Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Dinner with Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine


I did a half tablescape in the store last week and I promised I would do a big one today so here it is. I hope you enjoy it cause I certainly had a lot of fun creating it.
BTW, some of my past holiday tablescapes are featured on
http://www.examiner.com/frugal-event-planning-in-tampa-bay/holiday-tablescaping-tips
Please stop by there if you have a chance.

This time, it is in our formal dining room.
I have been really busy doing oil paintings of Natchez icons to sell at the store in preparation for the October Balloon Festival, so I will link to a lot of parties to minimize my blog entries for this week. I hope you don't mind. The links are at the bottom of the page. I am thanking all our hosts in advance.
My inspiration for this tablescape is this Sevres porcelain centerpiece that we bought from an antique store downtown.

The white crocheted tablecloth came from my favorite linen store in Grand Cayman. I think this is the first time I used it.


This is the view from the foyer. I used my American Vogue dinnerware from the 1920's. I won the complete settings for 12 from Ebay a few years ago. I was told they got it as a wedding present and it just sat in the china cabinet and was just used rarely for very special occasions.



I bought a dozen roses from Walmart for $10, split them into 2 Meissen vases and added cuttings of my plants from the garden.


I like the man and the woman in the Meissen vases. This tablescape is starting to have a romantic feel, don't you think?

We bought this big Sevres centerpiece bowl with bronze ormolu from an antique shop downtown before Labor day, the same night we bought the antique chair that I placed in the guest room. I placed it on a mirrored tray to elevate it even more, even if it is already on its own stand.



The blue goblets are from Neiman Marcus. and the wine crystals are from Ross. I thought they make a good pair since they have similar shapes. The blue napkins are from Ebay. I got 10 of them for about $11 and they are made out of a very nice linen material.


The flatware are from Thailand. Someone had pawned them at my cousin's pawnshop in the Philippines and she gave them to me, a complete settings for 12 with so many extra pieces. You wouldn't believe the extra pieces, so many different sizes of spoons, forks , knives, etc. which I don't know what they are used for. Anyway, I love the set so much that I searched for them on Ebay while still living in Florida and won another settings for 12, so now I can invite 24 people and still have matching flatware, lol.




A view from the other side of the room, where the mirror is.






Looking into the kitchen.



The lidded urns are Sevres. We won the pair at Jimmy Pippen's estate auction downtown a year or 2 ago, my very first auction. My husband still teases that I learn pretty fast cause he had to leave me alone at noon to go to work and I was nervous because I had no prior experience in bidding. He said if I like an item, all I have to do is raise my paddle with the number.

When the auction ended, I called him up and told him I need a truck, lol. He called our electrician/handyman, Mitch and asked him to bring his truck and they came with their vehicles. When Mitch saw what I won, he called his wife to bring her car. I won so much stuff that we had to haul them all in a mini van, a SUV, a truck and a car, filling all of them. I had so much fun! LOL!

I forgot to take a close up picture of the painting on the left side of the corner cabinet. It's another one we bought from the antique shop when we bought the chair and Sevres centerpiece. It has oysters on it and a bronze or brass tub that was done very well, which is what attracted John.
Someday, I will show you.

Here is a closer view of the urn. I love the cherub on the lid and the ornate details, the hand painted flowers and angels.


We won this Napoleon (that's where I got my title, BTW) expresso tea cup set from another auction in Jackson.
That's Napoleon painted on one, his wife Josephine on the other. Does anybody know who the third person is?
The napkin rings are Meissen's also.



I am not sure where I bought this tea set from, maybe Ebay too. It came with 6 cups and saucers but I left them in the china cabinet since I already have cups and saucers on the table.


The frame above is a Limoges plate, won from another auction in Jackson.


Here is the view at daytime. I like the night pictures better because the light from the window makes it difficult to take good pictures.


