“Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion,
and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved
by the multiples of those with whom it is shared.” 

Jesse Browner

 

Have you noticed when you gather for a meal with friends, the food always tastes better?  Eaten alone, food is nutritious…it feeds the body, not the soul.   But, eaten in community, it is a communion, where body and soul are fed.

That’s the point of hospitality.   It’s a shared table.

It might mean taking what you have prepared and offering it to someone in need.  Or it might entail opening your home.  It’s the sharing that gives meaning to the meal and value to the individuals partaking.

 

Polka-dotted Hospitality :: Faux Polka-dotted Dinnerware :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Recently we were unable to get together with our small group for a few weeks.  The season was coming to an end and I decided to invite the group to my home for a potluck.  Actually there wasn’t much luck involved.  The group decided what they were going to bring so that we didn’t have five desserts.  Though, I do think that would have been fantastic.   Okay…maybe I’d prefer if it were five salads.

 

Hospitality :: Snowballs Flowers & White Polka-dots :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It all started with a package of napkins.   The hospitality, that is.

This was a last minute kind of get together.  Sometimes those are best.  Plus, when the guests are involved in bringing food, that really takes a lot of pressure off the hostess.  Often I like to prepare the whole meal.  But, I’m learning that I have more fun if I don’t do it all.  It gives me energy to be creative with other things….like the table setting.

Since I am on a zero spending budget these days, the first thing I needed to do was decide what I was going to do about napkins.  A gal has to start somewhere and often this is the place to begin.  There would be ten of us around the table.  What did I have ten of?  And then I remembered.  Last fall I had a spider-themed table setting.  At that time I saw some napkins at the store that were black with white polka-dots and bought them because they were inexpensive, thinking they would work.  Later I came across some black napkins with orange dots with spiders and of course, those were the ticket.  But, the black and white ones became a part of my stash.

 

Black Table with White Polka-Dots :: Hospitality :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I love to set a pretty table.  Not to show off.  Partly for the fun and creativity of it.  And mostly because I find that guests are truly blessed and valued when they sit down to a lovely table.  Of course I enjoy the compliments.  But, even more, it does set the tone for the dinner, especially if there is a fun element to the tablescape.

With black and white polka-dotted napkins in hand, my mind started racing through the possibilities and finally I settled on this….a super simple table set with Clear Glass Plates, crystal goblets, flatware, and of course, polka-dot napkins.

For fun, I placed the napkins in the water goblets and added water carafes to the table when it was time for dinner.  Even that little change made one less thing for me to do.

 

Snowball Vibrunum :: Polka-dots on Parade :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

By now you have been seeing Snowball Viburnums in recent posts here and here.  I have had a ton of fun using them for all kinds of things.

With this polka-dot theme, what was I going to do for my table decor?  And then it hit me.  Those snowball blossoms were like giant polka-dots.  So, I grabbed a few vintage water glasses from the cupboard, added water, and white polka-dots, um…snowball blossoms.

The center of the table had a line of snowballs with crystal dessert bowls in between holding tea light candles.  Another polka-dot effect.

 

Black with white polka dots ::Table setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

There was one more thing to do.  I grabbed my round punches from the studio and punched out a pile of white dots.  A few were strewn down the center of the table.  And then for fun, I placed five dots, randomly, under the Clear Glass Plates.  I have to say, my guests loved it!!  They thought they had polk-dotted plates until they picked them up to take through the buffet.  There were some good laughs.

Do you have to do all this to exercise hospitality?  No.  But, if you have the gift of creativity or hospitality, I think those gifts are meant to be shared and are as important as the food.

Why?  Because this gathering in community is about feeding the soul as well as the stomach.  And though the stomach may be satiated  for a few hours, the soul is renewed and restored in community and feels satisfied for much longer.

 

Polka-dotted Tablescape :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Have you been thinking it might be good to gather some friends for a meal?  Let me encourage you to host a potluck.  Host it outside if that is easier for you.  Whatever you do…think about the community and the communion to feed both the body and the soul.  And know that your hospitality is as important as the food served.  Maybe more.

