Setting the Table for a November Birthday

Do you find yourself in a situation like mine, where there are a number of special birthdays clustered around the fall and winter holidays? We celebrate birthdays from the last of days of November until the first week of January. For each of them I try to set a table that says 'here's a special day' but downplays — or better yet doesn't include — holiday trimmings.

The late November birthday belongs to Greg. This year I set a table for him that's definitely fall, but there's not a pumpkin or turkey in sight!

Deep gold placemats set the tone, followed by dark rattan chargers and contemporary china with charming studies of hunting dogs in muted shades of brown, green and gold. The pattern has six types of dogs, framed by the British Flowers border which dates back to 1831.

Black Labrador Retriever (my favorite of the six)

Pair of Golden Retrievers

 

 

The centerpiece was built around a hand-woven basket which has a shed antler as its handle.

 

Two Flat Coated Pointers

Yellow Labrador Retriever

To add color and artistry, I used several pheasants from my collection which I've been adding to gradually. These two were a "just because" gift from Greg, so I particularly wanted to build the centerpiece with them.

Faux flowers fill the basket we discovered at an antique shop in Greenville, South Carolina. For more on our trip there see Falls Park on the Reedy.

The intricate pattern of the napkins complement the border of the plates. The napkins looked quite different when I used them in the Falling for Apples tablescape. Greg's mother's gold flatware makes a bright pairing, also with quite a bit of detail.

These lovely pheasants strutting through flowers and leaves are candle holders, but I'm not using them this way today. I love their level of detail.

I've used glassware in topaz iridescent glass. It too has intricate detailing, yet is content to play a supporting role. The glasses are often viewed as a Depression-like glass pattern based on their design, although they were actually made later in the 1950s. I like their square bases.

Jake is pleased that the black lab plate is my favorite!

Big brother Joey is convinced that where there's a birthday — treats can be found!

The pheasant? He's not so sure!

Although designed for a birthday dinner, this setting could be used at any time during the fall or winter. Just use a mix of deeper colors, natural elements and special details.

All I need is the cake! 

Thank you for visiting!

 

Table Resources
Plates | Spode 'Woodland'
Pheasants | Fitz & Floyd
Tumblers | Jeannette 'Floragold' (aka 'Louisa')