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Sunday, May 29, 2011

tablecloth trick


Photo sent to me from Hilary at The Upcycle Furniture Company blog

First, a big and heartfelt thank you to everyone for sharing in the excitement of my home being featured in Fresh Cottage magazine. It's been beyond wonderful to receive comments (and photos from bookstores sent via phone!) so full of cheer and support. How fun is that!? Thank you, thank you!


How I install oilcloth

It's been just over a year since I "installed" two yards of oilcloth to the dining room table and I have been very pleased with the results. I no longer fret over scratches and marks made to the surface of this table where everything from meals to homework to tinkering takes place. Of course I also like the playfulness the patterned oilcloth adds to the room. HOWEVER, after one year of said daily activities, I thought it was about time to refresh and so when I ordered 2 new yards, I decided to try the reverse pattern of red with white polka dots.

Abra-ca-dabra!



Now you see it ...



Now you don't ...



Ta-da!

Completed in :15 or less.

What do you think? Team white with red or red with white? We're still not quite sure around here but regardless it's a simple, inexpensive, non-committal and fun change.

xo
elyse
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38 comments:

  1. Brenda PruittMay 29, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    You know I love red and white polka dots, Elyse!
    Brenda

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  2. Two Shades of PinkMay 29, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Just lovely. I am cheering for both the red and white teams. :)

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  3. Mermaids of the LakeMay 29, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Love it... both ways, but especially team red with white!

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  4. lilybetsMay 29, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    ...white with red,it's more delicate,red an white is too dominant in my opinion.

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  5. JillMay 29, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Oh wow, tough decision! I love them both, really. Red w/white is so cute for 4th of July, Christmas, and Valentine's... actually, I guess that's pretty much all year round!

    Hugs,
    Jill

    PS: I received my order-- I love it all! Thanks so much for the sweet surprises too! xox

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  6. danemi1May 29, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    definitely red and white every single time - yknow someone somewhre must be going to bring out red and white polka dot wallpaper sometime soon - hopefully - I would be forever down the store getting free samples and making bits and pieces - love your blog hun

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  7. MaaikeMay 29, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    interesting and inspiring how that change gives the kitchen a totally different appearance! Both lovely. I would go for the white with red dots, to leave more room for colorful people around the table.

    Have a lovely week ahead!
    Love, Maaike

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  8. GerryARTMay 29, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    I just saw a PINK table cloth at Hobby Lobby
    I really wanted it but didn't know what to do with it.
    That is before your post
    Tomorrow morning - if they are open on Memorial Day - if not
    first thing Tuesday morning I'm buying it and doing great things with it
    thanks
    hugs
    Gerry

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  9. Jen KershnerMay 29, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    I LOVE the new one! It pops and makes you really notice the other red bits in the room. Good choice!

    I can't wait to track down YOUR magazine. I think I am going to spend the first week of summer catching up on magazines!

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  10. LindaSoniaMay 29, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Well, well, what a clever girl you are!!! I absolutely love this idea and will definitely be borrowing it! ;-) I personally love the red with white dots but I also just plain lovelovelove polka dots!!

    Thanks so much for sharing!

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  11. TheresaMay 29, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    I can't decide, I like them both:) Have a blessed evening and thanks for the tip!

    HUGS!

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  12. CathyMay 29, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I may sound stupid, but what is oil cloth? Does it feel oily? And where do you buy it?

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  13. Hearts TurnedMay 29, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    What fun, Elyse! I really love them both--what a fun, easy change!

    Hope you and your sweet family are having a wonderful weekend!

    Julie

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  14. SLRMay 30, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    oh i love the switch-a-roo! did you paint your chairs too? they look blue to me in the last pic.
    if you did, i love 'em too! if not, well then, i guess i am losing my mind!!!

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  15. koraleeMay 30, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    LOVE IT ...red and white dots perfect! I like how you do things...that would be soooo me. Hugs for a great week.xoxxo

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  16. debiMay 30, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    I LOVE it! It reminds me of this:
    http://tinkeredtreasures.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-sign-of-fall.html

    It's so cheerful, so Cath, so YOU!

