Beach Cottage White, Linen & Shells Tablescape

G'day lovelies, we are enjoying some fabulous late Spring weather here in New South Wales...this is our fifth year of warm weather mingling with that oh-my-Goodness-Christmas-is-coming-feeling.  The first year we moved here it completely took me surprise...the weather warmed up, I was more interested in soaking it up and so the last thing on my mind was Christmas and I was frantically running around the last few weeks of December dispatching gifts to England and hoping for the best. 

Now of course I am a bit more au fait with it all and even better, do my shopping from the comfort of the Beach Cottage study...topped off with a nice cold beer as the days draw out...

Anyway thought I'd show you a recent tablescape...I'd had my eyes on some linens in a shop nearby and when I popped by the other day they were drastically reduced which means that other people also must have baulked at the original tag too. 

You know I have a pathological love for white linen, so may be surprised to see this dark grey (tho in these pics it looks more brown, it is in fact charcoal/grey) on the table...but I'm into grey...and reduced grey in linen...no brainer. 

I used old vintage cutlery and some vintage napkins from my stash, which incidentally I couldn't be bothered to iron (tho actually I love to iron) and so I kinda stuffed them artistically *wink in the bowls - I'd seen this in the shop the mats were in and thought rather nice. 

I bought the baby's breath, I think that's what it's called for a change, I just kinda fancied it, only a cheapo bunch from the supermarket - like it on its own rather than as it's often seen as a filler...

I'm after some new white china...saw some lovely Villeroy the other day...to tie in with my hoard of vintage stuff...when Mr BC becomes Prime Minister that may happen, for now I'll stick with this...or more likely end up in IKEA ;-)

So I'm over and out from Australia, thanks for the heads up on the notecards and the links to online places, Gail has also very very kindly helped me on this (while we're on the subject, head over and see her recent garage sale find!)

{ find more tablescapes here and my favourite recent all white one here and see my Gail McCormack painting here }

Comments

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

I am supposed to be on a bloggy break, but I couldn't resist checking in with you Sarah! I enjoyed catching up! Love the powder room.

This tablescape is fabulous!!

[Shannyn]

I am a fairly new reader and only recently stumbled upon your blog, but it has seriously sucked me in! Your style is so spot on with what I hope my home looks like someday - a tranquil slice of life and home. Keep it up, love it!

[Jackie]

Lovely table setting....I love Ikea too!

[Jennifer]

It looks so beautiful!

[cindy]

I'm going to IKEA tomorrow, which is a big deal as I only go once or twice a year because the closest one is almost 3 hours away....I'm roadtripping with another IKEA fanatic :o)

Love your tablescape, as usual! The gray is just the right touch. You marry vintage and modern in the most awesome ways....

[Brismod]

Lovely!

[Chrissy]

Eat you heart out Martha....that is stunning!!!

[treen]

Yes, it is called baby's breath, and it looks great on its own! I've only seen it used as a filler with other flowers.

[Teresa Rector]

Lovely Sarah!
I have put some grey with my white as well...and was expressing to my hubby just this morning how pleased I was with it!
XXOOX

[nannykim at spindle cottage]

Very nice and I do love the baby's breath all by itself---very delicate and refreshing. However, my cat LOVES baby breath and if I put it in a vase I have to be right there to guard it because Bishop Boots is tenacious.

[sarah jones]

I really like the baby's breath on it's own like this!

[aubrey]

I LOOOOVVVE the baby's breath on the table! I'm obsessed with white linens as well...like the idea of the napkins in the bowl!

I love Ikea! Unfortunately, since I moved to upstate NY I live a few hours away:(

Have a fabulous day!

Aubrey

[Drawn to the Sea]

The grey works beautifully with white...
just like vintage silver :-)
~Julia

[Kerryanne English]

Can't go past pure white linen Sarah... what's more, you can nappy san it when the kiddos have a mishap with spaghetti bolognase - trust me I know!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

[Morning T]

Your new placemats are great Sarah and your table is lovely!

[Cindy S]

Sarah, What a lovely tablescape, your new grey placemats are a wonderful addition to your palette of whites. They look great. I also like babies breath on it's own, so pretty and lacey. Hugs, Cindy S.

[m]

Elegantly shellicious!

m ^..^

[Gail McCormack]

Simply Beautiful Sarah!

Thanks for the link, that was sweet and not expected by me

I went to the Post office today

xo

[justine]

YUMMY
~JUSTINE~

[abeachcottage]

you are more than welcome!

thank to you

x

[cynthia olson]

This is so soft and elegant and beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration Sarah! It's so different than what we have this time of year and so refreshing! Cindy

[Ruby]

another beautiful tablescape sarah! love the "thought for the day" & your inspiration file. thanks for the sweet email you sent my way. ruby

[Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage]

It looks divine, Sarah!

[Carol at Serendipity]

Just beautiful. What a wonderful story. I am glad I stopped by.

Carol

[cathleen]

Always so pretty here, Sarah. Every single one of your posts is filled with such beauty! I loved your article in the Artful blogger. You have such a quiet gracefulness about you and your positive attitude is really quite refreshing.

[Sue]

Your table setting is so crisp and clean, I really like it. It is simple and elegant.

Sue

[Alison Gibbs]

Sarah it looks fabulous
Alison

[Lori (All That Splatters)]

As much as I love color, I love all white, too - it's so ethereal-looking. Your table is just beautiful!

[Susan]

Simply beautiful...so clean and fresh...lovely!

[maria cecilia]

Good morning Sarah, I think your tablescape is simple and elegant, and has lots of charm, I really Love it, as all the pictures you show in your so beautiful blog.
Have a wonderful weekend
Muchos cariños
María Cecilia

[Quinn]

We first used bunches of baby's breath at my daughter's baby shower. Since then, I pick it up at the store when I see it. It looks so pretty all on its own!

[Marigene]

Your all white always is so beautiful...so calm and peaceful.

[Laura @ the shorehouse]

How great do the tea lights look just on their own?! I love this tablescape...love, love, love!