became a follower. You are an inspiration!!!!!

Giovanna said...

Oh my God, I love your pictures! I love them so much that I used it on my blog's banner. I hope you don't mind :)
http://polkahot.tumblr.com/
It looks pretty, in my opinion!
I put the credits, of course.
Thanks!
Giovanna xx

Tash said...

Congratulations on the feature, much deserved! Such a beautiful setting, so much inspiration here!

Magento Themes said...

wow...Its fabulous!!! I just love this designs and artwork. I'll try in my home.. I like this flowers.
Thanks for this great blog.

Gift Basket said...

Wow.... Its really fantastic. Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing settings. Thanks for sharing this innovative blog

Anonymous said...

The material and aggregation is excellent and telltale as comfortably.
My Valentine Love