Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Stack Em' High!


One of the most frequently asked questions I hear from readers concerning tablescapes is, "Is it okay to stack more dishes on a table than you have courses". Can you guess my answer? YES, of course it is! Dishes are usually wisked away before the meal is served anyway!

When I set a table I want my table to be inviting, impressive, decorative and so much more!  Using stacks of pretty plates at each guests place goes a long way to achieve my goal.



Using Autumn tablescapes I thought I'd do a little tutorial on stacking dishes!

This will also help to answer the second and third most asked question I get, "How many dishes do you have?" and "Where do you keep all your dishes?"

I have fewer dishes than you think... I just keep using the same ones over and over again!!! So I have no special spot to keep them. They live in my cabinets, buffet and built-ins!



The first consideration in setting my tables is, What will promote the overall feel I hope to achieve.

If I want a calm and subdued setting I use a limited color palate... and fewer plates.









Using lots of layered plates in different colors gives me a much more busy, lively table!











Plates with high color contrast add big drama!



Low contrast or white is soothing!


One trick I often employ is to use a decorative plate, bowl, or tureen to top off my place setting that continues the theme of my tablescape. An alternative to this trick is to find an object or a little take home gift to sit atop the stack of plates.

This is a BIG money saver too! Small decorative dishes are usually not so very expensive.













Getting creative and tucking little extras between plates also is such a welcoming surprise!








When it comes to stacking plates... I swoon over edges!







So go ahead, STACK EM' UP! Enjoy displaying your dishes!!!


A Autumn Tablescape Lineup...
Click names to see post.



































Thanksgiving Countdown


You should by now have a nicely organized notebook with your menu, recipes, grocery lists, guest list, who's bringing what list, and a tablescape plan.

As you shop over the next 2 weeks buy all of your non perishable items.

Your next goal is to use up things in your refrigerator. Thanksgiving and the extended weekend means lots of food and leftovers. Eat what you have in the frig so there is room for all the decedent goodies! I have a refrigerator in my garage too. If you have an extra refrigerator, clean it! Get it sparkling clean for the perishable food.

If you are having guests, as we are here at StoneGable, wash bedding and towels. I won't make the beds until a couple of days before my guests arrive. Inspect blankets, quilts and pillows. Make sure they are clean and in good shape.

If you are having any baked goods that can be frozen, start now to bake and freeze!

Pie crusts can be made, formed in disposable pie pans and frozen right in the pan until Thanksgiving. Put them in a sealable plastic bags before freezing.

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch. Thank, Susan!


66 comments:

  1. love you taking us down memory lane again, all of your images are permanently engrainged in my brain :)

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  2. Such a great post, loved all your layers. hugs ~lynne~

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  3. I love all of the tablescapes! Thanks once again for the wonderful Thanksgiving ideas and tips. Carla

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  4. I love your blog...
    I swoom over your tablescapes...
    It's like browsing one of those glossy wonderful magazines ~ the ones I call 'wish and want books'...
    thanks for sharing all your beautiful things :)))

    ~victoria~

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  5. Oh Yvonne, I drool over every one of your gorgeous tablescapes. You really do know how to put the most beautiful tables together. Loved the tutorial and the tour of some of your fabulous tables. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

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  6. What beautiful fall tablescapes Yvonne -- you may swoon over the edges -- we all swoon over your tablescapes. Joni

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  7. Yvonne your tablescape images are all beautiful beyond!!

    Come and enter my New Giveaway from Empress of the Eye. You will love it!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  8. Just beautiful, Yvonne! It is a pleasure just to look through your tablescape pictures. I don't know that I'd want to mess them up with food! : )

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  9. Yvonne, your tablescapes are among the best ever. You really need to write a book, or have you? The images are sheer perfection.

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  10. Oh, Yvonne, does that mean I am strange if I salivate over your plates and tables as much as I do over food? Love the tutorial. I agree, stack em high! I love everything you do. Such fabulous images.

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  11. Love, love, love your blog. Thank you for generously sharing with us. Your gift of hospitality is just wonderful!! Dian

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  12. O*M*G* WHAT a FEAST for the eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, thank you for sharing this beauty! I will go back and revisit every table when I get the chance. You have the GIFT for this! Everything is simply stunning. You are my tablescaping idol:):) XO, Pinky

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  13. Yvonne,
    Thank you for such an elegant posting today! Your Cheery Pear Tablescape is my all time, hands down, absolute favorite of all your settings! ! ! Running a close second is one of your newest. . .the Woodland Tablescape. It is manly, yet has such a softness about the edges with that calming blue touch. Keep those beautiful views from your~ home~to~ours coming!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  14. Yvonne~ wow so many luscious images...very inspiring! Every time I stack plates on the table, e.g. one for main course and smaller for first course, my family gets confused and they end up eating main course food on an 8" plate. I've given up! What should I do, just take them away before serving???

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  15. For my French Basketeer friend,
    Great question!
    Yes, I take all plates off of the table, stack them in dishpan and use them as each course is served.

