The Almost done Tablescape

My 22 year old police officer son came to dinner!

Such a treat for this mom as he lives on his own and is a little work-aholic.  On duty, off duty...very little play time.  Even though I JUST cooked up a Chicken Pot Pie on Sunday, I skipped today's menu plan and whipped up another for tonight along with a loaf of fresh banana bread.  Can you tell Chicken Pot Pie is a family favorite?

I left work a couple of hours early and got to work on dinner, cut the leaves grass, baked, washed dishes and tidied up the house.  I started pulling together a simple tablescape for tonight.  When my son showed up early.

Here is the beginnings of what was to be...

My GORGEOUS new pear placemats, from Dawn over at Cottage State of Mind's giveaway.

A centerpiece of Dollar Tree garland, a couple of GREEN (not sure why they appear purple) candles from Big Lots.  Tied a tad of ribbon around them then sat them on my 'new' metal do-lolly from a junk store for $2.50.  It previously looked like this:

A bit of black spray paint and it's looking spiffy now as a candle holder.

Added a little uncooked pop corn.  A new look!
For other transformation projects, head over to The Shabby Chic Cottage and Transformation Thursday.

Sometimes life tosses things in that interrupt plans, projects or day to day tasks.  I chose today not to worry about getting the table 'perfect'.  It was pretty and 'fancy' enough for our family and friends enjoying time together.  I did add another candle right before lighting them.

Years from now, my friends and kids won't remember how pretty the table, or if the silverware was placed or they just helped themselves from the drawer.  But they will remember the laughter and fun we had just being together.  And that is real life folks.

For a bunch of real and beautiful tablescape ideas head on over to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.  Susan is also having a week of great giveaways!