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Musical Inclination ~ Romantic Valentines Day Table

Toile de Jouy, music, the Violin, English transferware, sentimental inherited items, poetry, antique linens, roses and lace...some of my favorite things are all gathered here for our 2011 Valentines Day table.  All of these things, to me, create an alluring table filled with romance, nostalgia, and love of music and family.
I hope they bring some of the same feelings to you.
Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.
~Ronald Reagan~

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.
~Maya Angelou~


If music be the food of love, play on.
~William Shakespeare~ 
I alone of English writers have consciously set myself to make music out of what I may call the sound of sense.
~Robert Frost~

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.
~Plato~

  If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
~Henry David Thoreau~

Music is the voice that tells us that the human race is greater than it knows.
~Napoleon Bonaparte~ 


Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
~Lao Tzu~
Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.
~Martin Luther~ 

What is a poet? An unhappy person who conceals profound anguish in his heart but whose lips are so formed that as sighs and cries pass over them they sound like beautiful music.
~Soren Keirkegaard~


I call architecture frozen music.
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe~
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
~Victor Hugo~
 

I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin.
~Pope John Paul II~
A few can touch the magic string, and noisy fame is proud to win them: Alas for those that never sing, but die with all their music in them!
~Oliver Wendell Holmes~
 I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more.
~William Wordsworth~
 There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.
~Pythagoras~

Music can change the world because it can change people.
~Bono~


My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.
~Martin Luther~




Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.
~Ludwig van Beethoven~


Music is what feelings sound like
~Author unknown~


You are the music while the music lasts
~T. S. Eliot~



 
Tablescape Sources:

Sheet Music: At each place setting I displayed an antique, hand written piece of sheet music sent me by a wonderful Etsy shop, La Pomme.  These came from a music school in Aigues Mortes, in the South of France.  They all date to the very early 1900's.   You must visit this Etsy shop La Pomme  where you will find an array of vintage sheet music and wonderful French antiques.
Toile fabric:  Either Schumacher or Waverly.  This is a large remnant, at least 15 years old, left from some custom draperies. 
Red Transferware Plates:  My Etsy shop
Creamware Plates: Crown Ducal

Flatware: Barenthal, France (I have two sets left $67.50 each)
Violin:  Ashton's ;-)
Wine Hocks: Waterford Clarendon
Tumblers: Indiana Glass, Ruby Flash, Kings Crown Thumbprint
Pink Damask Napkins: vintage and found at a yard sale
Beige cocktail napkins: Cayman Islands gift shop...long time ago
Pink Lace under centerpiece:  Kalyn's...it's a vest, all scrunched up.
Heart Confetti: Walmart
Silver Heart Shaped Bowls: Inherited from my Great Aunt and Uncle.



I'm joining:

Five Minutes Just For Me
 Shabby Streamside Studio
Chic on a Shoestring 

Somewhat Simple
The Shabby Chic Cottage
Beyond The Picket Fence
Between Naps on the Porch 
Pink Saturday
Charm of Home
Romantic Home
Finding Fabulous 
A Holiday Haven 
Sunday Linky Party
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
Just A Girl 
504 Main 
Funky Junk Interiors




Comments

  1. Your musical centerpiece is awe-inspiring and impressive to say the least! Talk about WOW FACTOR!!! LOVELY!
    Thank you for sharing!!!!
    Rachel

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  2. Magical...Romantic...Perfection. I loved every vantage point of your magnificent tablescape. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Valentin's design. Cherry Kay

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  3. What a pretty centerpiece. I love the roses and the sheet music. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  4. Well, you are all set for a very romantic dinner. I ponder what sort of food would be eaten in this setting?

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  5. Bellissimo,dolce,melodioso e romantico!!!!Saluti,Rosetta

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  6. WoW! This tablescape really sets everyone in V-day mood at the glorious sight. Its so insanely pretty and fabulous. The violin and music sheets are my apple in the eye. Loveliness!

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  7. Incredible!!! I just LOVE the use of the violin in this tablescape! The music cards are wonderful! I went to the etsy shop for them and just fell in love!! I'm off to your etsy shop now and hope to find something I can't resist!
    Thanks for the Valentine's table and sharing such a beautiful job. I feel like you just sent me a personal greeting!
    Blessings, Doni

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  8. What a stunning centrepiece Nancy, and the table setting is beautifully romantic. I am truly in awe.

