Setting The Table | Channeling Contessa

Setting the Table: Parisian Market

April 30, 2013 by Sarah

One of my favorite things is going to the farmer’s market in the spring, and buying whatever vegetables catch my eye. I love my farmers market, but I imagine the ones in Paris would be even more amazing. Isn’t everything more amazing in Paris?

The inspiration for this post was the striped tablecloth, below. I found myself near Philadelphia this weekend, and couldn’t resist stopping by the Terrain store — It’s been on my list for years! As I’m sure you can tell by their website, the store was just gorgeous, and I especially loved that tablecloth in person. I can just imagine it sitting on a table in a tiny French kitchen — the perfect backdrop for tartines and wine, don’t you think?

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Inspiration images: linens, outfit, baguette, stripes, bike, door

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Setting the Table: Ocean Blues

March 12, 2013 by Sarah

I’ve long known that I’d love to live by the ocean, at least once in my lifetime. I love the sandy blue hues, sea breezes, and most of all, the sound of the waves. I’m fully aware that spring hasn’t even arrived yet, but I just can’t help dreaming of summer at the beach!

Given the current colder weather, I love the idea of mixing muted ocean blues with a menu and setting that’s appropriate for late winter. The result is layered fabrics, toned-down florals, and warm, comforting dishes- exactly what I imagine a winter day at the beach to be like.

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Image credits: table, door, dress, clams

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Setting the Table: Deep Indigo

February 26, 2013 by Sarah

Before we head towards spring, and everything that comes with it- namely, pastels, florals, and brighter hues- I’d love to embrace a darker theme that’s perfectly fitting for February.

I instantly fell in love with the indigo trend that’s appeared recently, and the dark, saturated hue is perfect for the last days of winter. It’s unapologetically bold, and a bit moody, while splashes of orange hint to the warmer days that lie ahead. When paired with big pots of soup and warm spices, you just might forget why you hated winter so much in the first place- if only for a moment.

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Images: table, teacup, bread, flowers, pot

6 Comments

Setting the Table: Versatile Valentine’s

February 12, 2013 by Sarah

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day- at least in its traditional overly-romantic-red rose-and Hallmark-card form. However, I will tolerate it in a glittery-crafts-and-adorable-chocolates variation. I love the table setting above, because it has a perfect subtle nod to Valentine’s day without going overboard. Just a touch of pink, along with vintage-inspired bouquets, make it perfect for anything from a leisurely breakfast to a cozy dinner- in short, any way you choose to celebrate.

I personally love the idea of having a slightly dressed-up weeknight dinner with your favorite group of friends. Individual pot pies will make things feel simultaneously fancy and rustic. Plus, they use puff pastry- so no wrestling with finicky pie dough. No matter what, dessert must be unapologetically indulgent- and preferably chocolate!

What is your take on the holiday? Love it or leave it?

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Images: table, cake, pot pie, model

Setting the Table: Graphic Design

January 29, 2013 by Sarah

As much as I love color, a black and white palette feels effortlessly refreshing from time to time. I love that it can make a statement, or just as easily be neutral and unassuming. As soon as I saw the linens, pictured below, I knew it reminded me of some artwork I’ve seen recently- the work of Richard Serra and Franz Kline. I love how seemingly simple their work appears, while the small subtleties make such a statement. In a table setting, a black and white palette easily translates into the perfect brunch back drop, as just a few items are needed to look complete. A bright frittata on the black lined platter, a winter citrus salad in the striped bowl, and some hot coffee to fill those cups.

What do you think- would you embrace such a graphic theme? Of course, you could always throw in some cheerful flowers to brighten things up!

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Inspiration: Richard Serra, tulips, tables, Franz Kline

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Setting the Table: Winter Citrus

January 15, 2013 by Sarah

I may have been a tiny bit over-excited to do this post. It’s been anything but a chore to sift through inspiration photos containing the sunniest hues of orange, lemon, and lime. Definitely a contrast to the cold and dreary month of January (although, even I admit, this one hasn’t been that bad- so far, anyway).

