Anatomy Of A Tablescape

Sometimes my life forgets that I have a blog to run here, and I run out of time for my tablescape. I did what all resourceful bloggers do. I took pictures of what I was doing while I was doing it. Bloggers blog. . . . all the time.

You may see some version of this tablescape soon. I say "some version" because I never know exactly what will happen in the end. Sort of like life. . . . So I thought I would walk you through my process of tablescaping.

 

I start with a concept like, I haven't used my Limoges in a long time, or,  I want to do a post with that tablecloth. Then I decide on a mood. This one was airy, feminine. Something for a ladies lunch, or a bridal shower. It is that time of year. . . .

That means somethig gauzy and layered and ruffled and lacy. A sheer underlayer. So I go hunting the house for that.

This is still an idea phase. It seems long because I'm talking it through, but it's just a quick peeking in drawers and in the linen closet for possiblities. Maybe over time. I pulled out some pale pinks and hated them. They took away from my dishes instead of enhancing them. I can only tell when I look at them together.

This sheer embroidered voile is perfect, and the dishes remind me of a runner I have with similar colors and scale to the plate design, so I'll try to incorporate that to bring in more soft color, detail, and interest. I won't know what works until I start laying it all out.

This extra something (je ne sais quois) can take a table from okay to special. The something is really essential. So I hope I can actually use it in the end.

My choice for napkins.

For napkin rings.

All ready and waiting like a bride in the wings. . . .

I know I will use these knives. They support "airy" better than silver does. The rest of the flatware doesn't matter.

There's a bit of polishing to do. The camera catches everything. (No wonder I run out of time!) Speaking of . . . it often helps to snap a few frames when you think you're finished, because a photo can show you things you didn't notice before. Pros often do this with polaroids to check lighting and framing.

My place cards will be a plain mauvy envelope. (I could write a special note inside. Or give a gift card.) The table elements are busy, so I want something simple. The solid block of color, pale as it is, grounds everything, and keeps my "airy" from floating off the table. I actually tried a floral printed card, but it was too much competition for the patterns even though the card was small.

Finally, I have to choose a setting to stage my table. It will depend on the weather (inside or out?). Today is windy. What time of day it is when I have time to shoot (where's the best light?). What space is available? I have family in for the weekend. The loud and sticky fingered kind. The dining room is out. . . .

I also have to visit the florist for my centerpiece as I have something "airy" in mind. (No, I did not say airhead!) And I have to clear the nursery for my little visitors. So it's all up in the air! (Perhaps I should have chosen a different theme.) Ah, it's all for good fun anyway!

But, hey! I hope your weekend is wonderful!

 Thanks for popping by!

Jacqueline

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Tablescape Thursday