My home isn’t open concept, and the dining room is a bit smaller than I wish it were to accommodate our large family. I had my table custom made to utilize every extra inch I could. 

I was amazed, that I was able to set such a beautiful “perfectly imperfect” co-ordinating tablescape. Not one of these items was purchased with another in mind, I just loved each item separately. 

Shop the look: White Flatware  Green Acrylic Goblets 

Floral Runner  Crochet Trimmed Napkins

The Floral Plates are a few years old from Anthropology. My dining chairs and the white chargers were from Pier 1 (but sadly they’ve closed their stores). 

If you love the look of this Bright Floral Summer Tablescape, I’m sure you love these also!

Blue Floral Outdoor Tablescape

Pink & Aqua Summer Tablescape  

The post Bright Floral Summer Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

The fresh tulips were probably enough, but I tend to add a few extra layers to my tablescapes. 

What purpose exactly do the layers provide?

• Table runners provide an extra layer of protection from heat, moisture and spills while adding a “pulled together” look. They also a base for your centerpiece (source credit-premiertablelinens-blog.com)
• On the table, a centerpiece is a central object which serves a decorative purpose. However, centerpieces are often not too large, to avoid difficulty with visibility around the table and to allow for the easier serving of dishes. Centerpieces are often made from flowers, candles, fruit, or candy (source-wikipedia)
• Charger plates can catch pieces of food, and prevent spills and messes that would otherwise stain the tablecloth or flow onto the table. Chargers also help to retain the heat in dinnerware since they are placed directly underneath plates and bowls (source credit-webrestaurantstore.com)
• Cloth napkins are cute and functional. “They hold up way better than paper napkins. No one wants to use paper napkins that are going to disintegrate after a few quick hand wipes during a messy meal. A cloth napkin can stand up to the messiest fingers — every single time” (source- Kitchn)
• What is the purpose of the small heart plate?  My response is because it makes the table look complete, however, this is actually a dessert plate, which wouldn’t be on the table until dessert is served. Oops. “The dinner plate is the center of the place setting, and the salad plate is placed to the left. The dessert plate sits just above the dinner plate in many cases. When the dessert plate is not placed on the table before the meal, it arrives after the dinner dishes have been cleared (source-classroom.synonym.com)
• Party favors or sussy “A small gift, given for no particular occasion other than love and friendship, usually not wrapped and often not given directly but left as a surprise to find. A little inexpensive present given from the heart.”
• And most of all, they’re fun and pretty!!

So there you have it, lots of info that I doubt you really care about. My thought, is set your table however it makes you happy!! 

It’s fun to use unexpected colors on a table. Like black on Valentine’s day! I’ve also used black on an Easter Table before! Go take a look and let me know if you’re in agreement that black is a fun addition to a tablescape. I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull it off for 4th of July, but I might try. 

If this post has brought you JOY, please feel free to PIN this to your favorite pinterest board!!

Here’s my Red & Aqua Valentine’s table from last year.

The post Red Heart Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

According to chex.com  “This classic chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar Chex Mix recipe has been a beloved part of families’ kitchens for years. Transform Chex cereal into a delicious treat in just 15 minutes. We call it Muddy Buddies, but you may know it as Puppy Chow.” 

However, according to Wikipedia, “Puppy Chow, also typically known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade snack made in the United States.”

You decide, but I’m sticking with Muddy Buddies!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have your Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow) ready in no time. 

Ingredients needed:

• Chex Cereal
• Chocolate Chips
• Peanut Butter
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Powdered Sugar
• Valentine’s M&M’s

It’s as easy as gathering your ingredients, melting, and mixing! In fact it’s so easy, it’s a perfect treat to let the little ones help you with. 

I’m missing a picture of the step between these two. Coat the Chex cereal with the chocolate/peanut butter mixture, then place in a gallon zip lock baggie. Add the powdered sugar, then gently shake until well combined. After that step, I spread them out on a sheet pan and dusted with a little more powdered sugar as needed and let them set up a bit before adding the M&M’s. 

Wouldn’t these be cute little gifts? Simply fill a cute container and wrap in a cellophane bag. Add a little gift tag, and you’re got the perfect Valentine’s Muddy Buddy gift for friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers.

