Blue (and White) Monday

I heard an interesting "Commentary" on a news channel Monday Night.  The reporter was mentioning that the first Monday after New Year's is known as "Blue Monday".  Apparently, studies have shown that because the holiday season is all over; because school and work places are generally back to a normal schedule; because most geographic areas are dreading the impending long, cold stormy winter season; because people have made resolutions they are already having difficulty keeping; because visitors have headed home leaving a void in the house; because houses have lost their holiday finery and look empty by comparison;  because holiday bills start showing up in the mailboxes and financial reality sets in, the phenomenon of "Blue Monday" has been noted.  I decided to ward off this scenario,  personally, by planning a tablescape.  The design process always makes me happy, and is sure to dispel any blues.

Here is my Blue (and White) table for Blue Monday:

Here is how it was created:

    I started with a white placemat from Macy's.

My dish stack began with white scroll chargers I found at Maryland China Co. I ordered three that were labeled as seconds and one that was from the regular inventory, and, honestly, I couldn't tell the difference! (except in the price!)

The blue dishes belong to my cousin who let me borrow them for this tablescape. They are labeled Liberty Blue:  Historic Colonial Scenes Printed on Staffordshire Ironstone.  The dinner plate depicts 
"Independence Hall".

Next comes the salad plates that depict "Monticello".

The stack is topped by a small bowl depicting "Betsy Ross".  I really like the craftsmanship of these plates.  The engraving is well done, the blue color is so pretty (it actually doesn't photograph as pretty as it really is) and the beautiful floral border is just lovely.  They really do honor well the history of our nation.

I'll be planning tea for this meal, so I added the cup and saucer to each place setting.  They depict "The Old North Church".

     I also added a water glass that is Mexican glass and was found at Pier One.

The table setting is complete with navy blue napkins from World Market and porcelain napkin rings that I found while out antiquing.  I used my Mikasa flatware.

My centerpiece is made up of a lace doily topped with candle holders from Hobby Lobby and a wonderful flower pot that was a Christmas gift from a dear friend.  She found it in Montana and it is one of the most unique pieces of pottery I think I have ever seen.  She also included the A "Winter Rose" Poinsettia as part of the gift.

Since I'm planning tea, I'm using a favorite teapot of mine that was a birthday gift.  Its pedestal was bought on our trip to Florence, Italy.



Here are some additional photos of the table:

Do you think this table could keep away those "Blue Monday" blues?  Do you agree this
phenomenon exists?  I hope that everyone's first week after all the holidays is a good one, and filled with anticipation of all the things that a new year promises.


I'll be linking up to www.betweennapsontheporch.net.  Thank you, Susan, for hosting Tablescape Thursday!


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