...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Monday, December 31, 2012

Looking back at 2012


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Candle Wraps
I thought it'd be fun to look back at 2012 before I delve headfirst into 2013. My year seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. I really wish it hadn't done that. I would have liked to have enjoyed the moments more. But onward we go.. the top viewed post of 2012 - the candle wraps. The titles under the pictures are links if you want to travel back in time and see the entire post. Thanks so much!

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Tablescapes, a bit of travel and a fabulous store
Next on the list was a post about a fabulous store in Weatherford, Texas with many beautiful tablesettings and fine accessories.

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New Year's Buffet

And then there was the new year's buffet table. We host the family each new year's day, just as my beloved mother-in-law used to do. The menu has not changed at all. It's what I had 39 years ago and so it still is today. Ham, green chile grits, black-eyed peas, oyster noodle bake, condiments, rolls, crazy slaw and various desserts. This family is all about tradition.

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Sammeltassen, the buffet and closet

I shared my grandmother's collector's cups, actually trios, with you and our new buffet. I was so excited to finally have that piece in our home. I promptly fell off the china wagon, so to speak, and found a set to keep the buffet from being so empty. What was I thinking? It's now full. drats!

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Advent 2012 - Pinecone Tablescape

Next in the line up is this outdoor tablescape I shared with you in December. Yes, set outside. We did have a few balmy days in there. I used the same elements of this table set inside for a holiday dinner party. So happy with the pinecone dishes I found at Tuesday Morning!

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Schumann Ladies Luncheon

This, too was one of my favorite tables this year, as it was yours. I love the lace tablecloth and the dishes. I started collecting this set with a lot of help from my dear friend Cherry Kay at Entertaining Women.


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Dining at the Derby
Early in May, we dined at the Derby! That was fun. I loved trying to recreate the look of the Stakes room at Churchill Downs. Early in our married life, we had a few racehorses so the memorabilia from them and our trip to Kentucky was plentiful!

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Rustic Schumann
In August, I couldn't resist playing with my new collection, the Schumann Dresden dishes. I am wishing I already had 12 of the dinner plates because they would be helping us welcome the New Year if I did!

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A tribute to Mothers
In honor of mothers everywhere, I set a rose laden table. There were pieces on the table for all the women that had touched my life and formed into who I am today. God bless them each and every one.

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Party Planning Tips
In October, I shared our annual Tapas Party with all y'all. It's one of our most favorite events we host, as everyone brings a dish and we just provide the location. This year the addition of "bus" trays kept everyone from traipsing through the house with dishes. Brilliant, I say!


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Wishing it was Summer

In March, I really had spring fever and replayed a very old table setting. Colorful flowers and sewing machine "enhanced" napkins make this table joyful and festive!

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A Gaelic Tablescape in honor of St. Patrick

To round out the year's top 12... This Gaelic tablescape came in at #12. We do so enjoy a good St. Patrick's celebration in our house. Lot of food and good friends make this a fun time, and seriously not everything is green!

Thank you for stopping by and being faithful readers. It's been a grand year and the time is here to put it behind us and move forward. To make new dreams, to see new options, to take a different course. I wish each of you more blessings than sorrows, more joy than pain. And above all to be happy in the moment.

Joining Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish 
and Susan for Tablescape Thursday!

23 comments:

RhondaBuss said...

Your tablescapes are always so inspiring.
Happy New Year Marlis!

On Crooked Creek said...

Marlis,
What gorgeous tablescapes of 2012!!!
I, too, want to let you know how much I enJOYed your Advent series this Christmas!!!
Have a Happy, New Year, Health & Prosperity, too!
Looking forward to following you in 2013!!!
Fondly,
Pat

The Tablescaper said...

Marlis:

It's so fun to see the review of tables. I particularly love the Advent with plaid. I must of missed that one.

Happy New Year!

- The Tablescaper

Scribbler said...

Those turquoise dishes -- Emila Henry? I enjoyed the look-back.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Hi Marlis, it was fun looking back on all your pretty tables. I don't know if I cold pick a favorite, but I do love the advent one and the Gaelic one. Hmm, but then I loved...you get the picture... they're all wonderful. Happy 2013!!

