Wednesday, August 7, 2019

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
  


    

28 comments:

  1. Those plates are so pretty, never guessed they were melamine until you said it!!! Pretty runners, too!!

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    1. Melamine and acrylic dinnerware have come a long way since I was a kid. They're heavier and more durable. And I love all the colors and patterns! Thanks for stopping by, Ann.

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  2. I love sunflowers, especially this time of year and just bought a bunch this week. They look beautiful paired with your pretty blue vase and the yellow print table runners! And those plates!! Gorgeous, I thought they were Italian pottery! There are so many really cute melamine plates now, and I love using them. Wonderful summer table!
    Jenna

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    1. Thanks so much, Jenna! I always buy sunflowers this time of year since they're Daughter J's favorite flower. They're large and bold and go well with equally bold colors! I went to the store about 3 times before I bought the plates but couldn't get them out of my mind!

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  3. What a pretty and inviting table....I almost bought the vary same dishes!! The sunflowers are so pretty

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    1. Thank you, Patti! I didn't really need melamine plates but I was entranced by the pattern and colors. I see you were too!!

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  4. Absolutely stunning!!!I love the linens,so elegant and happy,love the colorful dishes(look italian faience/stoneware)and the adorable centerpiece with sunflowers!Those cans are a sweet and creative touch!I also enjoy your gorgeous silverware,wow!How inspiring!

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    1. Thanks for your sweet comments, Maristella! I've always loved pretty linens and buy them wherever I find them. I was entranced by the plates - and to think they're melamine!

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  5. I love this sunflower tablescape, Sandra! The dishes do most of the 'talking' and everything else compliments the dishes perfectly!

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  6. Sandra, this is such a pretty table--love it all-- the flowers, runners, and dishes! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia, I was happy with it! I guess I should have said that the flatware is almost vintage!

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  7. Very pretty table, Sandra! I love a yellow table with fresh flowers. Thanks for joining us at Tuesday Turn About!

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    1. Thanks, Crissy, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for visiting

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  8. What a beautiful tablescape!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Thank you, Debbie, for your comments and your visits. Hope you come back for another visit!

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  9. I have my fresh sunflowers on my table in a deep blue cobalt vase too! What a beautiful table setting to go with them.

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    1. Thanks so much! Yellow and blue is an unbeatable combination, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, to draw, to decorate with, and just to enjoy. Your table is beautiful and thank you for sharing it. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. Thank you! Something about sunflowers is irresistible! They make me happy.

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  11. Beautiful Sandra. I love your dishes, bright and cheerful. Sunflowers make everyone smile. The blue vase is gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing at Love Your Creativity. I am happy to feature your sunflower table today.

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    1. Linda, what a lovely surprise! Thank you! I think sunny yellow brightens your mood as well as your table.

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  12. Beautiful, bright and happy! Love the yellow runners criss-crossed, and no, I would not have guessed melamine and acrylic! Love the hurricane as vase too. You're so right - August is for sunflowers!

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    1. Thanks, Rita! Outdoor-friendly dinnerware has certainly come a long way. Each design is prettier than the last. If they weren't 5 feet tall I'd grow sunflowers!

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  13. This is absolutely gorgeous, Sandra! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!

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    1. Thank you, Cecilia! So glad you liked it (and pinned it)!

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  14. Sandra - what a happy tablescape this is and those sunflowers are just perfect! I love your plate stack with the blues and yellows and golds, and I never would have guessed that those plates were melamine - they are just stunning! Or that the goblets were acrylic. The table runner is so pretty too and what a neat idea to criss cross them. Thanks for sharing this wonderful table!

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    1. Thanks, Kim! You can’t beat sunflowers for providing smiles around a table! I love using the modern types of dinnerware meant for outside tables to create pretty and practical tables — their designs provide so many options!

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