Tablescape Tuesday - "Spice Trade"

Welcome to TABLESCAPE TUESDAY! It's a beautiful snowy morning here in my part of NC and the kids are out of school. I have a 9-year old who is very, very happy. Today's table scape is called "Spice Trade" and my color scheme is Red, White and Blue. So fitting for Inauguration Day. I don't have much blue in my home so it was fun working with these blue and white Churchill plates. I've had these for many, many years and have used them mainly for display. Churchill is made in Staffordshire England. I would love to find more pieces of this pattern. If anyone knows of a source, I would love to hear about it. Well, let's go take a look. I placed one plate on a stand so you could see the pattern. All of the plates are the same design.


I started building the tablescape by using a red print table runner. The runner is from Pottery Barn and I got it in 2007 on the After Christmas sale. I also purchased 6 matching napkins.

I then set four placesettings starting with a white quilted placemat then layering on a rattan charger. As you are probably learning about me, I am into varied "texture" in design so the way the rough rattan looks against the smooth, shiny china is really interesting to my eye.

On the napkin I placed a MONKEY napkin ring. Love these little guys. His tail forms the holder. I love the way he is "scratching" his head. These came from Pottery Barn also.

I folded the napkin into a fan and placed it to the left of the plate, slightly curved around the plate's edge. Wanting to do something a little different, I crisscrossed my silverware on the plate, much as one might do after a satisfying meal. You might not find that in an etiquette book but, hey, it's my tablescape.

Here is a picture of some of the pattern on the tablerunner. I love the elephant all decked out in finery.

Another scene shows a "Spice Trader" riding a camel. I love the shades of blue, red and green in this print.

A close up of the Churchill plate shows more detail. I am not very familiar with English names for types of houses but I think this is what is called a "Crofter's House". Does anybody know for sure?

Fine English Tableware. Made in Straffordshire England. Microwave, Dishwasher Safe.

I tried placing the napkin on the plate but it covered to much of the beautiful pattern so I opted to move it to the side.

Since we were going with the "Spice Trade" theme, I wanted to use some urns and ginger jars in my centerpiece. I love the red and brown of this jar. And the shape reminds me of something Middle Eastern.

I used two styles of stemware. One goblet was light blue and the water glass was a deep, smokey blue. The light blue goblets were given to me by my MIL, Ann. (Thanks, Mama)

I stacked some old books up in the center of a wooden and metal tray, then layered in red mosaic votive holders and the blue and white covered dish.

I would use this tablescape at a Saturday lunch for a group of my friends. Of course I would have to plan my menu around a variety of flavorful spices. I might fix my Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad, followed by Curried Chicken-Artichoke Bake, Nut Rice and for dessert Frozen Banana Yogurt. Yum, Yum.

Hope you enjoyed looking around. For more inspiration be sure to go over to http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com and visit with Susan and all the other ladies participating in TABLESCAPE TUESDAY.

Tomorrow on the Cook's Corner, I will be sharing my recipe for OUTLANDISH OATMEAL SUPREME cookies with creme. This is my favorite cookie. It's more like a cookie sandwich. If you like to bake, you won't want to miss this delicious recipe. Until then,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa