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Tables With A Theme: Part 2 – The COLORFUL Theme

I’m so glad you stopped by today for
Tables With a Theme: Part 2 – The COLORFUL Theme

 

Our 3-week series began last week with THIS post about topical themes followed by THIS topical tablescape. After all, if you’re just learning how to take a tablescape from “empty” Before to “inviting” After, a table with a topical theme is often the easiest kind of table to do.

 

In my experience, the next easiest tablescape is one that spotlights a particular color — or combination of colors. But how to choose?

There are soooo many colors, aren’t there?

Sometimes they show up in places that REALLY make me smile …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UnCEXbp9NfI/Ui9NIqex1wI/AAAAAAAARII/Jf4-oRhuGEM/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme01.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036846253168386″ caption=”Color Theme01.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme01.jpg” ]

Click here to take a field trip to Replacements, Ltd.

 

We could talk in detail about primary, secondary and tertiary colors.  We could look at charts of analogous and complementary colors. We could even debate whether black and white are colors at all. (I vote YES!) We could discuss shades and tints and color harmony — or talk about color therapy.

 

But why would we … when we can LOOK at beautiful colors?  We’ll hit a few high spots along the way, but mostly let’s just LOOK. And while we do, notice the perhaps sometimes unexpected combinations of colors.

 

I hope these will give you some new tablescape ideas.

 

Since, according to Yours Truly, white IS a color, let’s look at it first.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ltiMuCkAt4I/Ui9NImf6xHI/AAAAAAAARIQ/f7XXD0oqAkY/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme02.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036845184205938″ caption=”Color Theme02.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme02.jpg” ]
Click here to read about my family linens.

 

And then let’s watch it pair beautifully with other colors …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tCjifA8THEs/Ui9NIvg2wgI/AAAAAAAARIM/XD9VbCd64dA/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme03.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036847604056578″ caption=”Color Theme03.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme03.jpg” ]
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iwrzG9kaqTg/Ui9NJfDPnLI/AAAAAAAARIY/jwDcyUWBDjY/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme04.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036860364758194″ caption=”Color Theme04.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme04.jpg” ]
Click here to see this “Tablescaping on a Budget” table.

 

White with any other color seems so “comfortable,” doesn’t it?

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r68bt2SFjJU/Ui9NJ78b7xI/AAAAAAAARIg/P3l7aVaDqR4/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme05.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036868120833810″ caption=”Color Theme05.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme05.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8BE6evHUmME/Ui9NJ3fnovI/AAAAAAAARIs/ryLTrDpVNno/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme06.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036866926224114″ caption=”Color Theme06.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme06.jpg” ]

 

I wonder if that’s why so many of us love transferware dishes.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vp7wbeWe96I/Ui9NKkG8t6I/AAAAAAAARI8/r5u97Zzy63I/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme07.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036878902343586″ caption=”Color Theme07.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme07.jpg” ]
Click here to see the original tablescape.

 

Primary colors – red, yellow and blue
Such vibrant colors!
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LYl2bAMgs1c/Ui9NKuzv0JI/AAAAAAAARJA/Jyuyfwslibw/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme08.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036881774596242″ caption=”Color Theme08.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme08.jpg” ]
Click here to see these plates in a tablescape.

 

Often they like to pair up — leaving out the third.
Blue and yellow …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FfgDi9Loz30/Ui9NK4EAjGI/AAAAAAAARI4/PqGW_1iTVVk/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme09.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036884258720866″ caption=”Color Theme09.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme09.jpg” ]
Click here to see the cobalt and sunflowers tablescape … or search this blog for “Summer to Fall” to see the tablescape in the upper left.

 

Yellow and red …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HvzlPzEt6kY/Ui9NLS1qP0I/AAAAAAAARJM/8gl_nYsVg9M/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme10.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036891446296386″ caption=”Color Theme10.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme10.jpg” ]
Click here to see the tulips in a tablescape.

 

Red and blue …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YZQoHVWorak/Ui9NMA5OY3I/AAAAAAAARJc/BxcN5j5dXqA/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme11.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036903809278834″ caption=”Color Theme11.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme11.jpg” ]
Click here to see the “Stars and Stripes” tablescape.

 

Secondary colors – green, orange and purple
Aren’t they striking?
Green and orange …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_5ejUikoD8Q/Ui9NMEZEg7I/AAAAAAAARJk/Yb5LjdMpTgM/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme13.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036904748155826″ caption=”Color Theme13.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme13.jpg” ]

 

Orange and purple …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nJ87T79pZVk/Ui9NMCAiv4I/AAAAAAAARJU/0BhfJZW2pN0/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme12.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036904108408706″ caption=”Color Theme12.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme12.jpg” ]
Click here to read about this beauty.

 

Purple and green …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qjWWEZy1c9M/Ui9NMlI4RgI/AAAAAAAARJs/YPGYb5pAND0/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme14.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036913538614786″ caption=”Color Theme14.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme14.jpg” ]

 

Tertiary colors are the combination of a primary and a secondary color —
like this blue-green water …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t4xlDI6_o5s/Ui9NMxnPN2I/AAAAAAAARJw/OzJJ39qpKHA/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme15.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036916887172962″ caption=”Color Theme15.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme15.jpg” ]
Photograph of the Tintagel, UK coastline taken by my youngest daughter whose wedding pictures you can see HERE.

 

Analogous colors are three side-by-side colors on the color wheel.
Red, pink and purple …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hlBG-SNX_6g/Ui9NNvbY9iI/AAAAAAAARJ8/AFuK691PPNM/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme16.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036933480478242″ caption=”Color Theme16.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme16.jpg” ]
Click here to see my Red Dazzle tablescape — or search this blog for “Falling for Wood” to see more of the table on the bottom right.

 

Green, yellow-green and yellow …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kdjT4sJKoio/Ui9NNpUME3I/AAAAAAAARKQ/cgvJ-n7POPI/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme17.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036931839660914″ caption=”Color Theme17.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme17.jpg” ]
Click here to see the “Garden Party” tablescape.

 

Purple, dark pink and light pink …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gpkkQ6zD8io/Ui9NOG8ZAuI/AAAAAAAARKM/hZ76D6yNKIk/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme19.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036939792909026″ caption=”Color Theme19.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme19.jpg” ]

 

Pale pink, magenta and red …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_YuRiFqzs6w/Ui9NOiDOLZI/AAAAAAAARKY/2Ur2cdNzmS4/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme20.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036947069316498″ caption=”Color Theme20.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme20.jpg” ]

 

Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel.
They’re a very strong combination of colors that makes a memorable statement.
You’ll recognize this red and green “Christmas colors” combination …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m7XhWOY1TXw/Ui9NSUpcY4I/AAAAAAAARLs/liAhMUTU15I/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme30.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037012191011714″ caption=”Color Theme30.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme30.jpg” ]
Click here to see the reversible runner in my Etsy shop.

 

And the traditional purple and yellow of Easter …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_3Ev-0T-iu8/Ui9NR9LkDDI/AAAAAAAARLg/yuss4r6-uCs/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme29.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037005891669042″ caption=”Color Theme29.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme29.jpg” ]

 

Blue and orange …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4SSYS_rAYWs/Ui9NQlcMG3I/AAAAAAAARLQ/EhKHHnjosoc/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme27.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036982339083122″ caption=”Color Theme27.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme27.jpg” ]
Click here to see the tea set.
This gorgeous navy and rusty-red combo is another “blue and orange” example …

Click here to see this china in a tablescape.

Now here’s where I prove I’m no color expert …

 

I don’t know how to classify these next color combinations, but I know I love them. I also know they combine beautifully in dishes — and tablescapes!

Pink and green …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PEZgBgf2LRs/Ui9NPCbgLKI/AAAAAAAARKk/q8PzeIsAJVw/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme21.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036955761093794″ caption=”Color Theme21.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme21.jpg” ]
Click here to see a tablescape with pink roses.

 

Pink and green — and yellow …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rNin9D686ww/Ui9NQCbi7kI/AAAAAAAARLE/av4l3jPP7K8/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme25.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036972941143618″ caption=”Color Theme25.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme25.jpg” ]

 

And pink and blue … “tried and true”
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LannLpdd7k8/Ui9NQOc0raI/AAAAAAAARLI/X-cmLiKrCT8/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme26.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922036976167726498″ caption=”Color Theme26.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme26.jpg” ]
Click here to read about this vintage salt and pepper set.

 

Then, of course, there’s classic black — paired here with white …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nKT5dYNBQW0/Ui9NSYlSRyI/AAAAAAAARLw/8q7Fjl_7Pac/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme31.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037013247313698″ caption=”Color Theme31.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme31.jpg” ]
Click here to see a transferware tablescape or search this blog for “Two Parties” to see the tablescape on the bottom right.

 

… and here with red …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nUeMQabMWKo/Ui9NSqeSVLI/AAAAAAAARL4/FZ912t2Q_MM/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme32.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037018049795250″ caption=”Color Theme32.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme32.jpg” ]
Click here for Festival of Tables 2008 tablescapes.

 

… and with hot pink
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bAeD17MgeYY/Ui9NTyl4GWI/AAAAAAAARMU/wdJrlSc1dYc/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme33.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037037408983394″ caption=”Color Theme33.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme33.jpg” ]
Click here for Festival of Tables 2008 tablescapes.

