Thursday, August 6, 2009

$1 Tablescape

I thought something like this would be nice for a summer evening. Its overcast here this morning, so the light is perfect. We have light on our covered patio, but there is only candlelight here. Nearly everything on the table cost $1. I always wanted a plastic set of dishes for summer (and for kids). I wanted white and finally found them on a trip to Ikea.

A breakdown:

White Bowls/Large Dishes - Ikea ($1)
Blue Swirl Cups/dishes - Michaels ($1)
Blue Trimmed Bamboo Placemats - Target ($1)
Shells - Dollar Tree ($1)


The birdcage was the big splurge at $2 and change from a thrift store. The beaded candleholders were leftovers from my wedding and came from Pier 1. I can't remember what they cost 5 years ago, but since they're recycled, I'll call them free. ;-) The little bird inside ...



... started out like this and got a spray paint makeover. (Dollar Tree - $1)





Its not so hard to do pretty on a budget. I'm dying to paint this table white. I wonder if I can convince Mr. T.

Check out all the other tablescapes at Between Naps on the Porch!

32 comments:

  1. Oh, I LOVE your new dishes and your table outside. Everything looks so good. And...I think your table would be perfect painted white.
    You have inspired me to do another patio setting..thanks!! Come by and see my picnic in the park...even on a HOT day in Texas. :O)
    xo bj

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  2. WOW! Unbelievable that you found everything for $1. Beautiful job! Looks very romantic with the candlelight too!

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  3. What a wonderful job you did of setting a pretty table without spending a lot of money! And so very practical, too! I know you will enjoy using these!...Debbie

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  4. What a very pretty table! I love the clean, simple look of it. The teak underneath is perfect! And I am SOOO jealous that you have an ikea nearby! wish I did! =(

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  5. I love your table as is! What a beautifully colored tablescape, so refreshing! Love the aqua and the glasses!:-)...Christine

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  6. Your table is so pretty! I'm amazed; you're so right, pretty can be thrifty!

    Nancy

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  7. Just wanted to say that the table is not teak although it might look like a teak set. It got a good clearance deal on it at a local grocery store at the end of the summer a few years ago. I'd never paint teak!

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  8. I'm loving Target's new dollar bins. They have some great stuff there. Love your colors. Happy Weekend! Jennifer

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  9. LOVE that shade of blue...it's just gorgeous! The little birdy tea light is just too cute!

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  10. Hi Melanie, this is a beautiful table! Who says you have to spend a lot of money to have surround yourself with pretty things?! Love the outdoor setting against the beauty of the nature, too! Have a wonderful Thursday!

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  11. I concur. The perfect place and setting for summer meal.

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  12. Oh how pretty!!! I love the outdoor setting...wonderful!!!

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  13. What a beautiful summer table setting!

    Lisa

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  14. It's perfection! I love your clever ideas ~ and keen eye for color and balance (and bargains!!)

    Your patio and garden settings are beautiful, too.
    Very nice!

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  15. Great table and great bargain finds. Love the blue swirl cups and bowls. What a cute bird too. My Dollar Tree doesn't have as much of the cute stuff I see in blogland.

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  16. I think your table scape looks awesome and I'm loving the price of everything :-)

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  17. You did really well at the $1 items.
    This is so pleasant and fun.
    Blessings,
    d

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  18. Pretty summer tablescape and a budget too!

    Carolyn

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  19. I absolutely love it. Such pretty plastic dishes. Really nice ones are so hard to find and yours are just fabulous. The birdcage is a special find. Love it. Hugs, Marty

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  20. Got to love the price tag but it really is a beautifully presented tablescape, the colours flow so well for a lovely summer meal.

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  21. Wow, the prices are right and the tablescape is so beautiful. Have a great evening, give the little angel a paper napkin to tear up! just kidding. I have been thinking about her all day. Sandi

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  22. You manage to get the best deals! The colors you've used are so lovely, and the setting so wonderful to dine in.
    Brenda

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  23. Hi Melanie! Thank you for sharing all the ideas you could come up with at prices EVERYONE can afford! I love to get fancy, but I love simplicity too, so my ideas really just depend on my mood at the time! LOVE everything you've done here, but I think my favorite is the birdcage centerpiece!.. VERY SWEET! I am nothing more than a "young grasshopper" watching and learning for now!.. But I did purchase a small but cute set of luncheon dishes just this week!.. A small, wee baby step in the right direction, yes?! (0; ~tina

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  24. That is a very nice teal patio dining set and you can't beat the price.

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  25. A party I'd love to be invited to!! REally pretty :) You are right...the lighting is perfect...great photos as well!!

    Best,
    Michelle

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  26. Very pretty and thrifty! I love the shade of blue! Great tablescape! Miss Bloomers

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  27. Very pretty! Love those glasses!

    Katherine

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  28. Very pretty summer table, budget or not!

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  29. I love it! I"ll have go get down to IKEA and find those while plates and bowls... perfect for the upcoming Let There Be White Part ll tablescape party! I hope you have a fabulous week end!
    ~Really Rainey~

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  30. Very nice. It is amazing what you can do on a tight budget and a little imagination! I love the little birds transformation. Lovely!

    Christi

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  31. I really like the tablescape ~ it's so crisp and clean. I think plastic plates are the perfect setting for an outdoor table setting. Great job!

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  32. Cute, cute, cute! I painted a couple blue this morning, I think I'll add it to the post before going to work!

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