WELCOME to CAROLINA PANACHE! I believe our homes should be a haven, a place of beauty and peace that reflect who we are and what's important to us. I'm on a journey to add personality and panache to every corner of my house. For me, good design evolves, grows and changes with the needs of one's lifestyle. I want my home to be creative, to be stylish, to be entertaining, to be real. I hope you will join me on my journey. It's always more fun to travel together.
This blog is all about bringing style and elegance to the home. The art of dressing your home goes beyond hanging a few items on the wall and arranging furniture. Much like a fabulous set of earrings or a new stylish handbag may take your little black dress from fine to fabulous, home accesories and key furnishings can take your rooms from ho-hum to singing the Halleluiah Chorus! Join with me as we discover new ways to add panache to every room of the house.

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
















31 comments:

Jewel Sauls said...

The snow has moved east in NC and we are beginning to see some accumulation! Your "Spice Trade" table is nice and warm - perfect for a snowy day! I love those Churchill plates and your little monkeys! Great colors in the runner!!!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Good morning, it is so nice to meet you. What a beautiful tablescape. I love the stacked books and urns as your centerpiece. I may have to borrow that at some point. :-) The monkeys add such whimsy.. I enjoyed my stop for your tablescape. Thanks for stopping by I appreciate your visit. I hope you have a super TT Tuesday. Hugs ~lynne~

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Beautiful tablescape. I love the mix of patterns and colors. You always do an interesting design. Marty

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Love the theme! The runner and the napkins are so pretty. Those plates are gorgeous! I am also a "plates on the wall" kind of gal, and I find myself looking at them a little differently since I've started tablescaping. lol Love your centerpiece. Beautiful job!...Debbie

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Love your use of placemats & chargers...I alwasy think it's either/or. And the layering of your centerpiece adds so much interest...love this table!

redsoxmom said...

I'm in Chesapeake and we've got a day off from school here and just some flurries going on. Not even sure if it will really accumulate. The kids are happy, though. Alisa, the plates are beautiful and your theme is great! I have always liked mixing red and blue. How can you go wrong with monkeys?? :) Great job!

Blessings,
Linda

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

I love the colors of your tablescape! You did a great job on everything!

Kathleen Ellis said...

Lovely! I like your theme and color scheme! Those napkins rings are too cute! Your centerpiece vignette is perfect and the menu sounds delish!
I'm waiting breakfast on the deck for you til....let's say....late May!
Have a happy week!
;-D

Anonymous said...

How beautiful, Alisa. I love the pattern on your tablerunner and the napkins. The little monkeys are just perfect for this asiany looking theme. I adore your blue and white dishes - so lovely. I've seen this pattern before and coveted, um, wanted to have it myself! :) Your little small blue goblets, I have a few of those two. You've set a verly lovely table. I'll be waiting for my invitation! ;)
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

a quiet life said...

super job, i adore your detailing, always perfection and fun! and the menu planning is the topper. it's all as fun as a barrel of monkeys!

Anonymous said...

Love your spice table...

Runner and napkins...love the print!
Napkin rings... love Mr Monkey!
Dishes...love anything blue/white.. but the Churchill plates are gorgeous!
Love your attention to all the detail... textures, colors, etc!

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed your collections of items for the centerpieces...nothing is off limits! Very pretty table!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I am so glad you dropped by my blog. Thanks you for the kind words. I just love your blog.

Your tablescape is beautiful. I love your style. Mixingfine china with stoneware urns and florals. Those little monkey napkin rings are just too cute. Great job!

I am adding you to my favorites list. I hope you don't mind. Please, visit me again. I would love to get to know you better.

Lady Katherine said...

Just love the urns on the table, the runner and napkins are great! I love the blue Churchhill plate, The monkey is so cute.

Melanie said...

This is soooo pretty, Alisa.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Unknown said...

I've spent hours and hours looking at tablescapes this morning. Yours is just beautiful!

For additional pieces of your lovely Churchill china, try "Churchill The Brook" or "Churchill Brook Blue" (It's also made in pink.) as internet searches. You should be able to find suppliers.

A Hint of Home said...

We dodged the snow storm, called for here in SC.
I love the colors in the runner and napkins. Your dishes are very pretty and I love the centerpiece.

Linda Q said...

Love the linens with the china, brings out the blue. Really great, might be my fav this week!
Great layers and heights to the centerpiece.
Way to go!
Linda

Gone said...

Roses are my favorite, too! Thanks for stopping by!!!

I loved your tablescape...the Churchill plates are gorgeous.

I also noticed a couple of things, the urn and some things in the next post down...that make me think you might be a Home Interiors Rep?

Love your blog...

Jan

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Alisha,
I love the red and blue mix. Your china is beautiful and I love the whimsy you added. Cindy

ellen b. said...

Hello Alisa,
I really enjoyed your Spice Trade theme table! How creative, I like the color combination and I do appreciate all the textures. I've always enjoyed Churchill china. I have a weakness for blue and white. Nowadays I have a weakness for all things china! The rattan chargers are perfect for you theme...

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Love your tablescape. That runner is exquisite! Love the monkey napkin rings. It all looks so inviting. I've never been to your blog, but I am so glad to find you, and I'm very sure I will be back often. laurie

Melissa Miller said...

Oh Alisa how gorgeous!!!

You have created such beauty and warmth.
The colors and the jars....WOW~
I am thrilled to see this! What an inspiration.
Thank you so much for joining TT. I am getting so many ideas from your amazing creativity.

~Warmly, Melissa :)

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Just came across your blog today...the photos are gorgeous!

Maryrose said...

Love your table, and the glimpses of your house. I am new to your blog and am enjoying your style. Thanks for sharing.

Charlene said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to work so I was late stopping by... but it was sooooooooo worth the trip! You do indeed tablescape your table. My simple little post seems like NOTHING after seeing yours! I am new at this & can see the anty has been raised! You had a full house(that;s poker talk on anty) on this one honey! I really enjoyed your post so much.

Miss Janice said...

Your tablescape is lovely. I loved the pattern of the runner and the centerpiece is awesome! Like yourself...I love the china, it's beautiful! Great job!

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Hello Carol,
I came across your blog today and love your Junk to Gem section, not to mention the Oatmeal cookies! Your tablescapes are so colorful and full of detail. I love the simple primitive style but enjoy looking at the talent of others in the decorating world. I have a primitive gift and antique shop in Marshville NC and never get tired of coming up with a new display.
I really enjoy your blog and will definitely be back!
HAve a great day!
Beth

~CC Catherine said...

Alisa, How did I miss your T.Tuesday post? I came on over to say "thanks so kindly" for the lovely comment you left on my blog earlier this week. It was so special, and it's so neat to be interacting with such wonderful talented women, like yourself. I TOTALLY love what you did with the Spice Trade theme here. And, of course, I love the blue/white Churchill plates!;) The monkey's are fun...and each bit of attention to the details really make this a special and inviting table. Now I'm going to go read that scrumptious recipe for the stuffed oatmeal cookies... yummy! See ya soon! ~CC (you'll have to let me know what you think of my new blog background) ;)

Lynda said...

Gorgeous tablescape! You've inspired me! Your blog is great, and it's one of my favorite places to visit.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Alisa...Ok, I'm stealing those adorable napkin rings! :-) Great tablescape...love the spicey colors and the menu sounds devine! Great china...always love blue and white! :-) Susan

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