Posts Labeled ‘tablescape’

Spotted: Michael Aram Serving Vessel

I saw this serving dish by Michael Aram the other day as I was passing through Neiman Marcus. I had to do a double take as it was so eye-catching. I think the shape of the bowl looks like an acorn, but apparently the line is all about figs — and, in this case, the fig-inspired handle. Figs. Acorn. No matter. It looks very “Fall” to me and would be perfect for social occasions this season. It would also make a beautiful wedding or Christmas gift.

Michael Aram serving bowl, from the Fig Collection

I’m Inspired. Casual, refined dining.

Pictures can strike a cord, transport you to a different place, inspire you… That’s what happened when I saw this feature spread in this month’s issue of Town & Country magazine, featuring the home of interior designer Barbara Barry.

I want to have breakfast in this very spot! The serenity of the outdoor setting, the comfy couch, the refined, yet subtly casual tablescape… I love it all!

The melons are prepped and conveniently served with spoons.The mixture of neutral china with clear glassware and silver serving pieces set a clean, cohesive tone. The white scalloped cocktail napkins are adorable wrapped around the cup and saucer…

Let me say it again, I love it all!

{images via Town & Country magazine; photographs in the magazine taken by Victoria Pearson}

Spring Tablescape

This Spring tablescape from House Beautiful caught my eye today. The fuschia flatware adds such a nice pop to the table. I also love the use of herbs in the arrangements — and even the sprig of rosemary tucked into the napkin ring. Herbs are so readily accessible — especially this time of year — making them so easy to throw in to a tablescape. And, they are inexpensive and aromatic!

Spring table setting from House Beautiful

Spring table setting from House Beautiful

Easter Entertaining: Tablescape Inspiration Part Two

Easter is quickly approaching and if you are hosting friends and family in your home you are likely in the throes of figuring out your menu and how you are going to present and serve it. To help you in your planning, this week I am sharing three tablescapes which I hope will provide some inspiration for your Easter table.

Today’s tablescape is a modern approach to an Easter or Spring table. The square plates, sleek flatware, and stemless glasses each project a modern style.

A modern take on an Easter tablescape

A modern take on an Easter tablescape

The charger, or base plate, is actually a platter which is re-purposed here into a charger. Always consider pieces in your pantry in a new way — can a bowl be turned upside down to serve as a stand? An egg cup into a vase or candle holder?

The silver-banded charger is complemented by the sleek metal flatware and silver dupioni napkin — folded into a square to mirror the plate.

A pink glass salad plate adds a pop of spring-like color that is echoed by the pink tulips.

floral wire adds definition and texture to a glass vase of tulips

floral wire adds definition and texture to a glass vase of tulips


Floral wire — sold at florist shops and supply stores in a variety of colors — is wrapped around the top of the vase, mimicking a nest. The wire could also be wrapped around the inside of the vase for a dramatic look.

little treats rest on top of a wave-like demitasse cup and saucer

little treats rest on top of a wave-like demitasse cup and saucer

Finally, demitasse cups and saucers are joined by sweet treats — awaiting guests as they take their seats. The rectangular wave-like cup and saucer treatment completes the modern look.

Many thanks to the good folks at DC Rental who provided the plates, flatware, and glasware in this tablescape, as well as their creative energies!

Stay tuned for one more Easter tablescape inspiration this week!

Easter Entertaining: Tablescape Inspirations

I recently did a lecture on Easter entertaining where I shared three different takes on an Easter table — each working with a white tablecloth and white dinner plates.

For the next few days leading up to Easter, I’ll be sharing those three tablescapes which I hope will offer a little inspiration as you prepare your own Easter table.

The first tablescape illustrates something a hostess could pull together in a little amount of time with a small budget. Its simple touches pull the table together with a rustic simplicity.

informal Easter tablescape

informal Easter tablescape

Simple flatware and glassware are dressed up with pops of pink from the napkins, egg cups, and a tight cluster of carnations. The carnations are set in a mason jar (any glass jar from around the house would do) with a ribbon of raffia. The raffia is reflected again on the pink egg cups.

"nested" place card

"nested" place card

Place cards are made by setting scrolled pieces of paper inside a tiny bird’s nest with soft, neutral speckled eggs.

easy-to-make placecards (photo courtesy of Morgan Wilson)

easy-to-make placecards (photo courtesy of Morgan Wilson)

If you don’t have time to run to a craft store to buy the nests, you can form nests out of raffia or out of Easter basket cello shred.

Stay tuned later this week for two more Easter tablescape inspirations!

