When my family gathers together, it is often around the table! Keeping it simple is my plan! I want to spend as much time with my gang as possible! But simple does not mean thrown together. I want to set a warm and comfortable table to say "welcome home". This is a table I set a couple weeks ago for a FAMILY DINNER...
I am very fond of having dinners just off the kitchen in what we call our "eating area". The table is set for a relaxed family dinner. A leaf is added to the round table and a bench, which usually sits against the window, is pulled into seating service.
No tablecloth today, this table and it's hand hewned character are part of the charm of today's family dinner tablescape.
Twiggy nest-like chargers (Pottery Barn) hold my Italian Countryside dinner plates and Indigo Bloom salad plates (both from Mikasa). This striking cobalt blue is my favorite way to accent neutral tableware.
A rolled napkin is held together by a white or blue braided napkin ring. I use cloth napkins whenever possible, especially in white. I buy packs of good quality white cotton napkins whenever I find them on sale. Cloth napkins make any table a little more special!
SG TIP:One of my favorite tricks is to alternate dish designs and accents around the table. It keeps the table lively! The salad plates, cups and saucers and napkin rings are all alternated.
I use these beautifully shaped French Countryside (Mikasa) glasses more and more. I used to save them for company, but they should be enjoyed by my family too! Also pictured is an Indigo Bloom cup and saucer.
A simple square woven mat sit under my recent antique find... this huge blue and white bowl. Filled with white geraniums it becomes a summery, easy centerpiece!
The salt and pepper shakers were a gift from my daughter and son-in-law. I love it's vintage farmhouse feel.
SG TIP: Here is another decor tip... Buy potted annuals and use them as a centerpiece. They are less expensive than buying a big bouquet of cut flowers. AND you can plant them outside when you are finished with them. I think they pack a big visual impact!
The music and wine are smooth... the company, always my favorite... and the chatter at the table, a treasure to my heart! Relaxed and laid back, this tablescape is the perfect place to reconnect! Simple pleasures are truly the best!
THE MENU
Cheese Board
Ceasar Salad
Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Focaccia
All-American Berry Pies
I hope you find those you love around your kitchen table!
Those chargers are wonderful! That is probably the most difficult thing for me to find, a good charger. The color scheme is just perfect on your tablescape. Love the plant too!
ReplyDeleteMy kind of table! I think that you and I share the same aesthetic many times. We also are in complete agreement on cloth napkins. Other than some cocktail napkins, I don't think that I even have any paper napkins in the house. It's a good thing that I enjoy ironing napkins. LOL. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteSeriously stunning and yet casual and pretty too!
ReplyDeleteI never, ever tire of blue and white!
And your table is amazing!
Cindy
Beautiful table, Yvonne! I never tire of seeing your creations. This is perfect for a family dinner where the conversation is as good as the food! Love your dishes and the chargers are on my shopping list! :)
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Beautiful Yvonne, Perfect for a family get together.. Loving those chargers. I love plants as centerpieces because they usually aren't as tall, fill in nicely and as you said you get more for your money. Have a great week.. xo marlis
ReplyDeletea joy to behold.... I loved seeing these photos..
ReplyDeleteThe blue and white is always a winner on a table. Love those plates! I too like to use potted plants as centerpieces, I don't often buy cut flowers. Pretty Family Dinner! hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table, the way I like to dine. Love the menu, too. xo
ReplyDeleteYour table is beautiful. I agree with you about not saving the "good" china, crystal, etc. for special occasions or company. Our family deserves the best we have!
ReplyDeleteThe table is so pretty! Love the blue and white! The menu sounds wonderful! What a lovely setting to enjoy time with precious loved ones!!!
ReplyDeleteYour table is so beautiful. The dinner and the company I am
ReplyDeletesure were also just perfect.
Love the idea of buying white napkins when you see them on sale.
We just use the same plates everynght for dinner but since we have no
table in the kitchen(just an island) we eat dinner in the dining room each
evening.
Denise
The table as the center of a family gathering is so very special Yvonne. Your beautiful table underlines this so well.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! But wait till 4 or 5 get thrown into the mix! Chaos! I try but sometimes i just have to go with it and sippy cups abound! You will see!
ReplyDeleteLove your table, very pretty! I used my annuals for tonight's Let's Dish centerpiece, and then they went back on the porch!
