A Year of Tablescaping

Next week will mark my first full year of blogging.  I first became interested in tablescaping about two years ago, and I looked at other blogs for almost a whole year before I worked up the nerve to start my own blog.  I saw so many beautiful, creative tables every week on Tablescape Thursdays; I think, like everyone else, I just really wanted to join the party. :)

When I first Googled "tablescapes" one of the sites that popped up was a certain lady on the Food Network (not naming any names) who shows us how to go "from store-bought to homemade". ;)  Well, that wasn't the kind of tablescape I was interested in.  I didn't really want to coordinate my outfit of the day with my KitchenAid mixer, my window treatments, dishes, etc.

Then I saw Susan's blog, Between Naps on the Porch.  I was hooked.  But what exactly was a "blog"?  I had to ask my husband.  He said he could set one up for me if I wanted to.  I was intrigued, but intimidated.  In the meantime, I kept looking at more and more blogs, and it was fascinating.  Another blog that I loved to look at for tablescapes was, aptly named, The Tablescaper. 

I read Susan's FAQ section of her blog, where she answers all kinds of blog-related questions.  And we got a book, "Google Blogger For Dummies".  I'm not a dummy, but I felt like one when I first started blogging.  I used to joke about those "For Dummies" books, but I have to admit, that one was helpful for the initial stages of learning to blog.

Well, I definitely didn't set any records for the most tablescapes in 2011 -- far from it.  But I had fun learning and practicing.  I am grateful for Mr. Forest Manor's patience in photographing all the tables for me.  I think he's kinda' proud of my blog; he's certainly made a significant contribution.  I enjoy coming up with the ideas and doing the set-up, and I leave the photography to the expert.  I did take a photography class this past year, though, and I also took some photos for some of my outdoor posts.  I hope to get better at the indoor pics this year.

So here's a recap of my tablescapes over the past twelve months.  My first tablescape was a winter table last February.  Just click on the title link below the picture to see full tablescape.

"First Tablescape -- House at Forest Manor" 

"Shakespeare and Royal Doulton China"  

"Celebrating Spring" 

"Happy Easter" 

"Happy Mother's Day"  

"Happy Anniversary"  

"A Memorial Day Tribute Table"

"Let Freedom Ring"

"English Garden Tablescape"

"An Autumn Table"

  "The Warm Glow of Copper"

"Giving Thanks"

"Pretty In Plaid" 

So those were my efforts for this year.  I played with dishes, learned some things about setting pretty tables, and acquired a few more things to find storage for. :)  What could be more fun?

I'm linking to Susan's wonderful Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch.  Thanks for hosting this party every week, Susan!!  I hope you'll join me there to see lots of talented folks display their pretty tables.  Also linking to Seasonal Sundays, hosted by The Tablescaper and Home and Garden Thursdays hosted by Kathy at A Delightsome Life.

As always, thanks for stopping by the House at Forest Manor.  I welcome your visits and your kind comments.

Denise