New New Years' resolutions and tablescapes (and how we did on those for 2020):

April's tablescape, a "card party theme"

 

Happy New Year!

I don't typically make  a new year's resolution other than the standards I promise myself while I'm stuffing in one last bite of Christmas fudge before January 1st, after a week of gravies, sauces, and candy coated everything:  lose 5 - 15 lbs (depending on the year) and go to the gym three times a week.  Those goals usually last until at least February. 

And, that's why I don't typically make a new year's resolution,

However, over a year ago, before all our lives were served with a Covid sucker-punch in March, I actually did commit to one tea-time activity each month - tablescapes! As noted in my December 31, 2019 blog I stated the following:

"Tablescapes captured by iPhones. BTS is committed to one fantastic tablescape a month and we'll upload photos.  Watch for upcoming blog posts!"

January tablescape, vintage pieces shared with vintage friends

Now, in the first full week of January 2021, the day of reckoning is upon us: how well did we do on our promise of  twelve tablescapes for 2020?  Well, actually, not too bad in comparison to weight loss and gym visit goals.  We accomplished nine different tablescapes, for a solid 75% score. If we're grading on a curve, and we're the only students in the class,  I'd say we're in the solid A- to B  + range. (That includes extra credit for daughter's wedding day tablescapes and Christmas-in-the garage buffet). 

Extra credit - garage buffet

Extra credit: September's wedding

We started in January with our table setting using heirloom items, some never used before and in boxes for decades. In a time where one could have friends in their house for dinner parties, we had our besties over for a gourmet venison meal (prepared by my husband, Chris) and a table attired in Irish linen, Waterford crystal and sterling silver flatware.  (January Tablescapes:  Vintage heirlooms debut after years of storage).

February, pretty in pink!

March, getting ready for spring

February brought us a sweet, romantic table display topped with plates, cups and teapots decorated in various versions of pastel pink roses, perfect for Valentine's Day month. In March, as the quarantine began, we rustled together a spring-inspired setting, hopeful for better times to come and in April, we put together a card-game inspired tablescape which pulled together glasses embellished  with hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs and serving dishes in similar shapes.

BTS "borrowed: from cousin's October tablescape

Our depression glass collection (which makes us very happy!), made its way to our June table, which then had a hiatus until October, when we "borrowed" from my creative cousin, Dianne, and her festival Fall table, complete with colorful leaf placemats. We formally finished the year on Thanksgiving with our up north Thanksgiving tablescape, set for two, as opposed to our usual full-house in Oakland county.

May, wedding anniversary tablescape, the most popular 

But, our most popular tablescape by far was our May tablescape blog, that was 37 years in the making which celebrated our wedding anniversary, complete with original wedding cake topper and "bride" and "groom" toasting glasses.  (Those glasses, by the way, were also part of daughter and son-in-law's  wedding tablescape in September!)

It was an interesting journey around the table (and the sun) these last twelve months. BTS thanks all of you who followed our tablescapes of 2020! 

And, now we're thinking about what this year's resolution should be, but being mindful of something we can accomplish. . . . we'll stick with "TBD"  (could that mean tablescapes by the dozen? -stay tuned!)

And, as always, we enjoy your shares! If you have a favorite tablescape, send to us at barb@barbsteashop.com!