Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Dining on a Dime


Last week I had a client call that needed two tablescapes done the following day and ask if I was up for the challenge...

I was giving a $250.00 budget and that included paying myself. I decided to pay myself $80.00 and give 3 hours of my time.(2hrs. for shopping and 1hr. for doing the tablescapes)



My first stop was to our "beloved" Big Lots ... where I scored 6 vases for $5.00 each and 12 diner plates for ...drum roll please, $1.00 each. Then off to Pier 1 for the salad plates ! These would serve as focals and cost me $5.00 each. Next it was off to Tuesday Mornings for the table runner and a few pieces of glass, just for fun . These cost me $20.00.My final stop was our local Kroger's where you can get a arm full of posies for $14.00 ! I added a few things found at the clients home... and the task was completed ...UNDER BUDGET ! So how do you think I did?
* I could not find anything there to light the candles for the photos and the flatware and stem ware were in the dishwasher.. Thanks




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48 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    It looks amazing! Love the plates with the flowers. It all looks so stylish, fresh and springy.

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  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeApril 1, 2009 at 1:44 PM

    Great job on both. I love the plates, and the vases are amazing. Hugs, Marty

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  3. Room Service ~ Decorating 101April 1, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    I don't know why I said 12 when it was 10 place settings...I am getting older than dirt.

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  4. CarolynApril 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM

    You were busy but everything looks great. I especially love the vases.
    Carolyn

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  5. DebApril 1, 2009 at 3:36 PM

    so pretty! you got some good deals also. If you have a dollar tree they have pretty solid plates and bowls for $1 each, you can even order them on line at dollartree.com in bulk, still $1 each

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  6. savvycityfarmerApril 1, 2009 at 4:43 PM

    what time is din-din?

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  7. janetApril 1, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    well you know im one of your biggest fans...lol you did absolutely fantastic!!! oh my gosh, i love the row of white delicate vases, matter a fact everything looks perfect.
    hugs
    janet

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  8. imjacobsmomApril 1, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    How fun! What a pretty setting, I bet your client was so impressed! ~ Robyn

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  9. Brenda PruittApril 1, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    Well done! I just went to our local Tuesday Morning yesterday. I've scored some great gardening items and decor there.
    Brenda

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  10. Four Paws and CoApril 1, 2009 at 6:09 PM

    Fantastic job Vicky! The vases & flowers are amazing & you scored some awesome bargains. I'm lovin' the flower plates on the small table... may have to take a little trip to Pier 1 in the near future! ☺

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  11. AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 6:14 PM

    You did great! Very Pretty and Springy.

    Tiffany

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  12. Christi at A Southern LifeApril 1, 2009 at 6:14 PM

    Love big lots - great finds. You did a great job!

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  13. ellen bApril 1, 2009 at 6:28 PM

    I think you did great! I'd love a job like that creating using someone's money. My dream job acutally. Those vases on that tablerunner are fabulous!!!

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  14. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)April 1, 2009 at 6:51 PM

    Vicky...this is beautiful! Girl, you sure know how to stretch your dollars! I think I'd be sooo stressed from the pressure, I wouldn't be able to think straight! :-) And all those poseys for $14...I need to remember that! Beautiful and great job linking up! :-) Susan

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  15. Cottage RoseApril 1, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    Wow you did a great job. I love the vases not bad for 5 bucks... I would love to shop with some one else s money....lol

    Hugs;
    Alaura

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  16. Betty ParkerApril 1, 2009 at 6:56 PM

    So fun! I loved that you shared where you found all your goodies! I'm headed to Big Lots!

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  17. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenityApril 1, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    Very pretty. I love the posies and vases!

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  18. Bab's KitchenApril 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    Love the flowers and the table runner.

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  19. Mid-Atlantic MarthaApril 1, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    Quite obviously you were quite up to the task - you did amazing!

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  20. susanApril 1, 2009 at 7:56 PM

    What fun to shop, spend other people's money, decorate, and get paid for it! You did a great job!

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  21. MarthaApril 1, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    I always like vases lined up down the table. Great finds all -- and glad that you came in under budget -- usually I'm always OVER!

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  22. AnonymousApril 1, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    Wow! You did a knock out job! Everything looks fantastic! You must have had a plan! I can't imagine bopping in from store to store and getting all you did in two hours! You're great!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  23. {Bellamere Cottage}April 1, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    FAB-U-LOUS!

