Thursday, January 18, 2024

Year of the Dragon Tablescape

 
There’s something I find quite appealing about Chinese New Year. I’m not sure if it’s the myths, the customs, bold colors, the intricate Chinese characters, or because it represents the end of winter* and the beginning of spring, but I set a table in celebration every year.
The table covering here is gorgeous fabric from Michael Miller in the “Asian Influence” pattern. I let this fabric dictate the colors of this table — gold, red, and black. Once this was decided, I was off and running.
I could have gone gaudy here, and initially headed in that direction with paper Chinese dragons in pink, yellow, and red, but instead chose to go rather minimal compared with what I generally do, in order to allow each piece to shine.

Metallic gold chargers set on top of round black placemats. Square black plates are on top of the chargers, each of which is topped with a collapsible fan.

Chopsticks are at each place setting, as well as sparkly gold flatware for those of us who tend to send food flying when using the “sticks.” Crystal chopstick rests are available for those who choose to use them.

The napkins are made from Alexander Henry fabric in the “Manju Kanji” pattern that blends amazingly well (I think) with that of Michael Miller.

 
I wanted a bold punch of red, so chose these beautiful goblets from Villeroy & Boch.

 
The tea set belongs to my number two son who, years ago, became fascinated with Asian tea service. I found it perfect to use here, considering we’re celebrating the Year of the Dragon beginning February 10.
The saucers under the simple cups are in the shape of leaves, something I find charming.

 
The simple but unique candlesticks can be found here.
 
If you are as eager to see the end of winter and beginning of spring, as I am, consider celebrating this holiday in your home, and brew a nice cup of Chinese tea.
 
*For some of us it has been shockingly cold (read awakening to the temperature of -7° F). For me, personally, it involved being stuck, diagonally, in the middle of my street, blocking traffic in both directions, when I tried to venture out after a deceptive layer of ice coated the street under the guise of a dusting of snow.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday


8 comments:

  1. Love the red! A beautiful accent to a winter table.

    Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love those goblets! Strictly speaking, as a rat person according to the Chinese, I am quick-witted, resourceful, clever, intelligent, and adaptable. I feel like very little of that actually describes me, but if it does, go Rats!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow how did you end up getting "unstuck" on the ice?
    That Michael Miller fabric is fantastic, and I love the splash of gold with the red and black.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This tablescape is beautiful and dramatic with the red and black. That teapot is really cool! You really captured the Chinese feel, love the red fans and glassware! Happy Year of the Dragon!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda, I think it was the Lone Ranger who helped me. Because the temperatures were in the single digits, everyone was inside. Suddenly, this guy appeared out of nowhere. I had never seen him before. I rolled down my window and he asked if I had a snow shovel. Fortunately, I was in front of my house, so I opened the garage door, he got the shovel, and used it to get the ice away from my wheels. I got a bit of traction, and he ended up pushing me into my garage. He disappeared after that. It was a bizarre experience all around.

    ReplyDelete
  6. wow, glad you got unstuck~. Our roads were so icy last week people were sliding all over.

    table setting is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very pretty. I love the red, black, and gold theme .

    ReplyDelete

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