“Breakfast in the Jungle” – A “Hands On” Kid’s Tablescape Featuring Jungle Animals

Tablescape items gathered by Patty

and

Tablescape wonderfully created by Susan.

Welcome!!!!!

Good Morning and “Welcome” or “Welcome Back” to my website!!! I hope you are having a good day, and that your summer was full of great moments!! First I want to apologize for my long absence of from my regular tablescape posting. I have greatly missed sharing with you and seeing all your ideas as well. We have had the wonderful experience of having some visitors from near and far this summer, and that, plus the home projects that we needed to do, left me without time to do my weekly tables. I am hoping that I can resume posting more regularly now that summer is over.

I did get to do a few tablescapes this summer for our company, so I want to start by posting about one of those.

Our first visitors this summer came on May 30. Jaclyn and Austin, the mom and dad of the family have been friends of ours for a long time … as I met the Jaclyn’s mom when she and I were in second or third grade, so I’ve know her Jaclyn all her life and we have been blessed by visits back and forth with Jaclyn and Austin for many years. But this summer was the first time they were able to bring their 4 year old daughter and 2 year old son with them on a visit to see us in Texas!!! It was so exciting to have them all here. There is something wonderful about seeing the world thru the eyes of children!! We had a wonderful time and lots of great adventures together!!!

Also, wanted to mention that Jaclyn and Austin’s 4 year old daughter, came to her first breakfast saying, “It’s a Jungle In Here!!!” and their 2 year old’s smile showed us that he really enjoyed the table and the monkeys too! It was so fun to see their reactions!!!

Both kids served us breakfast the first day too, cooking “play food” on our son’s grill from when he was little. (He’s 31 now – hard to believe!!) Lots of great memories!!!

Do you have grandkids or other kids in your life who keep you young at heart? We are so fortunate to have friends who share their children to brighten our lives!!!

A Kid Friendly and “Hands On” Tablescape – With Centerpieces, Decorations, and Gifts

The table included – Monkeys to Play With, A Curious George Gift and Jungle Sunglasses Gifts for each child.

Of course I wanted to make a tablescape that the kids would enjoy, and I started my planning early. My goal was for every item on the tablescape to be something the kids could touch, and for some of the items to be things they could play with and take home. I thought it would be fun to make a jungle tablescape with A LOT of monkeys. After I bought my jungle dishes years ago, I also bought some Curious George “monkey” stuffed animals to use as centerpieces and as decorations hung throughout the room. ( “Curious George” is a character from a children’s book and as a former preschool and elementary teacher, I always like to display Book Character plush toys when I can to celebrate reading.)

“Oh No! Where is Curious George’s Tail?

However, when I got the Curious George plush animals home I was surprised to see they didn’t have any tails, which was something I didn’t remember from reading the books during my childhood, and “no tails” would definitely sabotage my plan for hanging the “monkeys” from my light fixture and curtains.

I began a deep dive into the history of Curious George and found out that “Curious George” is believed to be a member of the chimpanzee family, rather than of the “monkey” family. This explains his lack of a tail. Apparently, at the time the first Curious George books came out, “monkey” was the term used outside of scientific circles for both apes and monkeys.

Finding Monkeys (with tails)

After my research, I realized I could still use my Curious George plush animals on the Jungle Tablescape, but I would need to find some monkey plush animals that had tails for elsewhere in th room. I remembered that Linda, one of my favorite tablescapers, had done a tropical/monkey/jungle themed tablescape and that she had mentioned that she bought her monkeys on Amazon. So I checked out Amazon and ordered two sets of the monkeys that I believe she purchased. Click on 16 Stuffed Monkeys to see them. You may want to check out Linda’s website out too, because it is one of my absolute favorite outdoor tablescapes ever, and the setting for the tablescape is amazing too!! Click on the following to get to Linda’s “Let’s Go Bananas” Tablescape.

The Plate Stack & Other Items in Each Place Setting

I wanted to keep the tablescape “easy care” as we would be eating almost all breakfasts there and depending on what else we did, and where we went, we would likely eat nighttime snacks and the occasional lunch or supper there as well. For this reason I chose not to use a tablecloth, and I wanted to start my “stack” with a vinyl Tropical Leaf Placemat (from Hobby Lobby).

The second item in the stack would be a dinner plate from Sakura in the “Jungle Animals” pattern. This is one of the patterns designed by Stepanie Stouffer. Due to my love for animals, I have 4 jungle related patterns but chose this one because I thought the kids would enjoy the variety of animals and also because I have both ceramic dinner plates and melamine dinner plates in this pattern. I purchased these dishes on eBay.

A salad plate sits on top of the dinner plate. There are 4 different salad plates in this set. (above and below)

Also in each place setting is a wooden banana napkin ring (with paper napkin) found on eBay and Oneida flatware. Also, there is a glass goblet with monkeys (from Pier 1 years ago) for all the adults.

For the children, there are one or two acrylic cups with bananas on them, likely from Pier 1 or Homegoods years ago. There is one cup to drink from and one containing their jungle sunglasses.

I had the “Best of Intentions”

So after I planned the tablescape and gathered all the various items including the dishes and placemats that were stored at the lake house, I transported everything to the City House. I had planned to do the table the day before our guests arrived, but the errands took a little longer than planned, and the car seat install was much more complicated than I remembered, and I completely ran out of time. At that point…

Susan and Les to the Rescue

… our friends Susan and Les came to our rescue, offering to help install the car seats (they are current grandparents and understand this generation of car seats.) They also offered to finish the last errand and Susan offered to do the table. Susan often helps me with my tablescapes as she enjoys it, and its is so much fun for both of us to do it together. This time though Susan became to sole tablescaper and Wayne and I zipped off to the airport to pick up our company. So armed with monkeys and safety pins and dishes, etc. Susan created the tablescape and did a fabulous job!!! I especially love her creativity in the placement of the hanging monkeys!!!! Susan is so good at telling stories with her characters!!! Many thanks to Susan and Les!!!!!!!

Outside the Window

One of the reasons I chose this tablescape for the “City House” was I thought it would fit in with the tropical setting in the back yard.

Table Details and Origins

Sakura “Jungle Animals” pattern from Stephanie Stouffer. Ceramic/Ironstone, eBay, search under product and pattern name and “Sakura Jungle plates” on eBay and in other vintage shops. Note, Sakura made 3 or more different jungle patterns over the years, so if ordering on eBay, and if you want the pieces to “match” check both the patterns names and photos carefully.

Sakura “Jungle Animals” pattern from Stephanie Stouffer. Evolution melamine, eBay, search under product and pattern name and under “Sakura Jungle plates” on eBay and in other vintage shops.

Monkey Goblets – from Pier 1 years ago – occasionally available on eBay.

Banana Acrylic Glasses – possibly from Homegoods originally

Onieda Flatware –

Tropical Leaf Placemat – Hobby Lobby

Jungle Animal Sunglasses – Amazon

Curious George Plush 12″

16 Stuffed Monkeys – Amazon

Banana Napkin Rings – often available on eBay – search “wooden banana napkin rings”

Other Posts I Think You May Like

A Trick-or-Treating Tablescape – Featuring Dogs and Cats in Costume

Pickleball – Skeleton Style

“Haunted Hound” Home Depot Hack

Poolside Dining with Pink and Purple Posies

Dancing Skeleton Tablescape

Comments

I treasure your Comments and will answer each one. Please scroll down to the very bottom of the post and add your comment. I will never share your email address. Thanks so much for joining me. Because this was a summer tablescape for children, I’d love it if you would share any comments you have on my tablescape post and also any ideas and experiences you have had using for “Kid Friendly Tablescapes”. Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

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

I Hope You Enjoyed This Tablescape at the “City House” and I Hope You Can Join Us Again For the Next Post, When We Will Be Back at The Lake!