I am participating in a white table challenge at Cuisine Kathleen this week
This is a huge challenge for me because normally everything I do is full of color~
We are allowed to use one accent color, but I decided to stay with all neutrals and try to achieve drama and impact by an array of textures
A woven runner placed down the table center helps unify all the varied elements, an eclectic mix of new and old
A layered a square dark rattan charger and a round white wooden charger with a pewter plate under a glass candlestick full of white sea shells
Places were set on a creamy open weave mat, topped with a square silver charger, placed on the diagonal. Franciscan china white dinner plate, with embossed pineapples and a platinum edge, a pewter salad plate, and a Franciscan butter plate, silver Gorham “Medici” flatware, and Waterford cut crystal goblets.
A starched, crisp white linen napkin point is tucked under the salad plate
The natural elements contrast with the elegance of the formal china and crystal
the shells are a nod to the summer season
I love to use candlesticks for surprises other than candles
A silver charger embellished with shells is the base for the large hurricane candle in the table center, and is flanked by tall pewter candlesticks, and shorter Arthur Court candle holders
And a dark rattan basket holds loaves of crusty bread, another contrast to the formal setting to keep things warm and interesting
Sea Shell herb butter pats are ready for spreading on the individual butter plates
The dark wood of the table and the black accents on the chairs and china cabinet help to make this setting dramatic
In the absence of bright colors, the eye finds a whole new palette of color, subtle yellows, pink tones, grays and browns~
After dinner, things will return to normal in the dining room, and the centerpiece will stay in place for several weeks
But something about this is already bothering me….
Ahhh, yes, much better!
That looks more like me!
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Notes:
The china, pewter plates, crystal, and flatware are from my wedding registry so many years ago. I still love it, and it makes regular appearances at our table. The other elements have made their way to my china closet over the years, the only things that have been purchased within the last year are the 2 square shell edged mats {World Market} and the pink ruffled mat {Pier 1}.
When I don’t need all 10 chairs in the dining room, you will find 4 at the smaller round table in the foyer, and I often swap the dusty pink floral upholstered chairs with the black accented wood side chairs back and forth between the 2 spaces.
Here are the upholstered chairs in the foyer at the recent Night in Morocco
Here are the wood chairs at the Topsy Turvy Table in the foyer.
Being able to swap these chairs around opens up so many possible looks for the tables.
Thank you so much for tablescaping with me today! I hope I have made you want to go set a pretty table, even it’s just for fun!
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I’ll be joining