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  9. Just beautiful Nancy! Perfect table and quotes for Valentine's Day:@)

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  10. My favorite thing is the violin in the center, followed by the toile tablecloth and then the wine hocks. Outstanding Nancy! So romantic and filled with all of the details that call to mind love notes and stolen kisses!

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  11. Beautiful table-each piece put together makes a statement. Very romantic! Thanks for sharing today.

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  12. Just gorgeous! What a feast for the eyes! Really inspired me to do something very special for Valentine's Day!~Hugs, Patti

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  13. Makes me feel like humming a tune!

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  14. Beautiful romantic table...the violin centerpiece is awesome, Nancy!

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  15. This is stunning. Such a gorgeous table. Love the violin also. Beautiful. Hugs, Marty

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  16. Nancy,
    I scrolled to your first pic and went WOW!~ Love the theme of this. Music indeed is the song of the soul. What fantastic quotes and what a beautiful table to go with it. Love, love your violin centerpiece with the vintage French sheet music. Just gorgeous! And, as always, I love your transferware and the creamware. What a romantic and pretty table. Thank you so very much for linking to my party!
    Sherry

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  17. Beautiful and magical!!! Love the setting and all the quotes.....hugs...cleo

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  18. Nancy this is take my breath away beautiful!

    I wanted to invite you to the two linky parties I am planning. The first will be on February 23~ High Tea Tablescapes. Details can be found on my Wednesday posts. There will be PRIZES!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  19. Gorgeous! This whole post just made my heart smile. Just posted about the importance of music in decor. Your tablescape is lovely!
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Tammy

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  20. Nancy -- this is such a lovely post! All the quotes made me smile -- I especially loved RR's quote. That centerpiece is so beautiful -- I have a violin of my father's I need to work in. Everything just so special and other worldly. Joni

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  21. Absoulutely gorgeous, Nancy, and wildly romantic! I love everything about this one (including the wonderful quotes)!

    Hope you have a very happy Valentine's Day!
    Bill

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  22. Hi,

    I always gasps everytime I visit you. I adore all your pretty things. Just wishing I could own those Royal Cauldon plates.

    Gorgeous setting, girl. Loving it.

    Happy TS & week-end ahead.
    /chie

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  23. I enjoyed this post so very much Nancy!!
    Beautiful photos and fantastic quotes by all the
    great minds of years past!!
    I can't begin to tell you how much I love music!!
    Thank goodness my young son shares this and is playing
    the piano...happily!!
    Pamela :)

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  24. Nancy, each detail is music to my ears. What a beautiful table and inspiring theme. I so enjoyed reading each of the quotes and viewing your gorgeous table. I adore those silver heart dishes. I have a few small ones that my sweetheart has given me through the years. ~ Sarah

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  25. Dear Nancy, I have been through so many blogs this evening as I dont know where I found yours (I think at Laurie's party) but I'm so happy I did.
    I love your beautiful table setting. So romantic. I'm also a new follower to the many you inspire all ready.
    Yours Sincerely,
    Shirley

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  26. OMG your tablescape is over the top, so beautiful. Thank you for posting.

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  27. What beautiful photos and quotes. Happy Pink Saturday.

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  28. A very original, beautiful, rich table setting , indeed ! Wonderful collaboration of music,love, romance and wisdom !

    Happy Valentine's Day !

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  29. Oh Nancy! This is so adorable and so romantic. The details on the plates are gorgeous and I love the violin centerpiece....Christine

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  30. Happy Pink Saturday!


    Love your table settings and music sheets!


    ~ Gabriela ~

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  31. An absolutely enchanting post! Beautiful.

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  32. Nancy, this table is breath taking! The violin centerpiece with the music cards and flowers is stunning. I luv all of the music cards and the ways you used them. Your china, crystal, and the beautiful linens complete this romantic look. I love it. Thank you for linking this post to my Valentine party. Happy Valentine's Day! laurie

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  33. How exquisitely beautiful and charming!! I don't know when I've ever seen a tablescape which captivated my imagination and kept me in thrall through the very last frame. Just lovely, and all the quotes---all my journals have quotations which struck my heart, and you have quite a few of those.

    I'll be borrowing some, just to keep and savor, as I'll remember these beautiful vignettes and your wonderful photography.

