Pay tribute to fall and friendship by hosting your closest friends to a memorable dinner.
One of the best ways to honor your guests is to create a remarkable dining table. Something that will peak interest - with the colors, the designs, the "wow- this looks amazing!"
I confess, guests who come to our FrenchGardenHouse for dinner, probably shouldn't expect a five-star meal.
Of course I want guests to enjoy the food, but my true joy is to design a table that will show the people I adore how much I love them. A table that will wow them!
To create a stunning table, sometimes it's okay to go a little wild and crazy.
Like I did here, with this bold, colorful Jewel Toned Fall table setting.
I challenged myself to set a table using both antique French dishes as well as inexpensive contemporary pieces.
I wanted to create a special, slightly quirky table setting with personality, using some of the antiques I love.
A table that isn't at all how most of our tables are set on a day to day basis, a decidedly FUN table!
Each place setting contains sumptuous layers of gold, black and navy blue. I covered the table with a black and white checked cloth, and then for a fun surprise, layered on a runner of gold, cream and beige leopard wallpaper.
YES! You read that right.
WALLPAPER.
I have a whole roll of leopard print wallpaper that I bought because I loved it. I've used it to wrap gifts.
And thought it was an inspired idea to use it as a runner on this fall table.
Gold chargers, contemporary black plates, antique French ironstone plates and new gingham checked plates in navy blue create a base for my favorite navy linen napkins and one perfect succulent pear.
I decided that each pear needed a special touch, the black & white gingham ribbon echoes the larger checked tablecloth, and adds a little pop!
One of the easiest ways to personalize your table setting is to make a little place card for each guest. You can write their name, like I did here.
Or a quote, or saying, or scripture works beautifully too!
I continued the blue theme by incorporating Delftware ginger jars as a centerpiece, along with a few other antique Delft pieces I inherited from my Mom.
And pressed a set of antique French hand painted goblets in an electric color blue into service as votive holders.
A small floral centerpiece completes this table.
It's a little unconventional, but this is a table your guests won't quickly forget!
A beautiful table is the fire-starter of a delightful evening with friends. Who can help but have a good time when the tablescape is this exciting?
HOW DO YOU SET YOUR TABLE FOR A SPECIAL MEAL WITH PEOPLE YOU ADORE?
Here is the source list {since so many of you always ask}
Source List – Click on the items below for direct links to the products.
- Blue Check Desert|Salad Plates
- French Country Blue Plates
- Antique French Flatware
- Luxurious Navy Linen Napkins
- Pewter Place Card Holders
- Antique French Enameled Blue Liquer Glasses
13 comments
Vicky, thank you! I’m so thrilled that I’ve encouraged you to pull out your gorgeous blue pieces and enjoy them “out” – hope they give you joy!
Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
What a stunning table! Everything looks beautiful! I love the many interesting layers and saturated colors. I am swooning over those ginger jars!
What a gorgeous table. If I were seated there I wouldn’t care what I was being served! The table settings alone are a feast. I love those blue goblets – they absolutely jumped out of the photos at me. They made me think of a beautiful blue (about the same color) bowl and matching candlesticks that I have tucked away. I’ll be getting them out this morning and putting them on my dining room table. Thanks so much for your beautiful post this morning!