Peppermint Twist and other delightful tablewares at a discount

It's that time of year when decking the halls and walls and tabletops are on us ladies' to do list!

Making spirits bright is as simple as doing that little something special that let's our family and friends know we love them and they matter. I especially like to set my table with pretty dishes and serving pieces all throughout the holiday season. That's why I was so excited about my Celebrating HOME Christmas collection this year. I want to highlight some of our new pieces and to make a special offer to all of my Readers.The festive design and generous size of our handpainted dinnerware will create instant holiday dazzle...with a twist; Peppermint Twist that is. Each piece is diswasher, oven and microwave safe! Pictured above are the Peppermint Twist mugs and dessert plates. Many of you know that I use mainly white dinner plates in my tablescapes. So adding this pretty red, white and green dessert plate as an accent is the perfect touch to add holiday whimsy to my tabletop. Mixing and matching with other red or green dishes is also an option or used alone these cute plates add holiday panache to cake and coffee! The matching mugs are perfect for hot chocolate, coffee, tea or spiced cider. I will even use them as gifts for teachers and neighbors. Simply package them with packets of hot chocolate or flavored teas and coffee for a great, affordable gift that will brighten someone's day.

The matching bowl is shaped with a convenient little handle and will be a favorite for offering up warm soups and stews during the cold months of winter.
As part of my Exclusive Customer Offers for readers of this blog only, you can order directly from me any of these delightful tablewares and have them shipped directly to your home address. As a reader of this blog you will receive a 20% discount plus FREE shipping if you order by November 24th.

Peppermint Twist Dessert Plates

8" plates

Set of 2, Item #93266

Regular: $20/set

Blogger Sale: $16/set

Peppermint Twist Medium Bowl

Set of 2, Item # 93267

Regular: $24.00/set

Blogger Sale: $19.20/set

Peppermint Twist Mugs

Set of 2

Regular: $20/set

Blogger Sale: $16/set

Another fun and flexible tabletop accessory is this set of Whimsical Santas. Display them anywhere you want to add a little holiday color and cheer. These cute little guys are made of resin and are 3 1/2" x 4" each. Two sets would give you enough Santas to set one at each tablesetting for a table serving six. If you really want to get creative, take a fine point, black paint pen and write names or initials on each one and use them as placecards! The options are endless!

Whimsical Santas

Set of 3, Item #45052

Regular: $16/set

Blogger Sale: $12.80/set

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To order simply email oopsadaisync@aol.com or leave a comment for me to contact you via your blog. Most orders ship within 2-3 business days. To see more of my Celebrating HOME season product line go to www.celebratinghome.com/sites/AlisasHomeAccents

For more simply joyful ways to decorate your hearts, hearths and homes this holiday season, visit often as I bring our family's Colors of CHRISTmas to you.

Until I see you again,

Live Life Beautifully!

~Alisa

Where's a Techno Guru when you need one?

Hi there! In case you've checked for my Tablescape this week, I've had a little technical difficulties. For some reason which I have yet to figure out, I can not import new pictures from my digital camera. I really need a Techno Guru to help me out! So until I get this little problem solved I will be stuck posting inspiration pictures from the net or old pictures from my files. On Wednesday I posted about how I am already in the mood for Fall. I thought I would share this simple photo of a lovely Autumn Tablescape. I think the white tablecloth gives a fresh face to this fall table. Many times we think of rich, saturated color during the fall months but this table proves that you can add warmth and coziness to your table without adding heavy color. Here are some tips for achieving this casually elegant look:

• Keep it FRESH. Build upon table linens that are white or ivory then layer in the warm colors of fall - gold, green, touches of orange and rust.
• Use variations of SOFT COLOR. Notice the monochromatic color of the dishes. The colors are all within a similar color family and the intensity of each color is ever so slight. This lends a clean, modern look to the table.
• Feature an EYE-POPPING CENTERPIECE. When using a subdued color palette in your linens and dishes, opt for a show-stopping centerpiece. Here colorful candles, miniture pumpkins and gourds do the trick.
• Add a touch of whimsy. The single pressed Maple leaf tucked beneath a slim leather strap is all the adornment needed for these classic ivory napkins. The pressed leaves give a nod to nostalgia when as an elementary student, you would gather leaves and press them between pages of a book for use in a science project.

