What do you get when you combine a warm fall menu, a richly appointed table and 7 vibrant women of a more mature age? 5 1/2 hours of eating, laughter, stories and fun!!!!!
I had a brunch for my mother and some of her friends this past Monday. The are all in their 70's and 80's and are talented, vibrant and lots and lots of fun...
The inspiration for this table (aside from these great women) was a richly colored fall tablecloth I found at TJ Maxx. It was screaming, " fall is here, take me home!!!!!!" And I have learned that when one is screamed at by a tablecloth one should listen!
The tablecloth reminded me of a rather bohemian lush tapestry. So I used that same theme and attitude setting the table as well. Instead of having the tablecloth be enough visual punch, I equaled its visual statement with everything I put on the table.
I wanted it to be lush and rich... just like Autumn had tumbled out and poured all over the table. Almost visual overload... just like the bounty of the season.
Each place was set sans placemats. I picked up these beautiful scrolled edged plates at HomeGoods last week just for the occasion. I thought their deep burnt pumpkin color would work so nicely with the tablecloth. Piled on top of the dinner plates, a trio of smaller dishes add height, color and interest.
A green heavily detailed plate with an oil rubbed band (HoneGoods) is topped with another pumpkin colored square plate (Pier 1). The raised dot detail makes my heart sing!
A leaf plate (HomeGoods) pairs with a little leaf bowl (Pier 1) wrapped in bittersweet to continue the Autumn theme.
The dear brunch guests gasped when they saw the number of plates. They all wondered if I was serving a 5 course brunch. I assured them that I just love to stack plates for a fun effect!
A StoneGable garden pumpkin sits on a little leaf and becomes a take home gift for each guest.
The same brown marbleized flatware (HomeGoods) that I have been using for the last couple of weeks make yet another appearance at the table this week! They are perfect for this time of year!
Doubling napkins seems to be a StoneGable habit. Napkins that match the tablecloth are combined with dark green napkins. They are pulled through a bittersweet napkin ring (Olde Millhouse Shoppe) and fluffed next to the forks.
Gold bubble glasses (HomeGoods) and warm mustard colored mugs (Wegman's) wait brunch libations.
Two sets of fun themed salt and pepper shakers sit at each end of the table. One a playful set of squirrels sitting on a leaf...
And little detailed acorns.
The center of the table is full of fall color and elements, too! A rusty colored mum is placed in a large golden bowl (Wm- Sonoma) and embellished.
Adding wonderful, fun elements gives this mum the centerpiece treatment!
Burnt orange turned candles adorn either side of the centerpiece. They are perched on white washed wooden candlesticks.
To fill in the table, little pumpkins and leaves are scattered here and there!
We all had such a lovely time together, enjoying a good meal and each other's company!
The Menu
Mulled Apple Cider Spritzer
Waldorf Salad
Maple Sausages
Coffee
Tea
Shoo Fly Cake
Look for the recipe in an upcoming foodie friday.
Remember to
I went through your photos of this tablescape 2-3 times. It is beautiful. You're right about the wonderful table cloth. It works beautifully with the plain colored dishes. I love the little acorn S&P shakers. I wish I could find some. My life is filled with acorns right now, having two giant red oak trees in my back yard.
ReplyDeleteOh the texture! The colors! The shakers! I ADORE it all. :) This is a stunning tablescape. Thanks for all the wonderful eye candy. ;)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous as always. You always come up with such wonderful warm settings. I am sure your guests enjoyed it. I love the squirrel shakers. Too cute. Love all the warm autumn colors.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, I so agree with the word "vibrant" but I'd like to add "spectacular"! I'm sure the ladies are still talking about your setting today:@)
ReplyDeleteYvonne, your table is beautiful and once again you have captured the warmth of the season. I hope that you are OK. Caught a glimpse of your facebook post.
ReplyDelete-Rene
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteI could set here all evening just admiring your mesmerizing tablescape. Of course, sage green, gold, rust are the colors I love in my own abode! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at this luncheon. . .oh the joy of friendships that span the test of time!Well done, as always. I'm sure the ladies will think of this day many times during the next year and smile.
Fondly,
Pat
That is one gorgeous table Yvonne...a screaming tablecloth huh? Very cute, sometime I hear them scream too! I have a skirt that looks so much like the tablecloth..I don't wear it much anymore..maybe I'd better look at it's possibilities! Loved it all, very nice and I wouldn't want to get up from it either! :D
ReplyDeleteGOrgeous is the word that seems describe this beautiful table! You made all the colors of Autumn look soft and inviting!
ReplyDeleteI just read your FB entry. Hope you are feeling better today! Be careful.
Will be in touch soon my friend!
