Wednesday, November 3, 2010

On Safari

Tablescape Thursday is hosted by Susan from Between Naps on the Porch.



This great pair of salt and pepper shakers have the raised words "Trader Vic's" on the back. I love them and thought they went very well with this particular theme.

 People often ask me where I get the ideas for designing tables.  Most of the time an entire table will spring from just one item.  Such was the case here when my father passed along this "Big Game Hunter" decanter to me after years of ownership.  My mother made it in a ceramics class that she took back in the 70's, I later learned.  I had no idea where to put it, so it sat on the dining room table for more than a week while I contemplated.  Then I needed to move it in order to set the table for company and a light turned on. I had a theme!  So I built the centerpiece around him.

The table covering is a piece of safari print fabric.  I love fabrics of all kinds, so if I like something will buy 3 yards of it.  That will usually get me a table cover and set of napkins.

If you saw last week's tablescape you'll recognize the flatware and goblets.  I told you they were versatile!  The wine glasses didn't photograph well, but each stem is a pewter jungle animal.


The palm tree candle holders I pulled from another room.  They looks perfect in this setting.  The African masks are actually bookends.

I had to add this little bowl of chili-spiced almond so that I literally served everything from soup to nuts.

It was mom to the rescue again with the napkins.  She made these from a remnant of black fabric that she just happened to have on hand.

I like to hide things in the centerpiece of the table so there's always something for the diners to discover. This wonderful carved and hand-painted stone egg was tucked into a small basket.



Hope you enjoyed viewing my safari-themed table!

18 comments:

  1. Your safari themed table is creative and fun. I love the idea of sneaking a little something into the centerpiece for diners to find. I'm going to have to do that the next time I have folks over.

    I can see why all of your stuff gave the inspiration for this. It all looks great together.

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  2. Very pretty and what an unique decanter! I like safari themes and I do safari tablescapes a lot especially if our guests are all males....Christine

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  3. That is a very creative table, and you did a good job coordinating all the elements of your safari! Thanks so much for sharing this fun tablescape with us!

    Happy Tablescape Thursday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  4. I just love the Safari table. I would love to try one sometime, although I don't have a thing to put on it! Oh, forget it!! Your hunter with the mouse hanging is fabulous and I love how he inspired this table. How fun to have a little something hiding at the table for someone to find. The table cloth is just the right touch to set the mood.

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  5. Such a creative & fun safari table~ love your tablecloth :-)

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  6. Love that you used all those candles!!!

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  7. Ah! What a very unique setting! Love the treasure keepsake you now have!
    These photos will help to retain precious memories,
    Kathy

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  8. It is so much fun to see a table that is a little different! I love the theme.

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  9. Love how you sprung such a great table from the one piece. Great idea on the fabric. fun fun fun...

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  10. I'm so impressed you could create a whole table around that one piece! Those palm-tree candleholders are fabulous, and I love that you also included a plant with similar leaves in your centerpiece. LOL about "soup to nuts"! Thank you for visiting my table this week!

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  11. Love your safari table, it is very unique. Great fabric you used for the tablecloth. The palm candlesticks are fantastic. Thanks for sharing your unique table, Pattie.

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  12. I love the Big Game Hunter. I would not know what to do with him. You came up with a great tablescape! I love the tablecloth! I am loving your ideas! Thank you!

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  13. What a creative table. Thank you for sharing.

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  14. Oh, when I saw that big game hunter in the first photo, I thought he was wonderful, and then to find that your mother made him - how fabulous! Your table looks so great! Love those big goblets too. laurie

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  15. I was immediately thinking, "Dr. Livingston, I presume." Great tablescape, and the fabric table cover is perfect with your mom's wonderful piece. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  16. Great job putting everything together! Love your goblets!

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  17. Hi Pattie...

    What a beautiful, creative and fun table, Pattie! I love your safari theme and the Big Game Hunter is awesome! I find that I often create a tablescape the same way...inspired by a certain item or piece. I love the safari fabric that you used for the table covering...it's gorgeous! And...your place settings...beautiful! I especially like the idea of having a "secret treasure" hidden in the centerpiece...what fun! Truly in keeping with a safari! hehe! The carved egg is fabulous!

    Thank you so much for sharing this awesome table with us for the Sunday Favorites party this week! I loved this beautiful table!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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Thank you so much for commenting, I love every one of them! I am, however, unable to respond to anonymous comments.