Happy Memorial Day!

This weekend we celebrated one of my favorite holidays. I love Memorial Day for many reasons. First, and most importantly, we as Americans take a pause and remember the men and women who now and in our past have so bravely protected and defended our democracy and freedom. We also remember those who are no longer with us who have lost their lives in the service of our nation.

On a lighter note, the end of May signals the summer season has begun: time to brush off the patio umbrella, plant bright flowers and get the outside ready for entertaining,

(As an aside, back where I was raised in New York, Memorial Day also signaled that white pants and white shoes could now be worn without recrimination!)

My table this week celebrates the red, white and blue colors of our flag and is my very small way of paying homage to this special day in May.

Here Is The Table I Created:

Here How It Was Done:

I started with one of my favorite placemats. I found these at HomeGoods and they were originally bought for Valentine's Day. I love their tomato red color and the pattern:

The dish stack started with a cobalt blue glass charger that I found while antiquing in my favorite antique mall in Ventura, CA.

Next came a plate that is a true workhorse in my tablescaping arsenal. It is my white Metaceramica dinner plate, made in Portugal.

On top of this layer I added a new addition I found in HomeGoods. It is also a Metaceramica plate, made in Portugal. I love the design on the edge and the pretty shade of red of this salad plate. I'm glad I had a special occasion to showcase it.

The next layer of my presentation is made up of two dishes. I only had three of the blue dishes, so I used two blue dishes for two place settings, then used white appetizer plates for the other two place settings.  The blue dishes are labeled Booths, "Lowesteft Deer", Made in England  the white dishes are labeled "Two's Company". Both sets came from an antiquing trip in Carlsbad, CA.

I completed the dish stack with a cobalt blue glass sherbet dish, also found while antiquing.

My place setting was finalized with white-enameled flatware from TJMaxx, red goblets from HomeGoods and two napkins intertwined to highlight the red, white and blue color scheme.

I also added some whimsical cheese spreaders to be used with appetizers. They each have their own patriotic decoration:

My centerpiece was anchored with a white pitcher found at TJMaxx and decorated with a flag swag design, and filled with faux red and white flowers and small American flags. I also added red candles standing in glass star candle holders found at a church rummage sale. To add a feeling of celebration, I encircled the white pitcher with two bead garlands. The white garland lights up and adds to the celebratory atmosphere. This centerpiece will probably stay on the table for the week to help commemorate the holiday.

Accent pieces on the table include a star glass dish and a lovely glass bowl that was gifted to me by a very special aunt. Aunt Toshi came by with numerous plates and serving pieces that had belonged to her beloved mother.  I so appreciate all the things she gave to me because she knows my fondness for anything having to do with a table! I will share the other treasures I received in future posts. Thank you so much, Aunt Toshi, for gifting me with these special pieces that meant so much to your Mom.

I hope your Memorial Day Holiday Weekend was a good one, spent with those who mean so much to you. And, that, at least part of the day was spent in remembrance.

I'll be linking up to Christine's Dishing It! and Digging It! at www.rustic-refined.com and
Susan's Tablescape Thursday at www.betweennapsontheporch.net.  Thank you, Ladies, for once again hosting these fun parties!! Your efforts are appreciated.