Tablescape Celebrating the Paris Olympics

Welcome to the 2024 Olympics in Paris

I’m so excited about the Olympics!!!! There is something so amazing about the whole world coming together to compete and to celebrate athletic excellence!!! There is something especially wonderful about the “coming together” part.

I find the chance to show pride in our country’s wins amazing and wonderful. However, looking back on other Olympics it seems that some of the most exciting wins happen when we become invested in seeing a favorite from another country “Get the Gold”!! Oftentimes these “new favorites” are athletes whose names we didn’t even know two weeks ago, but somehow learning of their journey and seeing their achievements begins to fascinate us as we watch the games unfold. If you are my age the names Olga Korbut, Nadia, Torville and Dean, may mean something to you too. For those who are much younger, I’ll share that they are just a few athletes I have cheered for that were not USA athletes. I think that is the magic of the Olympics.

This year I’m especially excited about the Opening Ceremony, which will start outside, as the athletes boat down the river Seine on 80 boats, passing by a huge crowd and many of the famous landmarks of Paris!!!

What a way to …

Let the Games Begin!!!!!

This year I decided that it would be fun to do a tablescape to commemorate the Olympics!! The first item I purchased specifically for the table was a flag of the interlinking Olympic Rings. I had the flag in the center of the table originally but then decided to move it more towards the window. I placed the 5 place settings around one side of the table and at the two ends. We use this arrangement at times for small dinner parties so everyone can see the lake, but in this case I used it so everyone can see both the lake and the “athletes”. Like in the real games, what is most important is the athletes. To represent the athletes, I chose Barbie and Ken dolls. Some dolls I used were from my childhood, some were purchased for other tablescapes, and some were new for this table. Of the new dolls that I purchased for this tablescape most are either athlete dolls or Olympic dolls.

Update: I completed this tablescape and post just in time to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics, however, after it was completed, the horse and rider Barbie that I had ordered to celebrate the Equestrian competition at the Olympics arrived in the mail. I decided to add them to my Olympic tablescape and take a few pictures with them in it. So some of the below pictures have the Equestrian competitors and some pictures were taken before the Equestrian Eventing began on my tablescape.

Originally I was going to place the “athletes all over the table in small groups, as I did in the Barbie Tablescape. However, when I arranged them that way it looked a little too random and took away from the Olympic Rings on the flag, so instead I put one sport competition in each ring.

The Blue Ring in this display is “home” to the gymnasts. The black ring is home to beach volleyball. The red ring houses the surfer. Surfing debuted in Tokyo, Japan in 2020 and is also an official sport in this Paris Olympics. The green ring contains the women’s soccer athletes – in this case twin players from the team. The yellow ring contains one player from the USA men’s soccer team. Interestingly, “soccer” is most often called “football” during the Olympics.

A gymnast performs on the balance beam.

A beach volleyball player practices her serve.

Two surfers practice for their events. You may recognize surfer Ken as the “Ken” played by Ryan Gosling, in the Barbie movie. So glad that he’s found a new future at the Olympics!

Twin sisters warm up for their “football” (aka soccer) match.

A “football” (aka soccer) player warms up.

Each end of the table contains athletes who have already competed in their first event.

At the far left end of the table (nearest the boat dock) is a baseball player, being interviewed about his gold medal win.

Surprisingly, I found out this evening (after the table was done and photographed) that baseball is not an official sport in the 2024 Olympics, but will return as an official Olympic sport in Los Angeles in 2028. I think its great to add sports to the Olympics, but do not think that eliminating them, even temporarily, is a good idea. Its hard enough to have an athlete in their prime at the time of the Olympics, especially considering if injured they have to wait 4 years to play in the next Olympics. But it’s really sad to think when they are finally in prime shape and at a prime age, their sport may not even be in the Olympics at all. I’d love it if you would share your opinion about this, and any other comments you have, in the comment section at the bottom of this post! Your comments mean so much!! Thanks!!!

When our Equestrian Olympian arrived, she joined the Baseball player and sportscaster on the left end of the table, and she was later interviewed by the sportscaster.

I think young kids would enjoy the above situations. In the picture on the above left, the rider is being interviewed about her cross country event, while in the above right picture, the horse is being interviewed!

If you haven’t had a chance to see the Equestrian eventing – section 2 – Cross Country – you may want to take a look at it. The jumping course that is set up on the grounds of Versailles is gorgeous!! and the horses are gorgeous as well!!

At the right hand side of the table, nearest to the Eiffel Tower,a Medal Ceremony is taking place. A USA swimmer has just earned a gold medal in women’s freestyle, and has received her medal at the podium. She is in the middle between the silver and bronze medal winners. The camerawoman is filming the ceremony.

The Plate Stack and Place Settings

For this Olympic tablescape, I chose a white tablecloth, with the Olympic flag as a sort of table runner.

The bottom plate in the stack is a Kate Spade Rutherford Circle plate in red or yellow. I have had these plates for a long time, but just recently realized the red band of color, and the yellow band of color look a lot like Olympic rings! I originally purchased these plates in about 2017 from both Homegoods and eBay.

The top plate in the stack is a paper plate from a “party pack” for the Olympics. I love that the plates have the Olympic torch on them.

The flatware in each place setting is Golden Affection by Oneida. The paper napkin is from the same “Olympic Party pack” as the Olympic torch plates. The napkin has an Olympic dove. The doves have traditionally have been released at the opening of the Olympics, signifying hope, peace and new beginnings. However, due to the danger to the birds, the dove release has recently been a symbolic dove dance, or the releasing of origami birds or other representation that does not involve live birds.

