Wednesday, August 8, 2012

WWJD

On August 15th, Julia Child would have celebrated her 100th birthday.  Like countless others, I have fond memories of watching the French Chef cook, bake, and most importantly, teach us to love food, friends and entertaining.  And so, fittingly, I have invited some friends over this weekend to celebrate Julia Child.  I did a bit of internet research, hoping to find Julia's wisdom on setting a perfect lovely table, but unfortunately came up empty-handed.  What Would Julia Do?  I have to believe that she would set a tasteful, simple an comfortable table.  After all, it's all about the meal, right?


So here is my birthday table, set for Julia.  I love mixing the old with the new.  On a long ago trip to Scandinavia, my dear Aunt Tess discovered these gold damask linens.


She bought not just one, but four of these tablecloths...



...along with scores of napkins to match!! I wonder what she was planning to do with them all?  They are lovely.  "Everything in moderation" was always Julia's motto, and as much as I love a "fully loaded" tablescape, today I am reigning myself in,


using just my simple silver chargers...


...topped with my favorite plain white plates.  I've chosen these Calistoga wine and water goblets,


as we will most definitely be enjoying a few fabulous bottles at the party.



For mood, some twinkling tea lights.



Finally, a gorgeous bouquet of creamy white flowers, nestled into a golden vase.  And that's it...simple...



...just the way I think Julia would like it.  Happy Birthday, Dear Julia...and Bon Appetit!   This week I will be visiting...

Centerpiece Wednesday (The Style Sisters)
Tabletop Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch)
Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)
Home Sweet Home Friday  (The Charm of Home)
Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)
Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)
Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)

Please stop by.

9 comments:

  1. Julia would love dining with you! The tablescape is a beautiful classic which is timeless! I love the gold linens as your background for a tastful table! The crystal is just gorgeous with the etching!

    Thanks for sharing, Pam

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love love this table. Especially since it's a tribute to my favorite lady! I would love to sit at the table with her. Really. Your tablecloths, well they are splendid indeed! I love them. The setting is just stunning. I am sure the guests will have a wonderful time! It's a truly lovely table. xo marlis

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dish Girl,
    Hi! I'm visiting from BNOTP! What a gorgeous table cloth! Gold damask linens! I am quite smitten with your tribute to Julia!!! Exquisite stemware, ice cube votives, dreamy creamy blooms...WoW! I enlarged all your photos and have drolled for more time than I'll tell. What a darling way to place the napkin amongst the stacked dinnerware! Thank you for this lovely, inspiring tablescape!
    Fondly,
    Pat
    P.S. Perhaps the "gold" damask linens were purchased for family "50th" anniversaries and birthday celebrations??? Just a thought!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful and elegant, I think Julia would approve!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an elegant table! Beautiful linens.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is just lovely! Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing. Visiting from The Charm of Home. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-9.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  7. So elegant... It is beautiful and she would love it.

    Thank you for visiting my less elegant ant table. Yours is so much prettier.

    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am sure Julia would approve! The table looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a lovely, graceful table - I'm a huge fan of monochromatic color schemes, where the same color is repeated in different hues and textures. Love how the gold and ivory shades come together to create a rich yet soothing tablescape. It's my very first visit to your blog but now I'm inspired to go explore the rest of your creations! :)

    ReplyDelete