Magical Irish Tablesetting in Delightful Greens and Golds

March has arrived, announced by dozens of daffodils blooming in my yard. Their cheery yellow and gold petals and bright green leaves are just in time for one of the most lighthearted of holidays — St. Patrick's Day. It's a day to don some green, believe in good luck, sing lovely Irish ballads and shout Slainté while raising my glass, all to celebrate my Irish heritage (on both sides of my family). Before that, though, I love decorating my house with green and gold and a sprinkling of Celtic patterns and Irish symbols.

 

I've also set a table that I'm delighted to share with you today! I like to think it captures the magical Irish spirit.

 

          

The Emerald Isle is very green. The photo below was taken several years ago in early April when we spent two wonderful weeks in Ireland. The bright gold flowering shrubs are gorse, which we saw everywhere. Together the two colors became the delightful inspiration for my table.

 

I started with a lovely white and gold block print tablecloth that I haven't used in awhile. I love the repetition of the design. You can see a different type of table that also used it in Autumn Arrives with Color. The chargers amplify the gold tones and provide a nice sheen beneath the plates. The table is set for four and can readily be used for both lunches and dinners.

 

              

For a centerpiece I went hunting in my garden for three varieties of the daffodils, a handy throwback to the three leaves of shamrocks. The cheerful daffodils are joined by deep pink camellia blossoms, also from my yard. They are from the last of my camellias to bloom; the first one blooms in November/December. The crystal vase is Irish. I particularly like the stylized flower etched on each of the four sides.

 

Napkins covered in green leaves seemed a perfect choice for both St. Patrick's Day and for the season. The napkins are held by brass rings whose size is belied by their weight. They were a lucky find on a thrifting day. Vintage depression bowls are another lovely shade of green that will be found holding a cache of foil-covered chocolate "coins" on the 17th. Circling back to gold is the flatware that we found clearing out my husband's mother's house.

 

                         

The dinner plates are a solid white edged with a slim band of gold. I selected an interesting set of salad plates with a scalloped rim that features dimensional flowers and leaves. They are yet another wonderful shade of green, confirming that various greens mix compatibly. The appetizer plate on the top of the stack is one of four designs based on Celtic patterns. They also have gold edges and a pretty metallic spot in the center.

 

                

Because they have the same level of color intensity, I think the daffodils and camellia blossoms make a pretty pairing. 

 

I'm not sure how to describe how the designs on the salad plates differ in the way their shapes interact. Each of the plates interpret Celtic knots and symbols that are common throughout Irish iconography.

 

      

The glassware too is done in green and gold, although in this case it's amber tumblers in pressed glass from the Fifties. They sit beside newer but still vintage wine stems I found hidden in the back of a consignment store — and have yet to identify.

 

I was initially hesitant to gather the daffodils for the table because they looked so beautiful scattered around the garden in small-to-large clumps. But the rains a few days ago followed by two days of warmth and sunshine ensured they were quickly replaced — and then some!

 

         

The various shades work delightfully well together. In the background is a concrete horse done in the Tang style. You can explore my horse collection in Year of the Fire Horse.   

 

     

A Celtic knot is centered on the cross in a churchyard located in southwestern Ireland.

                  

 Many of the knots found were more intricate than this one, especially those that were painted.      

 

The brass shamrock paperweight was a natural addition to the center . . . 

 

         

as were the two pairs of brass candlesticks. I've had the shorter pair since we were married; the taller ones were found in an antique mall several years ago. I love their warm sun-kissed quality.

 

       

 I think it's magical!

 

I also garnished the chandelier with stained-glass shamrocks that festively catch the light from the windows and French doors.

 

                       

The tablecloth has a continuous wide decorative band. The square cloth also has large floral designs at each of the corners. I like the effect of the draping corners on the round table. 

 

              

The multi-layered, ruffled center of this daffodil is called a "double trumpet"; these varieties feature extra layers of petals or split segments within the corona, creating a fuller, often frilly, appearance. I don't have many of this type.

 

Thank you for joining me today! I hope you have discovered some ideas to enjoy on your own Irish table. More ideas can be found in Enchanting Shamrock Decor and Daffodils Create a Charming March Table  and Celtic Heritage Table Style.                  

 

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

    

Table details

Dinner plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'

Salad plates | Bordallo Pinheiro 'BP185'

Amber glasses | Jeannette (Floragold) 'Louisa Iridescent'  

 

* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight does not receive any type of compensation. 

 

 

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