Each place setting has a gold or silver (imitation) Olympic Medal around the dinner plate and hanging down at the table edge. These medals were purchased from Amazon

Each place setting also includes 2 goblets, one is a clear water goblet by Waterford Marquis, and one is a Vintage Ruby Goblet from Morgantown Glass.

Each place setting also includes a pair of Paris Olympic glasses.

Around the Dining Room

Also in the dining room is a small Eiffel Tower. I just love the way it lights up – with no real predictable pattern in the sequence. I especially love that it is visible from the Olympic Village on my table. I’m enjoying it so much that I may have to do another “Paris” tablescape at some point so I can use it again.

The dining room also includes flags of many countries. The flag set I purchased for the window, includes 200 country flags. I think that all 200 would have completely blocked the window, so I just used a few.

In addition, the dining room has a bust (a statue of the head) of a Greek Olympian. This Bust honors the tradition of the Ancient Olympic Games which began in Greece in 776 BC and continued for over 1000 years. These ancient games were the inspiration for the Olympic Games Today.

I was surprised to find out that almost none of the Ancient Greek Olympians were women, so our Greek Olympian below is a bit of a rarity. The only women to receive Olympic Crowns for their Olympic wins in ancient Greece were those who owned a Chariot that won the Olympic Chariot Race. Most historians agree that women chariot owners in ancient Greece did not participate in the race, but they were awarded the prize.

I was surprised to learn that the “Modern Olympic Games” which began in 1896, also did not include women in Olympic competition. Women did not earn medals in the Olympics until 1900, and then only in a few sports including golf, croquet, tennis and sailing.

When I look at the amazing women athletes in just my life time, it is hard to fathom, that it wasn’t until 1900 that women athletes were allowed to compete in the Olympics or many other athletic competitions and sports.

“You’ve come a long way, Baby!!!!!!”

Let’s Celebrate !!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!! I hope you enjoyed this Olympic tablescape, as well as the glimpse of past and future Olympics. I hope you get a chance to enjoy watching your favorite Olympic events this year!!!

Table Details and Origins

Place Settings, Plate Stack and Dining Room Items

Eiffel Tower with light show –  Amazon – 2024

WEALUXE White tablecloth 60″ x 126″ – Amazon – 2024

Flags of 200 countries – Amazon – 2024

Olympic flag – Amazon – 2024

Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals – Amazon – 2024

Olympic glasses -Amazon – 2024

Kate Spade Rutherford Circle Dinner plates in red and yellow – from Homegoods and & eBay in 2017

Morgantown Glass Ruby Goblets in the “golf ball” pattern- eBay – Please note, Morgantown Glass used Uranium and othe chemicals in their glass making process and this was common at the time. To read more about Morgantown glass and possible dangers, see the Valentine’s Day Post “Will you be my Valentine”?

“Marquis – Markham by Waterford” Water Goblets – are usually available on Macy’s online, and Amazon. On Black Friday (and possibly again during the holiday) it is available at a great price, if you add Macy’s coupons, it is an even better deal!

Gold Flatware – “Golden Affection” by Oneida – on eBay often – similar gold flatware available in different brands at various stores, this particular pattern sometimes available on eBay.

Bust of Ancient Greek Girl/Olympian – Marshalls or TJ Max online – 2024

Barbie and Ken Items

Barbie Olympic shorts and hoodie – Amazon – 2024

Gymnastics Barbie – Soccer Barbie –

Soccer Ken – Amazon – 2024

Surfer Barbie – Amazon – 2024

Barbie Ocean Beach Volleyball Set – eBay

Swimming Champion USA Olympic Barbie 1999 – eBay

Olympic Swimmer USA Swim Suit, Barbie Ken Doll – eBay

Ken Cool Career fashion easy to dress .Baseball Player outfit – eBay

Barbie Jumping Tawny Horse w/ Saddle – Mattel Inc. 2006 – eBay

Vintage Horse Riding Barbie Riding Club Poseable Body – 19268 – eBay

Barbie the Movie – Ken Doll – Amazon

Barbie with short blond hair from the 1960’s – this is my Barbie from when I was a child

Midge from the 1960’s – This is my Midge from when I was a child.

2017 Mattel Barbie TV News Team Reporter And Camerawoman – 2 Dolls in box – eBay (I have this set); they were also sold separately under these names “Barbie – You can be anything – Film director” (with camera) and “Barbie Journalist Doll Mattel GFX2” (brunette with microphone); the Brunette is also sold as “Barbie 60th anniversary News Anchor” or to get the look of the reporter another choice is 2010 BARBIE” I Can Be TV News Anchor Barbie Doll Mattel T2692″  (blond with microphone) – as of July 2024, these were all available on eBay

Coming Soon – In Approximately Two Weeks

I am working on writing the details for the Dog Safe Garden I introduced last week. Check back August 6th for that post.

Posts I Think You Will Like

If you liked this Barbie and Ken Olympics post, you may also enjoy…

A Harley-Davidson Table for a “Rad Dad” – Celebrating My Husband’s Trifecta of Special Days This Month – His 66th Birthday, His Retirement and Father’s Day!!

The “Eras of Barbie” Tablescape

Comments

I treasure your comments! If you have time to comment, I would love it if you would scroll down to the very bottom of this post – to the comment section – and share your comments on this post, as well as any memorable experiences you have had watching the Olympics. What athletes, not from your home country to you remember cheering for? Who were they? what country were they from? and what sport did they compete in?

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party – which includes some great party ideas, recipes and crafts!

Wishing you a Wonderful Week!!!!