Last weekend, with the sun still warm, and but fading earlier each day, we welcomed friends for a holiday weekend wine and dinner party. The gathering called for a festive end of summer themed table setting.
If you haven’t guessed it already, I am a huge fan of “high-low” design. Nordstrom and Target? Ross and Williams’ Sonoma? Second hand store and Bloomingdales? You bet. A mix of elements – family heirlooms, garage sale finds, and precious fine objects all combine to make an interesting and beautiful setting. Here is a breakdown of this dinner table setting – it was a little bit of fancy that took on grilled salmon, twice baked potatoes, and a fresh summer salad with home grown heirloom tomatoes. Strawberry shortcake for dessert. And lots of wine. High-low, indeed.
The foundation tablecloth: Outdoor fabric remnant from Ikea. The black and white stripes are the perfect backdrop for almost any color scheme.
The dinner plates: Macy’s cellar sale years ago – the gold rim is “fancy,” but not so much on striped sailcloth.
The gold flatware: Grandma Vera’s gold flatware that she bought in the ’50’s. It is still in perfect condition, and I use it every chance I get.
The glassware: Anthropologie sunflower water glasses; Williams’ Sonoma wine glasses.
The flowers: Fresh sunflowers and green hydrangea from the farmer’s market that morning; a mix of vases – different sizes of clear, gold, and green colors – from Michael’s craft store – purchased over many years. The green hydrangea is a design element that will go with any color scheme, and will immediately add a pop of style to your table.
Here’s to your next dinner party!