I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.

I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;

I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

Maybe red napkins and fresh flowers?

"elaine" > wrote in message
...
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

Perhaps a cloth napkin rolled up with a napkin ring -- I know they are old
fashioned, but I have some that are German wooden-handpainted that I was
thinking about would be homey/cheery. You wouldn't have to set the table
that way.

Do I see a small vase there? If you have no flowers, search your yard for
some greenery for a vase.
Dee Dee

In article >,
says...
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>

Flowers.

--
Peter Aitken

"elaine" > wrote in
:

> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>

Those tie on chair back cushions...made in a pattern to match the artwork.

--

The house of the burning beet-Alan

It'll be a sunny day in August, when the Moon will shine that night-
Elbonian Folklore

"Dee Dee" > wrote in message
...
>
> "elaine" > wrote in message
> ...
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
> Perhaps a cloth napkin rolled up with a napkin ring -- I know they are old
> fashioned, but I have some that are German wooden-handpainted that I was
> thinking about would be homey/cheery. You wouldn't have to set the table
> that way.
>
> Do I see a small vase there? If you have no flowers, search your yard for
> some greenery for a vase.
> Dee Dee

Yes, I have flowers, but they would probably die before guests arrived (just
kidding, I do have friends)

LOVE the idea of the napkin ring. Thanks.........That would be perfect and
I was looking for somethig permanent.

elaine.

In article >,
"elaine" > wrote:

> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

Are you saying you set tableware, flatware, etc. and just leave it there
all day, gathering dust? Like a showroom display? That's different.

Personally, I'd set a place for myself and use the silverware and the
wine glasses and a cloth napkin and enjoy dinner alone.

Or am I missing the gist of your post?
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "elaine" > wrote:
>
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly
>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
> Are you saying you set tableware, flatware, etc. and just leave it there
> all day, gathering dust? Like a showroom display? That's different.
>
> Personally, I'd set a place for myself and use the silverware and the
> wine glasses and a cloth napkin and enjoy dinner alone.
>
> Or am I missing the gist of your post?
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
> pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007

I'm with Barb. Dining solo or not, you are entitled to pretty linens, silver
and a proper wine glass. It's not "pretending" if you do it all the time!

Felice

elaine wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>
I would lose the dowdy turnstyle thing in the middle and get a/some
small vase(s) and fresh flowers. The placemats aren't terribly colorful,
yet would be an excellent backdrop for earthy or colorful dishes and
napkins. Very easy to dress up or down because of how neutral they are.

merryb wrote:

> Maybe red napkins and fresh flowers?

Like merryb mentioned, you could use red napkins, napkin rings, flowers
or a table runner. Pull the red color from the poppies in the painting,
to add a little color to your table. I like your floor, BTW.

Becca

elaine wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

I like the placemats and I like Dee Dee's suggestion of napkins (in rings or
not)... I'd make them a splash of cheery red to coordinate with the floral
painting on the wall. I have no idea what your dishes and glassware look
like, though, so that may not work for you. It would work for me because I
have simple white dishes with a lattice pattern around the rim. I like the
white stoneware because I can change up the colour of the glassware at will,
too. I'm thinking those place mats, white (or very simple pale) plates,
ruby red water goblets and red napkins.

Jill

Goomba38 wrote:
> elaine wrote:
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
>> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>>
>>
> I would lose the dowdy turnstyle thing in the middle and get a/some
> small vase(s) and fresh flowers. The placemats aren't terribly
> colorful, yet would be an excellent backdrop for earthy or colorful
> dishes and napkins. Very easy to dress up or down because of how
> neutral they are.

I had a lazy susan in the middle of my table once. While it was very handy
(especially when Thomas Jefferson came up with the idea since he had a much
larger table LOL) it took up way too much space.

Jill

elaine wrote:

> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>
I made a pieced tablecoth in sunset colors for my mom. The kidlings and
I went shopping and added:

- 8 washcloths in shades of red, orange, gold and yellow (instead of
cloth napkins)

- 8 tumblers in an orange-to-amber fade

- 1 layered rectangular candle

On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.

If I was to go purely by your table/chairs - I would have suggested a
blue & white motif, but you've chosen to go with more vibrant colors.
So, use contemporary prints for your napkins and seat cushions. Of
course, everyone has suggested flowers - which is a no brainer (I see
poppies, in your print which would also be dynamite on the table too),
and find some vibrant colors for your vases. If you're into
collecting or not, look for Fiesta Ware pottery (like a water pitcher,
tea pot or a jumbo cup & saucer).... they sell modern versions of it
for less at restaurant supply stores. I'd also do a chair rail on
the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a subtile two tone
green) under it for added distinction.

