One thing about blogging is that you generally receive nice comments (99.9% of the time), and then an occasional comment that is really critical. If you’re a blogger, you know what I mean.
I so appreciate my faithful readers here at RE who know me and what my blog and message is about. Thank you!
Recently a reader said my “blog” and a “table post” was too bright and colorful, that my dishes were too-perfect, and she said I paid too much for my asparagus – which made me smile, because I bought it on sale right before Easter! (Ha! How did the reader know what I spent?)
Imperfect and inexpensive is what RE is about:
- I love a bright and cheery table.
- I most always use what I have in the house, this time, flowers from the yard (leftover roses from my daughter’s bouquet), and apples we are going to eat!
- If you notice, my son set the table and the silverware were placed in far from perfect order and spacing.
- I never pay too much for asparagus. I usually shop “what’s in season.”
- My white dishes are 20 years old in June this year (when my husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary).
- My tablecloth is from Wal Mart.
- Paper napkins were left over from last year’s Easter meal.
Should I add that I shop at the Dollar Store? I love my $1 goblets.
Enough said …
Beautiful is a must, but expensive rarely happens in my house.
Moving on to the centerpiece …
Whoever thought you could mix fruit and flowers?
How to Make a Fruit and Flower Centerpiece
- Decide which tablecloth and napkins you’ll be using
- Choose a fruit that matches your “setting.”
- Stack your fruit on a plate or bowl, into a tier.
- Look for flowers that will match your “setting.”
- Cut the stems short and place in the holes between the stacked fruit.
So beautiful and simple.
Do you have a Springy, simple and easy centerpiece that you’ve recently made for entertaining table?
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. 
Sandy…well lucky for us, you do set a cheery table and you pass your frugal, yet classy ideas on to the rest of us who love you and appreciate the time and effort it takes for you to blog about a real home and good old fashioned hospitality. Chinny up! I just made a long daisy chain with scraps of paper and old string from Grammy. It didn’t cost a dime and it is so cheery. Who can’t smile at the sight of a daisy chain…and the summer memories they bring to mind. Xo
lisa´s last [type] ..Meet My Friend MondayKara Chupp
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 8:54 am
Thanks, Lisa. I love that … Chinny up!
It’s up! I love encouraging hospitality and getting people together. The mission of RE!
Thanks for sharing!
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LOVE that tablescape! It’s always hard to hear a not-so-nice comment. I’m not quite sure what is gained from them. I regret that I didn’t take pictures of the table for my the Mother’s Day dinner I made for my mom. We ate on our porch, and it was lovely. I used stuff I had around the house as well. I also love the dollar store! My husband and I are also celebrating 20 years of marriage in June…June 22! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!
Blessings,
Christy
christy´s last [type] ..Happy Mothers Day to Christy
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 8:55 am
Christy, my husband and I are celebrating 20 years in June, too!
We are so blessed.
I wish you would have taken a pix of your Mother’s Day table, too! I bet it was beautiful.
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Love the look of this table. So…. warm and so inviting.
Certainly I’ll adopt the idea. It will be a novelty for the family.
Thank you for sharing.
Julia´s last [type] ..Understand Home Basics When Buying A Home Steve
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 8:57 am
Thanks Julia. It’s really practical when you consider you’ll be eating the fruit and hopefully picking a few flowers from your yard
Send me a picture 
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People are weird and it’s hard to figure out what they are trying to gain by being so negative but it’s their loss because your ideas are fabulous and frugal. That’s what I love about you.
My recent centerpiece is simple some fake flowers (that look really real) stuck in a metal bucket that’s filled with marbles to keep the flowers from shifting. It’s simply yet pretty. Actually RIGHT NOW my table centerpiece if flowers that my boys bought me for Mother’s Day but when they are gone the fake ones will go back into place. I love real flowers but when you can’t have them for some reason really looking fake ones are my best bet.
Have a blessed day Sandy.
Kim @ Homesteader’s Heart´s last [type] ..My Week in Pictures!
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 8:58 am
Ah, sweet your boys brought you flowers. Kim, you’re a long-time reader of RE so you get “frugal and beautiful.” Thanks for your years of support!
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Sandy, I may rarely comment, but I love how you use inexpensive things – or things you already have – to make your home beautiful and welcoming. It’s inspiring to me, and I’m thankful you share what you know and love!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last [type] ..Monday Morning Mmmm- Mini Chocolate Chips
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 8:59 am
Thanks Mary. And I also love your “giving up on perfect” message on your blog. Very inspiring and encouraging to others!