Mimi
Your guests must have jumped for joy when they saw this table. I know at that age they would love to be fussed over and obviously you did just that. Everything looks warm and cozy...just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour attention to detail is PERFECTION! So much interest displayed in such a small space!! I love every single inch of what you did with the tablescape. I would love to have been a guest and eaten the delectable menu that you prepared! YUMMY! You are definitely the "hostess with the mostest!"
ReplyDeleteWell, I think you accomplished your goal of lushness, Yvonee! Such a lush table! All the wonderful details are a visual feast. I know your mother and her friends loved it!
ReplyDeleteWhile my mother has been gone for years, I am blessed to have my MIL, and I shared her 80th birthday celebration tonight. She has been very good to me, and I wanted it to be extra special for her. After all, she's Mr. Magpie's mom. It's pink, but I decided it could count for breast cancer awareness. :-)
Happy Tablescape Thursday...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Yvonne, I just noticed a typo in your name. I'm sorry. I think I need to have my glasses adjusted. I've been making all sorts of typos lately. XO
ReplyDeleteLush & vibrant is the perfect description! Love, Love, Love all these wonderful layers & patterns~ what a wonderful dose of fall color!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous. I am devouring these photos!!!!! My favorite things are the gravy boat with hot maple syrup (I know I'd be back for more... what a warm touch) and the acorn shakers.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
Had I seen that tablecloth, it would have screamed my name too. It's wonderful. I love the stack of dishes and those lovely orange ones in there are amazing. Your accessories are what make this table stand apart.. charming and elegant and wonderful as usual.
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly lovely table, Yvonne. I can just imagine the ladies as they gazed upon this beautiful tablescape and then sat down to a fabulous brunch. So glad you all had a wonderful time together and delighted you allowed us to share a part of it with you.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!! I will have to go back and look at the photos again. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great week.
Oh Yvonne, I have been waiting anxiously to see this wonderful table that you set for your Mother and her friends!!!! I BET they gasped: at all the BEAUTY!!!! Every part of this table is so well thought out and executed! I, too have some acorn S and P's (got them at the $ store!!!!!!). I posted tonight so please stop by... I also have a funny story that I will e-mail you about another table. I think you'll appreciate it:):) XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! I love the colors. I love the candles. And I ADORE the little squirrels! Thanks for sharing. Linda
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend, You have a gift! This is just as stunning as the black and white tablescape and I didn't think you could top that one! (Love the part about the screaming tablecloth!) Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh, Yvonne! I know that you all had a wonderful time! This is so beautiful! I love your new plates and the tablecloth...well, it is perfect! Your centerpiece is stunning! I posted a little picnic! Come visit when you can! Christie at Three Pixie Lane
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness. I just kept going back over and over the photos. I loved all the elements of the tablescape.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many things to look at. I would have a hard time eating at the table...because I would be so caught up with all the beautiful things. The marbled flatware especially caught my attention.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
Such luxurious vibrant color! Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have heard the conversation at that table! I am sure the ladies were just charming! Carla
ReplyDeleteEvery detail just yummy! Your photos are always so stunning. It's always an enormous treat to view one of your tablescapes, Yvonne. I'm sure the ladies were in total awe of this beautiful brunch. ~ sarah
ReplyDeleteI feel like a broken record (remember those...from back in the 70's?) because I say the same thing in nearly every comment. But, Yvonne, it ALWAYS bears repeating. Your blog and everything you do is absolutely stunning. Your blog is easily one of the most beautiful blogs I visit. I LOVE it...and I LOVE having my senses beautified by the photos of what you are doing in your home.
ReplyDeleteI am not even a fall girl (I'm 100% into summer, and only summer), and I loved your tablescape. You did such a beautiful job!!! I'm sure those ladies delighted in every moment of that beautiful and delicious-sounding luncheon.
Have a wonderful day...glad to know that the vertigo has subsided. NO FUN!!!
Love,
Patti
I just love your tablescapes. How sweet of you to host a luncheon for your mother and her friends. I'm sure a great time was had by everyone.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the most gorgeous tablescape! Just love the tablecloth, the dishes, the centerpieces, the bits of whimsy! Wonderful! HomeGoods is the place for gorgeous dishes!!!
ReplyDeleteKathy
I think from the comments that most people don't know that Illinois has an Amish community. I promise that if I'm ever near you, I'll let you know!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this is just stunning. I love your beautifully layered dishes, they are all so pretty. Your centerpiece is gorgeous. I love that you layered a twig wreath around the base. Very clever and so pretty. Gorgeous table and the menu sounds fabulous. I am sure they all really appreciated the beautiful table and menu. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI wanna be your friend, Yvonne! :)
ReplyDeleteYour themed salt and pepper shakers made me smile as I am smitten with both acorns and squirrels....nothing can compare to their "bringing the outdoors in" for a warm, playful touch in our homes.
