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Fall
In November, You Never Quite Know What You’ll Get. It could be cold as ice (literally) or warm enough to throw a football around the front yard without a jacket.
While table settings usually reflect the season, I felt like departing from the typical fall table. Of course, we all think of the Thanksgiving table when November rolls around. And while I decided to forgo the fall foliage and turkey motif, I kept the warm colors of the season and added just a little nod to tradition with a small pinecone here and there.
Bouquets of orange and yellow roses anchor the table in a large silver pitcher, and are flanked on either side with old wood pillars, meant for candles. However, we’ve replaced the expected candles with roses and cascading bright green foliage. A white tabletop and white small vases make up the place setting with silver flatware and a soft taupe silk napkin underneath. And what would a Thanksgiving table be without pie? Instead of the usual large pumpkin and pecan pies, why not a small one for each guest? Mixed berry, buttermilk and turtle make up the choices here.
A bar cart is set for after-dinner drinks … maybe a Moscow mule or mulled cider in a copper mug or a mixed drink to top off the evening. Whichever way you go, this brightly colored table is sure to put you in a holiday mood.
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Winter
When snow Was In The Forecast, Ideas Of A Winter-Inspired Table Started To Swirl In My Head. Who can resist freshly fallen snow as a backdrop?
Is it realistic to sit outside with plates set atop a confection of white? Well, why not? Throw on some warm clothes and pull a faux fur throw around your shoulders and have a little something to eat.
If you’re not inclined to brave the cold, let this be your inspiration for something inside. A crisp white tablecloth (with a little faux snow sprinkled around) can mimic the real thing … then add to it fine china (my mom’s Christmas pattern is shown here) and intricate silverware.
Linens that represent the season will help move the theme along. Using deep red linens with a cream pattern in addition to the red tulips and holly help set up the scene. Crystal stemware with snow adds a whimsical flair and wooden place cards with baby pine cones are a woodsy final touch.
Inside or outside, a winter wonderland setting is within your reach.
