Monday, November 10, 2008

~ Plate Play ~

I love the holidays, it's such a fun time to play house :) Aside from all the stress that shopping does to me ( I'm a pretty last minute girl, lol ) I try very hard to carve out some time to spend decorating and getting ready...Getting ready for Thanksgiving is much easier than Christmas, all I have to do is clean the silver, decorate a bit , and cook my heart out. I try and pick out my place settings a few weeks before and that's what I've done today....Ive set them up to see what I'm in the mood for :) Casual Country, A Tad of Elegance, or a Full blown Fancy...I usually end up with a little of each, that's just me :) This is my first year blogging so I figured I'd throw some of my samples out there and get feedback as to what all you wonderful girls thought too...I'd love your opinion and tell me what you do for your Thanksgiving table also!.....

First, A little bit Country.....soft and casual. I tend to mix my sterling silver with very casual pieces, there's just something about quilts and silver mixed together that I love...
I have such a hard time deciding what I want to do for a table setting, but I have yet to do one of my favorite ideas ever.....and that's to have 4 separate tables all done in a different way, but I'll have to wait for the "home extension" first :) ....but truthfully , that's my dream idea :) This one below is with no table cloth, I love the wood planks on my farm table , and again, with the silver on top of rustic wood, I'm very happy...its the contrast of both that I love next to each other...
If you click on the picture below, you'll see what the place tag says... that's where my kids know to sit :) The Vintage frames were done one year as a gift for each guest. I put an old picture of the person who I wanted seated there as a "place tag" ...they had fun figuring out who was who :)
Even if I bring out the China, like below, I still tend to keep it somewhat casual...


Then there's the Ralph Lauren look I love too, much more silver on the table and lots of plaid , but even with my china out, I somehow always have to add a touch of casual, like the raffia napkin ties....
I tend to keep the centerpiece small, I want the food to stand out most :) and fit on the table too :) I have a big crowd coming to dinner this year, so I think the beaded fruit won't even get an appearance this year, lol...
I hope you are all having fun deciding what you'll be doing!...or, if your the guest ?, sit back , relax and enjoy...
~ Hugs ~ Cynthia

47 comments:

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

Wow, they are all beautiful; no wonder you have trouble deciding!!
My mom currently hosts Thanksgiving, so I've been decorating early for Christmas the past few years.
:)
~Becca~

Anonymous said...

You have such pretty dishes and my what a variety! I love the idea of the old photos at each setting!
I also love how you placed a napkin then the plate on top of it - very nice!

blessings to you!
mary

Angie said...

They are all absolutely gorgeous! If I had to pick a favorite I'd pick the last picture because it just looks so warm and inviting!

Four Paws and Co said...

They're all so beautiful, but I think I like the little bit country look the best. :0} Diane

Unknown said...

Beatiful

Derya-Turkey

Anonymous said...

Adoro o seu blog,me faz muito bem.
Abraço.

I love your blog makes me very well.
Hug.

LillyB said...

Everything is so beautiful. I am going to have to borrow your idea of the quilt with the silver! I never thought of it before!! Any of them you chose will be perfect. I am so glad there are more people like me, that have a love for dishes!!!! I am not alone!!
God Bless and have a great day!!

Stacey said...

You are really great at mixing up the pieces. I have the British Castles dishes and would never have thought about mixing those pieces. Brilliant.

It may end up being just my family for Thanksgiving - which will be a first. We've decided to forgo the huge traffic that we always have to muddle through. I think I will enjoy making our own table gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration.

Miss Janice said...

They are all lovely, but, if I simply must choose, I would say the Ralph Lauren tablescape. I love your creativity. This is so much fun!
Miss Janice

Unknown said...

No matter which setting you choose, the table will be beautiful. Personally, I like the mix of dark fabric with light china for the holiday. But I would save the Ralph Lauren red and plaid for Christmas and use more pumpkin and gold for Thanksgiving. :-)Janet

Anonymous said...

