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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

A Valetine's times two tablescape

What's in a name? Oh I know Shakespeare has the answer, but that's not where I'm going!
The ever so delightful and ueber-talented Cherry Kay from Entertaining Women blog is my partner at the table setting party tonight!  

 We chose to use our Schumann Dresden dishes. I've used them before HERE and HERE. And I just realized I used the same tablecloth from one of the tables. But with a twist. I paired them with a gold charger today and used gold flatware. 

We actually used this table last Sunday evening. So I didn't use a lot of any hearts. Shame on me. 


In their stead, I used some vase napkin rings to reign in the napkins, freshly embroidered. In each vase, I inserted a single alstroemeria blossom.

I love how the sweet blossoms present their precious heads far above the plates.

Now don't laugh.. but I have a confession to make. I'm sure this has never happened to anyone else. Ever. I probably took the first 20-30 pictures of the table.... sans glasses!! Yep, as I was fixing dinner, I noticed my omission. And sprung into action and pulled out some glasses. I'm sure the guests would have just had a good laugh and dinner would still have been a success! I wonder if I would have laughed at myself.

I placed a hot pink tablecloth under the lace to set the tone for the table. 

By this time the late afternoon sun was streaming in the window and there was no
 way to avoid the sun dance!

I used the silver candelabras on the table. I think it's perfectly acceptable to mix metals. 
What do you think?

Because all good things are in 3's... the silver plateau found it's way under the bouquet of flowers. Which, truth be told might be a tad bit high, but everyone could still be seen over them, and conversation flowed as freely as ever.

I think the lace, embroidery and crystal help give the table a very romantic look, even without hearts. What do you think?

I love how crystal seems to come to life when the sun or lighting hits it just so.

Finding flowers for the centerpiece proved a bit of challenge. Here's a tip.. take a picture of the dishes, carry it with you and then hold it up to the flowers in the store. It's amazing what pops out at you when you do that. 

No roses, but every color in the bouquet is in the dishes.

Because Cherry Kay often uses soup tureens as centerpieces; in her honor, I used the matching one to the dishes to sit in as a container for the flowers this evening. 

The silver butter dish and the Lenox swans add a bit more jewelry to the table.

After the near disaster of the missing glasses, I didn't take any pictures with the candles lit that evening. Too busy with guests and getting our dinner of pecan crusted trout, garlic roasted red potatoes, steamed broccoli with hollandaise sauce on the table. Our first course was a fresh mixed lettuce salad with vinaigrette. And to follow all this up, I served a mixed berry dessert over which I spooned a tequila cream sauce. Yummy!

I hope you will find your way over to Cherry Kay's to see her table, which I might say is absolutely fabulous. She, too, chose pink as a backdrop.. but oooh with just her special touches, it looks so stunning.  You do know that it was her gentle nudge that pushed me ever so gently into forward motion and got me collecting these beautiful dishes. So it was fitting we teamed up to bring you a duo of tables for Valentine's. 


Wishing all of you a Valentine's day full of happiness and joy. It's not the big things that matter, but all the little things that happen along the way that really make a difference. So single, in a relationship or married for eons; do something fun, enjoy the day and buy yourself flowers if need be.

Cast:
Chargers - Hobby Lobby
Dishes - Antiques, Schumann Dresden (ebay)
Flatware - International
Water goblets - Mikasa Parklane
Wine glasses - Libbey Rock Sharpe
Silver candelabra, silver plateau - antique 
Lenox swan salt cellars - Lenox "To the Bride"
 Embroidery design - Sonia Showalter designs

 Joining the party over at Cuisine Kathleen's - Let's Dish - on Wednesday evening



37 comments:

Charlotte said...

Lovely, happy Valentines Day!

Tricia said...

Oh, I really love that beautiful china pattern, and it looks wonderful on the lacy cloth over a deep pink one! I know your guests were delighted to dine at this pretty table. And, yes, I have taken photos of an incomplete table MORE than once.

Jewel Sauls said...

So gorgeous! I love the china and the napkins! I was always told mixing metals was OK on a table because most china had a gold rim and sterling is, well, silver!!! This is one of the most beautiful tables I've ever seen, honestly!

