blue plate special

20 times blue plates stole the show      

As you may know, I love blue and white plates. They’re my “go to” item when setting a table, so today I’m sharing twenty of my favorite ways to set a table with blue and white dishes, mostly transferware.

You often see me layer plates of different sizes at a place setting, and my preferred way is to highlight a pretty plate right on top.

                     

Typically I use an interesting salad plate and place it on a plain white dinner plate. That way the pretty plate is framed out and sitting right on top where everyone can see it.

When I do change it up a bit, it’s fun to experiment with different blue and white patterns or mix in different colors of transferware.

I also love interesting borders on dinner plates. You can reverse the look with a white salad plate, and frame it out and just show the pretty pattern along the outside edge of the larger plate.

I’m thinking about starting a series of blog posts about using blue and white china with other colors like green, turquoise, yellow, orange or pink, and highlighting a different color combination each week. 

Would you guys be interested in this?

To further accentuate this look, I love using a natural texture as a base for the plates. I have a small collection of round and rectangular raffia placemats that work perfectly with the blue and white.

Wooden charger plates also do the trick and bring the perfect amount of texture to the table.  

We can’t forget about the napkins! Typically, I love a graphic pattern like a stripe or gingham as a juxtaposition to the mostly floral patterns on the plates, but simply textured and luxurious linen napkins are my latest obsession!

Table runners are more versatile than tablecloths, and I love how they let a little bit of the table show through. It’s a great look to add naturally textured placemats or chargers with your choice of fabric for the table.

And of course glassware is the final glistening touch to any table. I just love vintage colored glass, especially the goblet shaped variety. (Stay tuned for a blog post on glassware soon!)

With blue and white on the rest of the table, it’s just so pretty to continue the look with the blue glasses as well, but sometimes it’s fun to change it up a bit!

I love the look of this fuchsia colored orchid with the bright cobalt blue of these vintage plates. This castle adorned plate is the only one I have, but it works flawlessly with lots of other blue and white patterns. 

  

Teeny weeny bread and butter plates also look exquisite stacked on top of the larger plates. Don’t be afraid to layer, layer, layer!

Utensils can be an unassuming accent, or really make a bold statement… it’s up to you!

Blue and white pattern-on–pattern is a fun look. It’s almost like selecting pillows for your couch, haha. See how the stripe in the table runner, the intricate design in the plate and the mini print of the napkin all play off each other?   

These Blue Pheasant plates and napkins designed by Mark D. Sikes totally coordinate for a whole different look. 

It’s always s fun to have a little coastal accent on a table, either with the plates or placemats, or in the centerpiece. 

Blue and white works flawlessly for any holiday or celebration, and it’s simple enough to use in everyday life too.  

I’d love to hear your favorite way to set a table with blue and white plates...

Do you mix it up or do you like everything to match?

ciao! fabiana

a vintage-inspired summer tablescape

 

Five easy steps to help you set the perfect summer table        

A pretty berry tart sits upon a pedestal at the center of the table. 
It sets the tone for the patriotic colors of this tablescape
 and offers a preview to the delicious meal awaiting guests.   

Summer is here, so it’s the perfect time to start planning a festive gathering. Forget the paper plates and disposable napkins and go for something more upscale. 

Gather some of your favorite tableware and collected pieces and set a pretty vintage-inspired tablescape for America’s favorite season.  

 A ticking stripe runner sets the groundwork for the rest of the table,
and softens the look of the rustic farmhouse table.

Wouldn’t it be fun to create a classic-inspired red, white and blue table setting that will surely create a memorable celebration for your friends and family?

Mixing and matching your favorite table linens, plates, flatware and glasses are simplified with these five easy to follow steps.  

 Vibrant blue glassware compliments the ticking stripe table runner,
while sweet little chamomile flowers in white
hobnail votive holders add a cheerful splash of color.  

1. Choose your inspiration piece 

An inspiration piece always sets the tone for any gathering. My collection of red and blue transferware plates were my starting point for this tablescape.

Transferware is so easy to mix-and-match since the various patterns coordinate so well with each other.  

To create that perfect red, white and blue look for this table, I used three different sized plates for each place setting and alternated red and blue plates of different sizes for each guest. 

Vintage transferware plates also look amazing when combined with plain white china, so experiment with what you have and create your own unique look! 

My love for blue and white transferware plates is unmistakable, and
I have a few favorites displayed throughout my home on the walls for all to enjoy. 
This type of collection transcends so many different décor styles.

2. Lay your groundwork

 

Tablecloths, runners and placemats lay the groundwork for any pretty table setting. In this instance, I chose a runner with a blue and white ticking pattern. To me, this delicate pattern evokes thoughts of the stripes on the American flag.  

In addition to introducing a subtle pattern, runners are a great way to add interest to the table and soften the look of a wood table. A romantic vibe is instantly set for the table just by adding a pretty fabric. And to finish off the groundwork, I chose simple white time-worn napkins.  

No need for baking! This little store bought tart was simply embellished
 with fresh fruit set in a circular pattern on top. 

3. Bring together the whole look with a centerpiece

 

A centerpiece visually anchors the whole table. Like the cherry on the top of a hot fudge sundae, the middle of the table looks finished when a unique feature is prominently displayed in its center. 

As you can see, something as simple as a pretty berry tart livens up the table and prepares your guests’ palates for the menu you have planned for them. 

This little store-bought tart was simply embellished with fresh fruit on top and will be sure to please your guests. 

Every guest will have their own unique combination of patterns
 to enjoy as the  collection of blue and red transferware plates get mixed and matched
differently at each place setting.  

4. Add natural elements

 

Organic materials such as flowers or fruit are important natural elements for any tablescape. Sweet chamomile flowers are inexpensive and easily found at the grocery store. 

They have the same look as a mini daisy, and when was the last time a daisy didn’t put a smile on your face? These charming little flowers add a bit of whimsy and nostalgia to the table.

  

If you have the resources at home, forage pretty clippings from your own garden. Oftentimes, I go out to my garden and snip branches and seasonal flowers to add to the table.

It’s always surprising to me how just a simple natural element brings the whole table to life.  

An up-close and personal look at all the details of these lovely transferware plates.
By alternating red and blue colored dishes of various sizes,
these plates take on their own patriotic charm.  

5. Incorporate vintage details

 

Vintage details instantly elevate your table into the “Romantic” category. Grandmother’s treasured silverware is happy to make an appearance at the table and quietly recalls festive occasions of days passed. 

Or perhaps you have a favorite collection of vintage vases or glassware you’d love to share with your guests.  

Grandmother’s treasured silver adds a touch of glitz and romance to the table.  

Put together complementary accents for the whole room

   

Remember to let your personality shine through anytime you’re creating a tablescape. 

For the patriotic summer timeframe that begins with Memorial Day and ends with Labor Day, look for other fun ways to add a little red, white and blue interest to your dining area. 

Gathering books from other parts of the house and incorporating them on a sideboard or table is one of my favorite ways to play off the theme of my table setting.  

A lovely pitcher of chamomile flowers is elevated
with a playful accent of red, white and blue books.

Books are an especially easy way to add color and charm to any room. 

A plain corner of my dining nook was in need of some color, so three appropriately colored books came to the rescue while at the same time helping to elevate a lovely pitcher of fresh flowers. 

Just remember to always incorporate things you love and your personal style will shine through. 

ciao! fabiana 

 

 

 

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