Today’s “Summerscape” features a tablesetting with a twist! Lots of natural elements were used to create an herbal, garden theme. The color scheme is black, white and touches of yellow and green.
Do you always gravitate to a certain look or color combination?
Whenever, I look in a catalog or magazine, a black and white scheme always is appealing. It was a pleasant surprize to find some fun items to use for this tablescape that I already had on hand. The really cute flower Market container and a black and white plaid pillow was found at JoAnn Fabrics. They had an impressive variety of garden items when I was there, and I had a 60% off coupon. Win, win! Download their app to get great deals on just about everything.
The tablecloth and napkins are from Homegoods, The woven chargers are from Williams-Sonoma, and the chalkboard napkin rings I got a couple of years ago from Pottery Barn
Check out the Pottery Barn site to see some really creative napkin rings, placecard holders and other great tabletop items.
You may have noticed the Duckhorn Merlot on the table. This is one of our favorite wines that we just got from their wine club. It’s a bit pricey, but REALLY good! We had a bottle of this last night with our Mustard Chive Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Artichokes.
Here are a few things that you can add to any tablescape to make it extra special:
Foliage or florals – flowers in a pitcher, a pot of daisies, topiary plant, fresh roses in a pretty vase, a basket full of cut flowers, small juice glasses filled with a variety of blooms. If you have ever watched Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network, she is the queen of using small vases or glasses filled with flowers for her centerpieces. Simple and elegant!
A Theme/Centerpiece – garden, fancy brunch, high tea, tropical, rustic, “Frenchy”, coastal, a specific color scheme, or specific item
Stacking plates with different colors and shapes (Martha Stewart taught me many years ago that mixing and matching is much more interesting than “matchy matchy”. And, Martha knows)
Linens to match your “look” – tablecloths, placemats, kitchen towels as napkins, a table runner versus a tablecloth, and colorful or textured napkins can all make a huge statement. I even used a large scarf as a tablecloth while traveling in Italy to make our dining atmosphere more enjoyable. Just drape over the table and add your serving items
Chargers – a woven mat, large leaf, placemat, kitchen towel or anything that anchors the settings
Candles – either a single candle or grouped together. I like to use candles that have a hurricane glass around them to prevent dripping
Books – stacked to add some different heights and elevations
Decorative plates on a plate stand to embellish your table
Topiaries ALWAYS topiaries!
Grouping of items that fit the theme – herbs for an outdoor vignette, birdcages, baby items for a shower, tiered plate stand for a high tea, leaves for a fall scape, birdnests and our feathered friends for a touch of Spring, Christmas balls or other items for the holidays. Whew, the possibilities are ENDLESS!
Organic items – a bowl of fresh green apples, lemons, bananas, herbs, or plants
Decorative pillows on the chairs around the table that fit the theme
Baskets – any wicker basket, trug, or wire basket will do
Placecards and printed menus – this always makes your setting special. Your guests will love the printed menu featuring what will be served, and placecards make it easy to decide where to seat your guests
A small gift at each setting – small box of chocolates, mini herb plant, small bud vase with fresh flower, package of cookies or brownies, decorative wine stopper, etc. It’s a nice touch to give something that will remind your guests of the wonderful time spent at your home
So, bottom line is that you can “shop your house” to find items to use in your tablescape.
My name is Kim and my passion is surrounding myself, family, and friends in a life of luxury. Each week, I’ll share with you new tips and recipes to create a luxurious life .