Tablescape Tuesday: A Dog-Themed Tablescape

This Tuesday marks my second "Tablescape Tuesday." This fabulous event is hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, where you will find links to the most gorgeous place settings and table top arrangements in the world.

To some people, China is a country; to others, it's so much more: China is a gateway word, a word that leads to other things, like behavioral changes (hanging out at Ebay) and secret pleasures (dish, napkin ring, or charger fantasies).

China is, for many of us, a common noun that summons visions of proper nouns...Lenox, Royal Doulton, Haviland, Limoges, Flow Blue, Spode, Johnson Brothers, Metlox, etc.

And isn't it funny how this simple, two-syllable word, China, has a way of attaching itself to other words, adding syllables and meanings......

• china collecting
• china hoarding
• china fetish
• china craziness
• china obsession

Oh, such wonderful phrases! They've been hurled at me a time or two. Bring them on, baby, bring them on!

Guilty as charged. On all counts.

China collecting, even on a small scale, can bring large scale joy. What better way to spend a dark, chilly afternoon than setting the table--I'm talking about a calorie free way. And if you are a wise shopper, it doesn't have to cost the moon...you can find vintage plates at yard sales, country auctions, Goodwill, and, if you're very quick and lucky, on Craig's List and Ebay.

If you love to tell a story with china, then Spode's Woodland is one of the best patterns. It was so popular, it segued into "sub patterns," like fish, eagles, wild birds, rabbits, and sporting dogs. No matter if you have a place-setting for twelve or two, this china creates a sense of adventure.

The bread box would also make a lovely centerpiece--the lid removed, the box filled with twigs, magnolia leaves, pine, and holly berries. That said, it was too cold outside, so I settled on the paper whites (silk).

We have fresh farm eggs every day, so my egg cups (Villory's Naif) come in handy.

This is an example of dishes and placemats NOT matching a dining room, but I like to tablescape dangerously. I did try to keep the green flowing around the table (placemats and napkins: K-Mart)




Brunch for two will be served at 11:30 am.

If non-dishy people knew how much fun this was, they would be instantly converted. Me, I would stand in line for this!

This cute, little Scottie moved all over the table.

A peek at the old salt and pepper shaker.



The dog figurine came from Ballard's Designs.

I love candlelight, especially when the days are short and dark--and when it comes to tablescapes, a candle adds so much more than light. A candle says, You are dear to me, and I love making a fuss over you. Come on, sugar, sit down.


The dog is cast iron--and he is heavy--but he moves all over the house. He looks good everywhere.

Part of the joy of tablescaping is taking the same element (a dining table) and making it seem new and different. I tell myself all the time that dishes are to a dining room what earrings and handbags are to a wardrobe. Well, that's what I tell myself. :-)


"Sporting Dogs" features four breeds: Labrador Retriever, Flat Coated Pointer, English Springer Spaniel, and Golden Retriever.



My son outgrew collecting dogs, but I picked up where he left off.


This is the same glassware I used with the strawberry china.


Alas, no food on the platter; but isn't the Scottie adorable?

Thank you for stopping by...and I hope you have a delightful time visiting all of the beautiful tables today.