Thursday, April 27, 2017

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
   
  
  
  

  

  

 

38 comments:

  1. I have a collection of violet ceramics too, but no plates. Love yours!! The green chargers set them off nicely and I love your tablecloth. My irises are blooming too! Visiting from Foodie Friday.

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    1. Thank you! The dishes were an impulse buy at an antique store - had to have them since I don't see many in soft shades of purple!

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    2. I think you made a great decision. Those plates are absolutely darling. I would have snatched them up myself!

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    3. Thanks! In my defense, I managed to search the whole store before I circled back for them! I have used them more than I thought I would.

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  2. I love your table. I use to have irises growing when I loved up north and really miss them here in Florida. Their smell is intoxicating. You are so lucky. Lovely table.
    Bev

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    1. The irises seem to thrive here, no matter which type I plant. When they bloom, I know spring is here to stay! Thanks for visiting!

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  3. Your table is so beautiful - I love the plates, the iris, and the wine glasses on lovely lace.

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    1. Thanks so much! The iris set the tone and the colors for me! And I just had to use the tablecloth....

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  4. The colors are perfect and the linen is beautiful. Lovely table!

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    1. They used to make such exquisite items for everyday use! Thanks for visiting

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  5. A lovely and charming table. Love the pretty china.

    Janet
    rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

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    1. I love how the painters gave the flowers such dimension! So glad you took the time to comment.

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  6. So sweet and beautiful. The flowers complete it. Thank you for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!

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    1. The two-toned petals have such richness that I couldn't go wrong! Thanks for providing a great party.

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  7. Gorgeous. I love this. Thanks for sharing at Monday Social.

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    1. Thank you! Always happy to join a fun group of folks

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  8. The irises look like velvet and are perfect for this beautiful table. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope your week is going great.

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    1. The irises are even richer in person! I've had one of those improbable weeks where the oddest things happen! All well, next week is bound to be better......

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  9. Simply beautiful! Love those dishes and of course the beautiful iris centerpiece arrangement. The Irish linen tablecloth is a beauty- wonderful details. I won't have iris blooming here until the end of May/early June. Your description of the iris is very elegant!

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    1. When Mother Nature provides such stunning inspiration, you just can't go wrong! It has been fun watching the same flowers blooming each week as the warmth creeps northward. I know you'll enjoy your irises! Thanks for your lovely comments

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  10. Hi Sandra,
    Lovely table! The violet plates are so pretty and I like how you e combined them with the green chargers. Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Helen. I didn't think when I bought the chargers that I would use them as much as I do. The green goes with so many plate patterns.

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  11. Have you ever seen The Quiet American, an old John Wayne/Maureen O'Sullivan movie. Well, Mary Kate Danaher would have loved to have been able to set a lovely table like yours in her wee Irish cottage. Beautiful design work. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay

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    1. What a nice thought! My Irish grandmother is surely smiling down on us! I have seen parts of The Quiet American, but I have to confess to not seeing the whole movie. It will now be on my 'to do' list! Thanks for visiting

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  12. Oh my!Fabulous tablescape!My favorite...So sweet!

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    1. Thanks! You can't go wrong when you start with flowers!

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  13. Oh your violet plates remind me of some trinkets my grandmother had! So glad you dropped by to share your lovely tablescape! Have a blessed Easter weekend!

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    1. Thank you! My grandmother grew African violets in her kitchen window for years. These plates reminded me of her.

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  14. We are all loving your violet plates. They are beautiful setting on your green chargers. Lovely table with your iris centerpiece, violet colored napkins and purple stemware.

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    1. Thanks so much, Judy! I have always loved purple shades in flowers, decor and just about anything else!

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  15. I love bearded iris and they just don't do well where I live. Beautiful violet tablescape for a luncheon. So springlike!

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    1. Thanks! I'm smitten by all types of irises!

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  16. The Bearded Iris is such a lovely flower and a great standout on this pretty table. Thanks for joining us again at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you! Always happy to join the party!

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  17. I enjoyed your tablescape very much. My favorite color is purple and although dishes with pink roses are my first love, violets are right behind them; I have half a dozen different cups and saucers! Will have a tea party someday!Your table would be perfect for a Mother's Day luncheon!

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! Always happy to meet another purple-holic! lol. I'd love to see your tea party.

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  18. So lovely!Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! I'm glad you enjoyed my table.

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