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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Savoring America


It's not at all surprising that celebrations often center around food, and the Fourth of July is no exception. We all have the culinary traditions that just say Independence Day to us. But it's also a day to savor America.





My table includes a wonderful cookbook from the Williams-Sonoma collection highlighting recipes from all over the nation.





Our national holiday is a good time to appreciate both our history as a people, and as individual families. 




A perfect occasion for bringing out old family possessions. But then I'm always looking for an excuse to use my vintage stuff! 





We're outside for the festivities, so the table service is set buffet style. An old enamel bin collects vintage flatware. Each service is bundled in colorful cartons a la World Market. 






A old milk can anchors the table and elevates the plates.











One of the stars at the table is a volume from a set of American History books handed down through the family. Besides being a wonderful vintage leather edition of fifteen volumes from 1925, it still has all the family bookplates intact.



A linen pheasant toile from Italy is layered over a cotton twin bed skirt.




Red stripe paper straws and plain white cupcake papers are from Williams Sonoma.









Vintage ironstone pitchers are bright and white for our red, white, and blue!







A vintage birdcage decorates the table with a couple of pots. A sheet of music is placed inside to make the items inside more visible.




All back lit by dawn's early light.







We use any excuse to pile on the handy vintage linens. But these decorate the table too with their lively red linen stripes. 












Mugs are Williams Sonoma from 2009.















Wishing you a wonderfully festive Fourth of July holiday!
Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline



Join me for Tablescape Thursday at
and Debra's Patriotic Party at

25 comments:

  1. Hi Jacqueline, your collection of beautiful items is going to make a lovely celebratory table for Independence Day....have a great July 4th!...Robx

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  2. Jacqueline, this is wonderful and wonderfully written. You have the best collection of linens. Love those vintage red striped ones. Happy 4th!

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  3. Hi Jacquie,
    you sure know how to celebrate in style! Beautiful!
    XXX Ido

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  4. Jacqueline, beautiful post! I've made note of your clever idea to use the French fry containers for your napkin & flatware. The linens are all gorgeous, but I'm drawn to the ones with the stripes. What a treasure that book is! Wonderful that it has been passed down through the family.
    Happy 4th of July! ~ Sarah

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  5. Such a pretty table Jacqueline! Love the touches of red and the pheasant tablecloth is beautiful! Happy 4th:@)

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  6. Hi Jacqueline,
    I just all of your red, white and blue motifs...the photos are beautiful. The blue pheasant toile is to die for...love it!
    Have a wonderful 4th!
    Cheryl

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  7. Beautiful patriotic tablescape, Jacqueline! I love the vintage items you used and especially the enamel bin. Have a wonderful 4th of July with your family.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  8. Oh that galvanized milk can is wonderful!! Love all the vintage red/white linens! Have a great 4th!!
    xoxo Debra

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  9. You are a clever gal. You made a perfect tablescape for 4th of July. I love Ralph Lauren and World Market.

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  10. This is a great table setting. I love the vintage items on the table... and such a clever use for the french fry? containers! I'm headed out to get some. Happy Fourth, Many blessings, Marlis

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  11. This is all so lovely, Jacqueline...You sure know how to welcome guests! We have company coming, too...enjoy your special time!

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  12. Hi J,
    It's always a pleasure to see your well thought out tables, such an eye for all the details!
    More family, you are the busy one! Happy Fourth to you, Enjoy:-)
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  13. Beautiful post Jacqueline! I love the cheerfulness of the bright red and white along side the faded vintage colors; Williams Sonoma has some great stuff, don't they? You are all set I think, have a fabulous 4th!~devon:)

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  14. SUPER cute! Absolutely love the vintage look.

    Lisa
    www.adesignerandacontractor.blogspot.com

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  15. Beautiful table, I specially love all your vintage beauties! Love your amazing linens too! Wishing you a great 4th. celebration of Old Glory. Lots of hugs. FABBY

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  16. Jacqueline,
    I had it on my list as possible 4th tables to do toile for the blue and white! You beat me to it. This is gorgeous! The perfect mix of vintage and new for a wonderful 4th tablescape, I love the old milk can. I have one but my family had it brassed. I like the color of yours as original. So many great treasures, I am always glad you share with us! Thanks for linking to home Sweet Home and have a great 4th weekend!
    Sherry

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  17. I just love your vintage pieces! The 4th of July is such a great time to break them out!

    Jeanine

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  18. Such a beautiful vignette. I am in love with your straws, although that sounds a little weird. I like the color of them, plus I haven't had a paper straw in years!

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  19. I love the use of the paper holder items and the red and white paper straws. Everything looks fantastic.
    Happy holiday.
    Michele

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  20. Oh that is absolutely everything gorgeous about rustic country decor! Such a wonderful combination and that toile from Italy is DIVINE! Hugs from an old farmhouse in England full of French brocante! Glenda xxx

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  21. Your beautiful vintage linens caught my eye right away, Jacqueline! They're just beautiful! I love the way you styled your sweet holiday table, too. So vintage American farmhouse! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  22. This looks amazing!

    I'm having a Red, White and Blue Linky Party and would love for you to join in on the fun by linking up.
    http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/07/red-white-and-blue-linky-party.html

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