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!
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32 comments:

  1. The Shiny PebbleApril 7, 2010 at 3:37 PM

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

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  2. ArchitectDesign™April 7, 2010 at 3:41 PM

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

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  3. MarthaApril 7, 2010 at 4:20 PM

    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!

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  4. ArchitectDesign™April 7, 2010 at 4:23 PM

    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!

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  5. Julio MuaoApril 7, 2010 at 4:32 PM

    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.

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  6. pve designApril 7, 2010 at 4:40 PM

    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

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  7. DavidApril 7, 2010 at 4:53 PM

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

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  8. ArchitectDesign™April 7, 2010 at 5:04 PM

    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.

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  9. Acanthus and AcornApril 7, 2010 at 5:37 PM

    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 !

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  10. DMApril 7, 2010 at 5:40 PM

    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.

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  11. ArchitectDesign™April 7, 2010 at 5:48 PM

    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!

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  12. katiedidApril 7, 2010 at 5:57 PM

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

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  13. P.Gaye Tapp at Little AuguryApril 7, 2010 at 7:53 PM

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

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  14. enriqueApril 7, 2010 at 8:35 PM

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

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  15. cotedetexasApril 7, 2010 at 11:20 PM

    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

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  16. AnonymousApril 8, 2010 at 2:14 AM

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

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  17. Laura Casey Interiors, LLCApril 8, 2010 at 9:28 AM

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

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  18. ArchitectDesign™April 8, 2010 at 9:30 AM

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

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  19. KwanaApril 8, 2010 at 10:10 AM

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

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  20. Kerry Steele- Design du MondeApril 8, 2010 at 10:26 AM

    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!

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  21. The Down East DilettanteApril 8, 2010 at 10:26 AM

    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

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  22. MonsieurMonsieurApril 8, 2010 at 10:42 PM

    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

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  23. Errant AestheteApril 9, 2010 at 2:45 PM

    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?

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  24. Daniel ShigoApril 9, 2010 at 9:54 PM

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

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  25. Diane Dorrans SaeksApril 10, 2010 at 4:01 PM

    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

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  26. Sanity FairApril 10, 2010 at 9:46 PM

    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.

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  27. CashmereLibrarianApril 11, 2010 at 9:20 AM

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

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  28. Summer is a VerbApril 14, 2010 at 11:12 AM

    Those ranunculus are spring perfection! XXOO

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  29. JanetApril 15, 2010 at 3:42 PM

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

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  30. The House That Lars BuiltApril 18, 2010 at 10:43 PM

    just gorgeous! well done!

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  31. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 6:59 PM

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

    Thanks!

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  32. ArchitectDesign™April 20, 2011 at 9:57 AM

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

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