    Thank you.

    rachel

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  34. I am loving the way you used the cocktail napkins! How incredibly clever. The wine hocks are just amazing. Your centerpiece fills my heart with many beautiful sounds. A really great table.

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  35. Oh what stunning photography, stunning tablescape. Thank you for sharing all of this. Happy Pink Saturday.

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  36. Happy Pink Saturday Nancy Sweetie...
    What a gorgeous share today. From the sheet music, to the violin (my grand daughter plays as well), to the place settings and all the extras in between. It just screams of LOVE and ROMANCE. I so enjoyed walking around the table just inhaling each and every piece of this love.

    Thank you for sharing, not only the photos but also the addresses for the shares. I will definitely be checking out the music sheets, what fun that would be for a tea with the grand daughters. I love it. Thank you again for the beautiful display. You really outdid yourself, and I am sure your family loved sitting at this table.

    Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Valentine's Day as well. Country hugs and much love, Sherry

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  37. How absolutely utterly romantic and divine. Thank you for the resource list. And Happy Valentine's Day

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  38. That is a beautiful table! I love the china, and the linens are just beautiful!

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  39. Absolutely gorgeous Nancy!! I love it! That centerpiece is incredible!!! Thanks for sharing this beautiful inspiration at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  40. Absolutely mind blowing gorgeous! This is what I've always longed to see a tablescape look like! Please share how you made that centerpiece with the violin?? I'm trying to figure out how you suspended it like that? LOVE LOVE it!! And the old music......so fabulous! Vanna

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  41. Absolutely mind blowing gorgeous! Please share how you made that centerpiece?? I'm still trying to figure out how you suspended that violin? And the music.....so fabulous! Vanna

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  42. Wow, this is stunning! I just love this. If you have time this would be a beautiful addition to my Sunday Song linky party?! I know it's not a song but your musical theme is truly wonderful.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  43. What a beautiful post, although I was disappointed not to find a song to listen to, but I understand why now reading Natasha's comment above.
    I was just calling by from Italy via Australia, to listen to your Sunday Song Selection for San Valentino.
    Buon San Valentino.

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  44. Oh my that is so lovely! The centerpiece is so beautiful, such creative ideas! Very very nice!

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  45. A magnificent tablescape with such a gorgeous center piece! I know what they all say, music it's my favorite companion too. Thank you for sharing the music and the whole thing.

    HAPPY VALENTINE'S for such a pretty and talented lady.
    FABBY

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  46. Such a spectacular table Nancy. I love the violin and the antique music. The flowers are so gorgeous too. All of the little touches like the candy and the heart shaped dishes are wonderful. If I hadn't just bought red flatware I would have to jump on this, so pretty!
    Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

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  47. Way to Rock it out!! Nate is trying to decide if he's gonna play violin or the trumpet. lol

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  48. Nancy,
    What an absolutely, over the top, beautiful table. You have really set the bar high with this one. Loved the music quotes too...I'm going to forward your post to the music teacher at my school...she will love it.
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Cheryl at My Sister's Cottage

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  49. Your TT was music to my eyes.......lovely TT as usual. Your creations NEVER cease to amaze me! Love how romantic every detail was! Thanks for sharing!@

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  50. No words to describe this masterpiece! How blessed you are with such a creative spirit.
    So grateful you took the time to share this with us. Hope to see you soon.
    Blessings, Pam
    PS love Soren Keirkegaard

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  51. Hello there lovely lady,

    What a masterpiece!.., Oh my! ~ I am in dishware-vignette-of-a-true-artist,'heaven'!

    Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

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  52. Amazingly beautiful post in photos and words. So wonderful! Thanks so much for adding this to The Valentines Party.

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  53. Come by my blog when you have a chance, Nancy. I posted the cabinet....Christine

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  54. Nancy,
    When I opened up your blog, my first words were "Oh Wow" "How Beautiful"
    This is truly magical, romantical (if that is a word) and full of inspiring love. Thanks for sharing such a gorgeous table!
    Andrea

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  55. Hey :) your post has been featured in my sunday linky. Check it out here: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/2011/02/sunday-linky-party-3-goodies.html

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  56. Such a beautiful themed table, Nancy! I love "architecture is frozen music" quote. I'm headed to check out your store. :-)

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  57. What a beautifully set table!!!
    I love antiques and all things that sing to our ancestry. I adore the antique sheet music too!

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