BTW: silk flowers aren't what they used to be. I have silk orchids
that you have to touch to know they aren't real.

sf

"sf" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly
>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
> Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
> you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
> to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.
>
> If I was to go purely by your table/chairs - I would have suggested a
> blue & white motif, but you've chosen to go with more vibrant colors.
> So, use contemporary prints for your napkins and seat cushions. Of
> course, everyone has suggested flowers - which is a no brainer (I see
> poppies, in your print which would also be dynamite on the table too),
> and find some vibrant colors for your vases. If you're into
> collecting or not, look for Fiesta Ware pottery (like a water pitcher,
> tea pot or a jumbo cup & saucer).... they sell modern versions of it
> for less at restaurant supply stores. I'd also do a chair rail on
> the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a subtile two tone
> green) under it for added distinction.
>
> BTW: silk flowers aren't what they used to be. I have silk orchids
> that you have to touch to know they aren't real.
>
Thanks everyone - all excellent suggestions.

What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??

e.

elaine wrote:
> "sf" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>> On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
>>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
>>> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>>
>>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>>> silly
>>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>>
>>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>>
>>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>>
>> Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
>> you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
>> to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.
>>
>> I'd also do a
>> chair rail on the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a
>> subtile two tone green) under it for added distinction.
>>
> Thanks everyone - all excellent suggestions.
>
> What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??
>
> e.

It's a railing made with that wood trim used around windows and doors (the
proper name escapes me). It's affixed to the wall about 3 feet from the
floor. Ostensibly it's to prevent the backs of chairs from scratching the
paint on the wall. A lot of people put wallpaper below the chair rail.
Your table is far enough away from the wall this would be purely for effect.

Jill

In article >,
"elaine" > wrote:

> What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??
>
> e.

Elaine, in a Google search window, type in <define: chair rail> without
the brackets. That'll give you some concise definitions. Good luck
with your project. I love the yellow placemats.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007

In article >,
Steve Wertz > wrote:

> Me - I want a nekkid woman in 3 of those chairs.
>
> -sw (Maybe I *am* turning into a Sheldon !?!)

Here I didn't think you'd be into fat ladies. Live and learn.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007

On Jul 31, 6:29 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4


Unless there are 4 people at your table for meals, I would get rid of
2 placemats; get rid of the condiments or whatever those things are in
the middle, and put a small, live plant in a red-painted flowerpot in
the center.

Give it some interest with some folk-art type ceramic stuff - a couple
candlesticks with short candles would be perfect. You could use 2
napkins, too, in a big graphic red/yellow design (or if you don't like
red, use another bright color in the setting, like blue or orange),
folded on each placemat.

N.

"Nancy2" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> On Jul 31, 6:29 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly
>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>
> Unless there are 4 people at your table for meals, I would get rid of
> 2 placemats; get rid of the condiments or whatever those things are in
> the middle, and put a small, live plant in a red-painted flowerpot in
> the center.
>
> Give it some interest with some folk-art type ceramic stuff - a couple
> candlesticks with short candles would be perfect. You could use 2
> napkins, too, in a big graphic red/yellow design (or if you don't like
> red, use another bright color in the setting, like blue or orange),
> folded on each placemat.
>
> N.

Love the idea of candles and napkins and I'm already hunting for some in
red/yellow or another bright colour.

the condiment thingy. I tend never to put something out unless it's
used. I use this a lot and love the idea of having it so handy. But
plastic probably isn't the way to go

e.

On Aug 1, 4:45 am, "elaine" > wrote:
> "sf" > wrote in message
>
> oups.com...
>
> > On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
> >> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> >> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> >> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
> >> silly
> >> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> >> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> >>http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
> > Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
> > you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
> > to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.
>
> > If I was to go purely by your table/chairs - I would have suggested a
> > blue & white motif, but you've chosen to go with more vibrant colors.
> > So, use contemporary prints for your napkins and seat cushions. Of
> > course, everyone has suggested flowers - which is a no brainer (I see
> > poppies, in your print which would also be dynamite on the table too),
> > and find some vibrant colors for your vases. If you're into
> > collecting or not, look for Fiesta Ware pottery (like a water pitcher,
> > tea pot or a jumbo cup & saucer).... they sell modern versions of it
> > for less at restaurant supply stores. I'd also do a chair rail on
> > the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a subtile two tone
> > green) under it for added distinction.
>
> > BTW: silk flowers aren't what they used to be. I have silk orchids
> > that you have to touch to know they aren't real.
>
> Thanks everyone - all excellent suggestions.
>
> What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??
>
> e.

A chair rail looks like this - I can find you more pictures if this
interests you.
http://store.balmer.com/images/bvi/d...ed/m560-is.jpg

I found a shop full of Fiesta Ware today!
http://i14.tinypic.com/6bomkuc.jpg
http://i11.tinypic.com/4qnf3vn.jpg

If you are interested in more pictures.... I found some colorful
"flour sacks" that can be used as napkins instead of tea towels.


sf

"elaine" > wrote in message
...

