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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

What I love about retirement . . .


One of the things I love the very most about retirement is having time each day to set a table worthy of Steve's wonderful meals.


I love the feel and look of this table runner, a $10 TJ Maxx find last Saturday.


Originally my plan was to use a favorite yellow dish for the center piece, 


but in the hunt through cupboards for things to fill the yellow dish, I came across wooden dice and a tic tac toe board.


The dice and board led to a completely different table setting.


Linen napkins I stenciled last summer almost match the table runner.


Favorite red square plates have a black edge which pairs nicely with my new black flatware.


I had planned to use my mercury glass candlesticks, but the color of the starfish candlesticks works better with the table runner.


When I worked full time, I always used cloth napkins and candlesticks, but unless we were having guests for dinner, I didn't usually take the time for a centerpiece.


Now I have the leisure to try different table settings every night.

..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  

Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life - Inspire Me Tuesday

Cozy Little House - Tweak It Tuesday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures

Kathe With An E - You're Gonna Love It
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49 comments:

  1. Betty February 25, 2014 at 3:31 AM

    I can't wait for my Hubby to retire. I love your runner and the candles. I have to get on the ball and make me a few runners for our table.

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  2. Castles Crowns and CottagesFebruary 25, 2014 at 3:48 AM

    Let me tell you....if I had my druthers, I would keep my teaching schedule as is (.53) because having less of a load has allowed me to pay more time and attention to my writing goals! Having that TIME to really indulge in all of your interests is so wonderful, especially if you are full of ideas and are active! Oh Carol, you are enjoying your retirement, and WE are all the more blessed by it with your boundless energy!

    Much love to you and have a fun day! Anita

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  3. Elizabeth EdwardsFebruary 25, 2014 at 3:50 AM

    oh, i just love the dice & the number napkins. so cool. i really do have to schedule a meal with you very soon. i bet it would be too fun. with all the question games & fun times. enjoy your week! ( :

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  4. simply bevFebruary 25, 2014 at 3:57 AM

    Such a pretty tablescape! You found that tablerunner at TJ Maxx? I'm going to have to look a little harder when I'm there. Nice find!

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  5. PoppyFebruary 25, 2014 at 4:06 AM

    All very pretty settings, but the BEST setting is the space itself! I'm sure Steve is a wonderful cook, but I'd be too dazed devouring the views, both outside and in!

    Poppy

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  6. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleFebruary 25, 2014 at 4:29 AM

    Such a cute table setting. I love how you used the number theme together.

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  7. sweetvintageofmineFebruary 25, 2014 at 5:02 AM

    What a FUN table setting!! It's very unique and I love the colors together! Blessings~~~~Roxie

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  8. Nancy's NotesFebruary 25, 2014 at 5:30 AM

    Adorable setting! Love the dice and board, just too cute! Your dining nook is just wonderful with the red, white and blues!
    Have a great day!
    Nancy

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  9. SigrunFebruary 25, 2014 at 5:44 AM

    Very nice table decoration - for older and junger kids!

    Sigrun

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  10. Linda February 25, 2014 at 5:57 AM

    Oh so fun with the large Dice!
    How inventive!!

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  11. StaceyFebruary 25, 2014 at 5:58 AM

    I just love that you retired and never skipped a beat! That's awesome. You always appear to be having so much fun. :)

    Now, I have to go to TJM today to find that table runner!!

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  12. Kim February 25, 2014 at 6:02 AM

    I love that tic tac toe board and the dice...what a really neat and inventive centerpiece!

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  13. KathyFebruary 25, 2014 at 6:11 AM

    I love that you let your muse guide you through the cupboards to new inspiration. Your table looks so inviting!

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  14. Things and ThoughtsFebruary 25, 2014 at 6:53 AM

    Table settings...we share the same passion Carol! I like the view of the dinning room window!

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  15. My Little Home and GardenFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    You always have such fun and attractive table settings, Carol. I imagine you're enjoying having a larger tabletop area.

    Karen

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  16. MelanieFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:13 AM

    I love your table settings - they're always so unique and creative. That runner is exactly what I'm looking for, for my table! Looks quite long though - I have a small table. I will be near a HomeGoods tomorrow...I will pop in there to see what they have.

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  17. Vintage Paint and more...February 25, 2014 at 7:54 AM

    Carol, Such a pretty table setting. Isn't it great having the time to do what you love.... have a wonderful day... Cathy

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  18. Nellie's Cozy PlaceFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:28 AM

    I hear you girl, I love a pretty
    table, and it really doesn't have to be hard or sooo extravagant....
    Everyday simple is great!
    and you are a blessed woman, a man who cooks din din.....
    I am blessed too cause my hubby grills, and does breakfast but
    not the whole meal, am hoping that will come with retirement, cause it is something I might like to retire from, at least once in awhile..lol

    I loved the big dice and game board, how cute, and what a neat idea, now did yall play a game afterwards?? You can pretend you
    are at Cracker Barrel. lol

    Don't you love shopping the house,
    cause sometimes you come across stuff you totally forget about,
    like your gameboard. It's like a
    treasure hunt.......

    Blessings hon,
    Nellie

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  19. Row homes and CobblestonesFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:34 AM

    Carol,
    Your fun spirited and creative personality allows boundless energetic artistic expression in your charming home.