Morning Cynthia! They are all equally beautiful; I'd never be able to pick; first one caught my eye!! I need to start getting more plates!!! Usually we go to Upstate NY but won't be able to go as hubby and daughter both have to work the next day! Daughter works thanksgivin as waitress so I'm thinking it might be a very casual dinner for us! Oh well gives me time to get started on Chrismtas decor!lol Have a great week (what's left of it!) Jeannette

a quiet life said...

i love your blog and i am so happy i found you... all this stuff is so up my alley, i adore dishes, colors, patterns, mix and match. i swear, having dishes is THE only reason i cook! if you are like me, you can play with your table the last minute and be thrilled with what ever comes your way~ 4 diff tables sounds wonderful, all the more fun for you! maybe you can get creative and find some space sooner then you think... gorgeous blog, look forward to seeing more~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh I just discovered your blog..and I'm so glad I did. Definetly going to add you to my favorites..I love the new mixed with the vintage..I know your guests are going to love your table and the food you put on top..hugs ~lynne~

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for visiting my blog and also for ordering a copy of my book! - Having read some of your posts, I am flattered that such a talented lady would be interested! I hope that it gives you many hours of pleasure...

Sorry, no, Debbie doesn't have a blog - would you believe she doesn't have a computer! She REALLY lives the vintage lifestyle!

Love the place settings that you have been having fun with - the daisies are very sweet, but also the plaid has a lovely wintery feel. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family - I know that you will be so prepared!
Niki

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Cynthia, They are all so gorgeous! I think my favorite is the Ralph Lauren! nancy

Meadowsweet Days said...

Everything looks lovely, Cynthia. I would go with the Ralph Lauren look, the coloring is so warm and inviting. What time is dinner? I'll bring the wine :)

Carol

Heartfelt living said...

Hi Sweet Friend,
I LOVE all your table settings. Beautiful as always. You always inspire me!!! Now I want to get all my dishes out! : ) I have to admit the picture frame idea is just perfect...I think I will have to do that this year. Everyone will have so much fun looking at the old pictures. Thank for the great idea!

Sharon said...

Cynthia, I love your place settings. They're all very nice. I am very curious about the dinner plate that's all white and looks like it has lace on the edge. It's the one that you mentioned using picture frames for the name plates. Could you share the name of the pattern and who it't made by? Thank you.

Cynthia's Cottage Design said...

Thanks so much Sharon,

I actually did a post on those plates in June 08. I just adore them! Unfortunately, I was only able to get 4 of them. I dont know what company makes them, but they are stamped 9500/28 Made in Italy. and thats all it says, I got them at a Home Store , it could have been Home Goods, or TJ Maxx, I love the pressed lace too on the edges too and wished they'd had 12 of them, but I had to have them, so I took what was left...sorry I cant be of more help, but if I see them again, I will let you know...

Thanks so much for your comments too!!

~Cynthia~

Pink Slippers said...

I think your table looks very pretty and elegant.

Unknown said...

Isn't it amazing the difference just the table linens make! Your tables are beautiful! I'm like you I love to play house. I'm going to have to incorporate some of your ideas into my holiday meals! : )

~Liz~

Anonymous said...

what a pretty table you set~

Tracy said...

Cynthia, looks like you have been having a lot of fun. It's beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.
~Tracy~

Janet said...

I couldn't possibly decide; they are all gorgeous. Unfortunately ( or fortunately depending upon your outlook) we do buffet style as there are usually too many people to fit at the table and some even eat in the Living Room with...gasp...football on the TV. I used to stress about it, but now I just let everyone have fun. I *do* use my turkey plates and an old turkey platter and S+P shakers of my Mom's.

Janet

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I love a pretty table. When ever we go to the fair they always have a contest for the pretties table.
If I have do choose one of your tables( there are beautiful) but I think I would choose the last one.
Ginger

FrenchGardenHouse said...

I love all of them! It WOULD be so fun to have several different tables, wouldn't it? Thanks for the inspiration.
xo Lidy

Unknown said...

I like them all too. i wish i had pretty china.. mishelle

Sharon said...

Thank you Cindy, I will do some searching with the info you have and see if I can find out anything. I'll also go back and look at the June 8 posting.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

My favorite is......ALL of them! They are all so great. It would be fun to have several tables set up with different themes. I love your new header. I need to figure out how to do the picture mosaic thing.
Hugs,
Penny

Rhondi said...

Hi Cynthia
All your place settings are beautiful. I'd love to be able to sit at your table for a meal!
Hope you have a great day.
Hugs, Rhondi

Amy said...

