my romantic table

April 01, 2012

We hosted a dinner party last night and all week I'm thinking 
springy pinks, greens and yellows for the table.  
But the weather did not cooperate as the day was all gray and rainy
 and my spring theme just didn't seem the right way to go.  

I pulled out some muted colors from my linen stash and love the look.  
My pictures make the table look all smokey and romantic and it really was so pretty.

 The table set the tone for a wonderful evening.

My new favorite dream dinner party guest list is 6 people.
Why?
Because six people can be in on the same conversation (so nice!),
 and six is easy to cook for and easy to clean up after.
These days I'm trying to simplify my life, bit by bit.

 As an ode to Easter I scattered around a few of my wooden Wendt and Kuhn critters.

 I made the napkins from some leftover toile fabric from my kitchen curtains.

 The goblets are Langeais pattern from Lalique
named after Langeais Castle, a 15th C chateau in the Loire Valley.
I LOVE these glasses.


Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit showing off their muli-talents.

 Champagne glasses are from Roost, they have them at Napa Style.
Pewter platter is Donatello from Arte Italica.

This Balsamic Jelly was to die for.
And the jar, isn't it gorgeous?
I served it with manchego cheese as an appetizer.  Delicious.
It was pricey but a little bit goes a long way.
 I did find this recipe,
an inexpensive alternative that I will give a try.



 I bought these votives from Pottery Barn.
They give off bright light, are scent free and last a long long time.
I think low candle light looks pretty on a dinner table.



 I found this 100% linen ruffled tablecloth from this Etsy shop.  
She will make any size you need.



The soup plates are Splendore from Arte Italica.
This picture shows the swirl of white and tobacco colored iridescent glaze.
I've shown them on my blog before but I think they are beautiful enough to show again.

But I didn't just set the table.  I actually served dinner too.
Roasted Tomato Soup with Wild Rice
(oh my, was this ever good)
Roasted Asparagus  
 



 Dessert was cookies and brownies.  
Sugar cookies in the shape of dancing sheep, bunnies and ferns.
Pewter and ceramic domed buffet stand from Arte Italica.


As for brownies, I love them ALL, but Ina Garten's recipe
is the one I always fall back on.
She calls them outrageous for a good reason.



When I cook a complicated meal I need to keep the appetizer and dessert simple.
When the meal is done,
passing around a plate of cookies and a plate of brownies 
is casual and friendly and everyone is happy.


It's the week before Easter, so people, promise me you'll take it easy on the Peeps.
For my readers who observe Holy Week,
I hope you enjoy this beautiful time to reflect and rejoice!

This post is linked to Cozy Home Party and Let's Dish
and Tablescape Thursday! Go take a look!

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22 Comments

  1. I have it on good authority that a guest in a red sweater ate way more than her share of cookies. Adelightful evening in every way.

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  2. Kristen, I really think you are "the hostess with the mostess!" You put so much love and care into all your dinner parties! Very inspiring!

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  3. Dear Kristen, I looked and looked again and again to your photos. It seems wonderful. Your soup plates, Your goblets, Your table cloth and napkins also the candles. All of them are very stylish. Your guests are so lucky. I also looked the recipes and I visited the websites you shared with us. Thank you very much..

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  4. Martha Stewart should be shaking in her boots!

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  5. We share the love of Reed and Barton Eighteenth Century flatware! Where do the pewter banded plates come from? Beautiful table!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kevin. I love that silver pattern, it's timeless! The pewter and porcelain pieces are from Arte Italica. The brown plate has been discontinued but the footed domed piece for the cookies is still available and you can find it here:
      http://www.arteitalica.com/dinnerware/collection/tuscan/tuscan-medium-buffet-stand
      The Splendore soup plates are also Arte Italica and are still available.
      I have so much Arte Italica because for 6 years I worked in a boutique that carried it and I bought it at wholesale. Lucky me, I am always thrilled to use it.

      Delete
  6. This is so pretty! I love the napkins, and the china is lovely!
    The meal sounds great too! Please come over and share this beautiful table Wed night at & on Let's Dish!

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  7. I forgot to say I was here from Cozy Home Scenes! :)

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  8. Your flatware is lovely. The cute little bunnies are so sweet. Great choice on the napkins. You have created a very stylish dinner table that any guest would enjoy sitting at. I am your newest follower. I hope you stop by for a visit.

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  9. I think the muted tones of this table make it look so elegant! It's a beautiful table and I love your ruffled tablecloth!

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  10. Kristen - what a lovely, classy table! Love it ALL!! It IS so smoky and mysterious and wonderful. The goblets are gorgeous, and the soup bowls to die for. I hope I'm in SF someday and I'm invited to one of your lovely dinner parties. :) ~Zuni (Here from Cozy Home Scenes). Oh, and the napkins caught my eye immediately. :)

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  11. Your table scape is gorgeous!! Love the toil napkins.

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  12. Kristen, your dinner table turned out beautifully. I really like the neutral look with the bunnies. It has a natural look that works. Those cookie shapes are perfect for spring and the brownies have to be good since it is Ina's recipe. She is great, isn't she? Thank you for sharing your special table with Your Cozy Home Party. I'm sure your guests were impressed.-------------- Shannon

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  13. I have to say Kristen that you are the Martha Stewart of Los Altos. Your table was amazing and the menu. I happen to be a very proud mother.

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  14. Oh my you aren't kidding when you said this was a romantic table. Wonderful!

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  15. OOh I am loving this table.. Everything is so pretty. The soups are gorgeous!!! Love the napkin holders and your crystal. Totally engaged in your pretty things.. Happy Easter, many blessings, xo marlis

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  16. Beautiful and romantic tablescape indeed! I am loving those soup bowls, so etherial and elegant. Your glasses are stunning and everything is lovely. Have a blessed EASTER SUNDAY!
    FABBY

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  17. I also just followed you...hope you like to visit me and do the same, as I love your blog. I just dropped by from Kathleen's, Let's Dish. HAPPY EASTER.
    FABBY

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  18. What a gorgeous setting! I love the Lalique goblets and those gorgeous soup bowls. The wooden bunnies are dear to my heart so they gave me an extra smile. Dinner sure did sound yummy, too!

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  19. Glad you linked this beautiful table to Let's Dish! Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete

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