    Love all your place settings you share. Along with your thoughts behind the decisions for each one. Dinner time I am sure is an enriching and satisfying highlight to each day.
    XO,
    Vera

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  20. SarahFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:35 AM

    Carol, I couldn't agree more about retirement. As much as I enjoyed my teaching career, retirement has opened up a whole new world to me. I now have the time to spend time with family, friends, my garden, travel, and other interests. Retirement is a liberating experience!
    Love the new runner and stenciled napkins, and your centerpiece is very clever. It's always fun to see your pretty tables. Those square red plates are fabulous!

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  21. LaurieFebruary 25, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    So very cute....I love that you change table settings each night. Your talent is endless! Have a great week my blogging friend.

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  22. Linda @ A La CarteFebruary 25, 2014 at 9:07 AM

    I love to see how tables evolve! This is a fun tablesetting. Love the table runner and 'matching' napkins! Great fun!

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  23. UnknownFebruary 25, 2014 at 9:13 AM

    My husband when to talk to our financial advisor about retirement last night. Love the colors in your home...always warm and inviting! xoxo Jen

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  24. Ricki TreleavenFebruary 25, 2014 at 9:50 AM

    What a fun table! I love the dice! Your blog always cheers me up.

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  25. fiona andersonFebruary 25, 2014 at 10:45 AM

    I hope Steve appreciates your ever changing pretty tablescapes, as much as you obviously enjoy doing them and his wonderful cooking. If I ever meet someone new, I'd love it if they did all the cooking. Your new runner is lovely and goes great with those napkins.

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  26. Manuela@A Cultivated NestFebruary 25, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    It's lovely to make time for the little detail! Love the runner and very cute tablescape!

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  27. SusieFebruary 25, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    This is a cute table setting and I love those big dice. You are so clever. xoxo,Susie

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  28. ~Lavender Dreamer~February 25, 2014 at 1:27 PM

    It's nice to have time to prepare the nice meals and enjoy them together! Lots of fun things about retirement! Hugs!

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  29. Mimi SueFebruary 25, 2014 at 1:37 PM

    So many good things about retirement. I highly recommend it! Love your pretty table settings and the beautiful pictures of the beach and flowers. There's nothing like spring! Mimi

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  30. chateau chicFebruary 25, 2014 at 1:51 PM

    I must say, Carol, you create the best table settings!! I'm impressed how often you change things up on your table! Love the runner you found, and the centerpiece is wonderful, as always!
    Mary Alice

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  31. Something Nice and PrettyFebruary 25, 2014 at 4:46 PM

    Pretty table and I do love the runner that you found at my favorite store!

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  32. Something Nice and PrettyFebruary 25, 2014 at 4:46 PM

    Pretty table and I do love the runner that you found at my favorite store!

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  33. JunkchiccottageFebruary 25, 2014 at 4:49 PM

    Hi Carol,
    It is so sweet to see you enjoying retirement. You gave a lot of years to enhancing kids minds and spirit so you deserve this time. I love the table runner you found and the candle sticks are too cute.
    Kris

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  34. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow February 25, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    I like it. It's neat that you do this several times a week! It makes meals special.

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  35. StacyFebruary 25, 2014 at 5:00 PM

    Now you are a true lady of leisure! I am so glad you are happy with your retirement.

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  36. cathy@my1929charmerFebruary 25, 2014 at 5:01 PM

    Hey girl! Like you I love retirment, I've been retired just starting three years! I love you table runner, looks long, and oh so pretty. I LOVE the dice game on top what a great centerpiece. Do you have a post on how you stenciled your linen napkins? So pretty! Have a great retirement day! We preparing for more bitter cold here in IL.

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  37. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 25, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    It's so much fun to see an original idea evolve...to play around until it's just right! Your table is just perfect! Smiles...Susan

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  38. Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel VintageFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:24 PM

    What a lovely and fun centrepiece! Love those dice!

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  39. karen@somewhatquirkyFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:27 PM

    Well aren't you the special little tablescaper?! I love it that you do this. The table runner is great.

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  40. My Garden DiariesFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:00 PM

    This is fantastic! How awesome to be able to highlight his meals with your beautiful table setting! That tic-tac-toe board is so fun! The beans would love that! And that runner is such a score! This is off topic but how do you do your collages with your photos? I am trying to find a program to do mine in. Retirement sounds like it is treating you well my friend! A lovely week you!! Nicole xoxo

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  41. Joy JunktionFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:27 PM

    What a Super Fun table centerpiece and setting! Just love it! I wish I had someone to set the table for :)

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  42. cynthia lee designsFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:52 PM

    Love the game board, dice, and flowers...makes such a pretty centerpiece!! I have the same game board and it came with X's and O's for playing tic-tac-toe.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  43. Doreen@foxdenrdFebruary 25, 2014 at 11:04 PM

    Those dice are adorable!

    (Does Steve have a brother?) ;)

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  44. UnknownFebruary 26, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    Your table always looks so wonderful amd.imaginative :)

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  45. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseFebruary 26, 2014 at 10:53 AM

    I love the idea of your big dice! It makes a fun table. I like that you take care of the eyes while your husband takes care of your palate!

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  46. CynthiaFebruary 26, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    What a fun and beautiful table, love the runner!

    Cynthia

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  47. Leslie HarrisFebruary 27, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    It sounds like you guys are such a good team. When one cooks and the other can set a pretty table it makes things go so smoothly. Your dice are so fun Carol. I'm sure your dinners are delightful and any guest would be lucky to share your company.

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  48. Patty AntleFebruary 28, 2014 at 7:58 AM

    what a good use of retirement time!! Love it!

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  49. CatieAnFebruary 28, 2014 at 12:22 PM

    Hi Carol
    Your table scene is so perfect and sweet. You definitely have a knack for picking out the right parts to make up the whole.

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