Entertaining Women said...

I'm pretty sure that the goblets weren't on the table because you were still convinced that you could find those perfect pink stems. Did you see the little place card holders on my table. Well, I never did get the place cards added. Sigh. One of my guests asked what they were. "Oh, just a little blossom," I replied. Your table is so elegant...glorious. I'm so glad that we were able to collaborate. Let's do it again! Cherry Kay

On Crooked Creek said...

Marlis,
Oh, my...dear friend...this is such a romantic tablescape!!!
I love every element...the lace, embroidery and crystal give the table a very romantic look and the green in your floral bouquet is stunning!!!
Thank you for sharing such talent and creativity with all of us!!!
Happy Valentine's Day from my~heart~to~yours!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

What a beautiful table!!! Everything is perfect. Love the dishes and center piece. I like to mix different metals - more interesting.
Thanks for shring.
Mary

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Very beautiful table! The china is so so prett! Love the napkins and napkin rings and I love the mix of the metals. All pretty and elegant. Your floral arrangement is beautiful in the tureen and I love how it picks up on the colors in the china.
I've taken pictures before and realized I was missing pieces! It's okay except when you are counting on those pictures with the sun and you can't go back and do it again once it's gone!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Uber-romantic! I just love what the hot pink does to show off the lace. What a special table. I think it's fine to mix silver and gold. Love the flowers in the tureen. Everything about this table says "special occasion". Menu sounds luscious!

Lulu said...

Stunning, absolutely stunning, a table that is romantic, alluringly feminine, creative all at the same time. I have the napkin holders and cherish them, however, I have broken a couple of the very fragile bottoms and can't find replacements.

Scribbler said...

So pretty! I will check out Cherry Kay's, too. My mother loved using a lace cloth with a color underneath. When I see this done, I always think of her. She would have certainly loved this.

Diane said...

Marlis - you table is so gorgeous that I do not think I would have notice missing glasses, if I had been a guest! There is so many other "eye candy" pieces. Love everything and that centerpiece is fabulous.

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

This is so lovely - Your napkins are beautiful and your table is just calling me for dinner :-) Lovely centerpiece, too. You and Cherry Kay can certainly set beautiful tables!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

The dishes are just exquisite, Marlis, and most definitely make for a romantic table. I LOVE the embroidered napkins. What a special touch they make. I love the lacy over the pink...perfect. Happy ❤ Day!

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Marlis, this is just so romantic! I love everything about it! Happy Valentine's Day. xo

Jocelyn said...

You girls did an amazing job. The table is so elegant and stunning. Love the shadow play on your beautiful china.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Alycia Nichols said...

You guys, you guys, you guys!!! Right on!!! This was a terrific idea to do this, and you both hit it out of the park even though you each approached it in a different way. I'm totally with you on taking a piece of china with you to search for flowers that will complement. Very wise! It's cool that you used a tureen! I love the gold charger that brings out the gold in the china and your gorgeous napkins. I mix metals all the time, and you did a great job with it here. It's beautiful! You have quite a collection goin' on there!! It's a wonderful, timeless pattern that I hope you enjoy for many years to come! Congratulations to both of you on nailin' it!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Your china is beautiful because it's so happy, like an elegant garden. Never thought to take a piece of my china to try to match the flowers, but it's a great idea, as the centerpiece is gorgeous and the colors perfect, Marlis. You both have the pep for the fabulous tables. Thanks for sharing. HAPPY VALENTINES!
FABBY

The French Hutch said...

Dear Marlis, One word comes to mind with your table setting,"elegant." I think you created a most romantic table setting without a heart in sight! The pink under the lace tablecloth is beautiful. I love how you used the tureen for your centerpiece and the china pattern is gorgeous! Great idea on how to choose flowers, I will remember to do that. I'm off now to visit Cherry Kay. Beautiful Marlis.
Happy Valentine's Day.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Just beautiful! Those napkin "rings" are adorable!

I'm off to check out Cherry Kay's tablescape, didn't know the tablescape partnering had started, we talked about it a long time ago.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Katherine

Elaine said...

