Olla-Podrida: eastern collared lizard

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Night of the Iguana Tablescape

This tablescape was inspired by the cover of the April issue of Missouri Conservationist magazine. While I named my table “Night of the Iguana” (reminded of the 1964 Richard Burton, Eva Gardner film of the same title – here’s hoping dinner will be less angst-filled and dramatic than the film) no iguanas are present, I just thought this sounded much catchier than “Night of the Eastern Collared Lizard” (as featured on the cover below) — no doubt you’ll agree. People ask me where I get ideas for tables, well, here's a fine example.

The entire look started with yardage from Spoonflower used as a table covering that sets a soft, reptilian, grassy stage.

Layered on top are shimmery green chargers that catch every flicker of light like dew on a prairie rock.

A sunny yellow Waechtersbach dinner plate sits front and center. The yellow plate is then topped with a salad plate by Fiestaware in the “Meadow” color, topped by a Pfaltzgraff Naturewood salad plate that peeks out from behind faux greenery just enough to feel like it’s emerging from the underbrush.

A Fitz and Floyd Toulouse Green appetizer plate finishes the stack.

At the heart of the table, a gorgeous Creative Co-Op Stoneware Reactive Glaze Pitcher takes center stage. Filled with lush faux grass and a gentle battery-powered candle, it glows like a tiny lantern in the tall grass. A pair of sleek cordless table lamps flank the pitcher, casting a warm, modern light that makes the whole scene feel alive after sunset.

Gold flatware adds a quiet sparkle, while crisp green napkins from Amazon and Winston Porter Knizair Glass butter dishes from Wayfair complete each place setting with effortless charm.

The green water glasses are from Villeroy and Boch, the cups and saucer are vintage Franciscan.

Tucked in amongst the plates is a small black iron lizard that I got from Pottery Barn. It has a small glass insert so it can be used as a salt cellar, but I love it just the way it is.

The result? A tablescape that feels like a love letter to the Missouri prairie—bright, playful, and completely at home whether you’re hosting a casual summer supper or just want your everyday meals to feel a little more wild.