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  24. MichelleApril 1, 2009 at 9:19 PM

    very pretty...I love the vases repeated!

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  25. OCDesigner ~AthellaApril 1, 2009 at 9:47 PM

    Everything looks so fresh and beautiful...Great job! ~Athella

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  26. Chari at Happy To DesignApril 2, 2009 at 5:21 AM

    Hey Girlfriend...

    Wow...you did a fabulous job! Bet your client was really pleased!!! I love the salad plates...such a pretty pattern! But I must say that the real show-stopper is that fabulous centerpiece with all of the pretty white vases full of flowers!!! Gorgeous! Love how you did a small vase of flowers under the cloche too! I love it, darlin'!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari

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  27. Kathleen EllisApril 2, 2009 at 5:55 AM

    Great job! Great finds! Love the row of vases!
    Happy April!
    ;-D

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  28. UnknownApril 2, 2009 at 6:31 AM

    I love the matching vases all down the center of the table. You did a great job!

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  29. Pat@Back Porch MusingsApril 2, 2009 at 6:47 AM

    Beautiful tables, Vicky! Well done!

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  30. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaApril 2, 2009 at 8:46 AM

    Just beautiful Vicky...now girl I am loving me those vases...they just made the whole table..You did a wonderful job girl BRAVO!!...hugs and smiles..Gl♥ria ps you don't want to know what I paid for the bunnies V..they came from a French flower shop...But I had to have them and the gal would not bargain with me...

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  31. Melissa MillerApril 2, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    How pretty are those vases!

    ~Wonderful TT! ;)

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  32. Chrissy...The Apothecary ShopApril 2, 2009 at 11:08 AM

    Vicky.... you are good my friend, really good..it all looks so lovely!!! You have a ton of talent thats for sure, talk soon, Chrissy

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  33. Sofia StrifflerApril 2, 2009 at 11:22 AM

    Love the tables. I visiting those stores as well and pick up items at Pier I. Great job!

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  34. TylerApril 2, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Your white vases are my favorite - so pretty - love the trim on top. Linda

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  35. Domestic DesignerApril 2, 2009 at 12:34 PM

    Looks Lovely! I think you did great!

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  36. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenityApril 2, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    Thanks for coming by. Yes, Twiz was at my blog. It was great to hear from her. Thank-you!
    Have a great day!! Hugs, Terrie

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  37. savvycityfarmerApril 2, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    taking a little breather from cleaning for company JUST to say I am so glad we found each other...seems like we've known each other forever.

    have a great weekend.

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  38. AnonymousApril 2, 2009 at 3:24 PM

    Vicky, how lovely this is and I thank you for popping over to see me! You really know how to set things up! I love your lined up vases with flowers! You're good! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia;0

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  39. StarrApril 2, 2009 at 3:29 PM

    Very lovely table! Love the green and especially the symmetrical set up of the vases! Nice!

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  40. LyndaApril 2, 2009 at 4:04 PM

    Beautiful job!! The floral plates are so pretty!

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  41. NancyApril 2, 2009 at 4:15 PM

    Yep, great minds, lol, but yours is a bit more elegant! How fun it must be to shop for the table. They both look wonderful. :)Nancy

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  42. The Stylish HouseApril 2, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    You did a nice job pulling it all together, and those tall vases from Big Lots were a great find! Cathy

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  43. Fifi FlowersApril 2, 2009 at 5:35 PM

    BEAUTIFUL tables!
    Thank you so much for such a lovely compliment about my tablescape painting!!!
    ENJOY!
    Fifi

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  44. mrsbenApril 2, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Applaud, applaud! YOU'RE HIRED! :)

    Great job Vickey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  45. Room Service ~ Decorating 101April 3, 2009 at 3:55 AM

    Thanks all! I tried to go to everyone's blog but with my computer skills I can't always leave a comment!

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  46. MaryApril 3, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    Great deals, and a very beautiful table!

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  47. American HomemakerApril 7, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Looks good :) I want a budget to do tablescapes...LOL

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  48. UnknownApril 13, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    What a terrific job. I would have never thought that designing tablescapes being part of an interior designers job duties?
    $250 is affordable for many of us who want to make a lasting and positive impression.

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