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Odd that someone objected to your colorful table and the cost of asparagas. I just can’t imagine that either would bother them enough to say so. Oh well.
Meanwhile, our dining table is an antique and with the extensions it is long and narrow (narrower that most). I don’t usually have a lot of room for a centerpiece. I have adapted your idea of little individual decorations, like a flower in a tiny glass, set at each place. The most fun was using some of my antique glass toothpick holders as vases – making each little boquet different.
Keep up the good work Sandy. Just don’t spend too much money on your veggies, LOL!
Darla
Darla´s last [type] ..More from the stored boxes
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:00 am
Ha! Veggies are coming out of the garden in the new few months! Yay!
When I have a larger group, and we use the folding tables – they are narrow, too. I actually really like that look. Very low-line and simple
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Love the centerpiece!
ellen b´s last [type] ..Mennonite Girls…
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:01 am
Love YOU and all the Mennonite Girls …
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I have to think that she must have been a new visitor to your blog as you have always posted about using what you have to make entertaining beautiful. I am with you about brights when I think festive I think bright and cheery.
I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day and thanks for your wonderful blog. I am in the process of re-reading your book. I am a little slow in the letting go of perfection part. Smile.
Elizabeth S.´s last [type] ..Mothers Day Good to Wow
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:02 am
Ah, thanks Elizabeth. I agree – probably a new reader. Or maybe not a reader. HA.
Hope you had a fantastic Mother’s Day!
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ummmmm, bright and colorful and cheery as opposed to what? Dull and drab! Haha!! I love your tablescapes and always think they are beautiful and simple. I never buy asparagus unless it’s on sale, ideally under $2 a pound, but definitely not over $3.
I really want to get more creative with tablescapes. I just haven’t done it, and who knows if I will, but it doesn’t stop me from appreciating and admiring someone elses and being okay with the fact that I don’t do it.
I too love the Dollar Store, Goodwill and yard sales. There’s some awesome stuff out there if we just look.
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:03 am
I love sharing all my Dollar Store “finds” with others, too. For parties, showers, dinners, etc. I agree about the asparagus. It’s got to be a good deal.
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Why do any of us say things that are hurtful? So I will say how much I enjoy your ideas, your pictures adn suggestions. I have gift of hospitality and love to glean new ideas and appreciate the work you put into sharing them with us. Do not get discouraged. As my first Pastor’s wife taught me when stepping into women’s ministry. Put on tough skin but keep a tender heart.
In Him,
Joan
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:05 am
Tough skin and a tender heart. Love that. I’ve always remembered and have taught my own kids: Hurt people hurt people. Thanks for sharing, Joan!
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I read that comment, and I was surprised, too! I wanted to reply, but the comment was so off base from what I read on your blog that I didn’t know what to say. You were graceful in your response, though.
I will say that your blog and book have encouraged me to openly share all I have. In the past several months we’ve hosted a cookie decorating party, our son’s birthday party, my husband’s birthday party, dinners with a college student, two small dinner parties, and also dropped off several dinners as friends or others need them. Every week brings us an opportunity to share our lives with someone, and our lives have been richer for it. It is a joy for my entire family.
And I have a bowl of lemons and limes on my table right now ~ I’ll have to add some flowers if I can find the right ones in the yard. Gotta love free and beautiful! Thanks!
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:07 am
I love lemons or limes with flowers. I think I have a centerpiece in my post today with lemons (but didn’t point it out). Easy and affordable. Thanks for your encouragement, Laura!
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I am always inspired by your blog & how you welcome us into your home & family like we are all your best friends. I would not change a thing about your style. Eliminate the negative & accentuate the positive!
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:07 am
Amen, Sis-tah! Thank you!
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Hi Sandy,
I think your blog posts are gorgeous, and they look like they are always “professionally done.” I loved your post about your chipped dishes, too. It was honest and encouraging for beginning entertainers.
I also think that some people like yourself are just natural with decorating and finding the right colors. And some of us, me included, have to work at it. Do I get jealous of that ability? Absolutely. But I have different giftings, too.
Comments that challenge us are great chances to check our motivation and then move on. You are such a gift to women who want to be more hospitable. Great post!
jan
Jan Udlock´s last [type] ..Risking Failure
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Thank you, Jan. Positive and uplifting and I appreciate you and your blog, too!
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Love the rich jewel tones in your fruit and flower centerpiece!
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This setting of the table just makes me feel happy. Love the color choices! Frugal, too.
Elen´s last [type] ..It’s Monday Go wild…Neutron- baby
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I am always impressed with your tablescapes, the only thing “expensive” is that they make me want to go out and buy tablecloths! (which is a bad idea because I don’t even know the size of our table!)
