Fall Table in the Country

We just came back from a very relaxing weekend in the country. I took some photos of my mother's dining room table. The dishes are "Adonde" from Design Within Reach, the flatware is a discontinued Dansk pattern called "Jette" my mother collects. The linen tablecloth is from an open air market in Provence. The napkins are Belgian linen. The horn napkin rings and salt & pepper shakers, were a Christmas gift two years ago. The "antler" candlesticks were also a Christmas gift, and purchased from Aero in NYC. My mother did the arrangement on the sideboard using sticks and dried plants from outside.

Autumn Decor

I really love finding small seasonal objects to place around the house through out the year. Since California doesn't really have four distinct seasons, I try to create distinct seasons inside. I bought this wonderful pumpkin terrine from Sur la Table about 10 years ago. The verisimilitude is fabulous, and it's my favorite piece to put on to my dining room table.

I've also collected a number of brass birds, leaves and candlesticks that I like place on mantles and tables. Ebay is an inexpensive source for all of these items.

My in-laws gave me this wonderful 1920's era Satsuma tea set a number of years ago. It has Japanese Maple motif on one side. I've seen this set, and other antique Satsuma patterns on Ebay as well. We frequently (and carefully) use the entire set for weekend brunch. Fortunately, I find my Tiffany "Bamboo" flatware is always in season!

October Flower Arrangements

When I think of October, obviously Halloween comes to mind. I think of ornate Victorian interiors and Gothic cathedrals with gargoyles of mythical beasts. Inspired by jewel tones- amethyst and ruby, as well as deep maroon, favored by the Victorians, I created these arrangements. I used statis, dahlias, and this weird velvety "brain" looking plant. I made one large center piece, and placed the remaining flowers on hand in a pair of mint julep cups. I used black candles in my silver candlesticks to finish off the table. (Black candles also look stunning in crystal candlesticks as well.) The tablecloth is red damask, but I might be tempted next time to cover the table in deep purple or maroon crushed velvet!