Thursday, July 23, 2020

Summer Tables: Dreaming of Travel

Summer has settled in, with daily temperatures in the 90's and almost equally high humidity. Afternoon showers bring only temporary relief. So we have retreated inside for most of the day, venturing outside reluctantly, preferably as the sun goes down.

It appears that we will be sheltering at home for the foreseeable future. I have grown tired of reading, watching DVDs and Netflix, and solving puzzles. What to do? Dream of the travel that we will surely do someday soon! 

Since I love to create tablescapes, I designed one that combines a travel dream of mine with a hearty dose of one of Greg's.


Oceans, lakes and tropical beaches have always drawn Greg. Me, not so much! I'd rather be in the shade and a lot cooler, lol. For him I used placemats with palm trees and sand. Dinner and salad plates in white are separated by luncheon plates edged in bamboo and topped by dessert plates with palm leaves.


I've often daydreamed about taking a safari, ever since a friend in college took spring quarter off to safari in east Africa. Exotic ceramic animals masquerading as salt and pepper shakers amble across the table. They debuted last year at Miss J's graduation party.


There are mischievous monkeys,


Self-assured tigers, and


Wary zebras.

Yes, I've mixed continents here. This is a dream after all, lol.

For a casual counterpoint to the fine gold-rimmed china, I've used stainless flatware and laid the matching napkins between the plates. The plates with the bamboo edge? Although they're melamine they bring the right touch.


Continuing the theme, the buffet sports my safari hat and Greg's camera,


a  Bronica Zenza ETRS. (Note to self — create a table showcasing his collection!)


I added a striking modern note with this pitcher, which will hold something delicious and COLD!

Please ignore the construction zone visible through the French doors. Another day, another post!

This photo shows that I don't just like my zebras as salt and pepper shakers. The centerpiece jar usually sits in the room beyond, where we have two of the most comfortable chairs ever, covered in a zebra-patterned fabric. In the left corner you can catch a glimpse of the fluffy throws that cover the dogs' crates.


Sorry about the yellow cast to these photos and the glare from the chandelier and lamps. These were taken during the regular afternoon rain showers. If I can get a decent sunny day I'll update with better lit photos.


Simple in design — long on reverie. Where are you dreaming of traveling to? I can think of so many places!



Table resources
Dinner, salad plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'
Dessert plates | American Atelier 'West Indies'
Flatware | Mikasa 'Italian Countryside'


   


24 comments:

  1. Sandra, a safari trip sounds like a wonderful idea, and your lovely safari tablescape sets the perfect mood. (Actually a trip anywhere sounds good lol). Your collection of safari salt and pepper shakers are too cute. Melamine plates have really come a long way and often you have to look really closely to know for sure. The tablescape somehow looks very serene and restful to me (maybe its the lighting, ha). Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim, for your lovely comments! I'd love to travel just about anywhere!

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  2. Lovely table Sandra! I'm dreaming right along with you, sigh!

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  3. I hope you make it to that safari some day but until then enjoy your table setting. Such a nice reminder to plan for that vacation. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. Thank you, Donna. I think it's especially important to dream and plan during tough times!

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  4. We were supposed to be I Italy this week :( I totally understand where you are coming from. I love your idea of creating a safari Tablescape! Such a fun and creative idea! I would love to have you come and join Centerpiece Wednesday Linky Party and share your idea with us.
    https://karinskottage.com/2020/07/centerpiece-wednesday-party-time.html
    Karin

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    1. Thanks, Karin! Italy...sigh, one of many places I'd like to go. Thanks as well for the invitation.

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  5. Sandra,
    What a lovely tablescape. Your salt and pepper shakers are adorable. We went on safari to Africa when the kids were little. It was an amazing experience. I hope you get to go some day. Congratulations, you are being featured at Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by.
    https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/07/thursday-favorite-things_30.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

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    1. Oh, I hope the safari was as good as you imagined! We didn't have firm plans, but a trip to Botswana was (IS!) definitely on the list. I'm glad you liked the salt and pepper shakers. They were a fun hunt on eBay. Thanks so much for the feature!

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  6. Such a fun table. Travel is not good right now. A Safari table is so fun. It is always fun to gather the accessories. Happy Sunday Sandra.

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    1. Thanks, Linda. We spent the early part of the year talking about where we'd love to travel next, but it was not to be :( But there's always next year and in the meantime I'll travel in my imagination.

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  7. I have a friend who has a jungle-themed bedroom and other areas that can be jungly! I have found 2 clearance pillows with toucans, now paper plates; a S&P set started it for her Sept. birthday. Will be some spots of color among all the gold/black/white!

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    1. Kathy, that's sounds so fun! I'm sure she'll love it! Thanks for stopping by

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  8. I LOVE this table! It is TOTALLY my style! I have never been on a safari (and am not quite sure that I would want to), but I am seriously drawn to all of the patterns, animals, etc. Beautifully done here!

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    1. Thanks, Pattie! I hadn't realized I had all the elements I needed until I 'shopped' my house!

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  9. Your table setting looks amazing and inspires me to pack my bags! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,499 and hope you have a great week!
    Miz Helen

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    1. My bags have never gathered this much dust! I so want to visit my daughter or my family! Not to mention a real vacation (sigh..).

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  10. I really like your safari tablescape, its perfect for daydream trips to far away places. I see elements that would work wonderful in my Florida home and thank you for the inspiration.

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    1. Karen, thanks so much for visiting! I have really enjoyed designing tables for the places I've been or would like to see. Glad I could give you some ideas!

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  11. It's fun to plan and dream for those future trips! Thanks for sharing at the FWF party.
    Hugs
    RR

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    1. Yes it is! I'm still dreaming and planning, and crossing my fingers!

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