Autumn Arrives with Color

Many of you welcomed fall weeks ago. But here in North Georgia it has only just arrived, bringing with it brilliant colors that have transformed trees everywhere. The last hardy flowers in the gardens bloom in deep,vibrant shades.

I wanted to capture that exuberance inside, and what better way than by bringing the colors of autumn to the table!

For a centerpiece, I've relocated the faux flower arrangement I had made a few weeks ago for the dining room.

But the real stars of the table are these eye-catching salad plates! I purchased these last fall after Thanksgiving and this is the first chance I've had to use them.

There are four designs inspired by Dutch still-life paintings on a lustrous black background. They have a wondrous depth and are prettier than my photos convey.

Joining them are quail salt and pepper shakers, seated on colorful leaves and grapes.

A gold-printed tablecloth forms the backdrop, then dark rattan chargers and white bone china support the salad plates. You can see how the tablecloth was used in another season here.

I tucked sprays of berries under the chargers to repeat those on the plates.

Gold was the metal of choice, found in candlesticks, flatware and these vintage glasses with an entwined looping pattern of gold and black. A set of eight, I discovered them buried in an antique mall with their original wire carrier.

Choosing napkins was surprisingly difficult. White was uninspiring and I do not have any gold. I finally decided on these, which are somewhat goldenrod and somewhat apricot. They first appeared here. Amber and gold beaded napkin rings let them fan out prettily.

I've again used my MIL's gold flatware. I don't know that I would have bought flatware in gold, but I've been surprised at how often it has made an appearance in my tablescapes.

The pattern on the tablecloth provides interest while not competing with the main design.

These will remain until we get ready for Thanksgiving.


Table details
Salad plates | Williams Sonoma 'Harvest Bloom'
Dinner plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'
Wine glasses | Waterford Marquis
1960's vintage barware