I am feeling very social so I am attending a lot of parties this week. The first one is Susan for Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/



Artie for Vignette Friday at http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/


Debbie's Weekend Garage Salen at http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Sally's Blue Monday at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/


Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/


Lady Katherine's Teatime Tues at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/

Martha and Terrie's Teacup Tuesday at http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

WandaLee's Tuesday Tea for 2 at http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/

WandaLee and Pam at http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/


Thank you all for stopping by and thanks again to our hostesses for throwing the parties!

80 comments:

The Charm of Home said...

Oh wow! Christine this is beautiful. I am not so sure some of this doesn't belong in a museum. What gorgeous pieces you have. I just love the cups with N & J on them. You did a beautiful job. Very pretty.
Sherry

Unknown said...

Beautiful Empire tablespcape. Feels very classic and rococo. I can see Napoleon and Josephine dining here!

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine...this table is absolutely gorgeous!
Are you going to be showing some of your oil paintings here at the blog?

I am adding my new blog address. Back Porch Musings disappeared yesterday afternoon. I am starting over again at typepad.
http:backporchmusings.typepad.com

Since I can still get in my dashboard I am going around visiting as many of my blogs as I can. So much for my laid back approach to blogging. Hoping to get back on track though!

Carol said...

Absolutely stunning table! Stunning! I love your dishes!

Blondie's Journal said...

Your table is stunning, Christine and I know it must have taken a good amount of time to make. All of your pieces are beautiful and the table does look better at night with the candles, although you can notice more of the blues in the daytime shot.

Just gorgeous, my friend!

xoxo
Janie

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh my, Christine! This is absolutely fabulous! Of course, the Sevres pieces are the crowning glory! Gorgeous! What more can I say? I can picture Napoleon and Josephine at your table! Amazing! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Traci said...

WOW!!! It's gorgeous!! It must have really taken awhile to do this.

Anita Diaz said...

Wow, this is just incredible!! There are so many great things I don't know where to start! The setting is so perfect, especially with that gorgeous sterling tea/coffee service in the background. Beautiful!

Bill said...

Opulent, lavish, luxurious, sumptuous, extravagant, magnificent, sensuous, decadent (in a good way!) -- those are some of the words that popped into my mind as I viewed your table, Christine! I'm amazed at the way you turned $10 worth of Walmart roses into two spectacular arrangements! So clever you are! ;)

Warmest regards,
Bill

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It's like walking into a musuem, absolutely beautiful. Those vases are gorgeous. I am very impressed.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, your dining room is so pretty, I have always loved it, and then you set such an exquisite table. This is just absolutely stunning. I have looked at each picture and drooled over every single thing. Fabulous. Hugs, Marty

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Girlfriend...

I came over just as soon as I read your sweet note! Ohhh my...I'm sooo glad that you asked me to come by...I certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss this truly magnificent table, my friend!!! You know, I was reading Bill's comment and all I can say is a hearty "Amen"!!! Christine, you have certainly outdone even yourself with this fabulous table! I don't even really know where to begin...but I can certainly say that I am in AWE...it is simply breathtaking! And...you are so right about the romantic ambiance...between your gorgeous dining room, the lighting, and all of these fabulous pieces that you have dressed your table with...well, it seems to just sing "romance"!!! I sure would love to be a guest at this table, Christine!!! Everything is perfect with a capital "P"!!! Of course I think you know just how much I adore (and envy) all of the fabulous Meissen and Sevres pieces! Girlfriend, they are simply gorgeous!!! Well, who wouldn't love the colors, the ornate detailing, and all those sweet cherubs!!! I also love your china...what a beautiful pattern and it also is so perfect with the other pieces that you have adorned your table with! Love how the pretty blue goblets pick up the pretty blue of the Sevres!!! My friend, this is truly magnificent!!! As I looked through each photo...I just kept thinking how this fabulous tablescape should be in a design magazine or interior design book! You have done an outstanding job creating this, my friend!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us...ohhh my...what a treat!!!

Love ya, my friend!
Chari @Happy To Design

Unknown said...

Hi Christine, Ohhhhhhh Fabulous!!! What a table full of history and beautiful pieces!

Maravilloso!!!

Kat said...