An Entertaining Read: Matthew Mead’s Entertaining Simple

Cookbooks, entertaining, and etiquette books read like enthralling novels for me, and I pour over every photo and blurb. I could spend hours soaking up all of the practical advice and being inspired by the recipes and ideas.

The newest entertaining book in my library, thanks to a dear friend, is Entertaining Simple, by Matthew Mead, who hits the nail on the head when it comes to simple, easy ways to dress an impactful table. Mead reviews the elements of the basic table “wardrobe;” offers clever ways to reuse the same serving piece in multiple, stylish ways; provides clever decor ideas; and caps it all off with delicious recipes.

I particularly appreciated his focus on how to use the ordinary elements in one’s home — egg cups, glass votive holders, cake stands — and turn them into extraordinary focal points on table.

Looking for a gift for your favorite entertainer? Look no further!

Entertaining Simple, available from Amazon

Entertaining Simple, available from Amazon

Bauble-icious! Using gems to create a stunning tablescape

Last week, I spent some time brainstorming an elegant Spring place setting. I was giving a lecture on Easter entertaining and wanted to show a range of place settings from casual to upscale traditional. For the upscale setting, I included a menu card and was trying to come up with a way to add a little sparkle and pizazz to it.  The color palette was pink and gold and so I considered what gold accents I might already have on hand to dress up and complement the card. Not long after, I came up with this:

a vintage brooch dresses up a menu card

a vintage brooch dresses up a menu card (rentals pictured are from DC Rental)

I tied satin pink ribbon to a vintage brooch and attached it to the menu card to give it a little interest. I love the idea of re-using items that you already have in new and interesting ways when entertaining. Apparently, I am not the only one!

I absolutely adore this tablescape featured on 100 Layer Cake that uses second-hand clip on earrings as place cards. Gorgeous!

clip on earrings as place card holders (via 100 Layer Cake)

clip on earrings as place card holders (via 100 Layer Cake)

Baubled place cards via 100 Layer Cake

Baubled place cards via 100 Layer Cake

Another clever way to dress up one’s table is to drape costume jewelry necklaces — rhinestones or pearls work great — on a chandelier, candelabra, or vase or to weave them strategically through votives on a runner. The key is taking time to arrange the pieces until they complement and blend in with the existing setting.

Rhinestones draped on candlesticks create an elegant table (via Better Homes & Gardens)

Rhinestones draped on candlesticks create an elegant table (via Better Homes & Gardens)

What ways have you dressed up your table using uncommon goods in your home?

Burlap Tablescapes

I have a design crush on burlap these days. With it’s rustic simplicity, it can easily be dressed up or down to create a stunning tablescape. Burlap accents are becoming a lot easier to find in stores, but can also be home- or custom-made.

Style Me Pretty, one of my go-to sites for tablescape inspiration, showcases this DIY burlap runner. Not only do I love its simplicity but I love how by even changing the constrasting stitching, you can customize the runner to complement your design palette.

DIY Burlap Table Runners via Style Me Pretty, photo by Carrie Patterson

DIY Burlap Table Runners via Style Me Pretty, photo by Carrie Patterson

Here again you see the impact of homemade burlap runners at this wedding featured on another one of my all-time favorite sites Snippet and Ink.

Burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau

Burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau

Complementary burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau

Complementary burlap-inspired table via Snippet and Ink, photo by Lara and Kate from The Studio Nouveau

Here, bandanas and burlap conspire to make a cheery, casual table:

Burlap and yellow table via Country Living

Burlap and yellow table via Country Living

I was so excited to recently learn about Northern Virginia-based EAB Designs, who makes the beautiful burlap table linens below; they are SO going on my “wish list”!

Burlap Table Runner with Paris Screen Print Design from EAB Designs

Burlap Table Runner with Paris Screen Print Design from EAB Designs

Burlap Jute napkin rings with rhinestones from EAB Designs

Burlap Jute napkin rings with rhinestones from EAB Designs

I’ve often admired these burlap tablecloths when peeking in the Pottery Barn windows; they could be dressed up with a beautiful overlay or kept as is:

Burlap table overlay from Pottery Barn

Burlap table overlay from Pottery Barn

Old MacDonald Had a Set of Farmhouse Linen Placemats

I adore these linen placemats from Simrin, available at Burke Decor or Velocity. A set of four includes a silk-screened pig, hen, cow, and sheep. Placed on a farmhouse or bare wood table, these would look so natural and lovely. And I know passing by the table each day, I couldn’t help but chuckle at them. They are adorable!

Simrin pig placemat

Simrin pig placemat

Farmhouse placemats

Farmhouse placemats