<snippity>

> the condiment thingy. I tend never to put something out unless it's
> used. I use this a lot and love the idea of having it so handy. But
> plastic probably isn't the way to go

Is the table so big that a Lazy Susan is the only way to get at all your
condiments? If not, I suggest they be stashed in a pretty basket or tray.
And, of course, you can look for condiment containers that would be more
attractive than, say, your, basic mustard jar.

Felice

> A chair rail looks like this - I can find you more pictures if this
> interests you.
> http://store.balmer.com/images/bvi/d...ed/m560-is.jpg

Sort of like wainscotting...? (sp)

> I found a shop full of Fiesta Ware today!
> http://i14.tinypic.com/6bomkuc.jpg
> http://i11.tinypic.com/4qnf3vn.jpg
>
> If you are interested in more pictures.... I found some colorful
> "flour sacks" that can be used as napkins instead of tea towels.

Flour sacks? Now that sounds interesting.

Thanks sf.
e.

elaine wrote:
>> A chair rail looks like this - I can find you more pictures if this
>> interests you.
>> http://store.balmer.com/images/bvi/d...ed/m560-is.jpg
>
> Sort of like wainscotting...? (sp)

Um.. no. Wainscotting is wood panels (or paneling) on the bottom of a
wall. Not a wooden rail like the chair rail is.

On Aug 1, 3:12 pm, Goomba38 > wrote:
> elaine wrote:
> >> A chair rail looks like this - I can find you more pictures if this
> >> interests you.
> >>http://store.balmer.com/images/bvi/d...ed/m560-is.jpg
>
> > Sort of like wainscotting...? (sp)
>
> Um.. no. Wainscotting is wood panels (or paneling) on the bottom of a
> wall. Not a wooden rail like the chair rail is.

A picture speaks a thousand words, goomba. A chair rail can be the
top part of wainscotting
<beautiful illustration>
http://www.princeton.edu/~bill/a/wains.jpg
<more descriptive illustration>
http://tornado.sfsu.edu/geosciences/...nscotting1.JPG

but as you stated, a chair rail isn't necessary if you want
wainscotting
http://www.princeton.edu/~bill/a/bathroom-wains.jpg

On Aug 1, 3:01 pm, "elaine" > wrote:
> > A chair rail looks like this - I can find you more pictures if this
> > interests you.
> >http://store.balmer.com/images/bvi/d...ed/m560-is.jpg
>
> Sort of like wainscotting...? (sp)
>
> > I found a shop full of Fiesta Ware today!
> >http://i14.tinypic.com/6bomkuc.jpg
> >http://i11.tinypic.com/4qnf3vn.jpg
>
> > If you are interested in more pictures.... I found some colorful
> > "flour sacks" that can be used as napkins instead of tea towels.
>
> Flour sacks? Now that sounds interesting.
>
> Thanks sf.
> e.

I was at an internet cafe and had connectivity problems, elaine or
else I would have posted the pictures. I forgot to bring down my
media so I could give you a picture to night. I'll do it tomorrow.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> Steve Wertz > wrote:
>
>> Me - I want a nekkid woman in 3 of those chairs.
>>
>> -sw (Maybe I *am* turning into a Sheldon !?!)
>
> Here I didn't think you'd be into fat ladies. Live and learn.

ROFLMAO !!!

On Jul 31, 4:29?pm, "elaine" > wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

Am with the folks who suggested you loose the Lazy Susan. A permanent
centerpiece display of half used bottles and jars may be convenient,
but it's not at all attractive. Hard to tell what your kitchen wall
colors are, but for a cheery look, something like one of the Provence
tablecloths from Williams Sonoma might give the room a lift and work
with the new placemats.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/produ...?pkey=cLINPRTI

I like to rotate the centerpiece on our kitchen table - right now it's
a simple clear glass vase of sunflowers - a hot deal at TJ's this
week. Other times of year, it'll be a bowl of (snackable) apples, an
antique glass compote filled with (always useful) lemons, or a small
houseplant. Just swapping your Susan for a nice focal point will make
a huge change. Our kitchen table is small - an antique pine drop leaf
seating 4, so to keep it from looking cluttered, I only put out
candles & placemats when they're going to be used. The rest of the
time, it's usually just a simple, cheery tablecloth & centerpiece -
an inviting place to sit for a chat with a friend or perch with a cup
of coffee and the crossword puzzle.
Nancy T

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> Goomba38 wrote:
>> elaine wrote:
>>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
>>> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>>
>>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>>> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>>
>>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>>
>>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>>>
>>>
>> I would lose the dowdy turnstyle thing in the middle and get a/some
>> small vase(s) and fresh flowers. The placemats aren't terribly
>> colorful, yet would be an excellent backdrop for earthy or colorful
>> dishes and napkins. Very easy to dress up or down because of how
>> neutral they are.
>
> I had a lazy susan in the middle of my table once. While it was very
> handy,
> especially when Thomas Jefferson took up way too much space.
>
> Jill
>
>
You dined with Thomas Jefferson?