For the last three years I have had the pleasure of attending an event called ‘Set to Celebrate’ where a variety of designers, decorators and just plain ol’ simple folk (with TONS of talent) put their best foot forward and showcase a themed table or mantle at The Town and County Club in Hartford, Ct. And no, that’s not a typo. It’s County not Country (but I always say ‘country’ anyway!)
Although it’s held in November, the tables don’t necessarily reflect the upcoming holidays (but many do). Each designer can choose what he/she would like to put together and the end result is a spectacular display of creativity and inspiration.
So let’s do this!
In case you’re wondering, this was faux fur, and yes, the pies were faux too, but that didn’t stop me from sticking my face in one. I was hungry.
I really liked this idea! A snowshoe tied to the back of a chair and embellished with flowers is so unique! I actually have two of these snowshoes….huuummmmmm.
My friend pointed out that it’s difficult to find elegant plates with a lobster motif and she’s right, but these were the exception.
Now for Sharene’s display, which was hands down my favorite. This is the second year she took part in the event, and last year while shopping at the upstairs tag sale a lightbulb went on when she saw a wedding veil for sale and purchased it. It was then she decided to do a Valantine’s Day mantel this year, which also happens to be her wedding anniversary. This is her wedding dress and headpiece, which I thought were timeless and elegant.
She purchased the mantel fabric at Joanne’s, and the vases were made using plastic cups and glass containers.
Wouldn’t this be a lovely idea for a wedding?
Such a cute little ‘children’s table’, although I don’t know too many of us that would use such fancy china for children, but hey, let’s just go with it, ok?
While Sharene’s mantel qualifies as ‘the most beautiful’ in my opinion, this next one qualifies as ‘most creative’. It’s called ‘Togo Togo’, and represents a frat house dinner. If you happen to click over to my ‘Set to Celebrate‘ post from last year, the same person who put together the ‘nerd’ table put this one together and not surprisingly, last year she received the ‘most creative’ prize.
Something tells me she may just get it again this year.
Nuf’ said.
My favorite part of this display was the cornucopia, which seemed to be made from real bread, and the napkin rings.
Here’s a great idea for a gravy boat you might not be using for gravy!
That about wraps things up for this years event, but don’t go away just yet! Check out this ‘Manolo Blahnik‘ display, which was set up in the same room last year as the ‘togo togo’ display was this year. Quite a difference in mood, I’m sure you’ll agree :).
And if you’d like to see more, check out the Set to Celebrate event part 1, and Set to Celebrate, part 2, both from 2014 (my personal favorite), and don’t forget to PinIt!
In other news…
It’s been quite a week, and I’m sad to see our country so divided. Perhaps we can use this experience and learn from it. Let’s hope so.
I managed to paint the doors in our hallway! I don’t have any pics yet to show you, but I will next time. The entire space looks brighter and even a little bigger, and I’m so glad we did it and it’s one more thing I can cross off my never-ending ‘to-do’ list.
Remember the cooking class I went to last week? It was lots of fun and given by a woman who also teaches in Italy. Oh, wouldn’t that be wonderful to do?? When I got the tickets for the class, we also purchased tickets for a cabaret show tomorrow night, but I didn’t realize the cabaret singer is the same woman who gave the cooking class! What a hoot! Let’s hope her singing is as good as her cooking…
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Sharene Wassell says
Awesome blog today, Doreen! You captured the essence and highlights of Set to Celebrate beautifully. All the displays were so lush and and elegant, it’s hard to take it all in after seeing it just once.thank you for focusing on my bridal mantel, it was such fun to do, I love the challenge and the evolution of the theme. Time to start working on next year’s idea!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
These were fun to see. I love that children’s table though I can only imagine how quickly one of my grands would break something there 🙂
Emily McGriff says
Hi Doreen, What a fun event to attend. I have to say it would be hard to pick a winner in any category. I will tell you some of my favorites were the children’s table and the Thanksgiving tablescape. I loved the gingerbread house and the china with the turkeys. So much inspiration. Your cooking class must have been fun. I am off for more inspiration at the whimsical celebration.
Have a great Saturday………
tammy j says
ohmygoodness!
this post was a regular smorgasbord! sumptuous and fun!
it was like peeling an onion.
I kept checking out each link… then THAT link in the link… then THAT link!
