A Garden Table

Inspiration for a table setting can come from just about anywhere. I had been sitting on the deck in the shade of the trees, enjoying the flowers in the containers (seen here) and watching the wrens busily bringing morsels of food to their chicks.

It was obvious — I should bring the garden to the table! 

With the colors of the garden and the sky in mind, I gathered elements from the house that would reflect those colors and also add welcome texture.

Fern leaves encircle the basket weave on the plate. The placemat is woven in a spiral.

Stylized flowers cover the napkins (used previously here), held in place by mini watering cans.

Flowers picked this morning from my garden casually center the table.

Sunny daisies partner with hydrangeas, which have finally decided to bloom.

The violet vinca brings a jolt of unexpected color.

What garden would be complete without these little guys?

I have to admit that greens and blues are my favorite colors to mix and pair. They also happen to be the mainstays of nature (along with brown, which isn't as much in evidence in summer).

We found these vintage (we think — no hallmarks) salt and pepper shakers cleaning out my mother-in-law's house. They're painted ceramic with a chalky finish.

I used hobnail glass votives in coordinating colors. Clear crystal glasses are deeply cut and bounce the sunlight around the table. They also add a touch of elegance to a casual table.

This hydrangea had begun to fade. The grays of its florets contrast with the bright greens of boxwood cuttings.

I think this is very much a summer table, repeating the view out the windows.

And it's much more comfortable indoors these days!

Table resources
Plates | Bordallo Pinheiro
Flatware | Oneida 'Juilliard'
Stemware | Towle 'Tiara'
Napkins | Fiesta