It’s oh-fab-thirty and you know what that means!

I am back to share with you the items that were stashed in my tablesetting warehouse (aka the kitchen cabinet) that didn’t make the video cut. I mean seriously…did you see that slew of stuff we laid out?!?! It was like Mr. Maxx exploded in my kitchen…you know, Mr. TJ Maxx? 🙂

Anyhoo, Sherry and I had a tough time limiting the tablesetting schemes to only 5 different tableaus. We tried to center each scheme on a different idea – a vibe like beachy, a food such as soup, a meal like breakfast, an inspiration piece such as a heirloom scarf, and an event like a bridal shower – all to demonstrate that your table can be set around ANYTHING. And while we were attempting our empowerment of tablesetters everywhere, some of our favorite things had to sit on the bench for our video.

But now here’s their chance to get a piece of the action. Since I love everything I own (duh!), Sherry chose some of the items from my stash that tickled her fancy. So watch out Adam Lambert, there is some competition for the limelight!

Welcome to Sherry Petersik’s Picks:

Graphic Red & White bowls had Sherry saying “obsessed, obsessed” over and over. I think she said something about them being crisp, and modern, and Hermes inspired (is she talking about the frog puppet?…I don’t know…I wasn’t good about paying attention) Either way, these lovelies could possibly be more flexible than a Chinese gymnast…pair em with green for Christmas, rattan chargers for a outdoor meal, or even just an all white tablesetting for a jolt of color.

I knew Sherry would love these rope handle servers from Pottery Barn. Not only are they right up her alley…err…beachy boardwalk but they are perfect for American-size servings. Pop em in a big ole bowl for a little salad bling. Plus the silver finish makes them oh-so-pretty with your basic silverware.

Complete surprise was the only reaction I had when Sherry was drooling over these handmedown cut-out napkins. I didn’t take the girl for one who would like vintage linens, but I couldn’t be more pleased that she jumped on the antique train with me. It’s not like you can find this kinda gray on white stitchery these days! And if you were doing a tea for two…these little mouthwipers would have you questioning the value of your sleeve. Can I get an amen?!

Speaking of antique, this amber colored decanter set had Sherry at hello. We even put this together with some pen-art dishes & a jewel toned pashmina to demonstrate a little wine & cheese tasting table setting. It’s kinda sad that it didn’t make it past production. Boo us. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that the little shot glasses would be perfect size to taste various reds&whites and the decanter could be housing your palatte-cleansing drink of choice.

We all know how Mrs. Petersik likes white…it reigns hue-preme in her house. And every table setter knows that #1 on the must-have list is white dishes. So it comes as no surprise that the pigmentless scalloped plates and white accent hearts played on her heart strings. Sherry said that she can imagine the little bowls filled with pink & red M&M’s for a Valentine’s Day treat…I remember very clearly when chocolate is mentioned.

These little red vases also made the list. Shocker…right? I thought that for sure she would by-pass these little 25 cent purchases for a more glamourous choice…but I guess the rosy color, the textured glass, and the small size (about 6″) all spoke to her. And since she kept calling them candlesticks, I can only imagine that she would take all ten of them (yeah, I would collect packrats if I could) and arrange a long, twinkling centerpiece.

The glass footed ice cream dish was a shoo-in to be featured in this list of Sherry’s picks. Afterall, what girl doesn’t like a bowl that is guaranteed to hold something sweet?!? The scalloped edge of this Goodwill find is really the cherry on top. To me it screams “Southern Living” and since we are both living in the South (Richmond is technically below the Mason Dixon), this treat holder really knows how to give us a drawl after a mouthful of Ben&Jerrys.

**no chocolate was wasted in the production of this photo

I love the fact that the antler on our mantle actually made Sherry’s list of tablesetting things. Not only is this structural, white, and a piece from nature (err West Elm)…but it would look amazing in the center of a holiday table maybe with a note that says, “Kids – tried to capture Rudolf…he got away. Merry Christmas.” or with a bunch of silver and white ornaments. Or you could use it as an accent piece with stacked plates & napkins….just don’t serve venison….that would be crossing the line…unless you are like me & have a twisted sense of humor.

Sherry really tugged on my heart strings when she told me that she liked this bright green vintage tablecloth. Yeah…it was my Grandma’s. Springy, fun, shamefully unironed, it is the perfect size for a table of two. Sherry said that she loved the long fringe and the simplicity of the color scheme in the fabric. Me too, Sher, me too.

Lastly but certainly not least is the smallest of the items that made it into the Petersik Picks. Yes, these bronze nametags are only about two inches long but pack a huge sucka-punch. With their twine ties and the erasable pen, you can attach this mini message board with a general note (Happy 4th), a word of encouragement (U Rock!) or a personalized name (D. Shrute). Or tie around the handles of pitchers to identify which tea is sweetened, splendafied, or peach infused.

So there you have it. A list of Petersik Picks. But before you go, I thought I would take this opportunity to do something a little unconventional…open the floor for questions. Yes. That’s right. Not questions about me…inquiries about our favorite home decor bloggers…JOHN & SHERRY. Yes…do not hold back people…you know I don’t. So ask me anything. Have a question that you are too afraid to leave in the comments – email me. And I will spill the beans, dish the dirt, and in general get into the nitty-gritty of Blogland’s elite. Big or small, I promise to give only blunt & honest answers 🙂 And maybe put a celebrity reference in there. It’s up to you.