LOLOL!
at one point i’d forgotten what year I was in! like alice down the rabbit hole.
but what a delightful hole to fall into.
can’t wait to see your hallway now. 🙂
xoxo
Donna says
Loved so much of this. Makes me want to host a dinner party. Xo
Cecilia says
Wow! Those are fantastic. The bra one made me chuckle, loved the swan, and just wow! So many beautiful tables. I like the idea of the bread in the turkey…I can’t find mine and I’m afraid I got rid of it. Oh well. If I do find it, I’m using that idea!
When did the country become so polarized? We’re all Americans. I’m still avoiding the news; too much drama still.
Can’t wait to see the changes in your home! The farmhouse was the same way…lots of brown. Painting things white really brightened it all up!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Doreen, that’s an event I’d love to attend! I really enjoy table settings, especially the beautiful ones, but the funny one was indeed hilarious!
sandy says
Oh I just loved this post. Due to my husband’s illness, I don’t get out much and I love living vicariously through hard working bloggers who care about their readers! Thanks so much for sharing the lovely photos.
Karen says
All the displays are very interesting and so creative! I love the gravy boat idea, never would have thought of that. Thanks for bringing us along with you. Have a great weekend 🙂
Kim says
What fun! I love them all….and I would love to have that pig and cow on my own table. Had a cow for a long time, but it was a kid casualty sometime between 2003 and 2010. Bummer.
kim says
Doreen
That must have been a fun day., full of ideas to bring home!
My favourite table was the one with the antler, of course.
OMG what a coincidence that your cooking teacher also does cabaret!
Have fun-Kim
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
So much prettiness to behold! I hope your cook has quite a show for you!
Brenda
Amy says
Loved your previous “Set To Celebrate” posts, and this one did not disappoint! Sharene’s display is so creative and beautifully romantic! Love that snowshoe chair, too! Thanks for sharing this at Best of the Weekend!Looking forward to seeing your painted doors! Our country is in a sad state, that’s for sure.
Nana Diana says
Oh My Gosh! I am on sensory overload here. What AMAZING tables! From simply pretty to outrageous (togo togo) to outright elegant. I love them all! That mantle is just fantastic, too. It would make a beautiful wedding set up- Hope you have a great week, Doreen. xo Diana
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
So much fun to browse these photos and beautiful pics! There are such talented and clever folks out in the world, aren’t there? Oh ya, you’re one of them! 😉
You MUST do the snowshoe idea. I LOVE it and ORDER you to do it! So there. 😛
That wedding mantle was so pretty. Her dress really is a classic. Just warm and romantic and girlie – perfect Valentine’s. But that kiddo table stole my heart. Just precious!
I hear ya about the election after math. We need to hold onto hope…and each other…in the days ahead, and keep careful watch. We still have a voice. But I truly want us to be united and not divided. Need to find a way…
Is there anything that Italian cooking Chick doesn’t do??? Geesh. Lol! I need to step up my game.
Have a great week ahead blogging Bestie ‘O Mine. xoxo
Poppy says
What pretty arrangements; my favourite is the lobster table setting – the colours in that bouquet are perfect for this time of year. The kiddies’ one is cute, too.
So how was the culinary crooner at the cabaret? Did she recognize you as the lady from the cooking class, and if so, did you join her on stage to prove that you, too, are a gal who can belt out tunes as well as bake biscotti?!!!
xx
Poppy
Benita says
Those are absolutely fabulous!! So much creativity…and while they are all gorgeous, I would have begged to sit at the Animal House table…LOL….Love the bra!! Love and hugs!
Linda says
Wow Doreen! these photos were so fun to scroll through! So many beautiful table displays and even an unexpected surprise that made me laugh! Nuff said….;) Your Italian cooking class sounds interesting too, and the cabaret. what fun! Really enjoyed your post!
xo
Linda
kelly says
those table settings are all so unique and creative! I know you enjoy going to that show every year. I hope the show was good.
AnnMarie says
What a fun event! I would love to see all the displays up close and personal. I got to do a centerpiece once for about 10 tables, and although it was nerve wracking, it was a lot of fun. So, was the singing as good as the cooking?!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, what a fun event to go to each year. Those are gorgeous table settings. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! 🙂
Red Rose Alley says
Ooooo, look at all these delightful table settings! The blue one caught my eye. I’m not sure why, but blue china is the prettiest to me. And this table got me right away. : ) The dishes, the glasses, the candles, all of it was elegant. And those cupcakes, I wish I had one right now. This looks like it was a fun day for you, Doreen.
~Sheri
Vicky Hunt says
Some people are so creative! That mantel was just beautiful. I loved the child’s table with the toys as well. I bet this is a fun event to attend each year. 🙂