Celtic Patterns for the Table

I was very excited planning this table! It is the first St. Patrick's Day table I've set since we traveled through Ireland last May. So I've included a few shots from our trip to set the stage.

Ireland is incredibly green, in shades from yellow-green through dark spruce. Miss J is admiring the view from Newgrange — even in the rain, the greens are vibrant!

I bought this beautiful scarf at Trinity College in Dublin. The emerald cloth is woven with repeating Celtic patterns in a yellow green. Since it is very wide, I thought it would work perfectly as a table runner.

Place settings begin with deep verdant green dinner plates in two organic patterns — dragonflies and leaves. Salad plates rimmed in gold hold vintage fruit bowls in a color often called 'apple green'. I haven't yet tracked down the manufacturer or pattern name.

I wanted the table design to recapture these views!

Daffodils were gathered from the garden for a simple centerpiece. You can see more of them in the garden Spring Dreaming. The vase I chose replicates the look of encircling leaves.

Enjoying the 'meadow' are several sheep! Aren't they the cutest? They were an eBay find — whimsical salt and pepper shakers. One of the joys of the train rides we took across Ireland were the many fields and meadows we passed, most of which were home to sheep, as well as some goats and cattle. And of course we brought home sweaters, scarves and hats knit with Irish wool!

This was one of the highlights as far as Miss J was concerned!

Gold flatware brackets the dishes and grosgrain ribbons tie the napkins. 

For St. Patrick's Day I've added pots of gold on either side of the centerpiece. The cauldrons were purchased in the fall and have been used on quite different tables When Halloween Nears and Chinese New Year -- Vintage Style. I love it when you get unexpected versatility!

We've had high winds and very cold temperatures for the last few days. The daffodils were a bit battered in the garden so I didn't mind in the least bringing a few inside. I left plenty for the neighbors to enjoy!

To complete the place settings I've used my dad's vintage beer mugs and the green wine glasses (as yet unidentified) that I picked up at an antique mall.

I have five varieties of daffodils/jonquils planted in the garden. Four types are in the vase; the fifth, petite Narcissus 'Thalia', haven't yet bloomed.

A small section of the gardens at Blarney Castle, located near Cork.

The cloth reverses to a yellow green ground with emerald designs. Both sides are beautiful, with a bit of shimmer.

I couldn't resist adding this jolly fellow and his golden coins to the buffet behind the table!

On Saturday, Greg and I went to the sale at the Waterford outlet store which will be closing soon. (I will sorely miss it!) We found these beautifully cut crystal candlesticks at 70% off. Since I had planned an Irish table it was meant to be!

Table resources
Dinner plates | Bordallo Pinheiro
Salad plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'
Vase | Waterford Marquis
Cauldrons | Crate & Barrel