by Debbee | May 12, 2021 | Spring, Summer
Bonjour, mon ami and welcome to the Bee-utiful Bee Table Settings Blog Hop! Today, eight of us are getting together to share casual to elegant tablescapes and centerpieces.
I was motivated to host the hop in honor of World Bee Day, next Thursday, May 20th.
Hoping you’ll find inspiration for both spring and summer seasonal tables and gatherings. Perhaps even for a “Meant to Bee” or “What Will It Bee” bridal or baby shower?
Here at Debbee’s Buzz, the bee theme table was influenced by French ancestry and the pronunciation of my first name.
Set on a black and white backdrop, the striking tablescape includes lots of metallic gold accents. Bees are featured on plates, glassware, flatware and napkin rings, along with a theme centerpiece vignette. There’s even a royal French bee shape napkin fold!
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by Debbee | Mar 23, 2021 | Easter
With the holiday just several weeks away, I’ve pulled out my stuffed Easter bunny collection.
Its an simple way to decorate for the holiday and spring season, and makes for a quick transition from St. Patrick’s Day accents.
Displaying the bunnies and rabbits high up on the mantle in the family room, also keeps them safely out of reach of Whiskey, our Scottie puppy.
At that height off the floor — and his short stature — the collection isn’t even in Whiskey’s field of vision. A good thing, because like any rodent hunting Scottish Terrier, he loves chewing on stuffed animals and playing “shake and kill.” So far, he’s managed to rip through two of his toys, with a favorite teddy bear now minus an arm lol! Our first Scottie, Fibber MacGee, did the same.
That’s why I’ve never incorporated a stuffed bunny into any vignette or basket decor. As seen in my Easter Home Tour, many of those decorations sit on the floor, hearth or a coffee table. For those, I stick to rabbits made of resin, plaster or porcelain. However, since this year we have a puppy underfoot and no company coming, I’ve cut way back on my decorations.
So it’s nice to at least have my stuffed Easter bunny collection on display.
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by Debbee | Mar 3, 2021 | Spring, St. Patrick's Day
Welcome to a pot of gold worth of St. Patrick’s Day table setting and centerpiece inspiration — all in one place!
It’s the first time I’ve ever hosted a blog hop, and I’m so lucky to have 13 talented table stylists share their holiday settings here. Follow the rainbow to each, with links at the end of this post.
Come March, my everyday Ireland Pursuit pattern dishes are showcased in a St. Patrick’s Day tablescape, along with a trio of place settings on the adjacent island. Also wearing a wee bit of green are the overhead chandelier, and several vignettes on the kitchen counter and open shelves.
To do something a little different this year, I layered my husband’s great grandmother’s vintage Havilland and woodcut chargers into the dish stack. And, I topped it off with a new clover napkin fold.
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by Debbee | Feb 25, 2021 | Spring, St. Patrick's Day
In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing a 3 leaf clover napkin fold to embellish seasonal table settings with a wee bit of green.
Folding napkins into attractive and creative shapes is a cheap and easy way to dress-up a table and impress guests. Over the last several years, I’ve used 18 different napkin folds in tablescapes. See them all in, Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions.
Most are super fast and easy to do! Others have more steps, or require practice to learn the technique. Think of it as very basic origami, but with fabric rather than paper!
The 3 leaf clover napkin fold is part of this month’s Craft Hop hosted by Andrea of Design Morsels. Links to all 14 posts are listed at the end. If you’re coming from Cecilia’s and her lovely fresh citrus and herb bouquet, welcome!
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by Debbee | Feb 11, 2021 | Organization, Shop
We are on the verge of bringing home a Scottie puppy! I couldn’t be more excited! In preparation for the big day, I first made a list of all the basic dog supplies we already have.
When we lost Fibber MacGee 14 months ago, we donated pet food, medications, bedding, and numerous toys to a local shelter.
