...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

A quiet, fall, Sunday evening dinner tablescape

I really do love fall. I love the colors, the smells, the crispness in the air, the need for a fire or a coverlet. It just all appeals to my soul.

I've really been very good this year about not adding to the dish collection. Really, I have. But when I saw these at Williams Sonoma, well they jumped into my cart! Literally, as I was drooling on the screen (we don't have a fabulous store front out here in West Texas), next thing I knew I had selected, ordered and paid for these plates. With electronicst getting smarter and smarter and knowing just what you like, it's not my fault. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. Farmer's Market. Williams Sonoma.

Part two.. and so did a dozen napkins. Autumn Madras. William Sonoma. Bad, bad computer.

Most Sunday's find us, our youngest son, and my  95 yr old dad sitting around this table or one outside, weather permitting, enjoying a meal, chatting, having a good time.

And since it's the time when pumpkins just jump into baskets, too,  this year I placed a Fairytale pumpkin that found it's way into our shopping cart, smack dab in the middle of the table surrounded by a fabulous faux garland that I've wrapped in a circle. 

 Not too shabby for faux, huh? I thought so, too. I've had it for eons. Sometimes it's hanging on the kitchen door as a wreath and sometimes it's on the table. 

Rustic just speaks to my heart. It says warm, casual and "gemutlichkeit".

There's something about Mary and there is just something about madras! I don't know why it takes me back to my teenage years. Was madras big in the 60's over here?

The little white pumpkins are real. Yeppers. I have quite a stash of them sitting around. One here, one there, a couple over there. 

Boy, that candle sure looks crooked. Hmm. Sorry. I still love just a bit of Spanish moss in the cup of a candle. Especially on a rustic table. 

The Fitz and Floyd pitcher has made another appearance. It's just like a Timex, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. I use it spring summer and fall. Did you notice that I layered another runner right over the top of the burlap runner? It certainly adds a bit more texture and color to the table. 

Mikasa French Countryside glasses play well with the hand blown glass from France found in Santa Fe. It's amazing if you buy what you like, how much it will all really go together. 

Cast:
Burlap and chenille runners - made by me
Nito Chargers - Pier One or World Market
Dinner Plate - Wedgwood Windsor (the hardest working dishes I have!)
Salad plates - Farmer's Market - Williams Sonoma
Glasses - clear: Mikasa French Countryside; pale green: Hand-blown in France, found in Santa Fe, NM
Pitcher - Fitz and Floyd 
Flatware - rosewood handled brass; gift from my mother
Barley twist candlesticks - antiques
Napkins - Autumn Madras, Williams Sonoma
Napkin Rings - Stein Mart

Thanks so much for coming by.. your visits make my day!
Joining:
Cuisine Kathleen's Let's Dish


29 comments:

Alycia Nichols said...

Hey, Marlis! As I recall, madras was kind of big here in the 60s for clothing. I'm not sure about home goods. When I think of madras, I think of those little white tennis shoes we used to wear back in the day that made everybody's feet look smaller than they were. Loved those! This is a beautifully set table, and it truly does look relaxing and inviting. Fall just seems like the time to linger around a table, and it would be easy to do it!!! Funny how all that stuff just jumped into your electronic cart. You'd better have that checked out. Must be a virus on your computer or something. :-)I am sure they would have jumped into my cart, too. They're gorgeous!!! I am trying to remember what they remind me of. An artist's painting? Hmmmm...I don't know. I just know they're cool!!! Great centerpiece, too! I like how you add the Spanish moss around the base of candles. That has a really slick look!

Scribbler said...

Yes to the madras: it was HUGE. Always worn with unironed blue oxford cloth button down shirts, Weejuns with no socks, long straight hair, parted in the middle. That was what the "cool kids" wore. Some even wore this look to our PROM! Me -- I teased my hair as high as possible, wore Elizabeth Taylor eye makeup and stuffed my bra! I was supposed to be a movie star, you know.

Your table looks great. BTW, I sent you an email re Santa Fe -- some of my email has not arrived, just wondered if you received it.

On Crooked Creek said...

Marlis,
Lovin this Rustic tablescape, dear friend!!! Still having dinner with your son and your Dad on a routine basis!!! You're AMAZING!!! So~o~o glad that family time is a priority...not so in most parts of the country today!!!Madris plaid...had two blouses and a skirt made by my beloved Grandmother when I was in Elementary School. The orange and red combination was my favorite! Had a pink, green, and yellow madris plaid maternity top when I carried our second son in the 70's...my favorite top!!! Oh, now I've got to go see if they have those napkins here!!! Love, love, love your centerpiece!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Rosemary and Thyme said...

This is so pretty Marlis. I love everything about it. The napkins, the center piece and those plates, I can't blame you. I would not pass them up either. Beautiful color palette. Thanks for sharing.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Marlis, I understand the "soul" part of Fall. I'm so there, too. You're just too funny in your WS shopping sprees. Your computer made some excellent choices for you, I must say!! The garland looks so pretty ringers around your pumpkin, too.

