Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Part Three...The Blue Challenge

Alas, I have come to the final installment of my three part challenge.  In retrospect, the Red Challenge just sort of came together easily.  The Green Challenge rather surprised me.  Now I was left with the Blue Challenge.  At first, I was a bit stumped.  I did not want this table to look like the red table...only blue.  It needed to look fresh.  I tried this.  I tried that.  My table was not spectacular.


I knew that I definitely would use my gorgeous navy blue plates (The Blues, by Arabia of Finland).  And I couldn't wait to finally showcase my fabulous mid-century barware...


(one of my all time favorite finds from a local antique store!) Could I mix in some cobalt blue pieces?  No...they just did not look right with the navy.  Something about these little gold tea light got me thinking.  I have some chrysanthemum plates tucked in the back of a cabinet.


They're a bit orangey...but could they work?   And much to my delight, they were just the ticket!


As much as I tried to using the gold chargers...again...they work perfectly with the gold in the runner.  This time, I have used by blue plates as a layering piece, topped with a plain white plate and finished off with the beautiful salad plate.  Wanting to work a bit more orange into the setting, I remembered these adorable little porcelain vases (Dansk) and decided to use them as placecards, filled with gorgeous orange gerbera daisies.


A simple paper tag tied on with a thin gold ribbon guides my guests to their special spot at the table.  To accompany my gold tea lights,



and to give my table some height in the center, I pulled out my oh-so-verstatile candle holder (Crate & Barrel) and added some simple golden votives from Target!


A pretty gold garland with tiny orange berries woven underneath adds a last bit of sparkle.  And so, my challenge has come to an end, and I must say, I really am rather fond of this table...



...and also my red and green and blue "not really my taste any more" table linens. Makes me wonder...what else do I have lying around that just needs some loving attention and a creative eye to become a beautiful tablescape?

11 comments:

  1. You have done a wonderful job with the different colors in your linens. I have enjoyed each post with your color challenge. The mum plates with the colbalt plates in contrast is perfect with the navy linens. I hope you find some more pieces to challenge yourself for it has been fun to view each week! Happy Tea Party! Pam

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  2. Beautiful setting!
    I LOVE your chrysanthemum plates and I think orange and blue look fabulous together! Thank You for sharing and have a wonderful weekend!

    Aledia

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  3. I admire both your follow-through (in doing all three versions!) and your style! Love the glassware -- it reminds me of some my parents had when I was growing up. The floral plates look fabulous with the rest of your table!

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  4. The orange patterned plates really pop against the navy. I think I have that table runner (in 2 different sizes!) from my old house where the dining and living rooms were blue. I brought them down to FL with me and I'm sure some Thursday they will show up. I just hope they look as good as yours!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  5. This is so pretty with the blue and orange color combination. Those are our local high school colors. Love, love that barware!

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  6. In my day to day choices, orange usually doesn't make my roster, so I'm always surprised, yet again, when orange, the contrasting color to blue on the color wheel always turns out to be a great choice. If I could just remember my lessons from art class, I would choose it more quickly and more often to pair with blue. Your did a wonderful job on your tablescape. The accent plates made the whole design come alive. Thank you for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  7. Wow I love the blue and orange are just stunning...sooo beautiful and vibrant..those plates are to die for...thanks for sharing...I ama new follower...if i could just add that the text s so small...super hard to see to read...however love the blog...

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  8. I have really enjoyed your series! I think this one is the most creative, and the orange just pops against the blue. Thanks for sharing! It's been fun!

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  9. How very pretty! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  10. Love those chrysanthemum plates and the combo of the orange (Tango Tangerine, 2012 color of the year!) and the navy is perfect. Toss in the mid-century barware and I'd love dining at your table. I have some mid-century glasses that I never think of using but you've inspired me.

    Robin
    happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

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  11. So, now that your challenge is over, what will you be up to??? It's wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays!

    - The Tablescaper

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