Tablescapes: Winter Dinner

 

I see many of you suffer from the same disorder that I do: too-much-stuff-on-the-tabletop disorder.  I have been trying to scale back on my tablescapes.

After taking down some of the Christmas decor, I did a tablescape with my disorder and had to remove half of it.  I took photos first and when editing them, said to myself - this is just too much stuff. 

I am always amazed when I see Nordic, Swedish or Danish interiors and they are beautifully done with very few decor items.  I am trying to get there. So here is my scale-back table:

The items on the console table fight for attention with what is on the dining table, so I have been removing more and more of it. I have since removed two of the gold finials on the console.

For placesettings, I am using my favorite French maker Jaune de Chrome's Big Bang Bronze pattern chargers, Rici gold plated flatware, antique monogrammed white linen lapkins, Coalport's Admiral dinner plates, Royal Worcester's Contrast pattern salads, Flavia water goblets by William Yeoward and Waterford's Colleen pattern waters used as wines.

The centerpiece, after removing most of the first items, consists now of a brass plateau with a mirror top surrounded by clear ice garland from Hobby Lobby and mercury glass votives from Pottery Barn holding flameless candles.  The plateau is the base for an etched glass cloche with a gold metal crown inside.

Below is a close up of the console table. This is one of the consoles I designed for Swede Collection at www.swedefurniture.com.

The design is basically gold leaf and creme.  After removing my Santos dolls, I added two iron tall flowers in pots, another central candlestick and the finials. The pots of white coral have always been there.

I was in the mood for a lot of neutrals.

This antique Swedish chair is in the Late Gustavian/Early Empire style. Note the heads near the back of the arms.   You can also see in this photo our new diamond pattern jute area rug which I am NOT thrilled with so I won't talk about it.

Are you ready for a little less color in your house after the holidays?

I am participating in:

Centerpiece Wednesday on The Style Sisters. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/

Tablescape Thursday on Between Naps On The Porch.

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Summer

Photos: Swede 

Comments

[dianne]

This is stunning. One of my favorite holiday tables this season. I too suffer from over doing it and I am looking at my NYE table and thinking I should remove some stuff :). Dianne

[Entertaining Women]

Glad to find your post. I've been hit and miss with reading blogs lately, but I've missed you for some time. This table is so you...with or without a preponderance of design elements. Glad to see the Coalport Admiral. I'm a huge fan of so many of the Coalport patterns. Your table is gorgeous, and I adore your console design. A beautiful and functional piece. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

[South Shore Decorating Blog]

LOVE the gold and cream color scheme - it looks great!
Stacy

[al vignolini]

I love it, nothing like some gold to grab and hold your attention!

[marlis]

I am I am.. ready for less color.. but having a dinner party tomorrow evening and reason took over. I cannot possibly put everything up and be ready for a party.. so it stays another weekend. :-(!!! Love your simple centerpiece. When things are this gorgeous, less is definitely more. Gorgeous pairing of the dishes. Just fabulous.. xo marlis

[maureen]

Elegant and calming tablescape! Love all the neutrals...Yes, a tablescape can be overwhelming and you do need to step back to refine it. Love all those dishes. Happy New Year!

[Alycia Nichols]

Hi there! Long time no talk to!!! I hope your Christmas was a good one! It is always a challenge to balance the decor to steer clear of the flea market look. I like to keep the eyes entertained but not overwhelmed. Fine line there! I think that using neutrals with a single metallic as you did here really helps to tone down and ease toward that scaled back look without the table looking "skimpy." Of course, it'a all a matter of taste because some people love a skimpy table and some love one creaking and groaning with decorative accouterments. I always keep my guest list in mind and try to work from there. I'm not going to please all of the people all of the time, but it sure is a start! :-) Beautiful table, Summer! Your good taste is definitely showing here! Happy New Year to you and yours!

[Sanghamitra]

Beautiful post! Gorgeous settings.
Hope you had a dazzling Christmas.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

A Very Happy New Year to you and yours!

Greetings from Singapore~ Sanghamitra

[Franki Parde]

Lovely!! Where, may I ask, did you find the beautiful crown used in the centerpiece?? It is perfect. franki (fmparde@gmail.com)