Cynthia,
You have such a wonderful touch when it comes to place settings. I really loved all the different styles you showed. I am sure you can't go wrong with any of them. Food just tastes better on a beautifully decorated table! Amy :)

Elyse said...

dear cynthia, all of your ideas and photos are lovely! how to decide? (do i notice a simply shabby chic quilt in the country idea?) love it! love all the contrasts. i sound like i'm gushing but please know it's all sincere. :) also -- just received your post. i am so thrilled and look forward to my package arriving. i can send you the shutters sooner if you email your address to me (when it's up and running again). you are the best! xo

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How beautiful....the tables AND your blog! Thanks for stopping by to see me today. I would love to add a link to your blog. I love to decorate and know that I will get a lot of ideas here!

Glitter & Bliss said...

I'm so glad you left me a comment, so now I get to visit your wonderful blog!!! Yes, I could make you a letter. Just let me know what letter/colors, and I will get on it.
Thanks so much!!
Leslie

Charmingdesigns said...

Oh my goodness I LOVE your blog...I love your background...can you share where it came from??I'm looking to change the look of my blog. Your plate decor...soooo charming! Laurie

Michelle said...

Hi Cynthia!

Oh I love all your place settings. I especially like the first one with the quilt. The place setting tags are fabulous and how unique to display a picture where they sit. I love it! I also love how eclectic the tables are. :) Hope you're having a good week!

Michelle

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cyn,
I'm still here, I am so sorry I haven't been a very good blogging friend lately!! My Mom is here and we get caught up in our own little world, LOL. We have to go back to DeLand because Jeff's Pop isn't doing very good, it is also my 21st anniversary so we are trying to combine the trip and have some fun! Now about those dishes, I love them all, I don't think I would be able to choose, I have the first plates you showed with the pink around the edges and I love them, I drink my coffee every morning in the matching cups. Could you do different settings every other one, LOL. No matter what you do it will be beautiful(;
Hugs~Kelly

Anonymous said...

All your tables are gorgeous! You did a great job,
My favorite is the red Ralf Lauren. Like you I
love to mix the chic with the casual, Lovely!!
I also love love LOVE the idea, with the vintage frames
with old pictures of the guests....I'm going to steal that
idea..lol.


xoxo, Jannet

{oc cottage} said...

Sooooooooooo gorgeous!

M ^..^

Janet said...

Hi Cynthia,
I love your place settings - you truly have a gift for combining so many different beautiful things yet everything always looks so elegant and like they were meant to be together! I always enjoy stopping by your blog to read and have a little gift for you on my blog so please stop by! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

They are al beautiful, but my favorite hands down is the first one. I love the mixture of colors and patterns.

Simply, lovely!

cottage farm villa said...

Cynthia dear, they all look lovely! It is a toss up between the quilt/silver ensemble - "cozy farm feel" and Ralph Lauren - "relaxing elegance". If you serve tge turkey early in the day I would go with the quilt, late in the day Ralph!
~Cheryl

Reneé's Reproductions said...

Your table looks amazing!! Love all your place settings!! Beautiful!! xo Renee

Holly S said...

Hi Cyn; Oh my! All of the place settings are beautiful. I think my fav has to be the first one with the quilt place mat, and I LOVE the dishes on that one. The top little white one is 2die4! Thanks for sharing, you talented gurl! lol...

Joelle Dolce Bebe said...

Heyyy Cynthia!
I just found you from Renée's blog.
It was sooooooo Long ago when we talked.
I LOVE your blog & all the wonderful Inspiration!
Best Wishes ~
Joelle XO

Tina said...

I would love to be served a meal on each of these settings (not necessarily on the same day, however! ha) My favorite is your fancy china (what pattern is that?) with the pumpkin tureen. I'm a sucker for pumpkin tureens!

Tea Time With Melody said...

I don't know how I missed this post but I did..Anyway, I love the vintage picture place setting. What a fabulous idea. I love to "decorate" the table. I find it hard sometimes to get the tablecloth that I want for my large table beause it seems like they are always sold out.. and a friend of mine suggested that I buy the one I like in the biggest available size and fold it longwise and use it as a table runner. One of the best ideas I ever got!