Month: March 2017

Well, before you know it, Easter is here and with it, the excitement of hosting a brunch for family and friends!

My inspiration stems from a runner I purchased at TJ Maxx.

I love the warm yellow of the flowers against the soft grey of the bunnies and decide these are the two colors to showcase.

I use grey woven place mats to anchor my galvanized metal chargers.  I select my off white china and place buttery yellow napkins secured with ivory bunny napkin rings I purchased in Mikasa a few years ago.

The water glasses I use often in my fall table settings but somehow, their soft amber shade matches well with the warm yellow hues of the runner.

I received the orchids from my daughter, Belen, as an anniversary gift and felt that, although they are of a more modern look, their soft ivory and yellow colors would somehow work well with the setting.  They are a bit tall so I flank the ivory candles with hurricane lamps to offset their height.

And finally, the flatware is of a rustic design to pick up on the galvanized metal chargers.

As a result, I’ve come up with an eclectic Easter setting which is still warm and inviting.

 

 

I just got back from New York City experiencing blizzard Stella, which was unusual, not for the area, but for the timing!

So today’s table decor inspiration comes from the desire of the arrival of Spring!

I just purchased this checkered navy blue and white table runner from Williams-Sonoma which reminds me of a picnic table.  Great start for my setting.

I then place my galvanized metal chargers on top of the blue woven place mats and galvanized metal watering can to bring a country feel to the look.

The flowers I placed inside the can were taken from a beautiful bouquet I received from my husband for our 27th wedding anniversary.  I threw away the wilted ones and saved the ones I could and truth be told, they look stunning.

The blue and white dishes are from Sargadelos, a company from the northwest of Spain, which is where I am from.  I used two bread plates to anchor the pillar candles and lanterns to give the look continuity and an outdoor feel.

Finally, I use Mexican water glasses with a blue trim to pick up on the color and rustic decor.

This setting is a mock up, not a real meal was prepared nor offered but if I had to improvise, I could add these yummy dishes from my past;

Stone crabs with a vinaigrette sauce.

Eggplant Rollatini, recipe by Williams-Sonoma, and finally;

Ina Garten’s Pear Clafouti.

Come soon Spring!

Tomorrow, my husband and I celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary! For the occasion, I’m going for a vintage, romantic look with a touch of rustic flair.

To start off, I use my beige embroidered table cloth and two sets of napkins, one the matching napkin to the cloth on the inside and a white crisp linen napkin on the outside.

I hold them together with my white porcelain napkin rings to which I glued paper roses of different beige hues, a find at Michael’s craft store (3 roses/$2.00).  Had I purchased floral napkin rings, I would probably have paid around $10.00 each! Not only does it get expensive, but storage becomes a challenge which is why I love to reuse and reinvent my items over and over again.

For attention, I anchor my long galvanized metal container in the center and fill it with mason jars, alternating beige roses and cream candles.  I think it looks heavenly.

Next, to pick up on the rustic centerpiece, I use my galvanized metal charges and fleur-de-lis flatware.

To continue with the creamy, dreamy look, I use my off white tableware to display a truly scrumptious feast:

Ina Garten’s Chilled Cucumber Soup with Shrimp, Lamb Loin Chops, Potatoes Gratin and for dessert, a scrumptious Carrot Cake:

I say, at least another 27 years hubby!