I know I promised to post this last week, but I was totally sidetracked by the most fun adventure ever -- Paper Cowgirl!! That's another whole post (or two) in itself, and I can't wait to tell y'all about it.
But on to the birthday! Our girl turned 17, which we can hardly believe, and wanted a simple dinner with a few dear friends. She said "low-key, Mom, no big deal this year," like she thinks that I know how to do that. But I did vow to be as resourceful as possible, using things we already owned.
The inspiration for this table was this adorable print tablecloth, which was a duvet cover in its former life. It totally suits my contemporary teen, and is one of the few things around here that suits her modern taste!
We cobbled together place settings for eight, wondering along the way, where exactly do forks and spoons go, when they go missing from service for eight? Not ones to worry, we mixed and matched until plates and flatware and glassware all came together. Given our theme of using what we already had, I resisted the urge to run out and buy another box of the famed Gibson stoneware! Last, we added packages of Lemonhead candy for cheer and a simple party favor.
I chose vintage pressed glass, laid out in a somewhat modern line, for the center of our table. Some found orange and green plaid ribbon brought our citrus theme to the table. They were simply wrapped and taped around the pillar candles (low enough to be sure that they wouldn't catch fire). They looked so pretty when lit!
Key limes continued the citrus theme, lining a bowl for our centerpiece. We did purchase one white mum plant from my favorite dollar store, and cut it apart to create the low centerpiece. A few simple paper flowers made from crepe paper accented our arrangement. And I was finally able to use this vintage flower frog that I bought at a yard sale last year!
The flipside of this former duvet had been used on a client project, and only a bit of the fabric remained. It made a great table runner for the buffet in our (yet unfinished) dining room. Then we broke out the ribbon and crepe paper, and the room really became a party!
We added a candelabra and a plate rack, which left room for cake and presents to be added later.
How fun is this mirror adornment? Totally copied from an Amy Atlas party. Some heavy string, hung betwen two nails, was draped with crepe paper and curling ribbon. The girls loved it!
Our sweet girlies had such fun, and I was so glad that we had taken the extra time to make our dinner a bit more festive.
Thank you for coming by to see our special day! I'm linking to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Nita's Mod Mix Monday
How much fun! It looks like a great time was had by all. I love the color scheme.
Posted by: Betsy | June 15, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Such a pretty, colorful table. I love the way you did your candles. Great idea.
Lovely picture of the girls around the pool, too.
D
Posted by: D | June 15, 2011 at 08:17 PM
Love the orange and lime theme! Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Posted by: Marigene | June 15, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Love all of the citrus. So fun!
- The Tablescaper
Posted by: The Tablescaper | June 15, 2011 at 10:24 PM
I'm really drawn to the citrus colors, especially at this time of the year. This looks great! What a lucky birthday girl!
Posted by: Debbie | June 16, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Love the bright colors and how you pulled it all together....great job!
Posted by: JudyBug | June 16, 2011 at 08:15 AM
What a fun, fresh table for a 17th birthday dinner! I love the citrus colors, and I know the Lemonheads were well-received! The candles wrapped in ribbon look great!
Posted by: Tricia@The Dull & the Dutiful | June 16, 2011 at 08:41 AM
Love the citrus colors.. What a fun table runner. Looks like lots of fun was had by all. Many blessings, marlis
Posted by: marlis | June 16, 2011 at 10:37 AM
The table is so lovely! Can't wait to hear how it went at the gathering of women!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | June 16, 2011 at 07:37 PM
A wonderful memory make for your beautiful daughter. I can tell you, from experience, that she will remember this extra special dinner for a long time. I hop she had a wonderful birthday and the photo around the pool is so neat. Ginger
Posted by: Ginger | June 16, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Very cute for a summer birthday party. *love it*
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | June 17, 2011 at 01:18 PM
Andrea,
What a beautiful sweet girl you have, wow 17!
I love how you set your tables & hoosh your shelves. So happy & bright. You have a real talent you know. I think I have some more goodies in my storage unit that you'd like. When I have my garage sale I'll let you know.
It was so cool meeting you in the flesh at PC. Thank you so much for taking my class & hanging out with me. Hope to meet up again one day soon.
Lisa
Posted by: lisa | June 18, 2011 at 09:20 AM
What a lucky girl to have a mom create such a special table and birthday dinner!!! I was so glad to get to visit with you at PC!!! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!!! Look forward to seeing you at the next one!!! -Sandra
Posted by: sandra | June 18, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Very pretty! I love the retro colors and the limes are a great idea.
Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | June 20, 2011 at 11:20 AM
What precious memories!
Don't we love our teenagers? :)
I do!!
I love this party idea and the colors! My sweet girlie is going to be 17 in July...do you mind if I borrow your ideas ;)?
I'll have to ask Alyssa what her favorite colors are and show her your post!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your girl :)
HUGS and blessings to you all!
~Leslie
Posted by: Leslie, the Home Maker | June 20, 2011 at 09:01 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Abby! You are a beautiful lady all grown up. Have a blessed day with the wonderful themed items your mom created for you! Enjoy!
Posted by: Pam Bearden | June 22, 2011 at 12:47 AM
Now that's an adorable party. Your daughter will remember all the trouble you went to so her birthday would be special. :)
Posted by: Stacey | June 22, 2011 at 09:50 PM
I love the color scheme. Very pretty! What a beautiful sweet girl you have.
Posted by: Homeowner Insurance Policy | June 23, 2011 at 03:50 PM
What pretty party decor! Love the oranges and greens. Very citrusy. THanks for linking up at Mod Mix Monday!
Posted by: Nita@ModVintageLife | June 25, 2011 at 09:24 PM
its so very pretty! And happy birthday to miss 17
Posted by: Joyce | June 27, 2011 at 02:35 PM
I just love the streamers & ribbons over the mirror & table. I'm pinning this on my party idea board on Pinterest!
Posted by: Kim | June 30, 2011 at 07:04 PM
How festive and fun, love the Lemonheads and I bet she adored it all. You are too cute. And I hated that we did not even get a chance to chat or talk much, but I was so delighted that you came to PC. OK...so either I have to come your way or you have to come back down, but we need to do lunch.
hugs!
c
Posted by: Cindy | July 20, 2011 at 03:36 PM