As for the negative post, whatever happened to the old addage of “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all”! I think the anonymity of the internet makes people say things that they’d never say in a face to face conversation.
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:10 am
Jen, check out Good Will on a weekly basis if you have the time. I have a beautiful La Sur Table tablecloth that I bought for $3.99. A bargain! You don’t have to buy brand new!
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You have nothing to explain to anyone! Go live it up and spend as much on asparagus as you want, sister! Love the centerpiece and the combo of the fruit and flowers.
Upscale Downhome´s last [type] ..Ivy on the Wall
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Right. So, since I live in the south, let me say that the person that judged your blog post so harshly can KISS. YOUR. GRITS.
Whatever. Sounds like someone has an issue or two of her own to work on, with the primary one being jealousy! K. I should shut up now, because I’m going to be guilty of doing the exact same thing.
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:11 am
ha! thanks, girl.
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Finally the truth emerges about the goblets I’ve admired so much! You shop the same place I do. I always find it very sad when people forget their manners in the comment section. How very rude of them. constructive is okay, but prattling on about stuff just because is just plain rude. Sorry it happened to you. Love your cheery tables and your blog.. A whole lot. Good thing it wasn’t my Cinco de Mayo table that was so very very colorful – that person would have had a heyday! And a belated Happy mother’s day to you!
marlis´s last [type] ..Happy Mothers Day!
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:12 am
Thanks, Marlis.
I’ve written about my Dollar Store goblets for almost 5 years now. That’s why it’s the RE icon.
http://reluctantentertainer.com/meet-sandy/
Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
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Dear Sandy, never you mind mean comments… they are usually caused by jealousy…perhaps s/he was in a moment of desperation about her own life, wanting to make things better, but just didn’t know how.. I’m sure your reply post will make her feel better about it.
I have always respected your work even though we lead totally different lives and share different opinions. I live on the other side of the world, I don’t have a strong faith as you do, I’m still thinking if my husband and I should have children, I believe every woman needs to have a career, I may never own a house as pretty as yours-basically because here, if you have a house like that, you must be a billionaire
) ….etc etc… my point is; yes we are completely different, but still I can see the sincerity and love in your writing, and I allow it to help me in my life.
When I need to see the beauty of domestic life, I turn to your blog. When I need some encouragement about inviting my friends over, again I turn to your blog. Sometimes when I read your posts, it feels like I’m chatting with a lovely neighbor.
It is easy to say negative things, to find “faults”… but it is also toxic.
There is so much to be gained if we really look to see what we can learn from that “other” person…maybe her asparagus is too expensive but I may realize that it’s a good idea to use napkins with tulips on them…maybe her table looks too bright and beautiful, even if I cannot reach that kind of beauty, it might inspire me to give my house a thorough cleaning…
We can learn from everything and everyone. When we have love in our hearts, the world becomes larger and prettier..
Thank you for your inspiring work dear Sandy, please let us know if you ever come to Greece
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:14 am
Thank you for your loving comment, Athina, and for your loyalty to RE. I’ve always appreciated your insight and comments that you’ve shared here. For me, life is about loving God and People.
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Well…
The “critical” blogger may have had a point. I too, get tired of TOO perfect.. you do have quite an “air” about you. This is the first I have heard that your goblets are from the dollar store or that the napkins are left over, or that the asparagus was on sale.
Maybe what readers want is a little more of the practical, afforable tips up front so they think they may be able to do the same on a tight budget or limited time.
I think your criticism of your criticism could have been done in a little more constructive, hospitable manner.
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:18 am
Dollar Store goblets have been shared about on RE for almost 5 years; thus the RE icon.
http://reluctantentertainer.com/meet-sandy/
The one thing about blogland is that you can pick and choose what blogs inspire and work for you, and you are not forced to read any of them. So freeing.
Thanks for sharing!
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Well, not a centerpiece exactly, but when we had a party for our daughter recently, I used lemons to hold down the napkins (we have a lot of wind here in CO) and I really liked how it looked. Now, I have them on the table with my napkins all the time, well, until I have a recipe for them
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:19 am
So practical. I have a centerpiece on RE today that uses lemons … thanks for sharing Judy!
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In all my visits here, I never left with the slightest thought of anything negative! Yes, you create beautiful things, but in such an accessible, “you-can-do-it-too” kind of encouraging format – not to mention affordable! I enjoy your inspiring blog so much and aspire to be more hospitable (I tend to worry about everything being “perfect” and miss the fun of having folks over when the house is “good enough!”) Oh, and by the way, my Mikasa French Countryside dishes will celebrate 28 years with us this November! I never ever get tired of white dishes! Keep up the great work!
