Over the last few years, what started as a tiny hobby with a few patterns has spiraled into a full-blown side profession with… let’s just say lots of patterns. One of the great debates in Facebook tablescaping groups is: How many sets of dishes do you have? I don’t count sets—I count patterns. And as for how many patterns I have? Well, let’s just say that number stays classified. (If you’ve been to one of my presentations, you might know the answer… but let’s keep that between us, okay? Shhh!)
I’ve been told, asked, and practically begged, “You should start a blog!” Well, true confession—I did. Seven years ago. Back when my husband and I were in the glory days of home remodeling. But between a saturated market, some good ol’ self-doubt, and an unfortunate tendon-slicing incident that led to two thumb surgeries (because of course it did), the blog fizzled out like last year’s Christmas lights. I still kept the domain, the name, and all the necessary bits, just in case. And guess what? Here we go again!
Now, I could start this blog with “I was born on June 26…” but let’s not go that far back. You can read the basics on my About Me page, but here’s what you really need to know:
When I was little, my Grandmother E.R. would visit us at Bradley Acres from Lexington, Kentucky, and she never arrived empty-handed. Nope—she’d roll in with a wicker basket stuffed with treasures. Inside? Haviland china, Waterford crystal, and Old Colonial Towle silver, all wrapped lovingly in bath towels (because who needs fancy dish storage when a good towel will do?). At dinner, she’d set out her lace placemat and create the most elegant place setting, while the rest of us ate off plain white plates and drank from cartoon character glasses. (Mine had the Smurfs—solid choice, right?) But deep down, I wanted her fancy plates and her sparkly glasses.
Fast-forward to my wedding registry: what did I pick for everyday dishes? White. (Mikasa English Countryside, to be exact.) Now, to be fair, it does have a little texture. But let’s be real—I basically recreated my childhood dinner setting. Over time, though, I started adding colorful pieces to my table, and what color did I reach for first? Blue! Give me all the shades of blue! (Closely followed by green and purple—I live for the cool side of the color wheel.)
If there’s one thing you’ll learn about me, it’s that I can’t not talk about color theory. Years of design work (interior, book, and beyond), plus a mild obsession with taking color classes, means every tablescape I create starts with one thought: What color story am I telling?
But let’s skip ahead—through a teaching career, a whirlwind of creative side businesses, a divorce (woof), a move, the end of my teaching career, a second (and final!) marriage, a whole new career designing books (yes, I get paid to “color” for a living), and a few other life events along the way.
And then, on March 24, 2022, everything changed.
I was at an estate sale (shocker, I know), standing in line clutching a blue and white soup tureen (obviously), when I overheard a conversation about the woman who had lived in the house. Apparently, she loved to entertain and always set the most beautiful tables. A woman after my own heart! Then someone mentioned a Facebook group dedicated to table settings. Right there, in the middle of the sale, I handed my treasures to my very patient husband, pulled out my phone, and joined the group.
Oh, and here’s the soup tureen! Isn’t she beautiful!! Syria pattern from RC & Co., circa 1846 from Staffordshire.
A few days later, I posted the centerpiece I had on my dining room table. And wow. The love! The encouragement! The absolute thrill of finding my people! It was like discovering the secret club I never knew I needed. (Now, let’s be real—every group has that person who can’t follow the rules or rules we don’t want to follow, but hey, if you don’t find your tribe on the first try, just keep looking!)
Since then, I’ve joined (and left) more groups, continued collecting (some may call it hoarding, but I disagree I like to call it rescuing) dishes, and—after much encouragement—grown my Instagram. I’ve had the best time sharing tables, helping people with color choices, and teaching others how to mix patterns fearlessly. The teacher in me just can’t resist.
My style? Colorful. Patterned. Joyful. (Okay, mostly colorful—sometimes I’ll throw in a neutral, but you better believe it’s got texture and interest.)
And now, I’m bringing all of that to this blog.
So, if you love color, pattern, and finding the beauty in mixing it all together, you’re in the right place. Buckle up, Buttercup—it’s going to be a fabulously patterned ride!
From My Table to Yours,
Melissa
4 Responses
This is so exciting Melissa! I couldn’t help but notice your gorgeous tables on the “BTS” site. Your’s are always a level above all others! I don’t really follow any blogs yet I couldn’t imagine missing out on yours. It’s going to be a Beautiful Blog! 💕
Thank you so much! Your kind words truly mean the world to me. I’m beyond excited to share my love of tablescapes in a new way, and knowing you’ll be following along makes it even more special. I can’t wait to bring you all the color, pattern, and inspiration! 💕
Hello! I hope you’re having a great day. Good luck 🙂
Thank you so much!!!