Print

Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow)

Course Dessert

Author Renee

Ingredients

• 1 12 oz box Rice Chex cereal
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup semisweet choclate chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners) sugar
• 1 cup M&M's

Instructions

• In small microwaveable glass bowl, melt together peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter. Start with 30 seconds, then stir. Add additional 10-20 seconds as needed until melted. Stir to combine. Mixture should be smooth and creamy.
• Add vanilla to chocolate mixture. Stir.
• Pour cereal into large bowl. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal. Using a plastic spatula, slowly stir to thoroughly coat cereal with chocolate.
• Place chocolate coated cereal into large zip lock baggie (1 gallon size works well). Gently shake until all cereal is well coated with sugar. Once mixed, gently pour onto large baking sheet. If needed dust with additional powdered sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes to "set" the chocolate.
• Gently stir in M&M's.

Notes

Store in a covered container. 

You might also like Valentine’s Toffee Bark

The post Valentine’s Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow) appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

I believe in two things when it comes to setting the perfect table:

• First, keep it simple! No one wants to sit down at a table that is so cluttered (even if it is gorgeous) that they feel uncomfortable. Now don’t get me wrong, I do love a pretty centerpiece and beautiful dishes and linens, but I want my family and friends to feel at home. No linen on my table is ever too fancy that they can’t wipe a spaghetti face on it!! If it’s not washable, I don’t buy it!
• Second, use and re-use what you have! Or as bloggers like to say, “shop your home first.”  I’ll admit to having a lot of dishes, but if you follow my tablescapes, you’ll also notice that I use the same pieces over and over. I just mix and match and add in a new piece here and there to achieve the look I’m going for.
• Ok, lastly (even though I said two things), the food must be good! It doesn’t matter if you spent hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious home cooked meal, or ordered take out. Good food and good conversation around the kitchen table with family and friends makes for the perfect evening!

I love the layers and textures that I’ve included on this table and the details of the simple centerpiece is just enough!

My buffet was decorated like this all Fall. I change my decor seasonally, but rarely change it out during a season. Except for tablescapes! I do love playing with my dishes in my dining room.

I can’t wait until we can actually host friends again. So far, we’ve had some family over, but I miss gathering with our friends. I love this sign (from Oh Sweet Skye), it says what my heart feels! Amen!

Be thankful, and be blessed!

The post Simple Fall Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

For fun, I made some ice cubes complete with spiders! I don’t recommend floating spiders for the younger kids. I wanted an orange beverage for the table, so I served orange Gatorade with a splash of 7-Up. 

I love when I can set a table without purchasing anything new. You’ll notice I use the black and white plaid plates for just about every holiday. I had no idea when I purchased them a few years ago, just how versatile they’d be. A few festive dishes, simple decorations, a sprinkle of colorful kisses, and a cookie treat at each place setting, this table is ready to party!!

Now please be a ghostly good friend, and pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest board. 

Here’s a completely different look, using some of the same chargers, plates, and flatware. I hope you enjoy my Pumpkin Floral Fall Tablescape.

And here’s one more table, geared for the little ones! And a delicious Halloween Lunch that they’re sure to love!

The post Black and Orange Halloween Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

Back when I was a younger mom, my girls never started back to school until after Labor Day. That’s probably why mid-August just isn’t Fall yet. Fall, for me, is prompted by back to school and the routines that came with school and activities. Did you know that the first day of the Fall season is actually September, 22 this year. That date confirms that it’s ok for me to make a slow transition into Fall. 

I’m seriously so in love with how this table turned out! Wouldn’t it be the perfect brunch or girlfriend lunch table!!  

I love every single detail in this Pink & Aqua Summer Tablescape! The only new item, besides the fresh flowers of course, are the aqua TAG bubble glasses. Purchased six of the glassware at The Farm Bakery, Cafe, & Gifts and two addition from Amazon.  The chargers and pink plates were from Pier 1. The table runner and floral napkins were Home Goods finds a year or two ago. And, the white flatware is from Antique Warehouse.  

The Iced Cold Brew was my post table setting treat!! You can get the info on that HERE.