    Think of a prettily set table with lots of gorgeous plates as an appetiser for the eyes!
    xo Yvonnne

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  16. Absolutely gorgeous! All of them! Can I ask where you get all your beautiful plates and settings?

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  17. Jain has been my friend for years..I've always loved her tablescapes..the two of you share the same great taste..It's fun for us to watch and learn.
    Thank you Yvonne..everything is just lovely.

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  18. Yvonne, what a treat it is for me to come here time and time again to view your gorgeous tablescapes and read your hints and recipes. We are truly blessed that you share so much of your time and TALENTS with us! Thank you, thank you!
    Donna

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  19. What you do with tables is amazing. Like no other. You are the master. I love the look of stacked dishes - so much interest. Thank you for always sharing all of your talents.

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  20. One of your best tutorials yet. I'd love to pick a favorite tablescape, but I just can't do it! I'd love to sit down at each one of them.

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  21. What a terrific reference for decorating, entertaining and table settings. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and great tips. I have been very motivated to follow as best I can all your wonderful tips and suggestions. I was going to ask about baking pies ahead of time but you answered that today.Looking forward to your next posts.

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  22. I've been asked the same questions many many times, too. I love your tutorial. You and I think a lot alike.:-)

    Gorgeous inspirational photos!

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  23. Love it!! Thanks for all the great ideas again and again. I love seeing your dishes and how you use them in different tablescapes. One of these days can you please show us what your dish storage looks like? You are probably so organized and I would love to see any ideas on storage - do you do it by color? Do you just stack them on each other, use racks and do you cover them to protect each layer? So many questions...Plates are the easiest to store but what about all the other items that don't stack so well - you must get creative or just have a lot of space. Either way I'm so visual so if you ever feel like showing inside your cabinets - I'd be thrilled. You have such great ideas on organization - loving the holiday countdown suggestions. Keep 'em coming :)

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  24. Great plate-stacking tutorial! I will be on the lookout for pretty little bowls to set on top of the stack.

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  25. Wonderful post! So that's how you do it. I kind of knew that but you really do have lots of beautiful sets of dishes. The way you mix them is work of art. Always creating the perfect mix. Thanks for sharing!

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  26. Oh Yvonne,
    I have returned to the blogging world and I cannot tell you how much I misses your GORGEOUS blog!
    Blessings!
    Gwen

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  27. Yvonne, You always have the most beautiful tablescapes! Thanks for sharing these with us and your great tips for entertaining.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  28. I always love seeing your creative genius at work with your beautiful tablescapes! I'm still in love about your Woodland Table :-)

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  29. It is always a treat visiting TT at Stone Gable...the tables are all beautiful. I love the way you layer each week. The black and white one is one of my favorites, but the 2009 Thanksgiving one is gorgeous, too. It is so hard to pick a favorite from any of your tables. Thanks for sharing your creative talents.

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  30. Yvonne, I so do not want to have all these dishes and have to store them and fuss with them...but when I come here, I have dish envy! I guess I'll just enjoy yours..and I sure do! ;D

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  31. Very pretty Yvonne! It's nice to be able to scroll back through the older posts in case I missed one:@)

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  32. Bonjour Yvonne,

    Your elegant tables are limitless.! I have always loved to 'dine' at a properly set table, but now I have started experimenting with more stacking. It just feels nice.
    It is unanimous - you have inspired all of us to stack away!! Also, the notebook you suggested is going to work like a charm. I have decided to do the same for many other things as well. My little brain is spinning. You are right, organisation is the key!

    Hope you are having a marvelous week,
    Mimi

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  33. What a great lesson. thanks so much for sharing this. I loved seeing all the stacks. I cannot pick a favorite because they are all my favorites. Happy Fall.

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  34. I am in love with every one of your scapes. Beautiful.
    I just wish I had as many dishes as you so that I COULD stack!!:)

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  35. Wow, they are all so pretty! You have some collection of wonderful dishes! Did you ever show us where you keep them all, I forget!

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  36. Great ideas all! Wow, these tablescapes require a lot of dishes, don't they, but it looks like you have many that work together for a number of different looks. Loved seeing your creativity.

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  37. I love edges too and I just don't have enough. I am full of dishes but desperately looking around trying to find more space. You do such a lovely job putting it all together. You were the first one who made me realize that square and round dishes really look great together. Love your colors and your themes.

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  38. OH your tabletop styles and creations are so inviting and inspiring! Thanks for sharing them all.

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  39. I love your tablescapes Yvonne and loved seeing all of your different ones. Thanks for the Thankgsgiving countdown tips. I'm not even close yet, but I do know what plates I'm going to use!

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  40. Gorgeous ~ every one! I love how you layer your dishes and I learn from you with each visit. Thanks for sharing your creative, beautiful style. ~ Sarah

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  41. Yvonne, this was such a wonderful review of your autumn tables. They are all so different but each draws me in. You have the ability to make the table full but not cluttered. Beautiful. Linda

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  42. Every setting was just beautiful! And I couldn't agree more about layer whether you are having a course for each piece or not.

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  43. I am IN AWE of your collection. I want it all!!

