Thursday dinner and a Tablescape

I can't believe it's Thursday!!

         One of my favorite days in Blogland and it snuck up on me again! We're linking up to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. Our gracious hostess, Susan presides over a fantastic assortment of talented and creative tablescapers- come and browse for a while

This week has been a blur thanks in large part to this horrendous virus that snuck into the house when I wasn't looking. I realized it was Wednesday when I got to the gym at 4:45 this morning to meet my Tuesday morning client (who, of course, was still at home all tucked snug in his bed.

Yes, my brain is fried. 

So the tablescape we're sharing today is tonight's dinner table. 

I'm the kind of person that gets bored easily- as evidenced by the fact that I have a tendency to move furniture on a whim. 

To the point that my husband refuses to walk through any room in our house in the dark for fear of breaking a leg or stubbing a toe.

He also claims that if anyone stands still for too long, I'll paint them

He exaggerates a bit

Just a bit

I decided to go with all white dishes tonight. That decision was based on the fact that these particular dishes were still sitting on my dining room table from a dinner I hosted last week. So I'm repurposing

I can't believe I admitted that

Last week I posted about reality. We got a ton of emails after that post thanking us for being honest about the realities of decorating and tablescaping in the real world. 

So I'm being honest- sometimes things sit out for a while. It's not a deliberate decision

"Honey, I like the way those plates look stacked on the couch. And Nick's sneakers make a real statement sitting in the powder room sink where he left them. Let's live with it for a while".

No, that's not the way it goes. 

It's more about 7 people living in one house and the ensuing chaos that ensues.

This is our kitchen table

Same dishes- different room, linens, food...

Meet Mr Rooster

He normally lives out on our screen porch. His bell announces to the neighborhood that dinner is ready and the kids who live here should find their way home

He's very assertive

Here's another one of my realities. When I don't have enough napkins, I alternate them on the table. People who eat here think I'm being fancy. 


I'm just being smart

And cheap :)

All these whites were acquired separately

But they play together so nicely

I love these clear bubble glasses- they go with everything

Our little Carolina cardinals

Some southern sweet tea...

I love the simple white- it's all about texture here

So what's for dinner, Mom??

Hot and creamy, soul warming 

a creamy tomato based version of "Pasta Fazool" with a peppery bite 

Nonna's secret ingredient? Fresh ginger!

Herb foccacia and tender pork cutlets

and a tangy homemade vegetable relish from the canning pantry (otherwise known as the garage)

Join us tomorrow night for Foodie Friday at Gollum's where we'll be sharing the recipe for our rustic Pasta e Fagiole and also a fabulous, decadent, spectacular surprise dessert. 

It's a surprise to me too- I haven't figured out what we're making yet

Time to go dig through the pantry

As Always,

Buon Alimento, Buon Amici,

Pattie and Allie