Don’t forget to throw in a little fun or whimsy.  It could be polka-dots.  Or it could be some fun craft project the kids put together.  Or if you have time, check out Pinterest for ideas.  Whatever it is…it will bless your guests and help them to feel loved and valued.  And that is the joy of hospitality.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on hospitality….  

  • Does the idea of opening your home scare you?
  • Do you have some tips that make it easy for you to entertain?
  • What’s your favorite part of hosting a gathering?
  • What’s your least favorite part of entertaining?
  • When was the last time you opened your home?
  • What keeps you from exercising hospitality?

 

You make my day when you stop by, leave your thoughtful remarks, and even share and pin the posts you like.   Thank you.

Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

Diane

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I am an Amazon Affiliate and for your convenience I have added a link to the Clear Glass Plates I used in the tablescape.  I have used them for many parties and have been pleased with them.  If you choose to purchase them through my link here, I may receive a very small commission.  Thank you for your support.

Comments

  1. Dona says

    Your table is just spectacular! And I ended up reading all 3 posts (back to the spider party) and enjoyed them all! I love having people over….there’s nothing about it I dislike! Thanks to blogs like yours, I’m getting better in the decorating part of it. As a matter of fact, this coming Monday we are having friends over who are visiting from England. The menu is set….now I’m going to get creative on the table! Thanks for the inspiration! Dona

    • Diane says

      Awww…Dona…you just made my day!! [hugs]
      I too am expecting a dear guest later this week. But…only 6 hours away by car. Yours…all the way from England. Enjoy your tablescaping. I know you’ll bless the socks off your guests. 🙂
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!!

  2. Beautiful table and equally beautiful thoughts on hospitality, Diane! I loved the perfect simplicity of your table. Charming, but do-able! So many tables are eye candy and they seem unattainable and even overwhelming. Yours was perfection! I do love to exercise hospitality, but my husband is more reserved and doesn’t love it so much, so I must strike a balance between respecting his limits and exercising my talents and joy. Usually this means providing hospitality for ladies’ events like brunches and showers and just letting him leave the house!! I opened my home last Saturday for a shower and loved it. I have to admit the preparation was much harder as this was one of my first times to host something big since having 3 children, whose needs don’t stop just because mommy is party planning, but it was worth it in the end!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Jessica! I know exactly what you are thinking. It’s easy to get carried away, or even think we should….but really I think most guests are grateful for something that makes them feel special…it doesn’t need to be over-the-top. It’s amazing how punched out polka-dots just put the biggest smiles on my guests faces. 😉 Fortunately my husband enjoys hospitality, too. For that I am grateful Kudos to you for attempting a big event with your little ones. So many helpers. 😉 I’ll look forward to seeing it on your blog. I have no doubt that you were a wonderful blessing to the bride and all those who attended.
      Wishing you JOY!

  3. April says

    Love the frugal idea and it looks great! I am with you-my husband and I both love having people over, but it’s such a mess most of the time. Usually, I don’t let it hold us back, though. we have a 15 month old, so that’s my excuse/

    • Diane says

      Oh….it does take organization with a little one. But, most people don’t notice the things you do. And generally they are so blessed to be invited that the things you think will matter, just don’t. Always, it’s about relationships first and foremost. Thanks, April for your kind remarks. Hope this inspires you to exercise your gift of hospitality.
      Blessings!

  4. Hi Diane, beautiful tablescape. I pinned it – twice – because a message popped up saying it didn’t work the first time. LOL

    • Diane says

      Awwww….thanks Darlene!!
      Hope your week has been extraordinary! 🙂

  5. Mel says

    I have GOT to find some clear dinner ware–oh, the ideas you gave me! Seriously–you can create all types of settings with the clear plates and punches. What FUN! And I didn’t think of this because…..LOL Because I don’t create for meals any more?
    Part of it is the gluten deal and what’s allowed/not allowed and how that impacts the people who might be attending. Part of it–(how’s this for honesty) is MY home is MY kingdom….my safe place, my haven, my bit of peace and quiet and solitude. I ‘do’ people for my career, my passion–outside of ‘work’, I do work with others individually….and when I come home it’s about ME. LOL OMG…..yes, I know how selfish that sounds. And boy do I take a serious ‘hit’ on this all the time. I haven’t quite grown past this quirk…..yet….. We do have people come to the house for entertaining–I think I audibly groan every time. LOL But I do it! (mostly cuz ONE of us is ‘social’ and the other…..notsomuch?) BUT–I ‘get over it’ and do it anyway– I’m a fun little hostess. Most times it’s summer and we’re vacating to the patio with bubbles and sidewalk chalks and sparklers and pinwheels and MORE TOYS.
    I think I’m more about the doing than the meal/food. I’m not that fond of food. And it doesn’t really like ME that much either. :-/ *laughing* That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

