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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Dining in Tuscany Tablescape

I welcome you to a bit of Tuscany on the table this evening! Some of you might know that I received a fabulous box of gifts from Linda at More Fun Less Laundry last Saturday. So this weekend, It was my chance to put this box of goodies to work!

So I popped "Under the Tuscan Sun" into the player. Now, that I'm into the book, well let's just say things are a bit different in there!

I started with the new lovely placemats and napkins from the 'box'. Added a vintage wooden charger, a dinner plate from the kitchen and the handmade pasta bowls made by my very talented and gifted sister-in-law Becky. Also brought out a patterned napkin and the napkin rings from Pottery Barn.


Can you believe I had all this stuff? Yep... there was no shopping involved in this tablescape. Seriously, it can happen - and often does.

Must have a water pitcher on the table if you want to avoid trips to refill glasses.

A bowl and wooden spoon for the freshly shaved parmesan that will grace the table later on.

A wine decanter helps a red breathe and come to it's most perfect state.

When it's only 4, I avoid setting the end seats.. so much more intimate this way. I thought about putting some rosemary on the table, but the pops of red from the kitchen window geraniums just added the unexpected.

The amber goblet had a deep, wide bowl that also lets a red breathe. My favorite water goblets are back for an encore presentation.

A fresh loaf of bread, some dipping oils to pour into the little yellow bowls. Ooh, I can just taste it now. For those of a less spicy set of taste buds.. the new Frances Mayes olive oil stands at the ready. It's going to be used on the pasta, too.



The dining scenes in the movie had tables laden with food. And more food. Do you see any table in this scene? When my oldest half-brother got married in Provence, dinner was just about 6 hours long! So, I can relate to this table....

So what's a poor girl to do? I pulled out my golden vase, stuffed it with newspaper and piled the kitchen goodies up high.






I also put the bamboo flatware to use today. It gave the table the rustic feel I wanted.

See the ridges in my pasta bowls? Those were created by my sweet sister-in-law's fingers.The wooden chargers were new in 1974. They happened to survive the fire and we sanded and refinished them.

As the sun is setting, I have a pot of pasta ready to cook. Will serve some fresh, homemade spaghetti topped with tomatoes, basil, a bit of garlic and lots of olive oil.

Cast:
Placemats, yellow napkins - Villeroy and Boch (More Fun Less Laundry)
Plaid napkins - Williams Sonoma
Napkin rings - Pottery Barn
Dinner plates - Passaro, World Market
Pasta Bowls - handmade by my sister-in-law
Yellow dipping bowls - Tuesday Morning
Butter dish - Vietri
Dark Bamboo Flatware - available at Horchows on line
Gold goblets - Stein Mart?
Water goblets - French, handblown, Santa Fe, NM
Barley Twist candlesticks - auction
Golden jug/vase - One King's Lane
Wine Decanter - World Market
Water pitcher - Fitz and Floyd

I hope you've enjoyed your short sojourn to Tuscany today. Let's drop on over to Cuisine Kathleen's for Let's Dish on Wednesday and then see what's happening over at Susan's Between Naps on the Porch on Thursday... great parties. Hope to see you there.


34 comments:

Babs said...

Marlis, Your tablescape is really speaking to me, since I just got 4 Italian made plates and want to do a tablescape. LOVE, LOVE your center piece with the gold vase/jug. It all looks like it could be from the movie. Great tablescape!
Babs

Diane said...

Oh, Marlis! This was indeed a creative journey! I love that colored wooden spoon and, of course, everything else. I love it, when I do not have to buy anything. Beautiful job!!

allisamazing said...

I love your tablescape. Makes me want to hop on plane and fly right on over to Tuscany. Since I can't do that I am going to do the next best thing and watch Under the Tuscan Sun. I loved the movie the first time I watched it but I think it's time to watch it again.

Alycia Nichols said...

Oh, yeah....it rocks when you have everything right there to create exactly what you want! You rocked the Casbah, sister!!! I insist that you put that beautiful wooden parmesan spoon in the mail to me instantly! Better yet, just bring it yourself so we can visit! :-) That is so cool!!! I have NEVER seen anything like that!!! Every little thing looks fantastic, Marlis. I think the geraniums were a perfect choice because they have a great "I'm-just-hangin'-out-waiting'-to-be-used-on-a-table" look to them, and I love the glassware you chose to complement your dishes! I have long admired the Tuscan-style table, laden with food and so sumptuous...it just feels like what a family meal is supposed to be like! Great job! Oh, and I did finally see that movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" last year. Lots of fun visuals!!!

Anonymous said...

Marlis, your table is so pretty and I love your centerpiece! Just gorgeous.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Entertaining Women said...

This table made me particularly happy this morning because one year ago this month, I was basking in the flavor and ambience of Tuscany with Sweet Mister. Scrolling the through the frames of your post, I could almost hear the sounds of wonderful Italian music wafting through the air. I've always really liked that particular decanter. I may have to find one for myself...or two...you know that I buy most things in pairs. Thanks for the memories and the peak at your gorgeous, earthy tablescape. Cherry Kay

Scribbler said...