Oh my goodness Christine, this is absolutely gorgeous! You have the most wonderful things. I can tell you right now that the only Napoleon dining at my table would be Napoleon Dynamite LOL! How exciting that you are painting pieces for the balloon festival! I hope you will share some of them with us, I'd love to see them! Kat

The Style Sisters said...

Wow...incredible....so elegant!

Karin

Anonymous said...

Oh, my, Christine! Another more than gorgeous table! I don't know where to start - everything is so beautiful!
I hope you'll come to my the Heart of the Home Party next month.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

vignette design said...

Your table is just incredible Christine!

Carolyn said...

It is all so elegantly beautiful!

Carolyn

Jacqueline said...

This is so gorgeous Christine. I am visiting friends in Washington DC and just today we went to Hillwood Mansion, owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post. She had so much Sevres and I was just wondering if you could find pieces around. Your pieces would have been right at home with her collections.

Your dining room is fabulous and the table is exquisite.

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Oh Christine, This is absolutely beautiful! It's so elegant and so regal. The entire room is simply stunning!

Nancy

Debbie said...

This is one of those times when you just sort of stare at a table and try to take it all in. There were so many beautiful things on there that I'm not sure what is my favorite part.

It *might* be those gorgeous centerpieces, but the dinnerware itself is just plain beautiful on the table!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

This is so fancy I feel like I'm in a movie! SO so wonderful! There are so many beautiful things on this table! It's so unusual to have collections like these anymore. Bravo!

Sue said...

Oh my goodness...this is quite the table. It is so unusual and so elegant. I love the blue goblets...so pretty and adding the roses was really a special touch. I wouldn't even be able to prepare a meal worthy of such a table. Nicely done.

Marlis said...

I am truly overwhelmed at all the beautiful pieces. I love to see French pieces as they remind me of growing up in France. If you ever need to borrow my other 12 setting of the flatware.. let me know.. then you can have 36! What a great find. It's all very beautiful. I'm always glad to come visit.

Just a dreamer said...

Your table looks like something out of a Dutch painting. Absolutely exquisite!

Chubby Chieque said...

So classy. Looks so Parisian/English dinning table.

But, married to a minimalistic this ambiance is a big NO NO at home.

Tnx for sharing.
/chie

Tete said...

Awesome, awesome, awesome.
But under no circumstances will I ever leave you alone with my auction paddle- LOL.
Love it all- I like blues myself- so regal!
Hugs- Tete

Mabel said...

Absolutely stunning! I adore this french inspired tablescape. The tea set with Josephine and Napoléon is so charming. Could the lady in pink be Queen Hortense, the daughter of Josephine and sister-in-law of Napoléon?
Greetings from Europe!

Real Estate Philippines said...

Wow! this is the only site that I've seen a very precious and overwhelming french style pieces. I really love all the things here.


Philippines properties

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Christine,
I am in awe of this amazing table! It's gorgeous beyond belief! The queen of England or the President should be showing up any minute. Just as elegant and as stunning as any state dinner could possibly be.
Hugs,
Cindy

Sonny G said...

Christine, your table and every item in the room is stunning... I agree with Cindy, its fit for a King and Queen.

Sonny

DesignTies said...

Wow, what an elegant table setting!! I think the centrepiece looks great on the mirrored tray -- ups the glam factor that much more :-) And I really like your blue goblets and the hits of turquoise around the table :-)

Kelly

bj said...

This is pure elegance and just breathtaking. The room is beautiful..the table is beautiful...the dishes are beautiful...and your flowers are so pretty.
Beautiful indeed!!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Wow, you have really gotten good or should I say great at these tablescapes. Each one is perfect. Susan did not know what she had started... thanks for sharing and for visiting, always nice to see your sweet face there.

Unknown said...

Christine....your table has truely taken my breath away! GORGEOUS!!

Blessings!
Gail

Connie said...

My breath caught in my throat when I saw your room and tablesetting. There are no beautiful words left to describe it. So glad I dropped by.

Marigene said...

