TABLESCAPE THURSDAY - An English Garden for Mother

Welcome to TABLESCAPE THURSDAY!

This week I've pulled together a table to honor MOM. I'm calling it "An English Garden for Mother". I was looking through my dishes, linens and crystal trying to come up with a new combination that I haven't shared before. While I was pondering this week's table, my eyes fell on a new picture that I've just acquired. I was admiring the coral, peach and orange tones in the background and suddenly I knew what I would do. Let's take a look at my inspiration picture and go tour this table I've set especially for Mother's Day. This picture is called "Magnolia Estate" and it's from my Celebrating HOME line of interior accents and home furnishings. The creamy white flowers against the coral and peach toned background were my inspiration this week.
My Mom loves an English Garden. Tea Roses and Peonies are her two favorite blooms. This table features creamy white peonies in the centerpiece and lovely Tea Roses on the floral napkins. I had a lot of fun pulling this table together and with each layer I got more excited to see the finished product. The explosion of color across our dining room table even pulled a few compliments from Mr. Panache and our boys. Wow!

Earlier this year my Mom came to visit over a long weekend and as we girls do we took off to shop. I found these Ralph Lauren napkins at BELKS. The background is a soft Robin's Egg Blue and the floral print features roses in shades of coral, peach, pink and rose.

I started with a creamy white quilted placemat. I tend to use placemats more than tablecloths during the warmer months. Next, I added my woven wicker chargers. I have had these for several years and love the texture they add to any table. I love the way they add a sense of casual elegance to an otherwise formal table. I then layered three different stoneware patterns in three different colors - Ivory dinner plate, Robin's Egg Blue salad plate, Coral dessert plate - a slight nod to the classic of RED, WHITE and BLUE but with a modern mix.

Elegant Ivory Soy candles cast just a hint of glow around the table.

I had 3 yards of Peach silk fabric left over from a project for a client. I simply placed it in the center of my table and turned the unfinished edges under. Viola! A tablerunner. The ivory platter featured here is part of a new pottery line from Celebrating HOME. It is called VERANDA. The pattern is a basket-weave embossing with an English Ivy motif layered on top. Now I have to decide was yummy entree I will place on this lovely platter for a Mother's Day lunch.

A matching covered casserole.

This is what we call a BEAN POT. It is oval shaped with a deep well and narrow opening. Perfect for serving baked beans, pasta salads, soups, stews or chowders.

A couple fine feathered friends find their way to the table.

I tried several ways of displaying my napkins. I liked this triangle fold laid across the dessert plate. But, I was afraid it covered to much of the plate.

Each one of the different stoneware patterns are embossed. I purchased these coral dessert plates at TARGET about 6 years ago. They were on the clearance table - 4 for $5! What a bargain!

When my eyes fell on these salad plates it was love at first sight. The soft Robin's Egg Blue was unlike any dishes I had in my cabinet and I knew they would match my napkins perfectly. I found them at TJMaxx about a month ago. You will see these in many more tablescapes I'm sure! (Smile!)

And again! My tried and true IVORY dinner plates from BHandGardens.

I settled on displaying the napkin inside the crystal goblet. I liked the way the fabric fanned out and added some height to the table. The smaller crystal goblet is actually a sorbet cup. I wasn't sure about the proper placement so it ended up to the right of the glass. If you happen to know the correct spot for it, please share. :-)

I am reading a wonderful book called "Creative Hospitality" by Nancy Van Pelt. The book is on loan from my dear friend Peggy Morris. One quote from the author that I will share is this:

'To know how to create a beautiful table setting and pull it all together in an

inviting manner is a talent from God".
I never really thought about it that way but after participating in Susan's Tablescape Party and viewing all the gorgeous tables that everyone posts week after week, I have decided that I agree with Mrs. Van Pelt! So for more inspiration and to visit some very talented ladies, pop over to see Susan at Between Naps on the Porch! Until I see you again,

Happy Table Setting!

~Alisa