Lunch with Violets and Irises

Lavender and lilac, violet and amethyst. Spring comes with so many lovely shades of purple

This week irises began to bloom in my garden and I couldn't resist bringing them inside! 

I love how this variety of bearded iris, named for the orange tuft of short upright extensions growing in its midline (part of the stamen), has such velvety sepals, often referred to as "falls". They are a deep purple, surmounted by soft lilac standards.

I placed the irises and leaves from nearby plants in a green bubble vase that G bought ages ago.

Now I had a gorgeous centerpiece, but what to put with it for an informal lunch? Violets of course!

Subtle shading really brings the violets to life on plates from the 1940's.

The green of the contemporary glass chargers enhances the greens of the stems and leaves. Lavender napkins in a simple fold and elegant goblets in amethyst add to the chorus of purples without overwhelming the place setting.

Underneath it all is an exquisite Irish linen tablecloth dating from the early 1900's.

Hand embroidered and crocheted, it was found in London and brought to Georgia by an Irish emigre who specializes in antique linens.

The items I've used span more than 100 years, but I think they are comfortably compatible.

Perhaps the overall effect tends toward the delicate -- and yet the chargers and irises are anything but.

I haven't settled on the menu, but chocolate truffles will be served on this charming tidbit plate.

The garden inside. What better setting for lunch?

Thanks for stopping by!!


 

Resources  

Charger | Fitz and Floyd, used here
Plates | Rossetti 'Spring Violets'
Stemware | Fostoria 'Classic-Amethyst'
Flatware | Oneida 'Juilliard'
my April Garden