What a perfect table to show your family that they are special! I love the combination of the rustic chargers with the blue and white dishes. Great tip about using live plants. Who can top Mother Nature when it comes to flower arranging?
ReplyDeleteRobin
Robin Flies South
Oh what a pretty table and in my favorite colors too. I especially love the napkin rings. Did you make them?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely table Yvonne. I think your idea of using annuals as a centerpiece in a pretty bowl is great and will definitely be using it.
ReplyDeleteSam
Beautiful table Yvonne and the menu sounds divine!! LOVE those chargers!
ReplyDeleteYour table is lovely and I adore your napking rings!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty Yvonne! Cute little S&P's and I love the indigo bloom dishes. Dinner sounds mighty tasty too:@)
ReplyDeleteVery pretty tablescape! I love your pretty blue and white dishes and those napkin rings are adorable!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful night!
Aledia @ Plum Perfect
I'm sure your family always has a wonderful time around your Stonegable table. How could they not?
ReplyDeleteYou always set a perfect table! OH YES, LOVE the chargers! The blue and white seems right at home with the natural elements.
ReplyDeleteJust Gorgeous!
Have a wonderful week,
Hugs,
Donna
What a pretty "welcome home" table, Yvonne. Your tips are good ones, and I use them myself quite often. Your eating area is the perfect spot for this tablescape!
ReplyDeleteYour table is very welcoming! I like the idea about the centerpiece.
ReplyDeleteLovely table. I can easily see your family gathering round.
ReplyDeleteOf course the fact that it's blue and white doesn't hurt any! LOL!
- The Tablescaper
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as usual. I'm so in love with that antique bowl, and I love that you filled it with garden flowers. I think your stemware is scrumptious too - I'm a sucker for that tulip shape.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table. I love blue and white too. Those cobalt shakers are so fun and that centerpiece bowl is stunning!
ReplyDeleteSimplicity is beautiful! This is a lovely table, Yvonne.
ReplyDeleteYou always know just how to achieve a beautiful, warm, and inviting table!
ReplyDeleteFamily dinner perfection! Cherish the moments!
xo-Lisa
Given that it takes only a few minutes to add an extra touch to a table, it's well worth doing no matter who is going to be sitting at the table. I'm betting your family appreciates your effort and enjoys being at your lovely tables.
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with a beautiful blue and white table!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table - I love to let my table show. Your menu sounds fabulous too. Are your children wonderful cooks too? You always set such a beautiful table whether is is simple or over the top!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous table Yvonne! I love the blue and white theme...has to be my favorite table color theme! Your centerpiece bowl is beautiful with the white geranium! This table is just perfect for any ocassion. The twig chargers give just the right amount of rustic to make the table so warm and inviting! Love it!
ReplyDeleteMiss Bloomers
Nice, Yvonne, I always like your blue and whites! And nothing better than family around one's table!
ReplyDeleteI just bought some MORE blue and white dishes YESTERDAY, after being at your house! I can't wait to be able to do a table!!!! LOVE your indigo blue plates. I seem to remember you won them. Your eating area is so warm and cozy and inviting. Thanks AGAIN for a wonderful time. I also blogged about it! XOXO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteI adore blue and white...getting ready for the RED WHITE and BLUE time. Love indigo blue too and those plates are lovely dear Ivonne, you were lucky to win them!! You've set a magnificent table, so crisp, fresh, warm, inviting and elegant at the same token.
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs,
FABBY
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteLovely family dinner tablescape!
I adore your antique bowl used as a centerpiece! I had never thought of mixing the individual place settings within the table design. Perhaps in a future post? Like you, more that the decor and the food...is the conversation and time spent around the table with the ones you love! Enjoy!
Fondly,
Pat
This just looks so elegant and simple. I love your bowl filled with geraniums.
ReplyDeleteOh, your blue and white table is just gorgeous! Love the simplicity and the addition of natural elements! What a lucky family!
ReplyDeleteThese kind of table is always inspiring. I really enjoyed browsing your table for today! Such a beautiful presentation!
ReplyDeletePintuck Tablecloths
Love the blue and white on your table. You always add the perfect touches to your table. The centerpiece is so lovely and great tip to add the potted plant.
ReplyDelete