I certainly think this is Pinterest worthy! If you agree, please pin the image below to your favorite board. 

Here are a few suggestions on setting a table similar to what I’ve shown you. Remember to layer your pieces, don’t be afraid to use color, and add texture to your table!! Have fun!!

       

         

  

*The above are Amazon affiliate links.

The post Pink & Aqua Summer Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

Sur La Table has some great outdoor melamine dinnerware again this summer. You can check them out HERE. The placemats are from Pier1 and fyi, I’m so sad they’re closing! The red flatware was a HomeGoods find a couple years ago and the NAPKINS are from Amazon. I absolutely love these napkins and have multiple sets! They wash up nicely and don’t need any ironing!! Cute and easy to care for is a win in my book!

And can we talk about the cute little jars that I use as vases! I purchased heavy cream in them from the grocery store and now use them as a vase. I think they’re perfect for a casual vase of sunflowers!

I hope I’ve inspired you a little bit to play with your table settings. Remember that it doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. Every item on this table I bought on sale or discounted. As much as I love boutique shopping, I’d rather get the deal and still get the results I want with the final product, for a fraction of the cost. 

If you love the look of this Blue Floral Outdoor Tablescape, please give this a PIN on your favorite Pinterest Board. 

*Please note, the above links are affiliate links of exact or similar items in my post. 

The post Blue Floral Outdoor Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

I believe that setting a table doesn’t need to be complicated, but it is all about the details. I typically start with one piece (for this table it was the lemon salad plates), then build from there. I’m a bit of a dish hoarder, so I typically have what I need to “layer” my place settings.

I often get asked where I shop, and my answer is, “everywhere.”  If I like it, I think I have a use for it, and the price is right, I typically buy it. 

In this case, the yellow placemats and the white chargers were from Pier 1. I’ve had the yellow dinner plates for so long, I don’t remember where I got them. The salad plates I picked up from a little gift store/boutique in Stowe, VT when we were traveling a few years ago. The owner, Cristina, has become a sweet Instagram friend. I hope you’ll check out her online shop, The Country Store on Main. I’ve even ordered a few of my face masks from her. They’re adorable and ship fast!!   The yellow checked table runner, the wooden board, and the white pitcher are all Home Goods finds. The white flatware is from Antique Farmhouse. and the candle from Antique Candle Co.   I picked up the lemon branches from Target Dollar Spot.   You can find the cute the cute interchangeable sign from a favorite Etsy vendor of mine, Erica Dixon.  Lastly, the Lime Green Goblets are an Amazon find. 

We moved into this house eight years ago, and one of the first things I was going to do was change this chandelier. That still hasn’t happened. 

It’s all about the details. 

Details, details, details……

Remember to set it pretty, but keep it casual enough that your guests are comfortable and have a good time!!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Lemon Themed Tablescape and were able to get some inspiration from it! I’d love if you’d pin the following image onto your favorite Pinterest board. 

The post Lemon Themed Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

Another love of mine are trays!!! This Steel Handled Slat Bottom tray was purchased from Curtis Creation. Susie’s shop has become one of my absolute favorites. Please go and check her out!!

This is a short and simple post, but I just wanted to share my buffet set up with you and I hope it provides you with some inspiration for hosting your next party!!

Please don’t forget to Pin this for me!! 

I often say, “if I can learn one thing or get one idea…..”, so with that, I hope the links below will provide you with a little inspiration for your next party or outdoor BBQ. 

Baby Shower and Tips for Easy Party Planning

Aloha Themed Couples Wedding Shower

Fiesta Bridal Shower

Bridal Shower Insiration!

The post Flower Market Centerpiece appeared first on Joy In Every Season.

In case you’re wondering about sources. The striped runners and white charger plates are from Pier1. Both the blue floral and pink plaid plates I picked up at Marshalls. Assorted white pitchers are Home Goods finds. The napkins are from Amazon.

I love doing a pull back shot of my dining room! I had my dining table custom made and the chairs are from Pier1. The antique hutch belonged to my mom and is a piece I’ll cherish forever.

Please don’t forget to Pin an image or two to your favorite Pinterest Boards!

The post Pink Plaid & Blue Floral Tablescape appeared first on Joy In Every Season.