I recently made my first batch of meyer lemon curd (then proceeded to make macarons out of it), and it could only be described as a ‘bite of sunshine’. I’ve since been inspired to work citrus into as many dishes as possible. For a table setting, I love highlighting softer versions of these citrus colors, while accenting with indigo and gold, for a winter-appropriate take. Have these colors found their way into your kitchen yet?

PS. be sure to click here to see the most beautiful citrus grove- a virtual Tuesday afternoon vacation.

1. basket, 2. glass, 3. napkin, 4. mug, 5. platter, 6. stand, 7. candle, 8. plate

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Setting the Table: New Year’s Brunch

January 1, 2013 by Sarah

Happy New Year to you! Can you believe it’s 2013!? I think it’s going to be a great year- I can just feel it. I hope you spent last night celebrating in whatever way makes you the happiest. Now, onto brunch!

You really can’t discuss New Year’s day without mentioning brunch. Don’t you even worry about your well-intentioned resolutions. According to me (a highly reputable source, I assure you), all resolutions should go into effect only after brunch on New Year’s day. How else will you be able to enjoy Hibiscus Mimosas and Lemon Almond Waffles? (And you really must try those waffles- they’re my new favorite.)

I’ve known for a while that I would do a Chinoiserie-inspired theme for this post. I think the rich colors- blue, navy, green, pink- paired with the mixed patterns and florals come together beautifully for a morning celebration. Cheers to a happy 2013!

1. chair, 2. plate, 3. napkins, 4. server, 5. tea jars

Image Credits: wallpaper, waffle, dress, vase

Setting the Table: Holiday Spice

December 11, 2012 by Sarah

In stark contrast to last week’s metallics, today’s setting relies on the spices of the season. From the nutmeg placemats to cinnamon stick napkin holders, earthy elements are key. A lot of holiday gatherings tend toward excess, but I find this subtle approach just as beautiful. While I wait for my holiday spirit to fully kick in (please tell me I’m not the only one!), I plan to blast Christmas carols and embrace the season’s flavors- in the form of mulled wine and cinnamon rolls, of course.

1. coasters, 2. charger, 3. platter, 4. vase, 5. napkin, 6. cake stand, 7. wreath

Image Credits: table, napkins, mulled wine

6 Comments

Setting the Table: Winter Metallics

December 4, 2012 by Sarah

I love this time of year, but it always seems to fly by before I even get a chance to wrap my head around it. I think it would benefit anyone to make a conscious effort to slow down a bit and enjoy every moment possible. Holiday parties with friends and family are a great way to do just that- and fortunately, they’re in season!

I love metallics. Quite a lot. They seem all the more appropriate for the holidays, so I’m definitely embracing the theme. A holiday party with metallic touches- from glass balls as decoration to gold leaf desserts- couldn’t be more festive. Are there any parties you are especially looking forward to?

1. plate, 2. silverware, 3. glass, 4. pinecone, 5. candles, 6. branch

Image Credits: table, place setting, truffles, champagne, cookies

3 Comments

Setting the Table: Thanksgiving

November 20, 2012 by Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving planning, friends! Are you ready for Thursday yet? Are you excited, or feeling a bit of a time crunch? Thanksgiving is always at my family’s house every year, so I think that keeps stress to a minimum for us. We tend to use the same recipes, and since it’s only close family and friends, there isn’t really a need to impress anyone! The new dish that I’m really excited to make this year is this ‘potato chip’ roast. I don’t think that needs too much explaining..

One thing I’m always in charge of is the table. Ours is always pretty casual and a bit rustic. I hope to use the setting above as inspiration for this year, and I love the way the flowers, white plates, and silver accents keep everything from feeling too heavy. I love oranges, reds and browns as much as the next person, but when the meal already incorporates these autumn colors, I think some contrast is a good thing. I really can’t get enough of that flower arrangement! What part of the holiday are you most looking forward to this year?