Thank you again for such a gorgeous post!
Sue
Your tables are such a feast for the eyes before you even add food!! I love this one and the abundance. Makes me very happy. I'm going back for another look!
ReplyDeleteOMG Yvonne this table is just so beautiful my friend...Glad it screamed your name ha ha!! what a fun day you must of had...Thanks for sharing...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteYvonne.. perfection absolute perfection! All the dishes the colors the linens. the goblets (I have the same ones...love love love them) You consistently amaze me with your tablescaping talent. Come link up to Centerpiece Wed and share your gorgeousness. :)
ReplyDeleteKarin
I think if I could have a different set of dishes for each week, I would be so happy!!!
ReplyDeleteBut I would have given anything to be a fly on the wall to listen to the conversation at your brunch! I'm sure it was rich and sweet!
xo
lynn
You always creating amazing setting! So pretty colors, gorgeous dishes, fantastic centerpiece, very pretty tablecloth and accesories! Love it!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Charo
What a lovely tablescape! It must have been a lot of fun for your mother and her friends to be invited to such a special brunch. Everything looks so welcoming and rich! Well done.
ReplyDeleteIf this is how fall looks if it fell from the sky onto a table, I NEVER want the season to END! I adore autumnal colours and you have captured them perfectly in all their glory from the tablecloth to the dishes to the accessories and centerpiece! I envy your mom and her friends - how fabulous it must have been to linger at that table eating the delicious food you prepared....I can only imagine the pleasure!
ReplyDeleteDD
I love every inch of this table. I think the centerpiece is my favorite. Oh, but I can't leave the little salt and peppers out!
ReplyDeleteHi Yvonne...
ReplyDeleteOhhh...what fun ya'll must have had! I can just imagine the looks of joy that must have been on the faces of your mother's friends! I love that! Yvonne, I certainly can see why this fabulous tablecloth screamed at you in the store! It's gorgeous...I love the beautiful colors and pretty floral pattern. Your pretty place settings are just perfect! Sooo many beautiful layers! I just giggled when I read what you wrote about the ladies wondering if they were going to have a five course meal! Hehe! Love, love, LOVE all of your fabulous dishes, Yvonne! And...your beautiful mum centerpiece is perfect for this pretty table! I love each and every detail...thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous autumn table with us! I always enjoy your tables, my friend...they are always spectacular!!!
Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
Yvonne, who would not enjoy such a beautiful table in warm fall colors and with so much nice decorations. I love the setting without placemats because the tablecloth is more visible. And this pattern is just stunning. Love every details as usual. There are so much nice things on the table, but I want to mention this cute squirrels salt + pepper. Make me smile. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, I start a new blog event, baking christmas cookies, at 3. Nov. 2010. Would love if you would partcipate.
Greetings, Johanna
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteThis is just so beautiful. It says, everything fall! Thanks for sharing with us!
Ahhh! What a gorgeous fall table! I love these colors and how they just pop right off the table! That is a beautiful tablecloth! Your plates are wonderful and I love both your adorable salt and peppers. Would you believe I came across a set of that flatware on clearance for $7.99 and passed it up because it was more of a greyish bronze color. What was I thinking? Mostly, I just love the idea of hosting a brunch for your mother and her friends! I am so going to have to do that if she will let me! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always! Such richness to autumn colors. Thanks for your email, BTW.
ReplyDeleteI love the touches of bittersweet, especially on the napkins! What a beautiful setting all 'round that really works with the tablecloth! I'm sure your Mom & her friends had a wonderful time and were touched by the time & thought you put into creating this table!
ReplyDeleteI had to stop and pour myself another cup of coffee before continuing to look at every detail on your stunning fall brunch table. Those sweet ladies must have felt honored indeed. Beautiful--and then there's the menu!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Sending a sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm. My, my, my - what a gorgeous table and wonderful time you must have had with those great ladies! Everything looks just beautiful. I was happy to hear that I'm not the only one that the tablecloths talk to - I am addicted to buying tablecloths!! Ciao, bella!
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteYour table is just exquisite. The tablecloth has a wonderful new home. The quality of your photography is outstanding. Thank you so much for sharing. Yours is one of my favorite blogs,
Carol
Absolutely delightful Yvonne. I'll make all the food if you'll come set my table. You are a true artist!
ReplyDeleteVery Fall-ish! Love it! I really love what you did with the mum centerpiece!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog by the way! :)
Yvonne, what a gorgeous table for your lovely guests! I know a good time was had by all. Your menu sounds divine -- I have made a note of it for future reference. All your wonderful photos made me feel as if I were there -- great job!
