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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Bibliophile's Table


The table is set with a book theme that would be perfect for a book club gathering.



Lunch, drinks, or dessert, an interesting centerpiece is fun to do, and stimulating for discussion.



But here I've set it with colorful Johnson Brothers transferware plates.



The design seems springy with the bouquet theme, but the colors bring it into a later season.



Instead of clear and sunny summer whites, I've set out a more subtle antique natural linen napkin with a monogram.



My recently re-discovered book-plates can be used as a place card, or better yet, a favor for a guest. This particular design has a convenient peel off back for sticking to a page.



Somehow a whole package of bookplates seems intimidating. I don't loan books, and I wouldn't take the time to mark them all either. But I love the romance of collecting old bookplates, and I can think of a dozen decorative uses for such pretty little paper art.



I've overlaid my tablecloth with an elaborate hand crochet mantle runner. I rarely get to use it any other way. And I love the deeper tone laid over white.



You can go as far as you want with the book theme. This little tablet's wonderful cover could be photocopied and made into napkin rings.



Books could serve as a base for a centerpiece.



But I placed a couple of small antique books inside an enamelware pail to coordinate with the zinc French flower bucket containing my dried roses.



I seem to never be far away from my shells. I use them instead of, as much as, or more than flowers.



And this week I am burning my favorite Pottery Barn shell candle after reading the Pink Rose Candle post at My Place to Yours. You'll want to read it too!




Thanks for stopping by! Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline


I'm joining Between Naps on the Porch for another fun Tablescape Thursday!
My Place to Yours for the Pink Rose Candle post
and Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Fridays


37 comments:

  1. You creative genius, you!! You have so many beautiful, creative ideas. Thanks for the inspiration. I missed only a day or so and wow! Missed some beautiful posts! Loved the Suitcase Theatre with your Victorian vignettes. And talk about "depth of detail"! Your photos are every bit as detailed and beautiful as Victoria's! So, so beautiful!
    Love, Kay

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  2. I love this!
    I used a book theme last Christmas at the store and would love to have had some of your inspiration at that time!
    The book plates are so wonderful...I haven't seen anyone use them in so long I forgot they existed!
    The brown transferware makes my heart flutter!
    Have a blessed evening!
    Donna

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  3. So beautiful. I'm to host my book club in a mont. Wish I had that bust to set things off. Love the plates too. Just beautiful.

    - The Tablescaper

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  4. What a wonderful table for a book club! Still loving those book plates~ how creative and fun to use them on your table as a place card :-)

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  5. Every time I stop to look at your tables, I just feel like I fall right in. This one is no different - the gorgeous linens with that china and old books. Sigh... perection.

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  6. WOW!!! Everything is amazing, gorgeous!!!
    Debby

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  7. What a gorgeous table setting and such beautiful photos!!
    Lovely!!
    Have a great night.
    Sincerely,
    melinda

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  8. You always set such dreamy romantic settings.

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  9. Jacqueline, your tablescape is beautiful and full of fabulous details! I especially love your layered linens; I do that a lot, too. I'm so glad you enjoyed my pink candle post and that you're burning your favorite shell candle! Thanks for linking to my post. Everyone will love seeing yours!

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  10. Jaqueline, those pictures are awesome! You've done a gorgeous job with your displays. Please, won't you join this post with me for Pearls and Lace Thursday at my site? It would fit in perfectly!!
    Blessings, Doni

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  11. This is just so gorgeous-I think I might have a luncheon for all of my English teacher friends just so I can set the table like this! It's gorgeous!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  12. What a beautiful tablescape! Love the Bibliophile, perfect, and the shell candle is so pretty too. Your post speaks to my romantic heart. Love it, thank you for sharing.

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  13. Your tables are always decorated so lovely. Love the candle with shells on the sides. Also loving all your WW pics.

    Hope you have a wonderful week!

    Kathleen

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  14. Love your color mix and your theme. Well done! sharon

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  15. That would be so lovely for a book club! All the restful creamy, sandy colors make it easy on the eyes.

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  16. Hi Jacqueline....
    You have been busy! I am in complete slacker mode :-)
    I love your centerpiece vignette... so creative and full of inspiration!
    Great finds on the transferware, to beautiful pieces!
    The light in the closet is beautiful, and besides I would kill for a closet that size (the victorians are not know for a love of closets!!).
    But... hands down your suitcase theater is AMAZING!!! So much detail... a gorgeous design, Very inspirational!
    Bella

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  17. Such a beautiful tablescape~ I love it all! Lovely photos!

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  18. I love that table setting. The books, not your average centerpiece, they make it so different.

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  19. A most inviting tablescape.
    Recently out thrifting I have come cross various book plate sets. Now you've given me additional creative uses for them.

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  20. What a neat idea! I love the bookplate idea as well as the book-themed centerpiece. Thanks for sharing!

    Sarah

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  21. Such pretty pieces of transferware in both posts. Have you have a great day, Theresa

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  22. What a great idea--just perfect for a book club! Your Staffordshire Bouquet is lovely!

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  23. The whole table is beautiful. I especially love the vintage touches you have added.

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  24. You found some great pieces! Love the brown and white transferware... beautiful! I always love looking at your pictures... the vignettes are so pretty!
    Have a wonderful day!
    ~ Jo :)

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  25. Such a stunning table! Who knew books and shells would be so at home together :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  26. probably the most beautiful dishes I've seen out of all the posts. Simply stunning. So jealous! Just a reminder - my Friday Vignette's post is tomorrow, and I'd love it if you'd link up! Even pictures from this post - the vignettes are great! :) Hope you join in! :) Artie

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  27. Love, Love this tablescape.....English plates and books......two of my favorite things!

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  28. Such a beautiful setting...love the plates.

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  29. English transferware, books, and white-on-white...it doesn't get much better than that....ever! Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  30. I love it all but the mantle runner really grabs my eye-it is so delicate.

    Carolyn

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  31. Of course you know I love this post - from my comment earlier today! So happy you linked up to Vignette Fridays! YAY! :) I hope you'll join us again and again! :)

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  32. Beautiful arrangement - I always love a vignette that incorporates books!

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  33. so restful and beautiful. I love the way you put things together.. The vintage linens are a dream. I'm catching up on my reading.. So I might just go get lost in your posts.. delightful.

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  34. I love your tablescape. Your sea shell candle I Loved the best.

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