Author: Joanna Shumaker

As September opens, for most children it is back to school time! This tablescape is inspired by all things educational from mini chalkboards to the teacher’s apple.

Red and Yellow napkins and plates remind me of the school bus colors.

Books, Letters, and Geography

These old books include an old-fashioned primer and a history textbook. I love old books and thought these added a nice touch to our centerpiece! The globes are a reminder of good ‘ole geography lessons.

Pencils wrapped with rubber bands become great candleholders and complete our table with all things school-related. The sunflowers which are abundant this time of year bring in some more yellow.

This Valentine’s tablescape was a combination of old and new. It has my mother’s water glasses, my grandmother’s dishes, and some antique Ruby dessert cups!

This table setting is a combination of old and new. The charger came from Hobby Lobby, the plates were my grandmother’s that she bought from Strawbridge and Clothier (those of you who are from the Philadelphia area will remember that store.) The Ruby dessert cups I picked up at a local antique store. The candy bowls are made from peppermints melted into bowls for a touch of whimsy, and have red M & M’s in them.

This view of the table from the other end shows a clearer view of the candy dishes with M&M’s. The napkin rings are actually shower curtain rings upcycled to napkin rings! The taper candles have a little sheen to them which add an elegance to the table.

This view of the table shows the combinations of red and white which celebrate Valentine’s Day colors and themes!