Inspiration for setting tables can be found in many forms. One of my favorite sources for ideas are flowers — their colors, their seasonality, their forms and textures. Today I'm sharing a table that began with a stunning arrangement of flowers my husband gave me for my birthday. I wanted the table to be a lovely accompaniment for his romantic gesture.
The flowers were breathtaking, an array of peonies, orchids, hydrangeas, roses, lisianthus, gooseneck loosestrife, ranunculus, and snapdragons!
A creamy white linen table runner serves as the base for the flowers, candles and serving pieces. Matching napkins are nestled within blue napkins, also of linen but with not as fine a weave.
I wanted an elegant look for this romantic dinner for two. Chargers were added beneath the plates and individual butter knives were laid across the bread plates. The cross-hatch texture of the chargers mimics that of the linens. They are favorites of mine, used often and in all seasons.
I love the patterned salad plates with their delightful violets surrounded by a border of delicate petals, that were first used in Artistry and Romance — A Valentine's Table. Between the two are dinner plates with a cream ground, edged in intertwined lines of aqua, brown and tan that repeat the loose stems of the violets. I think the design has a casual elegance to it, charmingly seen in Dreaming of Paris.
No birthday celebration is complete without a bit of champagne, and these coupes intricately etched with geometric designs are a lovely change from standard flutes. They were probably made sometime during 1940-1960 in Pittsburgh. I only have four (so far!). I paired them with wine and water glasses in a smoky dark purple ombré that play off the color of the violets. I haven't yet identified their pattern. I like that both types of glassware have similar wafers in the stems.
Silver always adds an air of elegance and I love to use it for its soft patina on tables of all kinds. Here it's a covered antique bowl in heavy English silverplate, engraved on the underside in Edwardian script. It's joined by a contemporary artisan-made salt cellar of silver and shell.
They're joined by a gracefully rendered pitcher that seems to glow.
The inside curve of the handle highlights a bud on a slim stalk, repeating the flower motifs.
Of course a romantic table wouldn't be complete without candles set in crystal holders!
I'm entranced by the ornate floral design rendered on the covered bowl, offset by its graceful shape.
I nearly forgot to include the knife rests, Art Deco in design, made in France, and seen recently in A Feast for the Senses.
A closeup shows the variety of flowers in the centerpiece.
Time for dinner at last in the soft glow of candlelight!
Menu
Champagne
Caesar salad with parmesan cheese and garlic croutons
Grilled filets with mushrooms in a red wine sauce
Lyonnaise potatoes
Mini sweet rolls
Pinot Noir
Thank you for joining me!
Table details
Runner and cream napkins | Williams-Sonoma
Chargers | Fitz & Floyd
Dinner, bread plates | Noritake 'Esteem'
Salad plates | Haviland 'Imperatrice Eugénie'
Champagne coupes | Bryce '758-4'
* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight does not receive any type of compensation.
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Such a romantic setting and I am thinking your sweetie is the romantic type. Those flowers are gorgeous and so is the table setting.
ReplyDeleteHe is indeed! I'm a lucky girl. Thanks for coming for a visit and letting me know you liked the tablescape.
DeleteSandra, your table is just lovely and what a beautiful way to celebrate your birthday! The flowers are gorgeous and I love the delicate feel of the table - both in color and pattern. The china is so pretty and your glassware is always amazing. The serving bowl is beautiful as are the crystal candle holders. I hope you had a very wonderful and romantic birthday!
ReplyDeleteI love your tablescape! It's so beautiful en romantic. It must be a joy to take place at that table!
ReplyDelete