A Table for Sunflowers

Sunflowers are blooming everywhere! In the fields, in the gardens, in the flower shops. And on my table!

They're irresistible and so they came home with me.

This type is a clear yellow rather than golden, and sized somewhat smaller than others I found. The deep velvety brown of their disk florets is hypnotizing.

Sunflowers are happy flowers! Who can look on them without smiling?

To complement the flowers I chose sunny linens and gold flatware and chargers. I wanted a table that was bright and fun!

For a bit of whimsy I added flower-topped watering cans.

To continue the warm, sunny feel I chose plates that replicate the intricate designs of fine Italian plates.

While gold can certainly look formal, here it brings warmth and depth to a casually set table.

I added chrysanthemum cuttings to the sunflowers. The chrysanthemums have begun to bud, and are on track to bloom earlier than I'd like. So I'll snip the garden buds and delay the blooming cycle a few weeks.

Instead of placemats, I crossed two table runners.

I sometimes do that to bring more pattern to the table.

I love the vibrancy of these plates! I can draw so many accent colors from them, as you can see here.

Would you have guessed they're melamine? Or that the goblets drawing the blues from the plates are acrylic? Although I collect beautiful crystal and china, the designs and durability of these types of dinnerware can add easy informality to classic tables, then readily move outside for alfresco lunches. And I'm all for that!

The mottled vase in cobalt is a bold counterpoint to the sunflowers.

Sunflowers were made for August tables!

Table sources
Table runners, napkins | Sur la Table