Tablescape Thursday

Celebrating Autumn

Here is a tablescape I did a number of years ago, for a local magazine shoot.

I started by draping an antique wool paisley shawl over my dining room table. Its rich, deep hues are perfect for an Autumn table. Layered on top of the shawl are earthy leaf motif majolica plates from Portugal, and on top of those, Herend's hunt plates. I bought these years ago in Bermuda. Unfortunately, these are not available in the US. There are twelve different hunting game motifs (shown below).

Stag handled flatware and a mix of new and antique crystal stemware complete each place setting. Green stemmed glasses have been traditionally used for Mosel wines. (Most stag handled flatware today is made from naturally shed stag horn.)

The centerpiece is all evergreen cuttings, mixed with oak branches, pine cones and pheasant feathers, and arranged in an earthy majolica cache pot. An antique cast iron mountain stag graces the centerpiece. Quail feathers, wrapped around wooden napkin rings, give an additional Autumn hunt flavor to this setting. The napkins are a heavy, nubby cotton - again earthy and not too refined. A silver hand hammered tray, in the background, also has naturally shed stag horn handles.

Birch bark wrapped candles glow inside hand etched hurricanes, with mountain wildlife motifs,

which I borrowed from my sister.

(Top four photos by Jay Elliott.)

A hand carved, antique wooden German bread board says "Gib uns heute unser tagliche brot"

(Give us this day our daily bread).

The twelve Herend hunt motifs (6 animals and 6 birds):

And a few detail shots. Just look at the amazingly realistic colors and details!

Bon Appetit!

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