Smokin'

To my friends and followers...for those of you who thought I was perhaps in some way "unwell", I am very happy to report that I am just fine.  My absence can best be described as a holiday overdose...a few too many dishes to wash, an overwhelming pile of napkins to iron, and all those holiday plates to safely pack away.  I just wasn't feeling creative or inspired and needed a little break.  And after weeks of looking at my bare dining room table, I knew it was time to return.  With no imminent holidays, I opted to simply set a table with things on hand.

As you know, there is always some element of my table that is the inspiration for the entire setting.  This time it was some beautiful floral fabric, a warm smoky grey background covered with coral and plum and gold mums.  So I...

...whipped up a set of napkins.  Then magically, the rest of the tablescape fell into place, one piece at a time.  I remembered these peachy-coral salad plates from West Elm.  Haven't used those in awhile.

I think they'd look perfect atop my shiny grey Hayes dinner plates from Crate & Barrel, which I layer with my gold leaf(ish) ruffly chargers, all sitting on these lacy paper placemats.

Who can't use a little more gold, so I added these chunky metallic napkin rings (Ten Thousand Villages), turning my napkin into a handsome bow tie.

Never, ever walk through a store without checking out the scarf department...because the scarf department should really be renamed the table runner department!  See what I found at Target...

...grey and gold and pink and cream and fringy and perfect!  Speaking of grey...look what I got for Christmas from my husband.  He found this fabulous smoky vintage barware at a shop in the city.  You should see the martini pitcher that came along with it!

Today I am using them as candle holders, because I have other plans for my beverages.  I found these amazing tumblers at a darling little vintage shop.  How I wished I had paid better attention when the shop owner told me the maker.  If anyone knows the answer, please share it with me.  I'd love to find out more about them.

Mid-century, I'm quite sure, they are so much fun with pink and gold fruits and leaves, all on a smoky grey background.  Quite a find.  My table still needed a centerpiece, so I took a peek at my stash.  This Rosenthal vase will be perfect...

 

...a tablesetters dream come true, with flowers of just the right colors.  It might be frigid outside, but tonight I'll be dining here...

...at my smokin' hot table.  Well, that was fun...and it's good to be back.  Please join me this week at the following parties.

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)

Potpourri Friday (2805)

Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)

Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)

Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)