Saturday, April 18, 2015

Ahoy....Let's Sail......Lake Michigan Inspired Nautical Themed Tablescape

It is fishing and boating time!  The weather forecast is predicting nice temperatures in the 60's and sunny.  Time to think about outdoor activities.  Because my husband, Mr. G, loves to fish for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan and has recently purchased his new toy, a GPS/Fish Finder for his Boston Whaler boat, he is spending time gearing up for the fishing season.  Although I do not fish with him, I seem to catch the excitement.

Lake Michigan is a beautiful lake at any time of the year,  particularly during summer.  I love how it takes on so many shades of color, from a sage green, aqua, sky blue, deep blue to smoky gray.   Here are some pictures from various times of the year and from the shores near Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.












So in honor of this lovely lake and all of its glory and wonderful opportunities for enjoyment, I became inspired  and decided to create a nautical themed tablescape.  It has taken me some time to put this tablesetting together because many of the pieces took me time to sew or create, such as the anchor print table topper for the small table, the striped flags, the napkins and the frosted stenciled glasses. (Not to mention the great deal of time and practice getting the folded sailboat napkins to stand up straight on the plate.)

Now that it is finally together,  I can say that there is some thing about navy blue and white with accents of red that automatically makes me think of ships, boats, yachts and sailboats. (Or perhaps it is because of watching too many episodes of The Love Boat.)   Seriously,  I love the pop of the red color and the use of natural elements such as sand and seashells.

I could spend the whole day sitting on the beach of Lake Michigan and watch the sparkling water and dancing boats while breathing the fresh cool crisp air.  It is so invigorating and relaxing.  So mate, come on board and enjoy the gentle rocking of the boat, watch a sunset or a sunrise, catch a fish or just be surrounded by the crystal blue rippling waves.    















7 comments:

  1. oh super cute!!! I love your sailboat plates and the striped sail napkins! So bright and fun!! I grew up visiting my Aunt and Uncle who lived on the lakes edge in St. Joe, it was always such a treat to go there~ great table, you are ready for the summer holidays!
    Jenna

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    1. Hi Jenna, I am so glad that the tablescape reminded you of some great times by your aunt and uncle's lakeside home. I love being near a lake too. My uncle had a cottage on a lake in northern Wisconsin and visiting his cottage on the weekends or during vacation times were the greatest times and made for the best childhood memories. I am so glad you liked it and that it brings some pleasant nostalgia. Enjoy your summer!

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  2. Beautiful table. Beautiful dishes and accessories. Who doesn't love this fresh nautical theme.....

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    1. Thank you Valerie. Don't you agree that looking at this nautical tablescape almost makes you want to go on a cruise? Oh my goodness, Valerie, lets go. The caribbean awaits.

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  3. The words "By the sea, by the beautiful sea" came to mind when I saw this wonderful Nautical themed tablescape. You really did put a lot of thought and effort into creating this masterpiece. As far as I am concerned anyone can go and buy all the trappings to create a cute (and sometimes beautiful) tablescape but it takes a very special talent to create such a well crafted and unique table like this one. I love the anchors that you etched onto the glasses and the sail boat napkin fold is delightful. You are so very correct about the crisp red, white, and blue colors conjuring up dreams of sitting by the beach and watching as the boats come and go with their sails framed by blue skies and fluffy white clouds. As a new follower I will be looking forward to seeing you post many more beautiful tablescapes. I do have to say the pictures of the shores of Lake Michigan look a lot like the shores of Lake Erie (I live South of Cleveland).

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    1. Hi Candy,
      And....."you and me, you and me that is how it will be". Doesn't that song go that way? Okay, so where should we go. Which cruise? Thank you so much for your very kind words. I feel very honored and blessed to have someone like you write such lovely comments that move me to tears. You can say that there is a "little part of me" that goes into each tablescape that I create. I hope that my love and passion for creating a detailed tablescapes will generate fond memories or pleasant feelings for those who enjoy viewing and critiquing them. I am happy if the tablescape can stir up the imagination and heart warming nostalgia. I agree... the two shorelines and all of the Great Lakes, are so peaceful and relaxing. Would love to sit on the beach of any of them.

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