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  44. This is a magnific settings parade! It looks like you have all the gorgeous jewels in your cupboards.

    Happy TS---

    Greetings from freezing Stockholm
    /chie

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  45. Hello Yvonne,
    pretty line up with wonderful tablescapes. I enjoyed them all. And great idea to bake and freeze pie crust before Thanksgiving. Thank you.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  46. I never cease to be amazed at how beautifully you set a table.. each one is unique and stunning.. This was a joy to behold..

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  47. love the idea of stacking and to be ableto change them into entirely different tablescapes as most of us nubies new word don't have as many dishes to work with.

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  48. I absolutely 100% agree that it is both fun and pretty to stack dishes! When guests come in, our dining room is to the immediate right, so they're able to see the fabulous display. No one actually expects all of the dishes to remain there for all the courses, but the sight of all the colors and textures and designs draws them in. You do a wonderful job with it!

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  49. Eye Candy to the max!! I love how you stack many plates...it really makes the table stand out above all the rest. Your photos are always amazing as well. Love to see what you come up with each week...you are soooo talented.

    Karin

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  50. No, you still have as many dishes as I think you have! Ha! I love the way you set this post up. I had a blast looking over your past tables. I love "soft autumn" and your turkey plate setting, and of course the Gien! What a treat from the table guru herself! Jacqueline

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  51. Love all your layers on the tables. I can't put too many plates out because everyone here would expect me to fill them all!

    Beautiful as always. You inspire me.

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  52. Your scapes are always memorable -- and I like the way you add the little extra touches to make it so special. Every time I do this, I am reminded that I forgot to find that little topper for the stack. I need to work on that. You are always a source of inspiration.

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  53. I'm a big fan of your beautiful scapes also...but you left one thing out...your wonderful photography!!!
    Do you have an tips for us when photographing our tries at tablescaping?

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  54. Yvonne, I tried to pick a favorite, but it was impossible! Thank you for the great tips and I loved seeing some of the different plates used in different ways! Everything is so beautiful and lovingly displayed! This will be the first year in 10 years that we are not having Thanksgiving at our house! I LOVE all the food and smells and usually try to recreate the menu that my mom and grandmother used to make...the smells and tastes bring back such fond memories! We will be off to Richmond for my BIL's wedding! My children are sad not to be home for this lovey holiday! I hope you have a very special one with your family! Thank you for stopping by TPL...your kind words are such encouragement to me! Blessings to you!

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  55. I have never, ever been disappointed when I visited your blog! Today is no exception! What wonderful pictures!!!

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  56. Yvonne
    What a very lovely tutorial! I got educated, inspired, and the pictures were beautiful. Thank you for going down memory lane and sharing such a wonderful blog!
    Andrea

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  57. Hi Yvonne! I met you last night at the church. You did a great presentation...only wish we had more time!! It was nice meeting you. No one I know in this area has a blog...so it's kinda neat to actually follow someone who lives in Lancaster County!

    Beautiful tablescapes! My favorite is the first one and the simple black and white one!

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  58. So glad you could be at our church last evening. You had so many amazing ideas for decorating for the holidays. Thanks for sharing your talents & gifts with us!
    Connie

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  59. I have found so much inspiration here. Thank you for this great post. I will admit that I am sorely behind in my Thanksgiving plans. School is all consuming and I am now heading to LA for the weekend to sell Metis as the Rose Bowl. I hope to plan my menu and table next week.

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  60. Auntie Yvonne-- your blog has definitely increased a love for all things china in my heart! I enjoy looking at all your different creations...now if I could just recreate it myself! :)

    Let me know how you enjoy the fancy grilled cheese sandwich...that is a great idea to use leftover turkey!

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  61. Hi Yvonne!
    What a feast for the eyes!

    All your tablescapes would make us feel so warmly welcomed.
    Oh your Boo tablescape was one of the best "white fall" settings I've seen!
    And another that I know I'll remember to do is the vine wreath under the orange marigolds...that is so pretty ~ and it's something "do-able" for most of us :D
    I just love stopping by here, Yvonne, it gets me in the spirit of entertaining and hospitality ♥
    blessings to you on this very pretty weekend*
    Maria

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  62. Hi Yvonne! It's me again :o)
    Just stopping by again to let you know that the Croquembouche in your previous post is so beautiful! I wonder if I can make an "easier version" for my French class using bakery or Stella D'oro cream puffs... maybe even donut holes...

    Can you think of an easy way to make the sugar swirls? Oh this would be so amazing to share with my students for Christmas!

    I can also appreciate how much you work on creating lessons and presentations!
    I'm sure your Bible study is wonderful!
    *take care & God bless you always*

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  63. You do everything with such flourish and style, Yvonne! I say stack 'em high too ;) I love the place setting on the grapevine wreath. I was at Michaels today and thought of you when I passed that aisle!

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  64. Yvonne, You are truly an amazing lady. I only wish I had the organizational skills you have in your little finger....and your cooking and baking is awsome. Maybe someday. Ah-ah-ah!
    BevF

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  65. Beautiful tablescapes! Love your collection of dishes. :)

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