Tablescapes, African Safari
Last Sunday we had a family birthday party at the Zoo to celebrate one of the little one’s birthdays.
You can probably guess what I did on Monday
I know, I can’t help it
I was supposed to be doing so many other things
Sometimes when inspiration strikes, you’ve just got to go with it!
I knew exactly what I wanted to do
I wanted to use a burlap like runner for texture and when I went to get it out of the closet I spied my black silk runner~
and just for added “wildness” I layered them with my yellow chevron runner
The cheetahs were leaping with joy, sort of like the 10 little wild things we took to the zoo~
Zebra chargers added another layer of drama
I only have 4 zebra chargers so I used plain black ones at the head places, on top of a ruffled cream mat
One day my MIL said, “I wish you’d pick out some china or something that I could give you for birthdays and Christmas,” OK!
She gave these pieces to me over the years and they are some of my favorite possessions.
A collection of funky ceramic animals are tucked in between “alstroemeria trees” and “jungle grasses”
The elephants really seemed to be enjoying themselves!
The animals going all different directions reminded me of all the kids running every which way at the zoo!
I used leopard spot painted wine glasses and crystal water glasses
The martini glasses have a small raised gold dot that is hard to see in the photos
I love to use these glasses for a little “amuse bouche” before dinner, a bite of salad with a frico {cheese crisp} makes a lovely start to a meal.
Chalk painted candlesticks display large African orbs, single yellow alstroemeria stems are in inexpensive bud vases and the cheetah candlesticks hold “tiger” tapers
We love any excuse to eat in the dining room, and formal doesn’t have to mean stuffy! Don’t be afraid to break a few rules!
Thanks so much for visiting today, I hope you had a wild time!
You can find a categorized list of tablescapes under the tablescape tab at the top of the page for quick reference and inspiration~
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painted stemware from JMdesigns
for a tutorial on painting candlesticks and other silver click here
china is “Casablanca” by Christian Dior, no longer in production
animals are from Uruguay, Artesania Rinocanda, and other artists, collected over the years
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Your table is so cute! I love all the little animals!
This is a fantastic tablescape — very imaginative and creative. I think that your MIL had a great idea to add to such a wonderful and whimsical china pattern for you!
very fun, its a wild wild world out there!
Love the tablescape! It’s so festive! The zebra chargers are so fun 🙂
I love the jungle theme it is so fun and I love all the patterns mixed…the animals on the table are so clever and of course the china is so cool…Phyllis
Jenna, I love your walk on the wild side inspired by your trip to the zoo, what a fun time for the little ones! Your layered runners with your candlesticks and animals make such a fun centerpiece and your dishes are beautiful! I love them paired with the zebra chargers. Using the black placemats with the ruffled ones at the head of your table is a perfect and clever solution!
I am a huge fan of the Safari theme and you have done it up perfectly here. Those dishes are just STUNNING! What treasures!
Jenna – what an amazing table! I have always loved that Christian Dior china, but have never purchased any. I absolutely adore how you used it here! Every detail is so well-planned and it is always fun to see where bloggers get their inspirations! I hope the birthday party at the zoo was fun, fun, fun! Your table certainly is and very elegant at the same time!!
Thanks Diane! I googled the china when I was writing this post to see if it was still available anywhere since it’s been out of production for a while, and OMG, one dinner plate is $200! I almost fainted! I might never use it again!!! I’m sure it was much more reasonable back in the day or I never would have picked it out! $3.99 plates at Home Goods make me a lot more comfortable! Thanks for the nice comments, the table and the zoo were tons of fun!
Gorgeous table with great dishes and wild animals, just perfect for a boy’s birthday! I totally love it!
Big hugs,
FABBY
Thank you Fabby!
Perfection! I love it!
That is so cute, I love the different patterns you used and the animals…
XO,
Christine
Gorgeous table! Very exotic! Love it!…Christine
Love your Safari tablescape, how fun and you have such great accessories. Love the colors and all the animals. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
What a great table inspiration from your trip to the zoo. I’m with you on being nervous about using the plates now valued at $200.
Oh I love this Jenna!! Such a fun table and such a great way to get inspired! 🙂
Kenley
Love, love the African safari theme…the yellow alstroemeria are perfect as trees. Such a clever combination of all your beautiful dishes and accessories…
Judith
I’m happy to have found your blog via Homework Wednesday. For the longest I’ve wanted to do an Africa/India inspired table. Looking at this one is the perfect motivator.
Thanks Sandra, it was lots of fun! I have seen a bunch of wonderful India things around lately at Home Goods and Hobby Lobby~
Your table looks so great! I’m hosting a giveaway for $100 in throw pillows at my home blog. You should swing by and enter! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/throw-pillow-giveaway.html
I love this table! You did a fantastic job with all your texture and colors, it looks so elegant. This is my kind of jungle! I’d love to eat here. 🙂