The Lunar New Year begins on Friday, February 16, with celebrations that can last for two weeks. Last year it began in January. Each year it falls on a different date because the calendar is based on the cycles of the moon.
Jake was so excited to find out that 2018 will be the Year of the Dog!
According to the calendar, the dog represents fidelity – and both of ours demonstrate it!
In honor of our furry ones, a lunar new year table was created in their favorite room. The plate stack is topped by a bowl with a foo dog design. "Foo dogs" are actually Imperial guardian lions, believed to have powerful mythic protective benefits. But I think that describes dogs perfectly!
Burgundy red placemats and napkins belonged to Greg's mother.
Green tea will be served from this cast iron pot, which Greg gave me one year for my birthday.
One of the porcelain dragons from Greg's collection reigns over the center of the table. Another of his dragons claimed that spot in last year's table.
A close-up of the side of the bowl and the plate stack. I love how the bowl's pattern resembles fish scales in rich colors. Matching its opulence is the design of the plates - vibrant blue bands with intricate gold edging.
Red envelopes on the table are gifts presented at social and family gatherings or holidays. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck.
Two porcelain figures and tall brass candlesticks join the dragon in the center.
The place settings are completed by porcelain spoons I've had since college, chop sticks and uncomplicated goblets for wine or water.
Joey approves! (He's convinced every year is the year of the dog!)
Resources
Plates, cups | Noritake 'Lamarre'
Bowls | Williams Sonoma 'New Moon'
Stemware | Marquis by Waterford
Sandra, wow and wow and wow again! A stunning, elegant table. Loved the entire photo tour, especially pix of those awesome bowls and the dragon. I'm new to your blog, has G traveled to Asia?
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Dinner at Eight, Debbee, so glad you found me! We haven't been to Asia yet, but it's on the list. He loves dragons, and has a number from China, Japan and Thailand -- and several from Renaissance fairs!
DeleteOh my this is wonderful! I love the white dragon and those dishes are fantastic! Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz! As a girl who loves color, I found the white centerpiece a bit of a challenge!
DeleteThis is a lively and colorful table! I have the same china in green instead of your blue. Its called Noritake Perdita.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that? Thanks for visiting!
DeleteWhat a wonderful tablesetting and so exotic and Asian! We need this perspective! Thanks for sharing as it is very elegant!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bernideen! You host a fun party!
DeleteWOW!How exquisite!!!Love your tablescape!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm glad you came visiting!
DeleteBeautiful table with so many interesting pics. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy! I think I'm finally getting better at taking blog photos. Hope you have a great weekend -- we're in for a very wet, very warm one!
DeleteBeautiful table.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked it. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteI think every year is the year of the Dog also. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm a dog
It would be hard to convince me otherwise! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSo pretty! I've been working on designing a Korean inspired tablescape to celebrate my kids earning their blackbelt. You have motivated me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, I bet they'll be so pleased! I'd love to see the tablescape. Thanks for visiting, Missy.
DeleteAbsolutely exquisite and one of my favorites from you. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story and we hope you will join us again next week.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra, I'm glad you liked it! I so enjoy coming to your party.
DeleteYour table is gorgeous. And I can tell you have an eager canine admirer there -- but I have a feeling your dinner was too fine even for him!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanie! They're typical labs -- love food and will eat anything, except celery and bananas. (I know, because they've tried, lol)
DeleteHappy Year of the Dog to Jake and Joey! Your Lunar New Year table-scape is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThey're wagging their tails in response -- thanks for visiting!
DeleteWhat a great way to celebrate the year of the dog! I found the part about the calendar very interesting. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks, Jann! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteBeautiful. I love all of your Chinoiserie accents. Amazing. Thanks for sharing at Keep In Touch.
ReplyDeleteKatie, thank you for your comments and for hosting the party!
DeleteI am a big fan of Asian decor, and I love this, Sandra. My husband had a few pieces of Asian furniture and a really nice foo dog that the rest of his family didn't like from his bachelor days (he had an interior designer help him). I am so glad he kept them all. Beautiful WS bowls look so good with your Noritake china, along with Greg's dragon and porcelain figures.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rita! My husband came with dragons, about half Asian or Asian-inspired. My mother loved Asian decor and had a number of pieces. So I was destined to be influenced!
DeleteI was wondering throughout the post about the date and then when I read your disclaimer at the end I had to smile! Technology is always surprising!! But, I'm glad I got to enjoy your beautiful table and sweet dogs! The dragons are incredible, and I love your beautiful china and the spoons. It looks gorgeous and worthy of a special celebration! It's wonderful that you have pieces from your mother and husband to treasure.
ReplyDeleteJenna
Thank you, Jenna, for your sweet comments! I love beautiful china, and I'm grateful that I have lovely pieces to remember times spent with wonderful people. As for technology -- I've had more than a few days of utter frustration! Ah well, it's a learning experience, right?
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