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Friday, October 8, 2010

A Table Chez Jacqueline



Some table settings wait through a season or two before they can be presented again. Such is the case with this one. In fact, this particular combination has been gathered together over decades of time, and is just making its debut.



In a 'veddy' English manner my collection is presented on plaid wool by Ralph Lauren. Freshening it up is easy with a gentle cold water Woolite wash and air dry. Due to the color, the wool is very forgiving to any possible stains. It's also nice to have on the table between dinner parties for that English Manor House mood. It can stay on for a long time making a cozy surface for blogging, tea, research, etc.. We have brick floors and can use all the cozy we can get in the winter. A fresh tablecloth layered over is a nice option too.



 

Playing a starring role for my table are these two French pictorial plates, marked Opaque de Sarreguemines, that I came across and couldn't resist. The captions elude me, but no matter, I am charmed by the color and design.




In fact they mix in an interesting way with other orphaned plates I've collected over time. Finding bits and pieces of vintage china and glassware at flea markets more often than not means only one, two, or three of something rather than a set of anything.



 

Being one that never wants to settle on ONE design, it's just as well.





Once again my arrangement crosses the barrier between rustic and refined in its mixed centerpiece elements. That's a vintage brown pottery wine bottle from Germany in the center.


 

The unifying feature for the mixed china is my old Adagio pattern by Noritake. It's faint grey blue and brown design blends wonderfully with all my odd pieces of brown transferware. I acquired it long before I had a single piece of transferware in my collection.






 My napkins are comprised of a variety of vintage and antique damask and woven linen towels. Imagine the dinner conversation when you sit down to a soft napkin in excellent condition with this date on it! Interestingly enough, even though all the linen is different, it still pulls the design of the table together because it's all the same size, color, and vintage.



Furthermore, you can select your individual settings to reflect the gender or taste of your guests, or better still let them choose their own  favorite! A table is never more interesting than when its place settings are as individual as the people sitting around it.



 

Three of my place settings are more recent Staffordshire by J. Broadhurst, The Constable Series.





Can't get enough of the acorns and oak leaves this time of year. Berries nice too!



The solitary Aesthetic Movement piece is named Seine.




The glass pattern looks like a Ralph Lauren design as well, but it's a vintage original.





My vintage Thistle pattern glass seemed right to mix into this plaid theme also.






Its square heft suggests a little more masculine tone, as do the less delicate colors and textures on the table.



With a large table set only for six, there is plenty of room for serving pieces in order to serve family style. And a good opportunity to bring out purely decorative items as well.








  Vintage Portuguese trivet tile with more Thistle theme. 





Mom in law Jane's old silver server and sterling flatware.




The set  is stored in the cabinet in this pewter jug and makes setting the table easy and fast. Left until last, it can give an early guest something to do!








I always have a magnifyer nearby for reading marks on china, for looking up definitions and encyclopedia items that come up in debate and discussion at the table. What's a dinner party for anyway?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm joining Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday,
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday,
Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Friday!
The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday

47 comments:

  1. This is wonderful! I love all the elements.

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  2. Jacqueline -
    Oh my! I would love to join you at this table. I don't know if I love the featured French china, or the vintage thistle crystal more. How chic to use that fabulous blanket. You remain on of my very favorites.
    Linda

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  3. In my mind this is perfection. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  4. So creative and so beautiful; I love how all your elements work together. That plaid wool throw is sheer genius! Your brown transferware pieces look great with the Adagio.

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  5. Wow! An amazing table!! All the beautiful dishes on the table and around the room, LOVELY as can be!! Warm and inviting... a great table!
    Bella

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  6. Jacqueline, this is the second neutral table of the evening for me. I just viewed Linda's table at A Toile Tale. Both are truly stunningly beautiful though very different. The pair of French plates were a wonderful find, but then so are all the plates on this table. Love the idea of the RL wool blanket. Exquisite! ~ Sarah

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  7. Beautiful table...the dishes are stunning against the plaid.

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  8. I just love the way you combine elements. I find myself looking at each photo so carefully. It is just beautiful. I would have never thought of putting my wool plaid blanket on my table. Wonderful idea!

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  9. Beautiful table setting..looks like a country manor! Your gift of design and display are outstanding!

    Wanda

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  10. What a gorgeous table. I just love all your vintage elements. You pull it together perfectly :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  11. You make what is beautiful and elegant into something enchanting. Thank you thank you. It's a feast for the eyes and imagination.

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  12. Exquisite! I love the wool tablecloth and the dishes are fabulous! Just beautiful!

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  13. "Stunning"!!! I love an eclectic table that comes together perfectly. It's my FAVORITE way to set a mood of comfort. LOVE your tablecloth, it's PERFECT... and EVERY ONE of your treasures are breathtaking. I can't possibly pick a favorite!
    Hugs to you for sharing,
    Donna

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  14. Wow this is such a beautiful setting! I have never been to visit your blog but have seen the name before and I am so glad I stopped by its just lovely! I am now following your site, its delightful!
    Terry

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  15. This is a very unusual table! Congratulation! An excellent combination of old and new! Beautiful transferware and lovely vintage plates from France!

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  16. Your attention to detail is amazing! What a lovely setting, I'll be right over!

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  17. your tablescapes are always soooo inspiring. magnifque!

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  18. Absolutely breathtaking! Exquisite! I am particularly in love with the Enlglish blanket cum tablecloth...VERY chic! The china is so intriguing and you put together a great mix. This table setting makes my heart sing! Have a great weekend!!!

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  19. I love, love, love this whole setting! I am also a big fan of anything acorn and oak. And I just adore your wool plaid tablecloth! Like you, I mix rustic with elegant. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful tablescape!

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  20. Just thought you'd like to know: the first French plate says "The night of Saint Andre" and the second one says "Bastien has boots (shoes)".

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  21. Once again a beautiful mix of elements & patterns! I love my visits here, all your bits & pieces are so intriguing :-)

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  22. I am so blown away by all the beauty and talent here! thank you for sharing it with us!

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  23. Everything is so beautiful! Your plates are wonderful and so are the other transferware. I have brick floors in the kitchen too and use a knitted throw for my table cloth, something warm as well. Your dining area looks wonderful....Christine

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  24. A stunning table! I love the use of the plaid wool as a table cloth! Perfect!
    Your mix of brown transferware is fabulous...I love all the pieces and they all go together so perfectly. I love to mix and match too. It makes the table so interesting but still unified, either by color or theme.

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  25. Oh, I love brown transferware -- and "orphaned" pieces -- especially at this time of year. Linens -- ALWAYS! Fabulous table, Jacqueline!

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  26. Beautiful autumn tones and I just love the plaid wool cover on the table.

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  27. I recently received the One Lovely Blog award -- and it's now time to pass it on to additional blogs. Jacqueline, your blog is especially appealing to me, so today I pass the award to you. Thank you for hosting such a lovely and inspiring blog! It is truly food for my spirit! http://myplacetoyours.blogspot.com/2010/10/one-lovely-blog.html

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  28. Such a beautiful mixture on your table. This is stunning. I love your brown transferware.

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  29. one says st. Andrew's night
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Andrew%27s_Day

    Sarreguemines is in the north eastern France and was at one time German so the idea that they would celebrate a very German custom of St. Andrews is not far fetched. Beautiful.. I love the mixture of dishes. You have quite an art for accomplishing this!

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  30. Il a bottes, Bastien...He has boots, Bastien. La nuit de st. Audre...the night of St. Audre. This an absolutely stunning and wonderful tablescape. The brown and white is quiet and gorgeous...magnificent comes to mind. Thank you for sharing your beautiful design. Cherry Kay

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  31. Oh, this is one of the most beautiful tables I have ever seen! I just took a step back in time and want to stay for dinner, and use that magnifying glass to look at your transferware.
    ~ Julie

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  32. Hi Jacqueline...

    Ohhh...I think I'm in love! I just adore your french pictorial plates! And you're right, they look fabulous with all the other brown transferware! You have a lovely collection, my friend...and I always enjoy seeing it! Love the table linens! Ohhh...a Ralph Lauren brown plaid is just yummy for this time of the year! Your table is one of the prettiest that I've ever seen...thank you so much for sharing it with us!!!

    Warmest autumn wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  33. You do have the most wonderful dishes, and this tablescape is over the top. I like everything about it!

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  34. Jacqui what a fabulous transferware collection you have! the table setting just fabulous! I love the tureen.. thanks for sharing. have a great weekend!
    xo
    fitty

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  35. I love your plaid tablecloth-it would look great for your English Manor days! I just bought the Christmas English Home magazine- love those cozy homes.
    You have such pretty china always artfully displayed.

    Carolyn

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  36. Hi lovely lady. I love your table. I also love the Vintage look. I am new at blogging. I love doing Tablescapes. Right now I only have Three, If you like Vintage you may like this one. You have a BEAUTIFUL Blog.

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  37. I have looked through the pictures of your table twice and will look again before leaving. I love the colors and the layering of textures and just everything.

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  38. It's stunning!!

    Kathy

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  39. I love your brown transferware dishes and tablesetting. I've just started a collection and you've given me inspiration to really "get after it"!
    Have a great week!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  40. I am bookmarking this because you have given me a fine idea for a future post! Love your collection.

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  41. YES! You KNOW I love each and every little detail. So gorgeous, what a beautiful, beautiful table setting with all your transferware pieces, vintage and antique. xo Lidy

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  42. Oooo boy I love this Old World dining room! The wall of plates and things is yummy...love the wool on the table and your whole set-up :)!!

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  43. Jacqueline, I have only a few pieces of brown transferware, but lately have been very drawn to it! You have a wonderful collection. And using the plaid blanket was a great idea I may have to steal :) Linda

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  44. I really like the plate patterns and the delightful place settings. Gives that homey cabin feel, which I love. Thanks so much for sharing your design talent with us!

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