    • Diane says

      I got those plates at the Wal-mart a number of years ago when I was entertaining a big crowd and I didn’t have enough plates (20 wasn’t enough) and I spied these and realized that they were cheaper than nice disposable plates. Now I have them for all kinds of fun. I still like my Longaberger best…but these have come in handy…and they have traveled to other people’s tables for reunions and funerals and so on. A real win win.
      Your home should be your haven. A dear friend once told me that it was to be a sanctuary for my husband and all I do to make it lovely blesses him. I liked that idea. And entertaining is a two-for here…we both have the things we do, and my husband is a gracious host and that really blesses me. And…I love having people to my home and seeing them have a good time. But…what’s me isn’t someone else. We need to do what we are gifted to do….each individually. And I love the freedom that that brings. And food…Ha! I think the presentation of the food is what’s most important. That’s a little telling isn’t it? 🙂

  6. Mona says

    Diane, I love your table..the black and white theme keeps catching my eye. I must use these colors for my own table soon..about hospitality…we hardly ever have people over…I do host 2 or 3 family get togethers and really enjoy it..I don’t really know why we don’t entertain….makes me a little uncomfortable…but I enjoy it whenever we do…
    Love, Mona

    • Diane says

      Last fall I purchased a black tablecloth for the first time. I am so happy I did. It really creates a dramatic table and sets the background for a bit of fun and class, too. Isn’t it funny how sometimes we just need to push on and then it all becomes enjoyable?
      Thanks for stopping by and for you thoughtful remarks, Mona! Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  7. Jenna says

    Such a fun table, I love black and white any and everything! Your “snowball” blossoms are perfect with the theme! Love the napkins, wish I had some!
    Jenna

    • Diane says

      I think I picked up the napkins at Wal-mart…pretty sure.
      Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words, Jenna!
      Hope your week’s been Extraordinary!

  8. Cute, cute, cute! I just anything polka dot. So clever to use your punch to create the dots. I love to entertain and the best part for me is being surrounded by people I love having a good time. To make it easier for me, since I work full time, is lists! I start planning on paper, write everything down, gather recipes and do as much in advance as possible. Cleaning up is my least favorite part, but my husband is so helpful. I do love putting everything away the next day and I relax afterwards by ironing the napkins. Ironing napkins always reminds me of Grandmother. Love this polka dot party! Dianne

    • Diane says

      Oh me too! Polka-dots just make my heart sing! We too love to see our guests relaxing and having a good time…blessed me so much. I love how you plan and prepare in advance…when I don’t do that I can almost guarantee a melt-down…even if it’s something I’m really looking forward to. My husband is also really helpful….we enjoy cleaning up together. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughtful remarks.
      Blessings!!

  9. Diane, your table is just wonderful. I love the idea of placing dots under the plates!!! filed this away for later. I love the napkins!! I love to entertain and we try to do it often. Although we’ve fallen off the grid lately.. must fix that. anyway, the simple row of flowers is so effective.. Love this whole idea!!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Marlis! It’s just so easy….and seriously…it was fun to see everyone do a double take. Thanks for the kind words…hope you’ve been inspired to set a date for a gathering. Blessings!!

  10. What an awesome job! So neat that the addition of a couple of dots can produce an awesome table. so great to hear that you welcome others to your home. I too love to entertain, but it seems that so few do these days.

    – The Tablescaper

    • Diane says

      You are so right…I think that hospitality is a struggle for many.
      Thanks for the encouragement….the dots were so easy…and fun!!
      Blessings!

