September is upon us, schools are getting back in session and the end of summer is almost upon us. Trying something new and fun today on the blog. I created a Fun Back to School table for the first time ever. Not sure why I never got school inspirded over the past few years but I am hookd now.
Fall Inspiration
I got lazy in August and never changed my tablescape. Or maybe I was just enjoying the Lemon Theme more than I expected. Regardless of the why, petember is here and I needed a new setting. Pumpkins and leaves and burlap all came to mind but it seemed too soon. Then I realized school was starting so lets have some fun.
Inspiration for my Back to School table came from an unusual place. Several years ago at the last Blog Podium I fell in love with the decor. Tiffany Pratt was one of the main speakers and she was working with Krylon. She created the prettiest office themed centerpieces using items from Dollarama and a lot of metallic spray paint. I may have brought several pieces home with him and they have been stored ever since.
Fast forward to today and I used her pieces and several of my own ( and maybe even more Krylon paint.
Setting the Table
I started with a basic blush table cloth, keeping the background simple. I knew I was accenting with rose gold and apples sp a blush palette seemed to work best,
My chargers are from Micheals in a wood grain tinted with teal/aqua, meaning the aqua stoneware plates were the perfect fit. Addibg in white and black salad plates and my oneida Juliard, the place settings were ready. Now the fun began and I got createve.
Using a basic burlap napkin ring I had made last year, tied with twine. Adding in Rose Gold and Gold pens and pencils was the perfect accent.
I was unsure about the right knife rests to use. I have several but they fif not seem appropriate. I tried many variations and using many of the school supplies finally settling on erasers. The perfect size and shape to rest the knife, rubber erasers.
Now that the place setting were ready it was time to focus on the centerpiece. How could I create something fun and entertaining/ So many ideas were floating around but I decided to opt for basic school supplies and of course apples.
Back to School Table and Centerpiece
The Back to School Table called for a burlap runner, something to pull the focus. Plus I wanted a long and low centeriece so this would help set the stage. Opting for no large candles or candlesticks I instead went with a few wooden crates and stands. Creating the perfect setting for the apples. A few simple votives would add ambiance as needed,
Using a blown glass apple my Nana gave me years ago, brought memories of family back to my table. Plus a few more fun red delcious apples to help create the colour palette I wanted.
I also added a few rulers along the burlap creating added dimension.
Scattering the pained school supplies randomly along the runner created the look I was going for. Tape, scissors, notebooks and even a tin of pencils instead of flowers created the perfect setting. Adding a few flash cards and blocks kept the whimsy on the table. We are all still kids at heart.
Place Cards and Menus for a Back to School Table
Creating the perfect Place card settings for my back to school table was simple, pull out the easels and a few chalk board frames. I used my mini chalkboards and wrote everyone’s name as well as a school related quote/theme. For some I used math, others english or script. A unique way to create discussion. Plus I added chalk pieces to the center of the table and allowed everyone to change up their place cards as they wamted.
For my menus I found “script paper” or rather letter strips that children use to practice their printing ( apparently not script anymore). I wrote the menu out and added each strip to the place setting.
Mext up creating the perfect dinner to suit this table. Any ideas or suggestions? Or want me to share what I served?
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