ReplyDeleteAs always, Yvonne, your table is an inspiration! I love the tablecloth you started with ~ I have that background color on my dining room walls. Love all the plates and I am seriously considering picking up an extra set of flatware. I never would have thought to keep an extra set on hand just for fun! From the candles to the salt and pepper shakers {those squirrels are just too cute} to the beautifully stacked dishes, it would be a real pleasure just to sit at one of your table settings!
ReplyDeleteYvonne, you have got to tell me how you are able to do all this. I love to throw parties but it can be so much work. Are you just one of those high energy people i am so envious of or is it you just know how to plan ahead? I tend to be a perfectionist so that may be my problem! Anyway, your table is beautiful as always and I would love to hear your thoughts on this. I will put in for updates on this post in case you reply. Thanks a bunch, Tammy
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I know you "wowed" your guests like I am wowed every week by your talent!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your recipes.
Mary
From Virginia
What a beautiful table! I am just in love with it all. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky family you have - do they realize what a treasure you are???
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it again and again.... every tablescape and every menu better than the last. I'm in awe!
:)
ButterYum
Imagine you're hearing Carly Simon singing "Nobody Does it Better."
ReplyDeleteMakes me feel sad for the rest,
Nobody does it half as good,
Baby You're the BEST!
I'm thinking about your little project, will email you.
All of the colors of Fall make my heart glad! Love your sweet little squirrels! Wish I could share some of my bittersweet with you...it's all over the edge of the trail where I walk! Happy Fall! ♥
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Yvonne! I just love that centerpiece!
ReplyDeleteIncredibly gorgeous Fall table, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteStunning. completely stunning!
ReplyDeleteFrom your centerpiece, to the napkin details, to the wonderful flatware -- just striking all the right autumn notes!
How lovely for you to do this for your mom and her friends. Gorgeous.
Cass
Yvonne, your mother certainly did a great job raising you, and now she gets to reap the rewards! Your table is absolutely beautiful, as I always say!!! The little salt and peppers are adorable and I like the bittersweet as napkin rings. I have been looking in HG for that flatware because it would look great on my Thanksgiving table but have not found it here so far! Have a wonderful day! Looking forward to the recipes. Linda
ReplyDeleteYvonne, You sure know how to set a table. This is one of my favorites. The tablecloth is beautiful. I love the colors.This table makes me smile and I want to be seated there as a guest. Very inspiring. You are wonderful with details.
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely Yvonne! I bet your mother and her guests just loved it. What fun!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous, as always. I'm wondering where you keep all your dishes. You must have a ton of storage. You create the most awesome tablescapes!
ReplyDeleteLucious and lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove that stack of plates. I think I bought the salad plate that matches your pumpkin colored dinner plate. I wish I had seen the dinner plate, such a great shape and color.
How sweet of you to host a brunch for your Mom and her friends. I'm sure they enjoyed every moment.
- The Tablescaper
You have scattered fall so beautifully across your table. I love the colors and lines. This is so welcoming -- I'm sure all the guests adored this setting.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, This may be my favorite table of yours. It is so gorgeous! I Love the centerpiece and how you used the wreath. The candles, dishes, cute salt and pepper shakers...everything is fabulous. I know the ladies must have had such a great time and your menu sounds yummy.
ReplyDeletexoxo, Sherry
We are totally in agreement...the number of plates stacked on a table in no way indicates the number of courses to be served. Here, here! Such a beautiful way to honor your mom and her friends. She is blessed to have you as her daughter. Thank you for sharing your elegant tablescape. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteOh my GOODNESS!!! Thank you SOO much for stopping by my blog because I LOVE your tablescape and am so inspired by it!! You have some glorious looking food and presentations over here!! I am so glad you came by and would like to join in my Feathered Nest Friday party! I would LOVE to have you join in!!! This post is amazing and is definitely an inspiration! Following you so I don't miss any of the great stuff over here!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fortunate guests! The table looks amazing! The menu looks delicious. You have the best of both- a giving heart and the creativity to make it really special.
ReplyDeleteI'm at a loss for words, Yvonne...and THAT doesn't happen often! LOL Your entire table is so warm & inviting & full of interesting colors & textures. It makes my eyes just dance all around, trying to take it all in.
ReplyDeleteJust when I think you can't possibly come up with anything else that is different & new...YOU DO!!
I am SOOOOO glad that you blog & share your talents with all of us.
I am mesmerized by your beautiful table...I've looked at each picture over and over...it's absolutely perfect! What an artist you are!
ReplyDeleteThis tablescape belongs on a magazine cover it so beautiful. I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for all the time you put into it. You can tell that you do the things with love.
ReplyDelete