But, anticipating we’d someday be ready for another Scottie to join our family, I did pack away many basic dog supplies. That included things like the dog crate, exercise pen, baby gates, car seat, bowls, grooming tools, collars, and leashes. Additionally, I laundered and stored Fibber’s sweaters and coats, fleece blankets, and some gently used toys.
Since I haven’t had a puppy for 12 years, I went to the computer and researched numerous “best” lists for toys and other pet supplies. It was like a puppy baby shower, when four big boxes arrived from Chewy and Amazon! I also dusted off my Scottie, puppy and dog training books to refresh my memory. And, I watched a great dog training class on TV.
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by Debbee | Feb 2, 2021 | Romantic, Valentine's Day
For Valentines Day this year, I’ve styled a sweetheart table that’s decorated with classic symbols of the holiday — red hearts and roses.
Accompanying the table setting is a queenly centerpiece with a beautifully decorated chandelier overhead.
I’ve carried the theme to the nearby kitchen island, with a coordinating topiary and individual place settings on the bar. There’s even a heart-shaped wreath hanging on the door.
And what’s a sweetheart table without napkins folded in the shape of a heart? Because not only am I ever the Queen of Theme and Debbee, but also of Hearts this Valentine’s Day, lol!
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by Debbee | Jan 26, 2021 | Holidays, Romantic, Valentine's Day
Today, I’m sharing a variety of heartwarming Valentines Day ideas that celebrate love and friendship.
It’s taken me awhile to get back to blogging while regrouping after Christmas, doing physical therapy twice daily, slowly resuming normal activities, and trying to catch up on household chores.
After revisiting Favorite, Most Popular Posts of 2020, I was looking forward to the new year with hope and promise.
But then, the violence and attack on our democracy Jan 6th shattered that view. It felt like a nightmare instead of reality, and undermined any sense of optimism for 2021. I was horrified, scared, deeply depressed and angry. How about you? A sense of paralysis set in for several weeks, with no motivation to do anything that wasn’t necessary — until the inauguration helped to lift my spirits.
And like song says, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Now more than ever! So join me friends, for a roundup of Valentines Day ideas, along with a few new ways to celebrate love and friendship.
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by Debbee | Jan 6, 2021 | This and That
As we begin a new year with hope and promise, I’m taking a look back at Debbees Buzz most popular posts of 2020.
We were blessed to have our two adult sons home for Christmas. They drove in together with youngest son’s four-month old puppy.
Under the circumstances, we had a fairly traditional Christmas. That is if you don’t count COVID-19 tests, online shopping and curbside pickup only, N95 masks, and curtailing all unnecessary trips or exposure. The worst was not going to Christmas Eve Mass. Instead, we watched our bishop in a near empty cathedral via live-streaming.
But, there was the joy and chaos of having a rambunctious puppy in the house. On Christmas Eve, we cooked together, played games, visited with extended family via FaceTime, and made merry. A highlight was my son play holiday music on the piano. And, by the time we went to bed, snow was falling and blanketing the ground. It created a truly magical setting.
We awoke to a winter wonderland, with Pittsburgh having a record-breaking snowfall. There were thoughtful, clever and generous gifts for all. Most importantly, the four of us were together.
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by Debbee | Dec 17, 2020 | Projects
Today, I’m sharing the crochet zebra, stuffed animal I made as a baby gift.
After a 40 plus year hiatus, I retaught myself how to crochet. I was motivated by all the mini crocheted animals seen online, called amigurumi. Many bloggers offer free patterns too.
Crocheting has been a good way to keep myself occupied during the darn pandemic. As a practice project, I found a cute little bee pattern on Pinterest.
When I discovered my college roomie and BFF was to become a grandma again, I quickly got to work on the crochet zebra.
It might be too late to make a crochet zebra in time for Christmas or Hanukkah this year. But it’s a good project to take on during the winter months, as either a baby or child’s birthday gift.
This month’s Craft Hop includes a sweet sixteen of ideas and inspiration. To those visiting from my friend Rebecca of Zucchini Sisters, and her sweet pom pom pillow, welcome!
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