  11. Kitty says

    Diane, I love the polka dots…so easy and fun! I’ve been looking for some clear plates because you can do anything with them. What a great table and you didn’t have to spend money. Woo hoo!!

    • Diane says

      A win, win!! Thanks Kitty for your warm and enthusiastic remarks! What a blessing!
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!

  12. Hello there, Diane! What a FUN post this week!!!! Yes, I was one of those who thought the plates were polka dotted, too!!! What a SUPER idea to place those dots beneath the clear plate! I love it!!! I totally understand the zero spending budget thing, so it really takes us back to our roots and forces us to get creative. That’s a BIG part of what tablescaping is and SHOULD BE about: creativity. It’s easy to own a bunch of plates, but how to present those plates is what makes a tablescape great. You did some really good thinking and created something that is magazine worthy! It’s just so fun!!!

    To answer your questions: Opening my home up to people doesn’t scare me in the least as long as it’s clean and I know they’re coming. (I spend a lot of time at home in T-shirt only. Don’t want guests rollin’ up on THAT!!! :-)) My tips that make entertaining easy include one that you used here: Let others do the cooking and let me concentrate on the ambience! Another tip would be to keep a journal of some sort (our blogs pretty much take care of that!) that includes what you served, who was there, what the decor was, etc. This helps keep us from repeating ourselves. I think guests like to feel like you put a lot of thought into their being there and that you’re not just recycling the same old party from last month! My favorite part of hosting a gathering is setting the table. My least favorite part is having to accommodate people who either show up late or show up with an unexpected guest for a sit-down dinner. Awkward!!! The last time I opened my home was back during the Christmas holidays, I think. What’s keeping me from opening my home and entertaining these days is my shoulder and back. Surgery is set for June 21, and there will be a long, slow recovery, so it might be NEXT Christmas before I entertain again! 🙁

    Good questions, Diane! Fun to answer! Have a great weekend, and thanks for this neat polka dot post!!!!

  13. I love the whimsy of the dots with the formal black and white…so fun! I am pinning this to my Tablescapes board. I would love to have you share this at the Shady Porch Rock N Share party…going on now! Blessings, D@TheShadyPorch

    • Diane says

      Thanks ‘D’!! Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that put big smiles on our faces. And thank you for putting one on mine today! Blessings!

  14. Carolyn says

    Diane, Love, love, love your imagination & creativity! Sorry you’re on a spending freeze but those of us who follow you are being blessed by your no-cost or thrifty ideas. So many hosts & hostesses would just consider being unemployed an excuse to not entertain at all, but here you are–making the best of your circumstances, reaching out socially & finding ways to still share your tablescapes & your very big heart-scape as well!

    Praying for you! God has not forgotten you but has you carved upon His hand. You are so very dear to Him–the very apple of His eye! Be abundantly blessed!

    • Diane says

      Carolyn…your words just blessed me beyond anything you might imagine. 🙂 Thank you for being such an encourager. Your prayers mean the world to me too. Thank you for this beautiful hug in words.

  15. Hi Diane,
    That is my daughter’s name so of course I love your name.
    I really love your table and you outlook upon life. Your outlook will serve you and your loved ones blessings for all your years.
    So neat, the dots and I kept reading to see if the dots on the table were additions or if they were part of the tablecloth. Great idea using the punch.
    I am a new follower, Please visit,
    Ginger

    • Diane says

      Awwww….Savannah….you are so sweet. What a wonderful encourager you are. And thank you for ‘joining’ in the fun here.
      Wishing you an extraordinary weekend.

  16. I’m thrilled you shared your potluck dinner and you wonderful view of hospitality!!! You are so right about eating together and enjoying others company around the table. Thanks for sharing at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your warm and encouraging words, Yvonne!
      Sending blessings your way!

  17. Diane, you did a very dramatic table on a shoestring budget…I love it! What a great idea cutting out the circles to put down the center and under the plates.
    Have wonderful week…

    • Diane says

      Awww….thank Marigene! It was fun to put it together. I guess that’s how creativity gets birthed. haha! Not that we chose it…but in the end…it’s a good thing.
      Wishing you an Extraordinary weekend!