Dianne said...

A wonderful look back and a confirmation of your talent! I think my favorite was the Tapas Party. I love those placemats and all the colors. Happy New Year! Dianne

Alycia Nichols said...

You had a whale of a year in 2012, Marlis! There's never any doubt in my mind that whatever you create is going to be beautiful and have a soul. I'm looking forward to your 2013 creations which I know will be nothing but fabulous! Happy New Year!!!

Ann @ Corner of Plaid and Paisley said...

What a wonderful review of such great tables!! thanks so much for so many great posts this past year, I have enjoyed them.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Marlis, I'm so glad you posted this retrospective of your fabulous tables because I seem to have missed several and I even loved visiting those I had seen before. (The last two links didn't work) The rose china on the Mother's table is beautiful, as are all the other elements. I enjoyed the candle tutorial too and I especially loved the list of tips for entertaining! It's great that you assign your hubby a job so he can be part of the event too. I'm looking forward to many more wonderful posts from you. Happy New Year to you and your family, Marlis! Linda

Entertaining Women said...

Each week, I always search for your logo and immediately go to see what you've designed. Still pretty sure that we were separated at birth...but how did I end up Irish and you German? (Insert Twilight Zone music here) Of course, my favorites are the Schumann, and I still want us to do a tables for two. I also am strongly drawn to the serape blankets in the al fresco tablescape. The colors mesmerize me. I need to stop. I could go on and on. Thanks for the retrospective. Looking forward to '13...I particularly praying for good health for you. Cherry Kay

The Charm of Home said...

Great tables Marlis! I love the one at the Derby! Happy New Year!
Sherry

Diann said...

What a fun look about at your beautiful tablescapes Marlis! All just lovely!

A Toile Tale said...

Marlis --
Thank you for the look back at all of your beautiful work. Your blog was one of the ones that inspired me to start my own. I'm looking forward to '13 and all of your fabulous creativity.
Linda @ A Toile TAle

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Marlis, what a great post! One beautiful table after another. I enjoyed the look back. Happy 2013! laurie

Chubby Chieque said...

Hello Marlis,

Hope you had an enjoyable moments with lovelies welcoming year 2013.

We/I saw so many pretty settings in the 2012. Some inspired me and some elements you have, I have too and that was a great time seeing that "a girl from nowhere, have style" §:-)

Hope to see new inspirations, new styles and new colours this upcoming year.

GB,
/CC girl

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Your tablescapes have always been so gorgeous I could never pick one, as each is so special, with lovely centerpieces and beautiful china. Looking forward to your new creations in 2013, dear freind. Wish for you and yours a fabulous new year, filled with happiness and good health. xoxo
FABBY

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

You've set the table for so many fun occasions throughout the year....each more charming than the last. Always look forward to seeing your lovely settings.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Happy New Year Marlis! It was a beautiful year for you. I loved your comment on my tablescape. Especially about the dust! haha! Welcome to the SW! But it reminded me of the last visit we had from my brother in law and how scandalized he seemed that there was dust on the tv screen. I hardly notice anymore. It's endless! We live on a dirt road and he lives in California. I don't think they have dust there. :0)

Moni - Zuhaus at Home said...

Marlis, I love your beautiful tablescapes! Thanks for sharing!

Maria C said...

Boy, do I remember all these posts! I think my favorites were the Sammeltassen and the pinecones table . . . although I can still swoon over the tablecloth at the Ladies luncheon . . . and the faux Irish tablescape is giving me so many ideas . . . Thank you for bringing these back!

suzyq said...

Marlis, these tables looked just as gorgeous the second time as they did the first!!
Lovely....Happy New Year!
Suzyq

Kathleen said...

Lovely! Those red goblets will come in handy in Feb!
Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

Mary said...

Marlis~ I visited this post last week, but didn't leave a complete due to a cranky laptop, it's happier this week :) Love your look back~ I can revisit and enjoy your beautiful tables! I especially enjoyed your Derby one and I always sigh with contentment when I see that gorgeous sunlight dancing across your table and filtered with your drapes!

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