Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tablescape Thursday: Diamonds & Emeralds

.....and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond....
Exodus 28:18 (ASV)

Last week, when I shared my Mardi Gras tablescape, I mentioned that it had originally been a St. Patrick's Day tablescape.....or at least my version of a St. Patrick's Day tablescape.  I don't really have any St. Patrick's Day decorations or dishes, so I opted to use the closest thing I have.....
my emerald green dishes mixed with some black dishes. 

 
So how did I come up with "diamond & emerald" theme?  Well, the emerald green glass reminded me a little of..... well.......emeralds, which happens to have significance for me because it's my birthstone. 
And of course, what girl doesn't love diamonds?  Obviously, the diamond has significance because it reminds me of a little something on my left hand, which symbolizes a very important relationship with the love of my life! 
So, that's how it all got started.


A solid black tablecloth serves as the backdrop and sets the tone for this somewhat formal table.


Green beaded placemats add some drama, while black chargers outlined with clear rhinestones add a little sparkle & coordinate with the "diamond" theme.  And for this "diamond & emerald" table, the more sparkle, the better!


 Black scalloped dinner plates are topped with emerald green salad plates, followed by black appetizer plates.  You know how I love my layers!


Coordinating emerald green goblets make a statement atop the many layers of plates.
A black napkin is tucked inside the goblet, along with a diamond drink stirrer, again to add a little more sparkle.


And what would a diamond & emerald tablescape be without a few "diamonds" & "emeralds"? 


The clear acrylic silverware, along with the "diamond" spreader knive, again adds some sparkle to each place setting.


A candle, either emerald green or clear rhinestones, adorns each place setting as well, adding some glamour, and of course, more sparkle.



And last, but not least, last week I mentioned that there was something hiding underneath those Mardi Gras beads.......well, here's the big reveal......
(okay, so it's really not that exciting)

The simple centerpiece consists of a black footed bowl, containing a green candle, surrounded by many glass & acrylic diamonds & emeralds!


If you have some basic dinnerware (such as black, cream, or white), it's amazing what all you can do just by making a few simple accessory changes! 

By simply changing out the placemats & napkins, and exchanging the diamonds & emeralds for masks, and adding a few beads to the centerpiece, this tablescape went from this......


......to this.......


...in less than 15 minutes!

black tablecloth/napkins - Bed, Bath, & Beyond
green beaded placemats - Target
black rhinestone chargers - Michael's
black dinner plates - by Rosanna
green salad plates/goblets - Horchow
black appetizer plates - Cracker Barrell
"diamond" stirrers & spreaders - Tuesday Morning
flatware - Walmart
votive candleholders - Hobby Lobby & Ross
black footed bowl - Hobby Lobby
"diamonds" & "emeralds" - Hobby Lobby & Michael's

I'm linking with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.  Stop by to see all the creative & beautiful tablescapes.