  18. Love this table setting! The polka dots you added under the plates are my favorite!! Fun, thrifty and creative… What a lovely event to partake in!

  19. Jen says

    Love the table! I love hosting people and extending hospitality. My husband does as well and even my 8 year old daughter! I often let her do the table setting, because she loves it and goes all out with pretty dishes, cloth napkins, flowers, and candles. I also think it’s a great way for her to exercise this gift she has. Thanks for linking up with In The Studio!

  20. Kathy says

    Great post, I do love polka dots. Fun
    My favorite part of entertaining has to be the planning. I enjoy every detail from ironing the linens to setting the scene and esp. arranging the flowers. Then there’s the party – what fun.
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Kathy! I love that you enjoy every part of entertaining…even or especially the details. I have no doubt that you are a wonderful blessing to your family and friends!

  21. Nice! I love the polka dots. They make such a fun tablescape.

    Dropping by from Claudia’s where I’m participating in today’s meme.

    XO,

    Sheila

  22. Kim says

    Diane, every time I’m at a link party your beautiful photos always catch my eye. Your posts are so inspiring and I just love your décor and ideas. This black and white table is no different…what a knock out! I love how you achieve such outstanding results from simple things and without spending a lot, too! Just fabulous!

    • Diane says

      Kim….you just made my day!! Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  23. Leslie McNeil says

    this is truly elegant, yet adorable, fun and lighthearted. perfect, and you’ve inspired me. i seem to get bogged down with a group setting, and this seems so simple, and yet fun and not so time consuming, either. thank you!

    • Diane says

      Oh Leslie….thank you for saying such nice things. Since I can’t go out and pick up “whatever” to create the tablescape, I have been forced to put on my creative hat. It’s been fun to do, also.
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  24. Jenni says

    lovely thoughts, and i LOVE your table, it is inspirational, friends are moving back home and my head is racing now…..how can i create a lovely table setting for them….thanks for the lovely post.Popping over from in the Studio

    • Diane says

      How much fun you’ll have creating a lovely table for your dear friends.
      Thanks for your kind words Jenni!
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  25. Poppy says

    Hi Diane,

    Your black and white dotted table setting is simply delightful! Although black can be masculine or heavy, your Snowball blossoms provide a balance of softness and femininity. When I was a newlywed, our first dining room set included a black lacquered dining table and creamy white upholstered chairs. Nowadays, I use black only in tiny amounts and mostly in accessories like vintage pieces, clocks, wire baskets, fireplace equipment, and outdoor bistro sets. I find that a little black grounds a room, giving it substance and equalizing the lightness or floating quality it may have.

    I used to entertain a lot more in previous years, but the economic crisis has forced many of us to limit our once extravagant dinner parties to more simple affairs, which is fine, I guess. I love to spoil my guests with a rich menu and seasonal decorating, but lately our little group of friends all insist on potluck gatherings, less pressure on the pocket and the nerves! My favourite thing about entertaining is planning the menu, the decorating, the music, and sharing our home, which took us 8 years to build!! Clean up is a bit of a chore, but I have the time and it goes by much more quickly and effortlessly while singing along to my favourite jazz tunes. Unfortunately, (or not), I’m a perfectionist and the house needs to be spectacularly spic and span for such occasions and even though I actually enjoy cleaning, if it is done under pressure, I dread it! Generally, entertaining, for me, is a creative process and a chance to appeal to the senses, indulging in good food, drink, music, design, and interesting conversation!

    Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

    Poppy

    • Diane says

      You sound like the perfect hostess, Poppy! I love how you are so thoughtful about the use of black in your decor. Seriously, I have never given much thought to it, though I use very little black at any time. The idea of it grounding a space is one I will remember….thanks!
      It is fun to spoil our guests…it’s nice to hear that you feel the same way. And the cleaning thing….I think because I am more about planning a lovely evening…and wanting everything to be perfect it creates stress. Maybe we should have our homes cleaned for parties so we can stick with the ‘fun’ part. 😉 Haha! My husband is always good to help with clean up…what a blessing.
      Summer is here…I hope your weekend is extraordinary in your neck of the woods, too.