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely gorgeous, and I am so glad that it all mysteriously jumped into your shopping cart. Funny how that happens, isn't it? Happened to me today at Dollar Tree with some beautiful blue goblets!

Gina said...

This is such a pretty tablescape! I love the WS plates. It's amazing how I experience the same happenings of things just leaping into my cart of their own accord! ;D The pitcher is so pretty as well.

Dianne said...

Hi Marlis,
My eye immediately was drawn to the vegetable dishes. I LOVE anything vegetable and these are wonderful. You paired them so well with the woven chargers and those cute new napkins. I see why they jumped in your cart. A few pumpkins jumped in my cart this fall too. Dianne

Mary said...

Gorgeous Marlis~ I adore your plates! Fall is my favorite season too~ your plates are wonderful and perfect for spring and summer too, how fortunate your computer took that into account :)

The Tablescaper said...

Those plates are amazing. I can certainly see why they jumped into your basket. The next thing my eye was drawn to was the napkins. More WS, oh yes, you've been bad! but I so understand.

- The Tablescaper

Entertaining Women said...

I'll be right over....and I'll even bring my own blanket for a cool crisp evening on the Cap Rock. I love your new goodies. We wore madras in the early 60's. You had to be careful with it because it faded and bled if you looked at it cross ways. The china room is completed with the exception of a few details like cabinet knobs and sheer panels for the windows...oh, and I'm still tempted to add a chandelier. I've loaded a lot of things in, but I'm taking my time deciding how I want to organize everything. It's already a dream come true. Cherry Kay

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I can see why you bought those plates...they are lovely!
hugs, Linda

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Love your new plates! That's funny how those things can pop in your cart! I've had the same experience!
Love your faux pumpkin and garland! It does look pretty real! I love your madras napkins! I think madras has come and gone many times in popularity but overall I think it's a great basic like paisley is!

Jewel Sauls said...

Love it all! Those are really pretty plates - how lucky for you that they just jumped into your cart! :) I love the pumpkin and wreath centerpiece also!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

The plates have me swooning, dear Marlis..yes, how could they not be smiling you from your cart?! I know they'd be in my cart inmediatelly! What a lovely time to spend with your 95 year old dad, God bless him..and your son, what else can you ask for? The centerpiece pumpkin and garland around it, it's way pretty, which pulls this gorgeous fall tablescape together.
Yes, I love fall too, as I am a October-fall girl..I'll be a biggie birthday saturday,(60) lol.. Lots of hugs,
FABBY

Red Couch Recipes said...

I loved Alycia's comments about how there might be something wrong with your computer!! I love the Fairytale pumpkin! My children have worn madras shorts and I love them! Your new napkins are fab; I love plaid napkins. How wonderful to have your father, and your son, around. My parents have been gone for many years. Thanks for your kind words about my son's accident. Joni

Marigene said...

I can see why those plates jumped into your cart...they wanted to be the star of your fabulous fall table!

ruthie said...

Love the dishes!!!! Your pictures are beautiful. Just like we're sitting there looking at them. You have inspired me to start collecting seasonal items for the table. I've got to find that shopping basket you used.

Miss Char said...

Oh I do remember madras back in the 60's Marlis and the look on those napkins is perfect for your fall table and those plates would have jumped into my cart too. I have started using more faux pumpkins in the past few years. They are getting more realistic and after an unfortunate accident with a real pumpkin on my dining room table two years ago I decided faux looked just perfect. Thanks so much for sharing.

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Marlis, I love your table! The salad plates and napkins look so good on your Fall table. I like how you added the spanish moss!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Hello Marlis, I don't blame you for buying those lovely plates and napkins. They look wonderful with your rustic accessories. It is so warm and inviting. Love the twigs. Thanks so much for your visit.

Sandra said...

What a beautiful table! Love the madras napkins...I don't know about the 60's, but I'm from the South, and madras has always been in style! Love all of the layers of your table. Very inviting.

xinex said...

I love your plates, Marlis. Just like you, we have no stores here that's why I overdo my shopping when I am out of time. But I better stay away from the internet stores, lol. Actually, most of time, I am unable too that's why our mailman knows me very well. We should introduce your dad and my mom to each other, my mom is 94. Again, your tablescape looks fantastic, love the rusticness....Christine

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

Love those rich, warm colours. Beautifully placed and very elegant autumn table!
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

Lulu said...

You know, there are just some things you have to have, especially when you look at them and know there are so many things you can do with them. No doubt you will find many more wonderful settings for your plates.

Karen said...

Marlis, I love your tablescape. The Fitz & Floyd pitcher is precious.

Kathleen said...

Beautiful table, Marlis, very warm and inviting!
I'll watch for those pretty plates to come to the Outlet, :)
Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Well, GOOD for your computer to keep your best interests in mind:) I love those plates AND the napkins. I LOVED madras, had a pair of shorts that I wanted to wear everyday! Love that garland, I thought it was real fruit. XO, Pinky

The Dragonfly On Iron Gate said...

Love your warm colors. The plates from WS are nice too. I haven't seen them on any other blogs! I love the modernized botanical look!

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin