Saturday, May 2, 2015

Tablescapes: One Church's Annual Event

A couple of weeks ago my sister and I were the guests of a friend (Thank you, Mary Lee!) at a tablescape viewing sponsored by the women's group of a local church. This annual event includes a silent auction, a delicious buffet food tasting, and a viewing of forty tables decorated by women in the church. Proceeds from this event benefit missions, including programs for women, children, and youth in the community, state, and around the world. This year's theme was "Celebrating God's Plan for Us," based on the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

After receiving a plate of tasty food bites we walked into the fellowship hall of the church where the tables were presented.  It was apparent as we walked by each table that much thought had gone into the table's decor.  While some were more elaborate than others each told a story.  From weddings to travel to hunting to holidays - each tablescape was an expression of love and joy from those who had created them.

While I do not have a picture of each table the pictures below are of some of my favorite tables and elements.


This tablescape was a particular favorite.  It used many elements of which I am quite fond.  The muted color palette, nests with eggs and cute little birds pointed to the promise of Spring.  The effortless, yet deliberate, mixture of textures (fabric, pottery, crystal, wood, metal and vines) gave a feeling of bringing the outdoors inside.  

And I do love the ruffle on the napkin!   


I am very fond of this tablescape.  The plates, goblets, and flower pots were all hand-decorated by "Seedsters" who participate in a creative Ceramics Program and enjoy a range of recreational, social, and cultural activities through Mustard Seed, Inc., a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities.

Each item is unique, but if you know a Seedster's "trademark" pattern you will know who designed and painted it.

As an aside - The Bells of Faith bell choir from Mustard Seed performed during this lunch-time event.  While I have not heard them in person I understand they are awesome!
  
Check out Mustard Seed, Inc. and the Seedsters.  Abilities abound!   (www.mustardseedinc.org/) 


This table held my favorite centerpiece.  Vintage hats placed on a tiered plate stand.  Inspired!  I am a huge "vintage" fan as well as a lover of hats.  It's possible I was born in the wrong era, but I content myself with admiring the workmanship, design, and beauty of these items when I find them.  

While the height of this centerpiece may be an issue for some, placing it on a sideboard or tea cart would be perfect!  I don't mind the extra height because the lower tiers can be seen through at eye level making conversation easier.

Isn't the hat on top wonderful?  I'm feeling a "Ladies who Brunch" event in my future.  Flea markets, here I come!




These are just three of the tables by which I was inspired.  There were several others but I will save them for a future post.  Keep checking back!

I would like to thank the women from Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson, Mississippi, for hosting this lovely event, and allowing me to post about it on my blog.  I am certainly looking forward to next year's "Tablescapes"!


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