Red Dazzle

dazzle
v.intr.   to arouse admiration by an impressive display 


When is the last time you were *d*a*z*z*l*e*d by something? It happened to me recently when I put together this tablescape. Didn’t expect it … TOTAL surprise! Come with me, and I’ll show you what happened — and share some tablescaping tips along the way!


I selected my dishes and layered them …


I cut beautiful flowers from the bounty my sweet husband grows for us to share and enjoy — and placed them in a simple vase. Because I wanted some color at the base of the vase, I placed a dinner plate on top of a vintage cake plate — then tried a couple of options. First I set the vase directly on the plate … too “busy” … should try something else. Next I added a small linen doily in the center of the plate. See the difference? The doily calmed the “busy-ness” and let the color take center stage. (Isn’t that the role of a centerpiece?)




I knew I was going to use vintage ruby glass berry bowls at each place setting, so I wanted some ruby glass in the center of the table. But all I had were two votive holders — and they looked so “expected” — and I wanted something more!  Watch closely and you’ll see a trick I’d never tried before … but I WILL use again!


Now watch it all come together …

 








Time to light the candles …

 



… and be DAZZLED …


Are you ready? …



The pink was so stunning in person that it simply took my breath away!  I stepped back from the camera and just stood there … soaking up the beauty. It was a wonderful reminder that I should slow down and LOOK at life even as it passes me by.


I’m so glad I didn’t miss this … and I’ve been waiting (im)patiently to share it with you. I hope you enjoy!



The following tablescape items are (no longer) available in my Etsy store.
Harmony House “Dresdania” floral plates
Monogram “H” goblets
Large clear Depression glass cake plate
Pair of ruby glass votive holders
Pair of rose candle globes


From my personal collection:
Linen damask tablecloth w/ rose design – auction
Clear ribbed glass chargers – auction 
White Gibson “Claremont” dinner plates – Big Lots last year
Mikasa “Italian Countryside” flatware – several years ago
Flowers – my yard

 

 

I’m linking to several great blog parties this week. I hope you’ll check them out!
Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
Friday — Finding Beauty at Dipity Road 
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
 
Thanks to everyone for hosting!

Comments

  1. Well, you were right. I was absolutely DAZZLED. The table was lovely but when you lit those candles the table just glowed. So jealous of your flowers. Mine have just about had it for the year.

    Thanks so much for sharing your tidbits and talents.

  2. So beautiful…truly a very special setting! One more reminder to slow down and savor the here and now…thank you!

    Sarah

  3. This is one serioulsy beautiful table!! I was actually “directed” to this site by my sister who had seen it earlier. Her description didn’t even do it justice.

    It’s lovely without the candles, but oh my word… when it casts a pink glow over the whole table, it is absolutely fabulous!!!

  4. Oh how fun! This is a beautiful table and I’m glad you shared it!

  5. Beautiful, especially by candlelight.

    Some news: We’re staring a Giveaway Friday! link-up party this Fri. 8/27 plus we are giving away custom backsplash! Hope you’ll join us.

    Allison
    Atticmag

  6. Fabulous tablescape…your flowers are just gorgeous!

  7. Skillful balance…lovely color choices…a delightful tablescape. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

  8. Hi Susan! Gorgeous tablescape! I love those plates…so pretty! I hope you are having a great week!…hugs…Debbie

  9. Yep!,,,Dazzling and stunning. Love the flowers!

  10. I was dazzled! This is the perfect Pink Saturday tablescape. Stunning! ~ Sarah

  11. Absolutely beautiful!!! Dazzling indeed! And the doily did make all the difference! Gorgeous tablescape!
    -April

  12. Dazzling indeed. And such a simple “trick” has big results. Thanks for sharing.

  13. So lovely! The ruby accents really look wonderful in your red dining room, too.

  14. How pretty! Love your pink glow!.

  15. Beautiful, Susan! I love all the pink…those flowers are gorgeous! And of course, you know I love the “H” monogram glasses. 🙂

  16. Well, I don’t blame you for stepping back and enjoying that gorgeous table! It is truly breathtaking! I think I would still be sitting there! I love everything, everything! Your flatware looks so beautiful in the photos! I just got mine and I am really enjoying it! I love that it feels heavy and substantial. Thanks for stopping by:-)

  17. Beautiful!!!
    Zondra Art

  18. Hi Susan, you are very talented with your table setting.. the glow of pink took my breathe away…very elegant..Baba

  19. I grew up eating ice cream from ruby red bowls like those. My parents got them for a wedding present back in the early 1940’s. I wrote about my berry bowls here:
    http://oakrisecottage.blogspot.com/2008/08/friday-show-and-tell-ice-cream-bowls.html
    And here:
    http://oakrisecottage.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-or-more-tuesday-i-love-berry.html