This is so beautiful. That movie always makes me so hungry! The food scenes were just incredible. I always want to get in the kitchen every time I see it. You made your own pasta? Sometimes I do when I am inspired! This is not the day, though, no time...

Barbara F. said...

I just adore anything Tuscan, and after visiting Italy twice but not getting a chance to really explore the region, it is high on my bucket list. I love the centerpiece and I realize that growing up, we had completely covered tables piled with food on holidays and special occasions. Not too many knickknacks! xo

xinex said...

Love it, Marlis! My favorite is the centerpiece, such a beautiful olive pot. Eerything is just perfectly Italian!..Christine

On Crooked Creek said...

Marlis,
Oh, Under the Tuscan Sun. . . and Under The Tuscan Moon! This is such a lovely tablescape! Your centerpiece is stunning! Every element makes a statement on its own...but harmonizes with one another perfectly!Enjoy your meal with family & friends!
Fondly,
Pat

Deb said...

The colours on your table are so gorgeous. I love the centerpiece, too. Browns, creams, taupes....love, love, love. Such a welcoming table. Deb

PAT said...

I love this Marlis! Your entire table is gorgeous and the center piece is spectacular.

Jocelyn said...

Marlis, this is so delightful. What a lovely tablescape. The soft shadowy lighting gives such an aura of "old World".

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Marlis, I love how you pulled everything together from what you already had. Woo hoo!!

Aledia said...

Beautiful Tablescape!! I love the colors and I have that same flatware and just love it!
Thank You for sharing and have a wonderful evening!

(hugs)
Aledia @ Plum Perfect

Mary said...

Congrats again on winning your box of goodies from Linda! What fun that you had all the other makings for this wonderful table in tablescaping arsenal! I love your vessel/centerpiece overflowing with the abundance of your fruits & veggies~ Beautiful!

The Tablescaper said...

Marlis:

This is magnificent. You did such a great job of combining what you had and what you received from Linda.

- The Tablescaper

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Marlis, thank you for sharing this sojourn to Tuscany. Congratulations on your win! I know Linda will be thrilled that you have put your gift to great use. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for leaving such nice comments on my blog :-) xxoo Debbie

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Marlis, Your table is right out of Under The Tuscan Sun! Such earthy and warm elements. Those dinner plates are incredible.
Congratulations on your giveaway win! Those napkins are so versatile!
I think I now want a wooden Parmesan spoon... it is just a show stopper! I have never seen one before.
Great table!!!!

Robin said...

You captured the essence of Tuscany with this table. I can taste that bread and dipping oil in my mind! The big bowls are so nice that they were handmade(by a relative!). Perfect for your pasta.

Robin
Robin Flies South

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I'm loving this Tuscan table, just marvelous! I adore Italian food, so this reminds me that tomorrow I will make an Eggplant Parmigianna, that hubby just loves. Your dishes are great, and wow, made by a family member, what a treasure that is to have, dear Marlis. I do have a set of plates and bowl for pasta, Italian and cute. Maybe I should do something with them again. I'm hungry by just looking at your table. Thanks for sharing and have fun at Let's Dish!
FABBY

Sarah said...

Great looking tablescape, Marlis. I definitely fell like I've been to Tuscany. Ironically I share some Tuscan inspiration tonight too. ~ Sarah

A Cottage in the Clouds said...

This is absolutely fantastic. I love it. You've really captured the essence of the Tuscan dining experience.

Olive said...

Marlis, your fruit center piece is lovely. I can see this table laden with pasta and full of the laughter of family and friends. hugs, olive

Unknown said...

I love the centerpiece! What a great idea...newspaper! Never thought of it! A very pretty table and such beautiful gifts!
Blessings My Friend,

Chubby Chieque said...

Sweet Marlis,

You did a great elegant job. The Toscan is perfect this time of the year. So rich and bountiful.

Happy TS,
/CC

Marigene said...

Very nice Tuscan table...that vase is gorgeous!

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Beautiful post Marlis. Each of your images is beautiful and so is your Tuscan tablescape. Love the centerpiece.

Anonymous said...

Just the word Tuscany brings to me so many textures, colors and smells so, of course, I'm drooling over your table. It is, as always, a delight, and I can imagine the same is true of the company that will gather there.

Elaine said...

Hi Marlis! I'm just getting a chance to see the weeks tablescapes, and I am so glad I made it here! As much as I love the holiday tablescapes, I really like the variety of the non-seasonal ones! Your Tuscany table is gorgeous, and I think you really captured that look of Italy. I just love the mix of patterns, the rustic elements, the pretty glasses, and nature's bounty for a centerpiece! Love that movie and I think you created that same warm and inviting feeling! Bellissimo!

Kathleen said...

Beautiful! You captured the Tuscan look for sure.You sanded and refinished the chargers! What a gal!
Thanks so much for linking to Let's Dish! I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

You make me long for Tuscany! I don't own that movie. I can't imagine why! Gotta fix that. I also live your lighted fence in your previous post. Magical! It really is a busy time for everybody. End of the year things and also everyone starts gardening. Nice to know you came by!

Patty said...

This is a beautiful post and I love the mosaics.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is just delightful! Makes me want to take off for Italy!! Wonderful that you had everything on hand!

I love the Under the Tuscan Sun movie!

Katherine

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