Leslie´s last [type] ..Turn north
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:20 am
I’ve received several emails this week from readers who have the same dishes. So fun! My set from 20 years ago is 12. But I came across “1″ plate at Good Will, so I have now 13
Thanks for your encouragement, Leslie!
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Simple yet elegant. Thanks for the idea and thanks to the critical comment you received because it blessed me to hear of God using your frugality and creatvity for His glory! Loved this post! I have truly been inspired!
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Ugh…and then “j” above goes and makes yet another negative comment.
I thought your response was classy and very helpful. I’m reminded of that old shampoo commercial with the two gals with beautiful hair. One washes her hair with the expensive salon brand and the other uses the basic brand. Which is which? And the one gal responds, “If you can’t tell, why should I”? I love how you can pull off “perfect”, expensive looking decor without anyone being able to tell that you actually shop the Dollar Store and Walmart. It’s what all of we middle-class, Regular Janes aspire to do and you show us how all the time. I love it when I get a compliment and then get the look of amazement when I say, “I made it myself” or “oh, it came from Goodwill”. So keep it up!
Jill´s last [type] ..Me Time
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Sandy Reply:
May 10th, 2011 at 9:23 am
Thanks Jill, and I think what’s happened is there are a lot of NEW readers to RE who haven’t read my RE message for almost 5 years … Good Will, Thrifting, Yard Sales, Dollar Store … and more. HA! It’s how RE came to be!
http://reluctantentertainer.com/meet-sandy/
Most of us are Regular Janes, aren’t we?
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In the last few months, I’ve seen a rash of critical and unpleasant comments on my favorite blogs. RE is really the LAST place I would have expected to find any negativity. Sandy, if you have an “air” about you, it’s one of joy and loving life. And someone must be a VERY new reader to not know that you always give the frugal and thrifty information up front. And honestly, I don’t know how a reader could miss the dollar store goblets. I always read the “About” pages of blogs I follow, but they must have skipped the “Why” page, because it says it right there!
Thank you for showing us the beauty of entertaining, and making it accessible for all. Don’t change a thing!
Emily´s last [type] ..Finding Beauty in the Weekend
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Well we LOVE your blog, and your thriftyness!!! That person does not know your budget for anything. We all have different budgets, and I too served Asparagus, (your yummy recipe!) for Easter and here in the Redding area I paid $1.99 a pound for it, not that, that matters. What matters is that if this person had read more than one or two posts, is that we all reach out, stretch our personal boundries and touch lives. One meal at a time…… We have expensive China and Crystal, and we have Dollar store, and yard sale plates and glasses too! And I mix em up do different tablescapes, try and show people that it does not have to cost you a lot of money to have a beautiful table and home. That center piece is so pretty I saw one on the cover of a magazine when we were checking and told my wife that is so pretty and the best part??? When you are finished with the dinner you can eat the apples!!!!! Sandy you continue doing what you do best, encouraging all of us to be better people, to share our faith, to go beyond our comfort levels….. we love you for it!!!
Blessings to you and yours
Curtis & Sherrie
Curtis & Sherrie´s last [type] ..Mothers Day 2011
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My husband and I just laughed and laughed at the absurdity! (though if it were my blog, I’m not sure laughing would have been my *very* first response!) I just want you to know that we’re both HUGE fans of your blog and creativity. He would never admit it to his friends, but he’s always asking me if (and what) you’ve posted that day…. if it has anything to do with gardening, he gets his own laptop out to read it.
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boo on someone who comes here to be mean. Sandy, for years I have read your blog, commented and even emailed- with responses from YOU! Love that! I have an email for you right now in draft mode… has to do with raising kids – balcony girls- and how to end such situations as what you have encountered here. Backhanded comments are just that. When people begin to realize what comes out of their mouths, texts and fingertips have true meaning only then will they think about putting on YOUR shoes!
God is happy with you being the best you you are being!
I am sorry you have had this..
and as for fruit as a center piece- it totally is! I designed a fruit centerpiece for a table that went into a design magazine!! We needed more color on the table so we raided the fridge! The designer I worked with loved the idea and loved how with a little bit of money and ingenuity anything is possible!!
Keep up RE – you lift me up
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Love this idea! We gave up a formal sitting room in lieu of having a HUGE Dining Room. I keep both leaves in my table – I want to walk in my front door and be welcomed by a big, open table. But keeping my centerpieces new and fresh can be challenging. This is a GREAT idea!
Adelle Gabrielson´s last [type] ..Peace Among the Petunias
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