How fun that you and Cherry Kay were in cahoots this week! Both tables are so beautiful! I love that you chose a hot pink cloth. All the dishes and glassware just sparkle in the sunlight! No, I have never forgotten the stemware, but it's only a matter of time!

xinex said...

These are my favorite dishes of yours, Marlis. They are so beautiful! And of course, your whole table is just stunning as usual. Happy Valentine's Day to you!..Christine

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Marlis!! This is absolutely gorgeous!! I love love love the bright tablecloth tempered by the lace overlay, and those monogrammed napkins add another delicate soft touch. You will have every tablescaper in blogland searching for these dishes. Your tip to take a photo of the dishes is excellent!! I always enjoy your tables so much. I think your guests would forgive the late arrival of the glasses as they would be awed by the beauty before them! Linda

Sarah said...

Marlis, this table is full of romance.....no hearts needed. I like the way the lace cloth adds wonderful texture and the dishes, well, they are glorious. Paired with the gold chargers the two border designs really make a beautiful statement. Love the lattice on the plates and the scroll work on the chargers. Exquisite from start to finish. You newly embroidered napkins, the flower bud napkin rings, and the delicate crystal all add to the ambiance of this lovely tablescape. I know your guests felt special dining at this table.
Happy Valentine's Day, dear friend! ~ Sarah

Anonymous said...

Beautiful as always, Marlis.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Bonnie said...

Gorgeous table. Did you do the beautiful embroidery? Your napkins are exquisite and what delightful napkin rings with a lovely flower. Your centerpiece in the matching tureen gets an A+ , beautiful candelabra, and lace tablecloth are just stunning. I know your guests were thrilled with such a dynamite table and great menu. It sounds wonderful.

Happy Valentine's Day, Marlis!

Donna Heber said...

Hi Marlis,

Your table is so gorgeous! I just adore your patterned china. Everything looks so inviting. Happy Valentine's Day!

Marigene said...

Beautiful table...gorgeous china. I am grinning about the missing glassware...I don't know why, but if I don't get napkins out right off I am apt to take lots of pictures without, too (and we use them at every meal)!

Chubby Chieque said...

Hi Dear Marlis,
First of all, a million thanks for coming and visit Stockholm once again.

It feels I am entering a castle. The china is so beautiful. I love the napkins, too.

Hope you have a great VD.

Hugs from D´Box,
/CC girl

Maria C said...

What a breathtakingly beautiful table! You had me at the napkins! Then again, that's where you always have me - at your linens! The china is so beautiful it's hard to imagine that a table would need anything else. I would never have noticed the missing glasses. I would have spent my time staring at everything else. Now I'm headed over to Cherry Kay's to check out her masterpiece! So lovely! So perfect for Valentine's Day!

ellen b. said...

So pretty and feminine. Love it!

Dianne said...

Marlis,
this is really soft and romantic. I am sure you embroidered those napkins yourself and they are truly beautiful. Happy Valentines! Dianne

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

OMGoodness, this is such a gorgeous table!!!! The menu sounds delicious! I love your plates and the napkins are beautiful. Forgetting glasses isn't bad....I had a dinner party once, got everything(Ithiught) on the table, sat down and my best friend said, "I think you forgot something". THE MEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was still in the oven:):) Have a beautiful weekend. We did have a WONDERFUL TIME YESTERDAY. xo, pINKY

Jacqueline said...

Oh what a pretty table. Fresh flowers just are the perfect finishing touch. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's DAy.

Cindy said...

Your table is lovely. Those dishes are gorgeous. I may to start my own collection!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Oh, so romantic! I just love your beautiful china. Gorgeous table.
Hugs,
Patti

Crystal Grandeur said...



Thank you Marlis....It's always a delight to get a comment from you....you have created a such a beautiful table with all those beautiful collection of yours.love the napkins.Fresh blooms gives a romantic touch to the table...Hope you had lovely time celebrating:):):)

Mary said...

Beautiful Marlis! I always enjoy seeing the sunlight dance across your table, highlighting your dishes & crystal! The sprays of flowers on your Schumann Dresden are the perfect bouquets for Valentine's Day! How fun for the two of you to partner with your pattern! Hope your Valentine's Day was happy. ♥

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