Saturday, October 24, 2009

FINALLY!

Finally, my very own blog!!!  I've dubbed it, "Budget Elegance".  Feels kinda good, actually.  I started this blog to accomplish 2 things:  1) to find a creative outlet for my tablescape ideas.  I felt like my head would explode with all of the ideas I had going on inside and; 2) to find a fun and exciting project that my 17 year old daughter, LaNelle (La-La), and I could do together as a mother-daughter team; and so Budget Elegance (B-E) was born.  La-La's my personal computer guru and creative director as well as my "all things hi -tech" go-to person.  I'd be completely lost without her.  We originally had other plans for B-E but she convinced me to start a blog, so here we are.


With B-E my goal was to create beautiful tablescapes on a tight budget while making them look as luxurious as possible.  Anything goes as far as the accessories.  I also like using items in ways other than their intended purpose.  More on that later.


Oh my, where ARE my manners?  Just call me "AL" and I'm so glad you've dropped by.  I'm addicted to all things "tablescape".  For instance, check out my fall tablescape below; I like the way I caught the sun shining through the window one morning as the sunbeams danced with one of my birdie napkin rings.




I also like layering items in my tablescapes; I usually start with a tablecloth because my dining table has seen better days. The tablecloth here was a TJMaxx find (clearance of course) in a wonderful burnt sugar color. 




Runners add another dimension to the table; the copper and olive green colored sequinned table runners were found at Ross.



Small scattered items add a finishing touch to the table such as the acorns, mini pinecones, and dried fall leaves.



The urn was free! It was given to me by a lady who owned a Bed and Breakfast in Iowa.  I asked her why such an interesting piece was sitting in the corner of her garage.  Her reply was, "You want it? Take it".  Needless to say, I didn't hesitate to scoop up this fine discarded treasure nor did I stop to get a whiff of her breath to find out if she had been drinking.  Believe me, sister, I took the urn and ran before she realized what she had given away!!!  It's one of my favorite "tabletop toys".




Nothing makes a tablescape more fun than a little whimsy!  Let me introduce you to Rocky the Squirrel (remember the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show? oops, am I telling my age?  et-hem; I mean I've heard of this show before) and thought the name was fitting.  He was just waiting to come home with me from Cracker Barrel.





Another interesting find were the copper colored bird napkin rings.  They're lightly brushed with gold highlights.  Another TJMaxx find.  The tail on one of the birds was chipped.  I politely pranced up to the customer service desk and asked about a discount for the damage and got him for next to nothing.  I just took a gold metallic marker and lightly brushed over the chipped area to blend the colors and voila!!  Unless I told you which bird was damaged you'd be hard pressed to figure out which one!! 



Honey colored glasses go quite well with the other elements in the tablescape.



The small collection of white pumpkins on the sideboard contrasts sharply with the vibrant red/orange colors of the dried leaves.  I tried to mimic the same colors on the sideboard as the dining table by using the white pumkins as the centerpiece for the buffet cabinet to coincide with the white urn on the dining table.  Terra cotta urn-shaped candleholders, dried leaves and acorns finish off the display.



Oh, one last thing. Remember I stated earlier that I like to use items in ways other than their intended purpose?  Well check out the tassel in it's new starring role as "chair decor".  Simple, yet effective. 



Luckily I have dining chairs that have 2 finials at the top which allows me to hook things onto them.  I change the tassel colors to coordinate with the tablescape.



Well, I hope you like my first attempt at this blog thing.  Hopefully, I'll get better at it as time goes by.  Thanks again for visiting. I'd also like to thank my friend and partner in crime, Laura, for introducing me to the blog world by directing me to BNOTP.  With that said, I'd like to say thanks to Susan at BNOTP for inspiring me and others with your beautiful blog (you rock, Susan--I am not worthy!!!).  

And last but never least, my reason for living, my beautiful daughter, LaNelle, for her love, unwavering support and encouragement; thanks sweetness; I'm glad you're mine.  To my wonderful husband, thanks for putting up with the ever increasing mountain of "tabletop toys" that seems to be slowly taking over the house; you're my hero!  Thanks for everything, Mom!!

Until next time, keep those creative juices flowing and let's continue to inspire each other; peace be with you, AL.

29 comments:

  1. Welcome! Your table is lovely!
    And yes, using things they weren't intended for is the name of the game!
    You are off to a great start.
    The urn is wonderful!

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  2. Welcome to blogging ~ your soon to be addiction! : ) Your table is lovely and I love the way you caught the sun shining on your table. I love the look of your layering.

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  3. Oh, I LOVE your table! It's perfect for fall. The little squirrel is just adorable and those napkin rings are the cutest. Welcome to blogging. I hope you enjoy it. Caution...it can become very time consuming, but it's oh so much fun! Thanks for sharing your beautiful table.

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  4. Great Tablescape! Last week was my first Tablescape! Have fun!

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  5. First timer you say? Could have fooled me. Great job.

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  6. Welcome. I like the little birdie and squirrel the best. AND oh yes, I remember rocky the squirrel!!!! Beware blogging is very addictive (and here I am NOT kidding!)

    my tablescape --home blog is

    htt://spindlecottage.blogspot.com

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  7. Adorable tablescape and great finds! Welcome to blogland. :)

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  8. I commend your first blog, it is fun and a great creative release...I love the tablescape, the colors are beautiful and I also love to watch the sun filter through the tablescape and focus on one lovely thing...welcome, I am a new follower of yours and I will be back...come for a visit

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  9. A warm welcome to the world of blogging. what a lovely start :o) I do things on a budget so I'm intersted in your blog already, lol. I have a feeling that you are going to be popular and build up quite a following :o)

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  10. Welcome to the land of blog, Al! Your fall table is gorgeous! I'm looking forward to seeing more.

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  11. What a great first tablescape! I love the idea of tablescaping on a budget ao I will be looking forward to your posts. I just recently started doing some myself, although I passed this week since I'm recovering from swine flu (cough, cough). It's fun and addictive!

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  12. I would expect nothing less than stunning from a diva. This blog is so you and I'm very happy that you and La-La have found such a elegant hobby to do together. Magnifique!

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  13. What a lovely first table! Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

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  14. Beautiful table. Your blog is off to a smashing start :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  15. Welcome! Love the colors on your table and all the wonderful little details. Fabulous!

    Christi @ A Southern Life
    http://asouthernlife.com

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  16. I really like how your table turned out. I think it is a great table. I like the tassle on the chairs. Very nice

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  17. Welcome to Blogland. You'll meet the nicest folk here. You tablescape is so rich and inviting!

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  18. Welcome, welcome. Your table is fabulicious!!! I do love in the first photo how the light hits the birdy. And I can totally relate to tablescape ideas bouncing in my head. I wake up in the middle of the night with all kinds of ideas. However, they don't always pan out like I imagined. But my treasure chest for this weeks tablescape did. I can't wait to see what tablescapes you dream up next.

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  19. Way to go girl! I knew you and LaNelle would do a fabulous job with your new blog and I'm honored to have been mentioned as a contributor to your introduction to blogland. We are all anxiously awaiting more upcoming wonderful tablescapes. You are one talented lady.
    God Bless My Friend!

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  20. Great tablescape. Love the urn filled with pears, the tassels on the back of the chairs, the white pumpkins - Just beautiful.

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  21. Beautiful tablescape! Love all your ideas. I am doing my first giveaway today...a set of 12 berry wreath napkin rings in either red or white. Come by and take a peek.
    Karin

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  22. Welcome to Blogland! It is fun to join in and you have made a grand entrance with your first 'scape! Just lovely! I love to layer tablcloths, runners, placemats...the more the better in my opinion and I really like what you have done here. Your golden squirrel is a terrific accessory!

    DD

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  23. This is a wonderful debut for Tablescape Thursday, Al....welcome aboard!

    Your blog is delightful & I'm impressed with your collection of autumnal items. I have a funny feeling we've only scratched the surface, as it appears you've been a tablescaper for a long time. :D

    ♥ Rettabug

    You're going to be very busy responding to all these compliments. I hope you don't need much sleep. LOL

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  24. Congratulations on your first TT post, Al, and welcome. Your blog looks great! You and La-La obviously make a great team.

    I especially like the first photo where you captured that beautiful light streaming in across your table. Loved all the colors you used. Great job!

    Bill

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  25. Absolutely stunning. I will definitely track your blog for inspiration. Your style is innovative. Love the napkin rings!

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  26. Wow! THis looks anything BUT a budget table! You did a wonderful job of creating elegance here. Lovely.

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  27. Welcome to blogland...your site is lovely! You are very lucky to have such a great daughter to help you in setting everything up. You both did such a super job!
    I love your table. All the layers are just perfect for the season. I can't wait to see all your "ideas" as future tables. Thanks for sharing!

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  28. To all of you that took time out of your busy schedule to stop by for a visit and to those of you that left comments, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Your words of welcome, praise and encouragement just blew me away... Must admit that you brought tears to my eyes. I was truly overwhelmed and humbled by this whole experience. Even though I am trying my best to extend my gratitude, words just CANNOT express what I'm feeling right now. Please know that I (we) truly appreciate you. Peace be with you -- AL & La-La.

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  29. I am new too and I am addicted! It's sooooo much fub isn't it! And to find so many nice people to give you feedback~~~That's the best part!

    ~Wendy

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