 

Of course, there’s always the beauty of an all-silver …
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5NmEcU7mbPo/Ui9NT6q6XgI/AAAAAAAARME/4K9sH_syeqM/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme34.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037039577587202″ caption=”Color Theme34.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme34.jpg” ]
Click here to see the “Something Old…” tablescape.

 

… or all-gold tablescape.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XuYSr8yfFfo/Ui9NT5aKAFI/AAAAAAAARMQ/fNA0NdBsEP0/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme35.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037039238873170″ caption=”Color Theme35.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme35.jpg” ]
Click here to see the entire tablescape.

 

The combinations of colors are virtually endless — and just waiting for you to start exploring!

 

Challenge yourself to pick a combination you’ve never used before. Mix and match dishes you’ve never mixed before. (I did that with a friend just three days ago.) You might just find a whole new look that you like! (We did!)

What’s the most unusual-to-you combination of colors you’ve ever tried?  Did you like the result? What color combination would you like to try that you haven’t yet? I hope you’ll leave a comment and tell us!  We all learn from each other, you know …

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qGXYBESxkrY/Ui9NUrqUdBI/AAAAAAAARMY/45L8p-0ZdVw/s144-c-o/Color%252520Theme37.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/110933187416986729297/ColorThemes#5922037052728439826″ caption=”Color Theme37.jpg” type=”image” alt=”Color Theme37.jpg” ]

I’ll be partying at these fun blogs …
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Little Red House for Mosaic Monday
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
* * * * *
I hope you’ll stop by again later this week for Tablescape Thursday where I’ll show you a COLORFUL tablescape — or two!

Click for additional source credits:
Umbrella colorwheel
Stack of fabrics
White chandelier – source unknown
Balloons – source unknown
Superman

Related posts:

Tables With A Theme: Part 3 – The STYLISHLY MOODY Table A STYLISHLY MOODY Table: Shabby Country Sweet Feet Heart-Stopping-Beautiful China: Christian Dior "Tabriz"
20 Jun 2011
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Comments

  1. Bonnie says
    June 20, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    WOW! So much to absorb. Love all your color charts at the top.

  2. Allison Shops says
    June 20, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Great color charts – thanks for putting them all together.
    Dropping by from Met Monday. I hope you’ll come see the safari nursery.

    Allison
    Atticmag

  3. FABBY'S LIVING says
    June 20, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    Wow! Everything is gorgeous! I love all your plates, specially the blue and white calico type…so pretty! Stunning!! Lots of hugs! Come visit! FABBY

  4. SavannahGranny says
    June 20, 2011 at 3:38 AM

    Thanks for the beautiful burst of color. Quite a bit of work involved. Inspiring. Ginger 🙂

  5. eileeninmd says
    June 20, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    WOW, what a beautiful post of colors. Everything is just gorgeous. Have a wonderful week!

  6. LivingSoAbundantly says
    June 20, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    The creativity in your post is incredible. The colors pencils forming the color wheel–brilliant!

  7. The Decorative Dreamer says
    June 20, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I loved this post. My problem is just sticking to one color or a few with tablescapes because I truly love them all! LOL! This was quite fun to see. Very inspirational too!

  8. A Garden of Threads says
    June 20, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    That is my problem, I love them all. Any combination. Wonderful information, thanks for sharing.

  9. Snap says
    June 20, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    An art lesson at the table … love it! Happy Monday!

  10. Debbie says
    June 20, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    This was a great post to read with such wonderful picture inspiration. I’m often surprised by new color combinations that were once not all that traditional (blue and orange or brown and pink, for example.) It’s so fun to see how pretty things are outside the box.

    And still, I like to step outside and see what God has put together in nature, too.

    Loved this. It exemplifies the term “eye candy” to me.

  11. Kim, USA says
    June 20, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Wow that is fun for I like to do mix and match since I don’t have many dishes! What a way to deal huh?!! I remember, I heard this somewhere that we just only have to follow nature and we won’t be wrong. I thought of that for a long time and I agree at the end. Color combination on nature are awesome sometimes we can’t believe it’s there. Great post here and would like to see the first post.

    Blue dress

  12. Liz says
    June 21, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    What a fun post! I loved the lesson on colors! 🙂 My fav to wear is Blue and green…. in my home… red and yellow and blue and white…

    ~Liz

  13. chubskulit says
    June 21, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Just beautiful!

    I played Blue Monday too, please come and see.

  14. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
    June 21, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Oh my, so much eye candy. All of your pics are stunning and everyone of the flowers and tablescapes are stunning. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

  15. Sandra says
    June 21, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Love the color charts – pink and green is my FAVE!

    P.S. I’m your newest follower.

  16. Jilly says
    June 29, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Silver stuffs are awesome. My grandmother also have very big collection of silver plates, yard and many more.
    online clothing store