  26. Pretty, Clever, and Creative! 🙂

  27. What an inventive, fabulous table setting! Love it.

    Thanks so much for joining in!

    xo
    Claudia

  28. Here via Claudia’s A Favorite Thing — love the punches and clear plates!

    • Diane says

      That’s so nice of your to say that Leanne. 🙂 Thank you!!

  29. The black and white polkadot tablescape is quite sophisticated with just the right touch of whimsy. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

    • Diane says

      Awwww…Cherry Kay…you words are so encouraging. Thank you!!
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!

  30. Sarah says

    Fun table! I like the black and white polka dot theme. Entertaining in our home is a pleasure. I’m always eager to have guests for a meal. My husband is the chef, while I take care of the rest. We make a good team.

    • Diane says

      Oh, Sarah, I think you two are the perfect team. That mix would make my heart sing for sure!!
      Hope your new week is extraordinary!

  31. I love this! Polka dots are always fun. Thank you for sharing at our Pinteresting Party!

  32. Paula says

    Beautiful! I love black and white whether I’m wearing it or decorating the house w/ it. Thanks for linking at Marvelous Mondays with us. ~ Paula

    • Diane says

      Thanks Paula! It’s a combo that’s always just right!!
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!

  33. I am visiting from the Creative HomeAcre blog hop and I really enjoyed this post. Your table is set so nicely and would be a wonderful place to be a guest. I entertain our large extended family often and easily, but with friends or mixed groups I often worry about how many unfinished projects we still have. Then I take a deep breath and try to remember that it is the opening and sharing of our home and hospitality that is the important part.

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your kind words, Elizabeth.
      Yes…it is opening our homes and sharing our gifts of hospitality which is the real blessing, and always overcomes anything we think isn’t ‘good enough.’ My friend shared how she met someone at church who invited her and her family to dinner immediately after the service at her home. She said they lady was so gracious in her invitation, that she wanted very much to come. When she arrived, she realized that this was not a planned event and that the home was not ready. But, the lady didn’t skip a beat and exercised her gift of hospitality beautifully. My friend said it was the best afternoon and she learned an important lesson about hospitality by being the recipient that day.
      Hope your week is Extraordinary!

  34. Diane, this is wonderful! Such a great job. Your table looks beautiful! I bet your party was fun! I have a snowball viburnum too. It bloomed in early April though and I didn’t get a chance to use any of them! Love how your look on this table!
    Karen

    • Diane says

      It’s so nice of you to stop by and leave such lovely thoughts, Karen Mary! Do make it a point to enjoy the blossoms next year. I have enjoyed them immensely.
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  35. I’m a sucker for black and white. Always looks dramatic, fun and classy! Thanks for sharing! –Katie

    • Diane says

      For table decor this is a first for me. And you can believe…it’s just the beginning…I’m loving it!
      Thanks Katie!!

  36. this is such a fun tablescape! my snowball bush has a while before i will see any blooms… i may have trimmed it too much last year because it is growing really slow this year! opps! 🙂

    • Diane says

      Oh I hate when I get over zealous with the pruners. 🙂
      Next year, hopefully, you’ll have lots of blossoms to enjoy.
      Thanks Jennifer!

  37. I LOVE polka dots ~ years ago I had a gray and white polka dot dress that I just loved ~ If I still had it I’d be pulling it out to wear after seeing your post. Such a pretty tablescape! Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d} ~ pinning to my party board.

    Hugs, Mary Beth

    • Diane says

      Me too!! My favorite dress was polka dotted too. I literally wore it out I wore it so much. And it was a very expensive name brand too. It’s a classic and I’d love to wear it again. But…it’s gone…probably with the multitude of old clothes I gave away when I moved.
      Thanks for your kind words Mary Beth. [hugs]

  38. I’m a polka-dot girl, so of course I love this table! What you did with the dots are a wonderful way to totally transform a solid tablecloth. You are so creative. 🙂
    His blessings,
    Kim

    • Diane says

      Awwww…you are so sweet Kim. Thank you!! [hugs]

  39. bj says

    Your table is just adorable…and how lucky to have at least 10 polka dot napkins….
    I have some clear plates that I’ve done all kinds of things with….never thought of dots, tho. :))

    • Diane says

      Haha! Well BJ…now you can make dots to add to your clear plate fun!!
      Thanks for your kind words and for popping by!
      [hugs]

  40. I am loving all the polka dots!! Super Cute! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday linky party and share this post with us. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/06/centerpiece-wednesday-and-wrap-up.html
    Karin

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks! Polka dots are happiness. Yes?
      Thanks too for your kind invitation!

