When I started blogging five years ago, I focused on tablescapes, and since some of those old posts are pinned and repinned by the thousands, it dawned on me it just might be a good idea to focus on pretty tables again:-)
These days, though, I am loving my tables to be a little simpler. I chose iconic “Blue Willow” for this table because I really wanted to bring the indigo blue in to mix with the hot pink/fuchsia.
The silver plate flatware is part of a set my mother bought after we discovered the pattern, Oneida Meadowbrook, of an old pie server my grandmother always used.
I used the “grille” knives and forks just for something different. The handles are longer than the tines/blades and, according to replacements.com, are used “for eating delicacies directly off the grill,” and were popular in the 1930s. I’d love to hear any other ideas as to how these were properly used.
Because we use cloth napkins pretty much exclusively, I am always looking for a good deal on nice ones. I found 12 of these, new, 100% cotton damask napkins on ebay for less than $40 with free shipping. They are gorgeous and washed really well, which is always important for me.
I thought the April Cornell napkin rings added the perfect touch of whimsy with the gold and green beads.
For a centerpiece, I finally decided to try orchids again, and fell in love with the colors of these blooms. I did have one rebloom a few years ago, but found the time in between blooms made it hard for me to stay interested in caring for it. We’ll see how long I make it this time:-)
The vintage brass and crystal punch bowl is a family antique from India and is on loan from my mother.
I made the runner from another Indian silk sari I bought for a whopping $11 on ebay. I just cannot get enough of these vibrant colors and they are so appropriate for late summer — and on into fall. I can’t wait to bring in the gold leaves when the trees start to turn.
This is such a simple table to put together and can easily be changed into a totally different table simply by adding different plates and glassware.
Sunday dinners are usually when I like to set a pretty table because it’s really important to me for us to gather after church and enjoy a nice meal together. It takes effort, though, to get everything together, but is so worth it to see everyone enjoying this valuable family time.
I have more tables planned and will definitely be setting some outside as the weather starts to cool just a little. This is really the perfect rime of year to eat al fresco here, and I look forward to inviting you all to join us:-)
I’ll be joining:
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
Anita, the family heirlooms and with your vibrant sari makes the family table a place for good conversation and delicious comfort food. Looking forward to the beautiful fall pictures. Kathleen in Az
Thank you so much Kathleen:-) Yes, I am looking forward to those crisp days and we have had a couple cooler days this week, so it makes me long for fall!
Lovely table, so bright and very exotic with the color scheme!
Thank you Mary Anne! I am loving the bright colors this year:-)
Absolutely love this tablescape, your Blue Willow collection is gorgeous!
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
Thank you Jordyn! My grandmother collected these piece by piece when they were sold at the "grocery" store and gave a whole set to me when I got married:-) So they are very special!
Anita, Your table is beautiful. You have the touch! Love Blue Willow and am collecting. I have a teapot, but thought the other day that I'd like to get a Coffee Server. So, one is on order. I haven't played with my dishes in a long time. Will try to get some completed. Blessings,
d
Hi Deanna, thank you! I wish I had a teapot! My mom gave me the coffee server. You know I thought to myself that I really needed to set some tables, and I'm glad I did:-)
I have seen it "in person" and it is even more gorgeous than in the pictures. I love to walk into her house and see the beautiful way she has things arranged.
Thank you Mom! Love you:-)
What a beautiful place setting? Love the blue and purple together. I really like the music pages as placemats! Coming from share your style
Thank you Angelina, and thanks for stopping by!
Sunday family dinners have always been a BIG thing in our home. Like you I make an effort to do it up. They men are gone. school, work all week , running around, the boys have a busy social calendar, so Sundays we all come together and just do family time.
Our youngest gifted us a blue willow set , 5 piece place setting for 4 as an anniversary gift the end of June. I cried!!! This pattern was my grandmothers dishware when I was a child. Close to my heart.
LUV your table!!!!
Oh how wonderful Gee! I love mine, and haven't had it out the last couple years because I was using the aqua shades, but I'm so happy it's out. Thank you:-)
This is beautiful and vibrant with color! The napkins and sari go together nicely and the beautiful orchid is the jewelry! I'm the same way about growing them.
Thank you Liz!! We'll see how long this one lasts. They sure require patience!
I love finding new looks for Blue Willow but have never tried a vibrant shade of pink before. Now I'm wondering why not as your table is lovely. I've never heard of grille knives and forks before, they're really handsome.
I'm looking right now at an orchid that has not bloomed since Christmas. The leaves are glossy and I keep putting the 3 ice cubes in it every Tuesday but I want some blooms!
Have you seen signs of fall maybe approaching there in the mountains yet? Today here in Nashville we had a hint of fall with low humidity and a nice breeze, just a feel in the air.
Hi Dewena, it has been cool the last couple mornings, which has been so nice! But, it's still hot, so we have a while to go. I know…how to make them bloom I'll have to google some help!
Anita,
What a beautiful, vibrant table!! Love the choice of colors, and the orchid is lovely! Love Sunday dinners with family. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous table!!
Thank you so much Kathy! I hope I can keep it alive and blooming:-)
Blue and white is my all time favorite and I love how you made the runner from a sari….You have truly decorated with them so beautifully this summer….