I have chosen orchid as the color for this summer women's birthday lunch as I wanted to use it one more time before we get a nip of fall in the air. The orchid linen embroidered paisley tablecloth I made this Spring from nine yards of fabric from Hancock's Fabric. To start the tablescape centerpiece, I am using four Italian water bottles with four stems in each bottle of orchid/pink Godetia. These patterned clear glass bottles are made in Italy by Bormioli Rocco & Figlio. I noticed them when my husband and I were having dinner at Macaroni Grill one evening. The waitress transferred ice water from a large vat into these and then filled our water glasses on the table from them. Very European. While in TJ Maxx one day I noticed them and discovered they were the same brand. They were $1.99 so I bought four to see if I liked serving water at home in that manner. I wasn't sure if I would like the wire closures. I have tumblers by this brand so was familiar with the label. I had some long stemmed Godetia and decided to use the bottles as vases. I wanted something simple for the center of the table that did not take up much room so the table wasn't crowded.
For chargers I am using Alberto Pinto's Or Des Airs as some of the birds have coordinating coloring with the orchid. I also like the gold designs around the edges of the chargers which varies with each bird style.
There are six different bird designs. Here is another one. The placecard holders are gold hands that I found at an estate sale several years ago.
Since I don't have orchid napkins, I am using white vintage lapkins with my maiden name initial. These are 32" square so are difficult to place on the left of the plate. I have folded them and placed them underneath the charger so the guest can just tilt the plate and pull it out.
Above is a wider view of the table. I have added two crystal candlesticks from Pottery Barn and am using my newest purchase, the Ricci gold plated stainless in the Raffaello pattern.
Water goblets are William Yeoward's Flavia pattern and wine glasses are Waterford's Colleen pattern.
This is what the placecard holder hand looks like. You insert the card between the thumb and fingers.
I am serving salad in these antique Haviland ruffled scalloped plates with pink rose border. I found 12 of these at an estate sale this Spring. Even though I am not fond of pink roses on china, I love French porcelain and liked the quality of the green rim with the gold edges. I was also particularly intrigued about what they were designed to serve and am still researching it. If you know, please tell me. I know they are not oyster plates.
They have this unusual shaped well at the bottom to hold draining liquid. I have only seen these wells on meat platters and certainly nothing this feminine.
Above is the overall view with the salad plates.
Dinner plates are solid orchid rimmed buffet plates by French maker J. Seignolles in the Diplomate pattern. They are such an excellent match to the tablecloth. The bread/butter plates are in the Arizona pattern by Charles Field Haviland. Butter spreaders are by French maker Jean Dubost.
Above is the overall view of the table with the dinner plates.
For dessert plates, I am using Engish George Jones hand painted plates with Lilacs. Even though Lilacs are out of season, I still like the color with this setting. I like serving a white layered cake with raspberry filling between the layers. Our local baker makes these better, quicker and cheaper than I can so I just buy one.
This is the overall view with the dessert plates.
Menu: Embellished Ceasar salad, crab cakes, blanched green Chinese long beans and Yukon gold chunky potatoes simmered in a peach bourbon sauce. Passion fruit iced tea and a peach flavored light wine.
I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch.
To see all the entries, after 9:00PM Eastern on Wednesday, go here:
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Summer
Photos: Swede
