Thursday, January 26, 2012

It's Black, It's White...


     Last week, I set a formal table, but this week I'm back to making my table more fun. I don't think you can ever go wrong with black and white. People often ask me how I decide what I'm going to use on a tablescape. I generally start with one item and build off of that. Sometimes it is something new that I've gotten, sometimes it is something I've had for years and just feel like sharing with all of you. It might be a fresh bouquet or garage sale wine glasses. I think if you start your table with something that makes you happy, the rest of the table will reflect that. This week my inspiration came from the polka dot bowls that I bought quite a while ago in the clearance section at Marshalls. They are marked 222 Fifth, Dotty Black and I just love the size and shape.


     For this table, I mixed all sorts of patterns, shapes and textures. The white dinner plates used as chargers are American Atelier, Bianca Leaf. The black dinner plates are Walmart. The white salad plates are 10 Strawberry Street and the snowflake bread and butter plates are Crate and Barrel.



     I realized when I was setting this table that even though I have many tablecloths, I rarely use them. I really prefer a runner and placemats. I like the way it looks and I really hate ironing tablecloths...runners are so much easier. I used a soft gray runner with black flowers today.


Charcoal flatware and black stemware finish the look.


Simple black napkins tied with a bit of ribbon are
 placed in an unusual location at each place setting.


     I love this vintage silver tray of my mother's. I use it all over the house. I added a white pitcher of tulips (you saw them earlier this week), crystal candlesticks with snowflake tapers and a few votives to the table. You can also see a black and white cream and sugar from a resale store on the corner of the table.


The only color on the table is the hint
of blue in this frosty snowflake candle.


At night, the black and white takes on a special glow.











I am joining Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
for Tablescape Thursday.

Please visit our wonderful hostess!



20 comments:

dee dee said...

Sue,
I think this is one of my favorite tablescapes you have ever done!
I just love it... off to pin a photo or two!
Dee Dee

Barbara F. said...

Beautiful! xo

Tricia said...

Black and white always look so sophisticated and fresh together. I love the way you've layered the dishes, and the centerpiece is stunning. Can't beat tulips for elegance!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

How elegant...I love B&W and it is so romantic

Marigene said...

Oh, this table is gorgeous, Sue! I love black and white. I really like the squares mixed with the round.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I love your mix of dishes! The small black and white patterned dishes are so cute! There is an elegance to this and some whimsy! Love the polka dots and the tulips are always a great flower to see! The silver tray is wonderful!

Marlis said...

The tulips are absolutely fabulous with this amazing table. It is so lovely!! Love those plates.. xo marlis

Robin said...

I love black and white and you did a great job with all the different shapes and textures. Of course, you can never go wrong with fresh flowers in a white pitcher! Where did you get that great gray flatware? I will now be obssessed with gray flatware!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Anonymous said...

I want everything on your table. The black and white is both sophisticated and fun, a wonderful combination.

Jacqueline said...

Such a fun table! I just love the textures and the polka dots. Anything black and white is so beautiful. Your photo of the white tulip against the candlelight is fabulous!

nannykim said...

I like that little pokadot dish!

Gypsy Heart said...

I don't think there's anything more classy and elegant than black and white. That's my opinion anyway! Everything looks gorgeous ~

Sorry I haven't been around much. Lots of crazy stuff around here. Hope all is well in your world!

xo
Pat

Patrice said...

another fabulous table - love the polka dot bowls!

Red Couch Recipes said...

What a striking table you have set -- love the black and white and all the shapes and textures. Joni P.S., I think I will change my comment form -- thanks for the heads up. Joni

bj said...

A very beautiful table, dear heart.
Love the shape of the bowls....and everything looks marvelous in candlelight. :))
xo bj

A Perfect Setting said...

This really is a gorgeous table, I'm a sucker for black and white. I'm happy to see that you used a silver tray, it is beautiful.

Alycia Nichols said...

Ironing table linens is NOT on my list of most fun things to do, either! What a pain!!! The floor-length ones are the worst! The runner is a great alternative, and the one you have here is really pretty. It has a very happy look to it! Black and white can take on a look of great sophistication, absolute elegance, or pure fun. That's the beauty of it...so versatile! Very nice!!!

koralee said...

Black and white is always so stunning...love it! You always amaze me with your creativity.
Happy monday.

Angie said...

Super cute, Sue! And oh how I yearn for springtime with those beautiful tulips. It's been such a mild January though that I guess I can't complain :)

Kathleen said...

I love black and white. You did a great job with the different shapes. Very elegant!
And gray flatware? I can't see it well from my ipad, I have to go check it out!