Hopefully, I will be able to correct my camera problem soon. I have some wonderful pictures to share of my NEW GLAMOUR master-bath and a trip to the BLACK LION of their annual Summer Tent-Sale. On Monday I will begin posting "30 Days, 30 Tips to Low-Budget Home Decorating". I hope you will join me! Until then,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa

Tablescape Thursday - Sweet Southern Magnolia

Welcome to another TABLESCAPE THURSDAY! A big thanks to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting this lovely party each week. Be sure to visit for more tablescape inspiration. This week my table is SWEET SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA inspired by my front yard magnolia tree which is in full bloom! The air around the front of the house smells so sweet and delicious. I just had to bring that indoors. Playing off of the creamy white blossoms, I am using a soft white and creamy yellow color scheme. Let's take a closer look:I started with the centerpiece - Mr. Panache clipped several magnolia blooms and leaves from our tree. I used two matching Milk Glass vases from my Grandmother's collection to hold the blooms then I tucked stems of leaves around the base. I completed the look with crystal and golden candleholders in a baroque pattern and elegan ivory soy candles from my Celebrating HOME decor line.
Since I sat the breakfast table, I have few table cloths that will fit this square (seats 8) table, so I bunched up a smaller round cloth and layered a hand crocheted table runner on top. The table runner was a gift from my dear Mother-in-Law who makes me the most wonderful items! For a soft accent color I chose creamy yellow in the linen placemats. The china is Bernadotte Ivory edged in gold by Formalities, Irish cut crystal rimmed in 24k gold, flatware is gold plate.

To add a little more panache to the centerpiece I used three gold orbs and tucked them among the magnolia leaves. I adore white, cream, off-white and soft yellow as a summer-time color palette. It seems so refreshing yet warm and inviting.

I use Soy Candles from Celebrating HOME exclusively. These ivory candles are scented like Creme Brulee! Yummy! The perfect, soft scent for the dinning room or kitchen. For more varieties and colors click here.

Isn't this bloom perfect? So white and perfectly formed. There's just something so elegant about the creamy blossoms of a Southern Magnolia with its shiny, green leaves that this Southern Girl can't resist! I hope you've enjoyed the tour. Don't forget to visit Susan and all the gals featuring lovely tables this week. Until I see you again,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY - True Blue

I have to tell you that this week's table has been fun! The inspiration started when I was at my local grocery store - Harris Teeter - and saw that Le Bleu water was on sale! I just loved the bright, rich blue of the bottles and the scroll-like script used for the brand. After drinking the water I saved three of the bottles planning to use them outside on the deck to hold fresh cut flowers the next time we dined out. The bottles are shatterproof so they make a great alternative to glass vases. After looking through the cabinets for dishes and crystal, I spied the Le Bleu bottles sitting on my counter! BINGO! This week's table would take its queue from the bottles - a classic pairing of yellow, white and blue was the natural thing to do! I set the breakfast room table using a yellow, hem-stitched linen placemat and layered a round, straw placemat in Aegean blue on top. I just love to layer placemats. I didn't use any chargers but laid down my Blue Churchill plates and topped them off with my favorite IVORY salad plates. I sat a small white hobnail vase holding bright yellow daisies in the center of the salad plate for added punch. I only have one of these little vases but would LOVE to have 8 or 10! They are the perfect size for holding individual sized bouquets.
To form the centerpiece I used an oriental wooden tray and filled it with three Le Bleu bottles filled with white hydrangea and three white milk glass vases filled with "sunshine-y" yellow daisies. I filled in around the vases with the infamous birdie salt and pepper shakers and the votive candle holders.
Remember these? I think it's time for Susan to host another "Target Birdies go on holiday!" party. We'll have to let her know!
These fluffy white hydrandeas came from my local market. They were the manager's special this week - only $1.99!

To get a better shot of the Blue Churchill plates, I propped it up on a plateholder. I've had these plates for 20 years or better. I have cups and saucers to match but can not find where I've stored them. I still have boxes of dishes I haven't unpacked from 3 years ago! Yikes!

By now you are well acquainted with my IVORY dishes from Better Homes & Gardens. I use these dishes more than any others. They are so pretty. I love the embossing. They can be dressed up on an elegant, formal table or dressed down with a gingham checked tablecloth on the back deck!

The sparkle of crystal goblets will add panache to any table.

This is the third week I've used the Bamboo flatware. I am finding myself reaching for it over and over. I love the texture it adds to the table.

I found these napkins at HomeGoods a few months ago. I purchased a package of 4 for $2. You can't beat that! I looked for more packages but to no avail. They are hand blocked and painted. I can see myself using these in a new beach table - stay tuned for that! These little white wrought-iron birdie napkin rings are my favorites. I use them on my table almost continuously during the Spring and Summer months.

Yellow, White and Blue - next to Red, White and Blue it's the perfect summer time trio of colors - a true American tradition. I hope you've enjoyed looking around today. For tons more inspiration and FABULOUS tables of all types, sizes and styles, visit Susan at:

Between Naps on the Porch!

Until I see you again,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY - French Country Flair

Hey, it's TABLESCAPE THURSDAY again! Don't you just love this weekly get-together? I do! Thanks to Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. To see more lovely and inspired tables pop over for a visit. This week I'm showing a little French Country Flair. I brought out some Roosters, Toile and Red, Black and Cream! They are the perfect elements for this French Country breakfast table. Cream placemats, Toile napkins, Ivory plates and Toile bread or fruit plates from Williams Sonoma set the table with French flair. Clear and Ruby crystal goblets and juice glasses add the sparkle. Flatware with Bamboo handles completes my placesettings.

Love this distressed white Rooster. I've had him for many years. Usually he sits on my counter but for today he's made his way to my breakfast table.

This spotted Rooster was a gift from my SIL, Teresa. Thanks, T!

Red, Black and Cream are so FRENCH to me. Red roses were the obvious choice for my centerpiece.

These bamboo handles are rugged yet refined. I've used them with my best china and I've used them with paper plates! These Toile napkins also came from Williams Sonoma. They are luncheon size but they work just fine for breakfast.

My clear juice glasses came from Dollar Tree. I've had the Ruby Crystal Goblet for several years. I have 8 in all and usually they only make their way out of the cabinet at Valentine's Day and Christmas. But I liked the way they added glamour to this table.

This salad / bread / dessert Toile patterned plate came from Williams Sonoma. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pattern and colors! See the little Rooster?

I think I will serve Eggs Benedict, Crisp Bacon and warm, flaky Croissants with fresh squeezed Orange Juice and fresh Melon. Hmmm!

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I hope you've enjoyed this week's French Country Flair. Until I see you again,

Happy Table Setting!

~Alisa

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY - An English Garden for Mother

Welcome to TABLESCAPE THURSDAY!

This week I've pulled together a table to honor MOM. I'm calling it "An English Garden for Mother". I was looking through my dishes, linens and crystal trying to come up with a new combination that I haven't shared before. While I was pondering this week's table, my eyes fell on a new picture that I've just acquired. I was admiring the coral, peach and orange tones in the background and suddenly I knew what I would do. Let's take a look at my inspiration picture and go tour this table I've set especially for Mother's Day. This picture is called "Magnolia Estate" and it's from my Celebrating HOME line of interior accents and home furnishings. The creamy white flowers against the coral and peach toned background were my inspiration this week.
My Mom loves an English Garden. Tea Roses and Peonies are her two favorite blooms. This table features creamy white peonies in the centerpiece and lovely Tea Roses on the floral napkins. I had a lot of fun pulling this table together and with each layer I got more excited to see the finished product. The explosion of color across our dining room table even pulled a few compliments from Mr. Panache and our boys. Wow!

Earlier this year my Mom came to visit over a long weekend and as we girls do we took off to shop. I found these Ralph Lauren napkins at BELKS. The background is a soft Robin's Egg Blue and the floral print features roses in shades of coral, peach, pink and rose.

I started with a creamy white quilted placemat. I tend to use placemats more than tablecloths during the warmer months. Next, I added my woven wicker chargers. I have had these for several years and love the texture they add to any table. I love the way they add a sense of casual elegance to an otherwise formal table. I then layered three different stoneware patterns in three different colors - Ivory dinner plate, Robin's Egg Blue salad plate, Coral dessert plate - a slight nod to the classic of RED, WHITE and BLUE but with a modern mix.

Elegant Ivory Soy candles cast just a hint of glow around the table.

I had 3 yards of Peach silk fabric left over from a project for a client. I simply placed it in the center of my table and turned the unfinished edges under. Viola! A tablerunner. The ivory platter featured here is part of a new pottery line from Celebrating HOME. It is called VERANDA. The pattern is a basket-weave embossing with an English Ivy motif layered on top. Now I have to decide was yummy entree I will place on this lovely platter for a Mother's Day lunch.

A matching covered casserole.

This is what we call a BEAN POT. It is oval shaped with a deep well and narrow opening. Perfect for serving baked beans, pasta salads, soups, stews or chowders.

A couple fine feathered friends find their way to the table.

I tried several ways of displaying my napkins. I liked this triangle fold laid across the dessert plate. But, I was afraid it covered to much of the plate.

Each one of the different stoneware patterns are embossed. I purchased these coral dessert plates at TARGET about 6 years ago. They were on the clearance table - 4 for $5! What a bargain!

