Remember these placemats and napkins I dyed the other day? (If not, you can see what you missed HERE.) I’m glad you checked back to see them used in today’s tablescape. Thanks for stopping by!
The reason I dyed them dark brown was because I wanted to use them with these dishes. Last year I found the salad plates and soup bowls on clearance at T.J. Maxx. They were made by Spode for Williams Sonoma Home.
The soup bowls and this soup tureen (a thrifty find) were my inspiration for this table …
Since my table is dark, I decided I needed a lighter color for contrast, so I added some texture, too, with a loose-weave square in the center of the table … and the placemats turned to hang over the edge of the table.
As the table evolved, a repetition of lines began to emerge. It started here with the clear ribbed glass chargers …
… continued with Mikasa “Italian Countryside” dinner plates …
… these Dollar General glasses I’ve had for years …
… and culminated with Mikasa “Italian Countryside” flatware and ribbed silver napkin rings. Notice the linear weave on the table square …
… and on the matching napkins I doubled with the brown jacquard ones.
I set the soup tureen on a silver tray, put out some silver candlesticks, and placed some acorns on the table.
Let’s light the candles …
You may not see this as a simple tablescape, but stop and think about the basic pieces. The table square isn’t necessary if your placemats offer more contrast with your table. This would still work well without chargers, and you could use a single napkin. The centerpiece is a simple tray plus one item. The tray, candlesticks and napkin rings don’t have to be silver; they could be brass, pewter, wood, etc. The acorns could be any kind of nuts — or they could instead be large beads, flowers, seashells or pieces of colored glass … whatever coordinates with your bowls (or salad plates instead if you’re not serving soup).
Some tablescapes are “over the top” and use multiple dishes and more than one piece of stemware. This one isn’t. Both types have their place. My table today is: quick but easy, fast but functional, sweet but simple. Can you beat that on a busy day?
Hi
What a great idea. Dying the napkins. I love that!!!
Your tablescape has given me inspiration on the beautiful glasses. And, thanks for visiting My Cozy Corner. Yes, Christmas is coming very soon.
xo
Betty
Hi Susan,
what a great idea to dye the placemats. This is all looking fabulous. I love how you combined the offwhite with dark brown. This is so warm and cozy and calm. I love that.
Greetings, Johanna
This is a beautiful table. Just enough to entice the eye but simple and, therefore, very elegant. It’s giving me some ideas! Thanks!
What a beautiful table! Just enough to entice the eye but simple, and therefore, elegant. Thanks for sharing!
Hi. You do such lovely table settings. Hope you are having a great week. I’m getting ready for the Holidays and making things for an upcoming Christmas market.
~ Julie
Just gorgeous! Thanks for pointing out all the ribbed elements — they look wonderfully pleasing together! These colors look so warm and serene — lovely!
Beautiful!! Your table would work great for Thanksgiving.
Love the candles. I don’t use candles anymore… kinda miss them.
You did an outstanding job on this table!!! You are right…both understated and over-the-top have their place in this world. I love what you did with this simple but absolutely elegant creation! That flatware is fabulous!!!
The candlelit photo is stunning. The soup bowls are gorgeous, perfect for fall. The tureen looks great on the silver tray.
You are good!! Dyeing the napkins…brilliant!! I love this whole idea of brown and cream or white. Gorgeous!! Thank you for linking up to Centerpiece Wed and sharing your amazing ideas with us.
Karin
I just love everything about this table. LOVE the bowls, and the browns with the whites and all the shiny elements. Right down to the acorns. So attractive! Jacqueline
I just love this table – the lines, the colors and natural elements. Your soup bowls are so pretty. I love it when a table is simple and elegant.
I agree, what a great idea to dye what you had and make it like new.
I love the light and dark combination with your beautiful plates…
I may try this now myself.. thanks for the inspiration..
love the napkins and placemats, they turned out great. Your table is wonderful and inviting. I love the glass chargers!!
Beautiful brown table. Such calming and warm colors. Absolutely stunning!!!
Cindy
Forgot to tell you ~ I’m your newest follower. Looking forward to viewing your blog.
Cindy
Great job on dying the linens. Very sophisticated look. I usually buy 10″ tapers because I like the proportion of them on the table. Also, my chandelier is quite large and in reality, hangs a bit low. In my mind tall tapers would “fight” with it in the center of the table. Thank you for sharing your lovely design. Cherry Kay
I couldn’t wait to see how you incorporated those beautiful napkins into your tablescape! I was’t disappointed. I would describe this table as simply elegant and I love it.
I love your table!