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  17. hilary@oldhousetrueloveMay 30, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    i love the red with white... a bright surprise! fun fun fun! : )

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  18. Emergency spill kitMay 30, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    You have brilliantly explained work very quickly. It's very easy to understand and I have learned a lot from it. Thanks for sharing such a helpful material.

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  19. AnonymousMay 30, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    So, so cute!!!

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  20. Patti -Truly TatteredMay 30, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Elyse, I love them both! I think it is great to have the red with white for fall/winter and the white with red for Spring/summer......Very fun. I have turquoise with white on my round table and have red chairs right now but change is always good....Kim

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  21. Pink Piccadilly PastriesMay 30, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    What a great idea! I love polka dots...so fun! I think I'm leaning toward the red with white dots!

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  22. NanaDianaMay 30, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    I love them both...LOVE the red and white polka dots. Your place is just so YOU- fun and sweet and makes me want to sit and drink a cuppa coffee with you~ Happy Memorial Day sweetie pie- xxoo Diana

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  23. Bring Pretty BackMay 31, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    Elyse, That is SO cool to see the magazine in photo's that people are sending you! I like the white with red ... but love the red with white too. This is what is funny to me- I love your home and love the colors of your home - and would not have thought of red at all ... and it looks awesome!
    Have a pretty day!
    I need to order some oil cloth!
    Have a pretty day!
    Kristin

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  24. Birds and BlossomsMay 31, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    That is adorable!!!! Love the colors!

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  25. Kelly McCants May 31, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I like the new one, it's brighter and bolder!!! I am all about the color!

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  26. Cottage 1945May 31, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    That is such a cute idea! I may just have to 'borrow' that for my sewing table. I love the red one-it really pops.

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  27. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I like them both! Maybe the mainly red could be for the winter holidays and then change to mainly white in the spring!

    So, do pencil pressure marks show up from the home work? ♥

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  28. Maryjane-The Beehive CottageMay 31, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    LOVE it Elyse! Great job! I am just about to order some oilcloth from the same Etsy seller for my little table & chairs for outside! Soooo many designs to choose from! You always brighten my day! Can you see the smile on my face?

    Love you baby doll!
    Maryjane
    xox

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  29. KatCollectsMay 31, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    I need to try that idea on my table. I am voting for white with red dots but they both look good in your cute dining area. I loved the magazine!!!
    Hugs,
    Kathy

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  30. AnaJune 1, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Hi Elyse,
    I have always been a big fan of polk-a-dots, especially red ones on a white background...I think it's because when I was a little girl my most favorite dress was white with red polk-a-dots:-) But the red with white polk-a-dots is beautiful too. It gives your dinning room a very differnt look even if it was only the table cloth that was changed. Congratulations on being featured on Fresh Cottage magazine. Have a wonderful day.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

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  31. M.L. @ The House of WhimsyJune 1, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    I totally remember when you put the oilcloth on the first time. How inspired to the the reverse this time. Both are charming!!!

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  32. Bring Pretty BackJune 1, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Guess what I went to the store to buy today.... That's right... Fresh Cottage!
    Kristin

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  33. Creative GrammieJune 2, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    Wow Elyse, what a great and fun idea! I love polka dots and I think for summer I would go with the white with red polka dots. TFS and warm hugs.

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  34. AnonymousJune 2, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Clever, clever girl! :) Love your easy-peasy ideas, Elyse!
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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  35. Scrap for JoyJune 2, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Hi Elyse~
    I like both versions but I do lean toward the red with white dots. I thought you would like the table cover pictured on my blog today...I thought of you as I was buying it.
    Have a sunny, fun day!
    xoxo
    Joyce

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  36. SkyJune 2, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Love the red with white polkies ;)

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  37. Sunny Simple LifeJune 3, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    Yay that is you? I just bought that magazine and loved that table top idea. Must do it here.

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  38. AnonymousJune 14, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Ooh, too cute. Love both. I'd use the red with white dots during the cooler months and the white with red dots for the hotter. Then again, I change my mind about these things continuously so go with whatever makes you happy on this day. :)

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i treasure your comments and thank you so much!

xo
elyse