CELEBRATING THE ART OF LIVING WELL,
AS THE FRENCH DO,
BY USING ALL FIVE SENSES
TO APPRECIATE EVERYTHING ABOUT LIFE

(FOR MY JOIE DE VIVRE PHILOSOPHY, READ MY FIRST THREE POSTS FROM JUNE 2009)






22 September 2010

Tablescape Thursday

Coral and Shells

Well, according to the official calendar, summer is over today. However, I can't resist sneaking in one more summer tablescape. This is one of my favorite china patterns for a summer meal: Sea Treasures by The home, James! Collection

All of the china pieces are edged and outlined with 24-kt gold, but there is no gold in the shell and coral designs, which I like. It keeps the pattern from being too precious.


One of my favorite napkin rings of all time - a polished turbo shell mounted on silver plated base, by The Turnwald Collection.

The soup bowl combines the shells of the salad/dessert plate with the coral border of the dinner plate.

This gorgeous bowl was a housewarming gift from my mother. It is made of molded glass, hand painted on the underside. Unfortunately, I don't know much else about it.

A little gift for the diner - a Chinese cinnabar box. I wonder what's inside it?



Two views of the cup and saucer. I love the little shell hidden under the cup!

Rosewood handled flatware, with silver accents, is French, from Alain Saint Joanis.

While I'm not usually one for putting a napkin on the plate, I think this arrangement works really well.



This setting practically cries out for a deep-hued vin rose from the South of France! It's color is so gorgeous in the late afternoon sun!
The hand embroidered tablecloth is also French, by Valombreuse. 
One of four different motifs embroidered on the corners of the cloth.
Detail of the hand embroidery, featuring different stitches, including French knots.
The detailing and colors are simply luscious.

Another corner of the tablecloth. The sun, shining through from the backside, emphasizes the delicate weave of the fabric.
I bought these little cinnabar boxes years ago at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I have used them in so many settings!
(Hint: you've also seen them recently on my new living room table.)


Bon Appetit!

To view tablescapes by other bloggers, every Thursday, visit Between Naps On The Porch, where they are all linked. Enjoy!


24 comments:

  1. I can see why this is your favorite! Everything is just beautiful-enjoy:@)

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  2. I was hoping that you would show a close up of that tablecloth. It's beautiful!

    The whole table is just very pretty to me, and although it has shells, the RED makes it a LATE summer look to me. Just great!

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  3. I am just beside myself over those beautiful fire coral dishes!!! They are absolutely beautiful! The shell napkin rings are gorgeous, too! Nice touch with the cinnabar boxes!

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  4. I never tire of the beach tablescapes! The napkins are so lovely and the china is to die for! Gorgeous!!

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  5. Your sea treasure china is a treasure - so elegant. And your hand embroidered table cloth is a treasure, too. So beautiful and what detail! You have a lovely table.

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  6. I love your tablescape and your dishes are so different! Love the red and the pattern of shells around the edge. The centerpiece and tablecloth go beautifully. Nice job!

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  7. Kate --
    This is absolutely one of the best!!! This china would outshine anything but that amazing cloth. What special treasures! They are both soooo fabulous. I just posted a coral themed table, too. I just love love love coral.
    Linda

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  8. This is stunning! That china is so gorgeous. I just love this color scheme, especially with this beautiful cloth.

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  9. Absolutely S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G. table. The china is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. What fabulous china -- and the tablecloth to coordinate so beautifully! This is really spectacular -- such eye candy!

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  11. This is the first nautical china and linens that I've ever been tempted to start collecting. It is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your charming design with us. I love it! Cherry Kay

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  12. Kate --
    Thanks for subscribing to A Toile Tale. I'm so flattered by your kind comments. We'll be entertaining each other, I'm sure.
    Linda

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  13. I love that china and how well it goes with the beautiful tablecloth. The entire setting is wonderful. Thanks for the nice comments while visiting!!

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  14. Beautiful china that I have never seen before! The tablecloth is exquisite also!!

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  15. Just so exquisite. I love this tablescape.
    Shel

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  16. The dishes are stunning!!! But the tablecloth...OMG....to die for!!! The wine, setting sun....all wonderful....Cleo

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  17. Ooooh! I love your shell dishes and your tablecloth. So pretty all together....Christine

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  18. Oh my goodness, I love, love, love this china and its colors. You know with these colors, one could argue it's an Autumn tablescape. I'm dreaming of shrimp/seafood gumbo over rice while dining at this beautiful tablescape.

    All the Best,

    Requi

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  19. Lucious is indeed the word for your table. I would LOVE to be dining with such special items.The tablecloth and linens are amazing...just gorgeous. And the dishes! WOW! They are simple yet breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing, and the loads of inspiration! Thanks too for dropping by to visit.
    Sharlotte

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  20. Such a beautiful tablescape. Those dishes are so pretty, and that tablecloth is absolutely perfect with them (until I read about the cloth in your commentary, I wondered if it was made by Home James as well-to match that china). What a pretty bowl your mother gifted to you. I loved seeing this tablescape. laurie

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  21. Ohhh..this is my favorite sea inspired setting. My favorite colors too. Your table is beautiful! and the table cloth...OHHH....

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  22. Beautiful details! Love the theme and colors:)
    Happy Tablescape Thursday!


    Kay Ellen

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  23. I have a question. I have a charger just like yours but mine is all gold. Do you have any idea of its worth? It was given to me by a family member and told it was valuable....I'm very curious about it!! Thanks!
    ccortazzo@psea.org

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    1. I don't know about an all gold version of the charger. That was definitely not part of this line, which was discontinued shortly after it was introduced by "Home, James!" You should look at the mark on the back of the plate, and google that or contact the company directly. Hope this helps!

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