  41. This looks really nice and I can imagine you all had a wonderful time! I have those same napkins in my stash! lol I really need to host a nice dinner at my home but my life is mostly filled with kiddos! However it would be so nice to have an adult dinner party!

    I am visiting from Dream to Reality and would love to invite you over to party at Party In Polka Dots!

    http://www.piggyinpolkadots.com/2013/06/party-in-polka-dots-linky-25-sweet.html

    I hope to see you there!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Shelley! Oh I understand wanting an adult dinner party. But, I also know that another couple with kids would be blessed if you invited them and pulled out your polka-dotted napkins. Or, make a big deal of having a polka dotted dinner on Friday night with your kiddos. 🙂 There are so many memories to be made.
      Blessings!!

  42. Jeni says

    I love polka dots, and this is just too cute!

    • Diane says

      You are so sweet to say that Jeni! Thank you!! 🙂

  43. Very pretty table! I love polka dots!

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Kathy!!
      Maybe we should change their name from polka dots to happy dots. They just make me smile!

  44. So festive and inviting! Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays. x

  45. Amber says

    I love setting the table, something my mom taught me to do very young. My husband always teases me when I want to add a table cloth or set it fancier when people come for dinner, something about it makes me feel better, seeing all the pretty things and knowing good food will soon be passed around the table! Thank you for sharing at Give Me The Goods!

    Dimples & Pig Tales

    • Diane says

      Thanks Amber! I too have fond memories of my aunt setting a beautiful table when I was a little girl. It made me feel so special. I think that is why I choose to continue her tradition.
      Blessings!

  46. I have some clear dishes but they have a fruit pattern on them. I like yours better and have placed them on my Christmas wish list. The polka dot idea is genius. I also like your black tablecloth. Do you have any recommendations on finding tablecloths that don’t need ironing and how do you store them after they come out of the dryer. Thanks for another great idea.

    • Diane says

      I must say…those plates were a terrific investment. Mine came from Wal-mart during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday time. The price was really good. It’s worth checking to see if they might have them on sale again.
      Those polka dots were a spur of the moment idea. 🙂 Isn’t that how we get some of our best ideas?!
      Actually I don’t have any tips on finding tablecloths….price is always the reason I buy or don’t buy. This black one came from Wal-mart. But, I have have good luck with buying quality tablecloths at TJMaxx and Tuesday Morning. When it comes to laundering them…I put them in a warm dryer for a brief time…never drying them completely. I have a drying rack (it actually is a rectangular clothes rack from a department store) and I hang my tablecloths on it to complete the drying time. I also have folded them and hung them from hangers to dry also. The dryer is not my friend…it seems to put more wrinkles in than it takes out. So…that’s why I complete the drying by hanging. Depending on space…I either keep the tablecloths on a hanger or fold them for storage. Both work. And yes…I have been known to iron them for a special dinner.
      I hope you’re able to obtain some clear dishes for a good price. I know you’ll have fun with them. 🙂

  47. What a great table and it proves you don’t have to spend money to have a GREAT table setting. Love that you put the dots under the glass plates too! Very creative!!!!

    • Diane says

      Thanks so much Pinky! 🙂 Sometimes not have the money to spend is a lovely limitation that gets the little gray cells working. 😉

      Thanks so much for popping by with your encouraging words! [hugs]

  48. Bev says

    Love the black and white…looks great.

Trackbacks

  1. […] Hospitality :: Black & White Tablescaping […]

  2. […] people mentioned how much they liked my Polka-Dotted Black and White Tablescape and hoped they could find some clear glass plates as well.   The first time I wrote about using […]

  3. […] was such a quick and easy tablescape to put together.  Stop here and find out how it all came […]

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