Setting the Table for an Autumn Luncheon

 

It’s funny how a table setting sometimes begins. In late summer, I was looking for a colorful fall wreath to hang on the front door. I found one that looked just right, ordered it, and when it arrived, I really liked it. There was just one problem: it was much too small for the door. So, I set it down on the table and walked away.

 

When I came back to give it another look, I had an entirely different idea. Wouldn’t it make a lovely candle ring? I placed it in the center of the table, added a hurricane to the middle, and just like that, a tablescape was born. Sometimes the best decorating ideas happen when you aren’t actually trying!

 

The tablecloth is one I’ve used for years. I found it ages ago at Decor Steals and have never looked back. It’s topped with a macramé runner that I also purchased years ago, this time from Anthropologie. The wicker placemats were pressed into service yet again (I use them a lot), and they’re topped with my Bordallo Pinheiro geranium leaf chargers.

On top of the chargers, I placed wavy-edged sunflower plates from Maxcera. I absolutely love their sunflower collection because it’s so bold and colorful. Next came simple orange plates I purchased years ago at Pier One (I still mourn that place!). Topping those is one of my favorite salad plates, from the “Autumn” pattern by David Harden. I first spotted these plates in a shop on historic Main Street in Saint Charles about 20 years ago, perhaps longer. My aunt noticed how much I liked them and bought me some for my birthday. I’ve since added to the collection, and I absolutely adore them. They’re among my very favorites, not only because of their beautiful design but also because they remind me of my aunt.

The silverware is Keawell Premium Versailles (nice and substantial), with a wheat design on the handles. I thought that was particularly appropriate for a harvest table.

 

While ironing the other day (a rarity, but it does happen!), I found myself thinking about how I used to do elaborate napkin folds all the time. Somewhere along the way, I’d gotten out of the habit, so I decided it was time to bring one back. I chose the “Pyramid” fold, which you often see in restaurants. It’s surprisingly easy to do, and I was very pleased with how nicely it turned out. I alternated the napkin colors to give the table an even bolder look, and I think it worked beautifully.The little pumpkin plate off to the side is from Fitz and Floyd. It will hold pats of butter shaped like leaves. I enjoy making these every year. They’re festive, fun, and always seem to draw a few comments. It’s the little details that make a holiday table special!

 

This is also the time of year when I bring out my Blenko water pitcher. It always looks so pretty on the table, and I think it’s one of those pieces that simply belongs in my autumn collection.

 A new addition to this year’s harvest table is a darling set of salt and pepper shakers from Pottery Barn. I purchased them last year when they were on sale, and they’ve finally made their debut. I do love a good sale, especially when it involves something this cute!

 

The orange cappuccino cups get quite a bit of use during the season, and the glasses are Villeroy & Boch. Together, they add just a little more color and personality to the setting.  

And now, for the important part: the food!

 The menu for this luncheon is meant to be simple, but delicious. I’ve put together a collection of comforting favorites that I think will be just right for the occasion.

The Luncheon Menu

Neiman-Marcus Quiche

Mayfair Salad

Spinach Madeleine

Coca-Cola Carrots

Gingerbread Muffins

Paula Deen’s Cheesecake with Ginger Snap Crust

A colorful table, a menu full of old favorites, and a few special touches make for a lovely autumn luncheon. And to think, it all started with a wreath that was too small for the front door!

 I suppose I should be grateful it didn’t fit. I might never have thought of using it on the table!

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 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

A Traditional Thanksgiving Tablescape

 

In addition to my previous table inspired by what I thought was the only Thanksgiving song: “Over the River and Through the Woods” (As it turns out, there are several others, though a bit more obscure: “We Gather Together”—a 17th-century Dutch hymn now a U.S. staple; “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”—a classic harvest hymn; “For the Beauty of the Earth”— a hymn of gratitude; and even the playful children’s tune “Turkey in the Straw”), I now offer you a more traditional Thanksgiving table because Thanksgiving is hands-down my favorite holiday. I adore the crisp weather, the crackling fire in the fireplace, the promise of delicious food and great company, all without the pressure of gift-giving.

 

This year’s table shines with newly acquired treasures—starting with my absolute favorite: turkey-shaped appetizer plates by Warren Kimble. I’m obsessed! 

 

They’re layered over Amelie Versailles salad plates and my beloved Johnson Brothers “His Majesty” turkey dinner plates, which I’ve been collecting for nearly 30 years.

 

For a touch of sparkle, gold chargers sit atop round rattan placemats.

  

Gold flatware—inherited from my mother—pairs perfectly with new pumpkin-colored cappuccino cups (already a year-round obsession; orange pairs beautifully with summer greens, turquoises, and blues).

  

Amber water glasses complement battery-operated tea lights in amber votives, while unique autumn-toned wine glasses add warmth.

 The lovely multicolored wine glasses, new this year, add lots of color.

 

A checkered farmhouse tablecloth is softened by a champagne cheesecloth runner. 

 

I couldn’t choose between gold and rust napkins (both from World Market), so I used both! 

 

The centerpiece features a rustic woven turkey with a metal beak atop a Pottery Barn charcuterie board, flanked by pinecone candles ($10 for the pair at Walmart—grab them!).

 

The adorable salt and pepper shakers are by Spode.

The Arthur Court Thanksgiving butter dish with turkey knob can be

 found here.

  

My iron candlesticks, bought 15+ years ago from a now-closed local shop, hold court alongside faux pumpkins, gourds, and tucked autumn leaves.

 

Thanksgiving magic, served.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday