Olla-Podrida: black and white

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Serene Winter Tablescape

After all of the fairy lights, and bold colors of Christmas, I am more than ready for serene. I want soft tones, muted colors, peace, and quiet.

The first thing I thought of when I unwrapped this beautifully packaged black stoneware dinnerware set was that it reminded me of something that the Flintstones may have used at a fancy dinner party. That, or something excavated from an archaeological dig; I mean both of these statements in the nicest way. This stuff is gorgeous! In my opinion, it is a work of art. The free-form style of the plates and bowls is pure poetry. The cups that work for a hot beverage or cold without the handle are inspired. This unique pottery is certain to draw lots of comments.

It can be dressed up for something a bit fancier, or down for something delightfully bohemian. It will pair with absolutely any color that you happen to have on hand; ergo will work for any occasion, at any time of the year. It can be flashy or subtle based upon linens and accessories, like this darling cup from a set of Polka Dot dinnerware.

I was going for subtle, so that the food could sing. A wonderful way to highlight what you’re serving is to do so on a dark, subtle background.

I used a chocolate brown tablecloth, topped with some of my favorite chargers of tin, and used beige linen napkins.

The polished black flatware gives it a bit of an elegant feel as does the crystal in the Mikasa “Parklane” pattern. A bit of added sparkle comes from the saltcellar set a table center.

The centerpiece consists of the candle holder (once my mother's) and one of my new favorite things, a Table Top Fire Pit; it runs on rubbing alcohol, can you believe it?! I tend to like a busy centerpiece even at the simplest of tables, so I added a trio of black vases. Come spring those vases will be used to force branches (hopefully forsythia) and that will make a nice contrast.

I wanted to do this understated tablescape to start off the New Year to show you how beautiful quiet can be. May the peace of the New Year be with you…and your table settings.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Farmhouse Tablescape

With all of the harvesting of vegetables in my container garden that I have been doing of late, I have felt like nothing less than a small-scale farmer, so I figured that a farmhouse table was in order. Here is the result.

I always have fresh flowers in the house, alstroemerias being one of my favorites. This lovely bouquet of white flowers in its brown vase is the perfect centerpiece. Next year, I’ve told myself, I’m going to grow these out on the deck. I had some amazing luck with flowers on the deck this year, so my plan next year is to grow an equal amount of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

The placemats you have seen before, these were purchased at a local shop called Three French Hens. I use these constantly, as you may have noticed, and don’t look too closely, or you will notice that they are beginning to show some wear.

Another local find, from The White Rabbit, are these wonderful galvanized chargers. They are perfect for a rustic farmhouse look.

The plaid dinner plates, and farm appetizer plates are from Pier 1. The plaid plates I can recommend highly, the appetizer plates not so much. Mine arrived chipped, crazed, and with a dollop of white touch-up paint on them. Fortunately, I got a full refund, but these are used solely for decoration.

Beneath the appetizer plates are wonderful chicken luncheon plates that you will see more of next week.

The plaid napkins are from Pier 1 as well, and have been used more than any other set of napkins that I have. Black and white check goes with pretty much any color you can imagine.

The flatware, antique replicas, is from Pottery Barn. I keep them on the sideboard in these jars, and thought, why not just put them on the table that way, so people can take what they need. I like the farmhouse look.

I consider this table to be the quiet before the storm. By storm I mean the burst of color that comes with fall. Stay tuned for a gradual transition from neutrals into the fires of autumn.