I am speechless...your table is stunning. The Sevres pieces are the most striking shade of blue.
The lace tablecloth is beautiful...the china and crystal, beautiful...everything about the table is stunning. Thanks for sharing so much eye candy at one time!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

How Pretty! You did a wonderful job.
Glenda

Carol at Serendipity said...

Christine,
That table us just unbelievable. It should be in the most elegant of magazines. You did a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing.

Carol

A Perfect Setting said...

This looks like it should be in a magazine! Beautiful!

Tricia said...

Christine, you are an artiste! I mean, I know you really ARE an artist, but your creative eye is especially apparent in this stunning table. I love the "Old World" feel of opulent elegance. I don't think I have an outfit grand enough to wear to a dinner at this table!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow, Christine...this is a stunning table! Thanks so much for letting me know about this...I would so hate to have missed it! I'd feel like royalty dining here! I love, love, love all your gorgeous china and Meissen pieces. I got a glimpse of your beautiful silver teaset, too! This is just beautiful! Fun hearing your auction story! :) Did you say you paint? I didn't realize that...how wonderful! Best of luck with the Balloon Festival...sounds like so much fun!
Hugs,
Susan

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Well you have certainly done it this time-I don't know if you can top this one! Absolutely beautiful!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I think everything has been said...may I just add...the most beautiful table setting I've ever seen...Please tell us about your painting...

Barbara said...

This is an absolutely amazing table! Everything is so gorgeous. I have to agree with Susan about it feeling like royalty should dine here. You have such a wonderful way of putting together pieces in such an elegant way.

Kathleen said...

That is an amazing table! So many gorgeous pieces. And yet there's is always room for a bargain from Walmart.
On with the party, and Let them eat cake! :)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Stunning Christine! A table filled with such gorgeous pieces. (I've always loved that flatware) laurie

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Oh my, how beautiful!! So elegant! All the photos look like they are from a magazine!! Wonderful!

Katherine

Sarah said...

Christine, this is a grand table! It is so fitting for Napoleon and Josephine. I plan to share a tablescape for this couple sometime in the future, but mine will not be so grand. My plates are French pottery. ;-)
I've not had much time to visit lately so took this opportunity to scroll down to visit your recent posts. You've been busy. Good luck with the painting and the new space. ~ Sarah

Debbiedoos said...

WOW Christine, that table is fit for royalty, and that is the truth!!~ Just gorgeous. I will be posting my link shortly. THanks so much for joining me again:) Debbie

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

I love the formality and opulance of your diningroom and your table. I would love to dine at your table!
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Gloria said...

Oh my, Christine, I would feel so special dining at this table. It looks like a gorgeous table in a French Court somewhere! You know my favorite thing? Your napkins! They are just beautiful.
Best regards,
Gloria

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Christine, what a stunning table! Just beautiful. I've so enjoyed looking at each and every photo. xo Lidy

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Christine -- this table just takes my breath away -- every element is totally lovely on it own -- but the collection on your table is stunning. The little pops of blue are wonderful here.

Marie said...

OMG. What a lovely post with many gorgeous images.

Fashion Momma said...

Impressive. Your dining room is so festive and beautiful.

Cheers!

My Blue Monday.

eileeninmd said...

Christine, you are amazing. Beautiful tablescape.

Verna Luga said...

Omg, this is so impressive ... how can I sip my soup with sound there,lol.... beautiful setting ...

My BLUE MONDAY here

SmilingSally said...

Absolutely stunning!

Happy Blue Monday, Christine! Check out my book giveaway.

Kim, USA said...

Hi Christine, your dishes are really gorgeous. And the crocheted tablecloth reminds me of my maternal grandmother who used to crochet curtains and table cloth. Thanks for sharing. Happy Monday!
Blue jars

anemonen said...

This is absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing this lovely things you have.

Donnie said...

It looks like you put in so much work for your Blue Monday- Absolutely beautiful.

Lynn said...

