Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Easter Dinner

This past weekend, I hosted Easter dinner for six and thought I would share it with all of you via the weekly Tablescape Thursdays at Between Naps on the Porch.
I was tired of the white tablecloths I have, so I went to Pottery Barn and got this beautiful tan paisley cloth. It has tiny specs of green in the pattern that match the green linen napkins I already had.
I used my white sanssouci plates for the main course (roast lamb and vegetables) with some pretty antique plates by Ernst Wahliss with a red floral pattern for the salad course (waldorf salad).
The serving pieces are an antique pattern by Minton that I rarely get to use as they're so big! I dream of having a dining room someday so I can hang that huge platter on the wall!
I chose 2 small bunches of ranunculus on either end of the table, leaving the main course as the center of attention (family style).
I had to have a fun party favor to embaress my guests with. These candy suckers in the shape of a bunny snout will come in handy for ransom someday as I insisted each guest had their picture taken 'wearing' them!
I hope you enjoyed my Easter dinner tour!

32 comments:

The Shiny Pebble said...

Stefan, do I detect a little china fetish? How many sets do you have, for goodness sake? I am totally jealous...

ArchitectDesign™ said...

You caught me -it's a disease! I have quite a lot in fact...lol. I'll never get bored!!!

Martha said...

I love your serving pieces. You have such grand taste in china -- I coveted the Wedgwood Cuckoo -- and bought some plates -- which I adore!

You set a very pretty table -- and I do love the cloth -- white is so classic but sometimes it is fun to have a little pattern and a little color under the dishes!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Exactly, Martha - the tablecloth makes it a bit less formal and a lot more fun (the bunny face suckers don't hurt!).
The Cuckoo is my all-time favorite pattern though :-) I just wish my service of it was big enough for a larger party! I have enough for dessert for a larger group - but only 4 for dinner :-( I'll keep trolling ebay!

Julio Muao said...

Another elegantly stated table Stefan. I love the Cuckoo pattern and the table cloth is beautiful. The entire color palette is fantastic. I would love to have a room with this color combination. Thank you for yet another inspiring jaw dropping table.

pve design said...

Your table looks marvelous. I do hope your guests enjoyed the day and all your hospitality. I know that I would feel very special at your table.
pve

David said...

Beautifully set, as always. I love the ranunculus, I never see them at the florist here.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Thanks, Julio! Yes, the 2 china white's didn't QUITE match up, but otherwise it all came together well :-) The reds and tans were really beautiful -maybe a bit more of thanksgiving colors than easter, but more masculine.

PVE, thats the whole point to setting a table, don't you think? Making your guests know they are special and welcome!

David -thanks! Ranunculus are pretty easy to find here. I actually got these are trader joes and just cut them down to fit into old candle jars! I like them for a table because they're not scented.

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Stefan,

Did my invitation get lost in the mail......again???

I truly love that you are so elegant in your approach but have a wicked sense of humor...right up my alley, I'd feel so at home !

DM said...

What a feast for the eyes! (ba bum bum che!)

I really love the Ernst Wahliss plates! Everything looks stunning together...so happy its Spring.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Acanthus, thank you :-) You have to know how to have some fun!
Daniel - this was the first time I had used the plates (relatively new). I was so excited! I guess they're dessert plates really as they came with a cake platter which I used with dessert - angelfood cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. I used the sanssouci white dessert plates which we had up on my roof deck to enjoy the great weather!

katiedid said...

I always enjoy your beautiful tables Stephan! Thanks, as always, for sharing. :)

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

lovely, as always! my expectations of a dinner party continue to grow. love the ranunculus.

enrique said...

The bamboo design silverware is a touch of subtlety. The candy rabbit brings everything together.

cotedetexas said...

this is beautiful. the first thing i noticed was the cloth! wow - love that!! everything looks so pretty. hope you had a wonderful day!
Joni

Anonymous said...

It's a really lovely table; elegant and inviting. I can imagine having a nice time at that table. Well done!

Laura Casey Interiors, LLC said...

It's a beautiful tabletop and i love how you mixed it all! What great colors. Love your bamboo flatware too.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Thanks, Laura! it's my everyday made by Hampton - you can buy it at crate and barrel.

Kwana said...

What a gorgeous table you set. Thanks for the tour.

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

Stefan-- I have serious China envy. I have several antique sets that I inherited,wedding china and mismatches and love every piece. My husband would kill me if I got more but that does not stop me from wanting it.
Love the suckers too!

The Down East Dilettante said...

Lovely indeed. So sorry I couldn't make it :-)

Minton did some wonderful patterns in the 19th century---I recently sold a large dinner service similar to your pieces, was thrilled to find it.

and those red floral plates---terrific pattern. Definitely looks like a party worth wearing rabbit lips for

MonsieurMonsieur said...

What a lovely table. Shows you enjoy entertaining and are a very gracious host to boot. I hope it was as much fun as it looked.

MM

Errant Aesthete said...

I think there is nothing more glorious than carefully culled china, each lovingly chosen for its own exquisite properties. Unmatched though it may be, it is personal, unique, authentic -- showcasing a table that is truly one of a kind. What could be more gracious in a host than that?

Daniel Shigo said...

Beautiful transferware! I love the stuff. So great to see it featured. Quite elegant actually. Bravo!

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Hi Stefan-


BEAUTIFULLY DONE!
It's very welcoming--and not overwhelming for the guests.
I love the paisley tablecloth--a great and useful pattern (would not show spots)...that could be brought out again for Thanksgiving, for example.
I like your point about unscented flowers. These are cheerful but not too 'much' of a statement.
I especially like the fact that some of the resources are well prices (Trader Joe)...which would make guests feel comfortable that you did not spend a bundle on them...lots of style for prudent price.
See you soon in San Francisco.
cheers, DIANE
www.thestylesaloniste.com

Sanity Fair said...

Beautiful setting - lovely and refreshingly not insanely floral (a common Easter affliction)! We own the same flatware so I love seeing it used in a fresh and inspiring new way. You have a beautiful china collection.

CashmereLibrarian said...

What a beautiful table setting, and dinner sounds delicious as well!

Summer is a Verb said...

Those ranunculus are spring perfection! XXOO

Janet said...

Another gorgeous table setting! I can't wait to hear all about the holiday in person :).

The House That Lars Built said...

just gorgeous! well done!

Anonymous said...

I am curious, what is the name of the flatware you use in this table setting?

Thanks!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Anon - it's stainless steel 'bamboo' by Hamilton I believe -it used to be carried by Crate and Barrel.