When my eyes fell on these salad plates it was love at first sight. The soft Robin's Egg Blue was unlike any dishes I had in my cabinet and I knew they would match my napkins perfectly. I found them at TJMaxx about a month ago. You will see these in many more tablescapes I'm sure! (Smile!)

And again! My tried and true IVORY dinner plates from BHandGardens.

I settled on displaying the napkin inside the crystal goblet. I liked the way the fabric fanned out and added some height to the table. The smaller crystal goblet is actually a sorbet cup. I wasn't sure about the proper placement so it ended up to the right of the glass. If you happen to know the correct spot for it, please share. :-)

I am reading a wonderful book called "Creative Hospitality" by Nancy Van Pelt. The book is on loan from my dear friend Peggy Morris. One quote from the author that I will share is this:

'To know how to create a beautiful table setting and pull it all together in an

inviting manner is a talent from God".
I never really thought about it that way but after participating in Susan's Tablescape Party and viewing all the gorgeous tables that everyone posts week after week, I have decided that I agree with Mrs. Van Pelt! So for more inspiration and to visit some very talented ladies, pop over to see Susan at Between Naps on the Porch! Until I see you again,

Happy Table Setting!

~Alisa

Sunday Favorites - A re-run "On the Beach"

Welcome to my very first "SUNDAY FAVORITES". This brilliant idea was conceived by Chari over at Happy to Design. Be sure to pay her a visit to read all about Sunday Favorites and to view the full list of participants for this week. You'll be happy you did!

Chari over at Happy to Design had this wonderful idea to feature our favorite posts on Sundays. Many of us have a lot going on during the weekends and don't have time to compose a fresh and new post. Also new readers and bloggers are coming to blogland everyday and the chances that everyone has seen your past post is pretty slim.

This gives new readers a chance to view some of your favorites while letting your faithful followers a chance for a "re-run". S0, I am featuring a post from earlier this year. It's a tablescape that I adore because it reminds me of home, family and my best friend.....

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Okay, so I decided to marry a Florida native about 20 years ago. Up until that time I had never even been to Florida! And I had only seen the ocean one other time and that was in Virginia! Needless to say, not only did I fall in love with Mr. Right but Palm Trees, Seashells, Sandy White Beaches and West Coast Florida Sunsets fell right in line. I started thinking last week that next month is Mr. Right's birthday and wouldn't it be great to have a seafood buffet for his birthday dinner. Grill up a little Salmon in Lemon-Dill sauce, pan sear some Scallops and bake Crab-stuffed Mushrooms with Hollandaise Sauce....hmm. This started me thinking about table decor - naturally. So this week's TABLESCAPE is a forerunner of next month's birthday buffet but Ssh! Don't tell because I want it to be a surprise. This table is all about Seashells and the color of a Florida Sunset.

Burnt Orange linen placemats set the right amount of color punch to play up the white dishes. I love these Shell shaped salad plates. They were a real-deal at HomeGoods and work perfectly with my Ivory dishes from Better Homes and Gardens.

Silver accents and Mercury Glass give just the right amount of glitz.

A real Florida, West Coast sunset. Isn't that just beautiful? Thanks Linda Charlene for the use of your incredible photo! XOXO! Now you see where I got the inspiration to use the orange placemats.

Walking along the beach after a storm is the best time to find little treasures washed up from the depths of the ocean.

The color pallet is very simple - white, orange and silver - but it all glows in the soft flicker of candlelight.


I found these little bronze Starfish napkin rings at BBandB while I was still living in Florida. I pulled an ivory cotton napkin through the ring, then stood it up resembling an Octopus. Okay, work with me here - use your imagination. If you tilt your head and squint your eyes it COULD look like an Octopus.

Last week a Reader e-mailed me asking how many sets of dishes do I own. The answer is one. I do have extra salad plates and bowls or plates only from other patterns but as far as complete place settings go, I have one set, enough for 10 place settings. Most of my tablescapes use common pieces. The differences are all in the linens and the accessories. Invest in a neutral color and style, then you can mix and match to your heart's content.

The romantic glow of candlelight adds ambiance reminiscent of an evening clam bake on the beach.

Now, this little guy won't be center stage during the birthday dinner but I'm sure I'll find a nice place for him to rest.

Here is a close-up of the shell-shaped salad plate. Notice the raised details at the bottom of the plate - it is a cluster of little seashells.

This shell-shaped silver serving platter will most likely hold Peel and Eat Shrimp during the seafood buffet. I have three of these in various sizes. All of them were purchased at Target on a markdown sale. They will make the perfect buffet set-up and keep our seaside theme in tact. Well, I hope you have enjoyed the "Walk Along the Beach" table. Until I see you again,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa