I just bought a new runner from Pottery Barn. It needs to be washed and ironed, but I had to see what it looked like on the table.
The basket was a gift from Jenny a few years ago. We bought the lemon and artichoke fillers from Pottery Barn.
The napkins were a wedding gift from my friend Laura. I love them and am so glad that they are now in a place where I get to see them all the time.
Until Thanksgiving, I had never tried to put a tablescape together. Before that, we either didn't have a table or were lucky if it weren't covered with junk. I'm sure I will add and subtract things but am happy with this start. I recently came across the post below and think it is worth keeping in mind.
from Holding Court
1. DON'T use a table cloth laid out across the whole table, faux greenery, or scented candles. Unless folded as a runner to create a backdrop to other accessories, table cloths should be reserved for dinner service, faux green plants are faux green plants, and scented candles simply do not belong at or near where you are serving food.
2. DO keep it simple. Nothing is more elegant than simple, classic accessories in a formal space. And nothing is more livable. Who wants to remove (and find a resting place for) seventeen candlesticks (I counted) each time they sit down to have dinner, do homework or play a game? A simple look that can't go wrong? An oversized vase or floral arrangement as a centerpiece. Because most people have at least one hanging light fixture in the dining room, best to opt for a low, voluminous, squatty arrangement (these are faux and frankly, I'd like the vase on its own just as well)...
This idea works just as well with a terrific urn (something substantial is the key) or a centerpiece arrangement of two or three candlesticks and a hurricane or two (odd number works best). I also like a simple bowl with some decorative accessories in the center. Feel like it doesn't have enough weight or oomph? Pull out your favorite tablecloth and fold it into a fatter version of a typical table runner. Works well set vertically (across the shortest part of the table - my preference) as well as horizontally (running the length of the table).
I also adore taking the idea of a simple centerpiece and doubling it up. Symmetry always works. Set a beautiful urn on the left of your light fixture and one on the right. When shopping with my good friend Zlata (fearless design enthusiast with terrific taste) we snagged two of these at Baker to set the tone for her dining room - before selecting a rug, upholstery, window treatments or even chairs! You can't go wrong with keeping things simple and symmetrical. Earlier this week, the well-edited blog Chinoiserie Chic declared "GO BIG!" when it comes to ginger jars. And I wholeheartedly agree. Any of the gorgeous jars they featured here would be stunning on a dining room table.
3. DO consider placement. I touched on this above but it's so important, I'll elaborate here. If you have a round or square table, limit accessories to the center of the table (ie don't try to place a bunch of placemats around the table when it's not in use). And if you must use candlesticks, or it happens to be all you have around, group them tightly in the center. This image from Urban Grace (she has a terrific eye) is a fresher, more realistic approach to dining room candlesticks than the image featured above.
For those of you with a rectangular table, you have two options:
(1) decorative accessories in the center of the table or (2) decorative accessories on either side of the table.
4. DO use everyday items when decorating and play with scale for maximum impact.
It is very effective to use two things beneath a chandelier rather than one. The trick is that the proportions must be right. Try tall flowers in a glass vase off center from the chandelier, and a low glass bowl. Add a simple runner as a backdrop to the accessories and you're good to go. Perfect and easy. You can do this with things you already own or pick up inexpensively. Trust me, try it! But forget about the lamp. (Where would you plug it in?!). Depending on the size of what you are using, don't be afraid to place them slightly off center like this:
One of my favorite tricks is to use an oversized tray filled with fruit or beautiful placemats and place it slightly off center. Add two taller pieces of different heights on one side and voila. Keep it all grouped near the center, play around with it until you find a look you like and chances are you will create something that looks real. Or if this scares you, start with just the oversized tray in the middle. Add fruit, a pitcher or a vase, use it to corral mail or whatever else is really on your dining room table. But I like placemats in deep woven trays. Though lacquered, antique silver or whatever your prefer will work too.
5. Don't worry. Life is too short. Keep things in perspective - do not stress over decorating. But do get up and do something about the spaces you don't like. Start small. Keep it simple and don't worry about "mistakes". Try a few things, snap a few pictures. Put them up on your computer and compare; see what works and what doesn't. You'll know what looks good - or at least what looks bad. It's your house, fill it with things YOU love and it's bound to make you happy. Remember, that was the key to Caroline Scheeler's dining room perfection...
Of course, this list is just a starting point. This is not the end all be all of perfect dining room tables and if you are staging your room for a dinner party, the holidays or a photo shoot, well you should probably get more creative than what you'll find here. Email me - I'm happy to help. Also, if you have anything to add to the list, feel free to include suggestions in the comment section below. I'd love to hear your ideas! Just nothing too stressful, please ;)
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