Thursday, October 8, 2009

Which Fork Do I Use? (Tablescape Thursday)


I knew before I blogged my first post that I would write about table settings. It can be a bit confusing when you are setting a table, or when you go out to eat and don't know why there are two forks. Once I started blogging, I started seeing the "Tablescape Thursday" tables hosted by Susan at Between Naps On The Porch and I wanted to play along. I've always thought I had a lot of dishes and accessories, but the people that do tablescapes around here, really do them well. I can't begin to compete, but I can have fun sharing some tips and also playing with my dishes.

I found a fall tablecloth that I didn't remember I had, for a table that I no longer have. I don't have any charger plates, I've never really liked them. I am noticing how pretty they look on the tables of some of the other bloggers. I don't have them on this table, but they may show up on a future table.



*Mom hint-A charger plate is a large plate that goes under the dinner plate. You do not eat from it, it is simply to "dress up" the table.




I took a picture of the table at dusk. Everything looks better by candlelight. The candle was cinnamon cider, and the house smelled so good.

I had to take a picture of my new sparkly gourd/pumpkin...I'm not sure which it is. I bought it at HomeGoods while we were on our recent trip. It is sort of a bronze mosaic and it simply called my name. The flowers were from my yard, the tiny vase is from Crate and Barrel. The dark green dinner plates are from Walmart, the napkins and pumpkin plates are from HomeGoods. The wine glasses are antiques. The flatware is my everyday pattern.

Now, let's talk about those forks. When in doubt, always start with the silverware on the outside, and move in. This is an informal place setting. One of these days I will set a formal table for you. The fork on the far left is for salad, the fork near the dinner plate is for your main meal. The knife and spoon to the right of the plate are for obvious use, but you might have a second spoon to the right of the one here. It would be for soup. The spoon above the plate is for dessert (it might be a fork, depending on what is being served). When setting a table, the glasses (wine or water) go on the upper right. The napkin can go under the forks, in the center of the plate or in the wine goblet (not my favorite). I took some liberty with where I put the napkin because I wanted the pattern of the salad plate to show, and I wanted to dress up the napkin with a touch of ribbon, therefore it wouldn't fit under the forks. Some tables will have a bread and butter plate placed to the upper left of the dinner plate.

Hopefully, I accomplished my "mom" blogging, and took a baby step into "Tablescape Thursday" all at the same time.

26 comments:

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

So pretty - great job - thanks for sharing!

Kelsey said...

I love how the table turned out!! It looks great!

koralee said...

Love your Fall table...just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I think I need to spruce up my Thanksgiving Table! xoxoxox

Sue said...

Thanks for the great feedback. I will admit that I was pretty insecure putting this up. I've been so impressed with the other tables I've seen here. It was fun and I can't wait to do it again.

Sue

Marigene said...

Very pretty fall table, love the pumpkin plates.

Sue said...

Thanks Mimi, I did too. I just had to make everything else work with them. Thanks for stopping by.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

So pretty!! Just wanted to say thanks,you always leave me the sweetest notes,your very kind!! All the best,Chrissy

Phyllis @Around the House said...

The pumpkin plate with the wonderful pumpkin colored candle look so inviting...thanks for sharing...I'm a new follower...come visit..

Allison Shops said...

Thanks for sharing. Lovely ideas. Hope you have a happy thanksgiving.

Sue said...

Chrissy-I love your blog, it is easy to comment. Thanks for stopping.

Phyllis-Good to "meet" you, I will visit soon.

Allison-thanks for visiting!

Glennis said...

I waitressed at the Faculty Club in college, and we had both lunch and formal dinner settings that I had to master, and I did.

But after I quit, it's like I came down with amnesia and I can never remember what goes on what side!

Sue said...

g-I understand. I taught classes in it, and I still have to refresh my memory.

Sarah said...

Cute pumpkin plates, and I like the way you tied the napkins and set them on an angle. Great touch!

Sue said...

Sarah-thank you for visiting. I had fun and can't wait to play with my dishes again.

nannykim at spindle cottage said...

Cute--I like the little pumpkins near each plate--cute idea. I don't have any chargers either...but some day!

Sue said...

nannykim-looking at all the tables make me want to go shopping!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

There's no need for baby steps...you obviously know your stuff!:) I like your glassware!
Michelle

Barbara said...

Hello, Thanks for coming by and commenting,
I think you did admirably! Your pumpkin plates are darling.
I find a lot of stuff at Goodwill, Salvation Army stores, Wal-mart. TJ Maxx, Ross and Big Lots.
Hope this helps, I will be looking forward to your next Tablescape.
Barbara

Sue said...

Michelle-Thanks for the kind words. I certainly have my head spinning with ideas.

Barbara-Thanks for the suggestions. I would never have thought to go into a Big Lots store. We don't have a Ross around here, but I will certainly be looking for them when we travel south.

Thanks you both for visiting.

Sue

Bunny Jean said...

Your pumpkin dishes are adorable, but the sparkly gourd is beautiful!

Thanks for visiting me and commenting on my TT post. Yes, you should locate a Ross store and check it out. They are like a TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or HomeGoods store. (BUT... not as nicely displayed) I find a lot of Kohl's items from the previous season, are sold there.

Have a great weekend.

Sue said...

Bunny-thanks so much for coming by! I'm glad you liked my gourd, I did too!

Maureen said...

Yeah, I know how you feel. It is a bit intimidating. I can't really compete either.I think some of these posters must own china shops!(trying not to be jealous). I've been in awe of the gorgeous homes, and amazing sparkly tablescapes. Some folks are so knowledgeable too! I feel a bit like Cinderella taking a peek at the royal ball. Alas, I don't have the budget or space to buy a lot of stuff. I don't have charger plates either.

But I don't think it's all about the china. I think the tablescapes I find most interesting are the ones where people have gotten creative with putting together items from all over the house to tell a story at the table or spark good conversation.

Anyway, it amuses me to play with my dishes and stuff, though I'm sure some of my 'scapes will evoke snickers across cyberspace.

BTW, I wouldn't have covered up the cute pumpkin plates either. I think the napkin placement is perfect!

Sue said...

Maureen-thank you so much for visiting. I think the fun in this will be to learn from others. I've always been very comfortable with entertaining and setting the tables, but what I know now is that there is a difference in a "tablescape" and setting a pretty table. I can't wait to explore the possibilites.

Sue

BrightenedBoy said...

What a lovely set-up, and what an effective job you did of explaining it in a relatable manner.

I particularly liked the pumpkin plates and what you id with the napkins.

Sue said...

BB-thanks for always showing up. I appreciate it.

Dena Pickle said...

Awesome! Thank you for the tips! Love your tablescapes...lots of pretty dishes!
I'm following you! I'm looking for more followers on my blog, would love you to join me!
Thanks again,
Dena