Spectacular! This might be the first time I've seen your formal dining room-just beautiful!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Christine I think your dining room is the most elegant room I have ever seen and this tablescape is absolutely stunning. So elegant and every single detail is perfect. You really do have the most fabulous things and you arrange them so beautifully. Wow. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. I also got quite a laugh at your comment about me being a Great grandma. Yes, I am and he is so much fun and so precious. Hugs, Marty

Olive said...

Romantic and elegant. I think the photos speak for themselves.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Wow! Your dining room is over the top gorgeous! I love the tablecloth and your glasses - both of them!!!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I enjoyed seeing this again! The soft muted colors are so beautiful with those blue goblets!

Katherine

Amy Kinser said...

Well, that is stunning! I thought you were showing us pictures from a magazine or something. That is just beautiful. You are quite an artist.

Partying with you with my very simple little table at Marty's.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Christine,
When I first saw your post , I gasped! It is truly magnificent!! Gorgeous! Your pieces are stunning but what really caught my eye was the set of china that you won on Ebay,
here is a link to a post I did explaining my connection with the very same china:
http://debbie-dabble.blogspot.com/2010/07/tea-tuesday.html

I would love to someday have an entire set as you have!

Hugs,
Debbie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Christine,
me again! I just read about your auction experience and laughed so hard that I had to read it to my hubby. He laughed and said that your hubby told you to just raise your paddle but he forgot to tell you to take it down!! LOL!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Snap said...

Christine,

Everything is just stunning! Amazing!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Girlfriend...

I was just coming over from Marty's party. It's such a pleasure getting another peek at this fabulous table! It really is breathtaking!!! I am so serious when I say...this belongs in a design publication! Gorgeous!!!

Love ya,
Chari

Terri said...

Beautiful setting, and amazing how different it looks in the daytime. You have some gorgeous pieces. I love the dishes you used, the tea cups from them are lovely. As well as your Napoleon set. Wow that is gorgeous too.
Thank you for sharing your tea cups with us today.
hugs,
Terri

PeregrineBlue said...

Unbeleivable. You have exquisite taste. Falling in love with your blog.

Julio Muao said...

My eyes are watering over the sheer magnificence of this setting Christine! Everything is breathtaking. I can't get over the beauty of the vases and Sevres. The entire room is magical filled with inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing this work of art Christine.

parTea lady said...

What a fabulous tablescape. Your china is gorgeous and that Sevres centerpiece - WOW. I can only imagine what a feast you would serve at this table. I love that William Morris look wallpaper too.

Wanda Lee said...

Dearest Christine,

I am so delighted to have you partake with my little corner of, 'Tuesday And Wednesday Tea Time In Blogland'!..,

Wow!~ What utter magnifisence!

~ Your post with this beyond fabuolous tablescape, part 'tea-scape', is beautiful beyond words!.., I love all of the rich golds and turquoise hues of your exceptional antique porcelain and dishware, especially Christine!

Thanks so much for sharing this with us!..,

My Wednesday teaparty is now up if you'd care to share another 'cuppa'; I'm so delighted to have been able to post some pics of when my dear friend Pam of,'Breath Of Fresh Air', blog recently visited!..,

Have a marvelous week!

Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

Alycia Nichols said...

I LOVE all the decorative accoutrement on the table! Exquisite!!!

paperbutterfly said...

Thank you for your presence at our tea party this week. I felt transported back in history to a wonderful beautiful place. Your attention to detail and photography of your vignettes are incredible.
We all love to see the creativity in our community of Tea Tuesday and look forward to seeing you soon.
Have a blessed week and looking forward to another festive gathering around the tea table.
Pam

Lady Katherine said...

Christine this is so breath taking! All your beautiful pieces! The china, tea set. tablecloth. I love the flowers added to this beautiful Tablescape! How wonderful you found another set of the flatware. I ran up and down the page looking back at each photo for there is so many wonderful pieces! As I looked toward the kitchen, I saw the place setting I sat at a few months ago. How wonderful to see your home and know exactly where you have taken each photo. I wish everyone could visit in person for been in your home put its all together so much more. This is one beautiful setting!

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