Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Platinum and Black Diamond

Susan is hosting Tablescape Thursday. You will see her post and her participants at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ so be sure to stop by there.


I am post dating this because I will be very busy preparing for a trip for the Oasis of the Seas. You might have seen it on TV because they have been featuring it. It is the largest in the world and we are sailing on its maiden voyage. I will take a lot of pictures to share with you when I get back. It is supposed to be a real incredible ship with lots of special features.


Black diamonds and platinum, my favorite items, after all the diamond is my birthstone and it is a girl's best friend and both inspire this tablescape.
I fell in love with this coffee and tea set when I saw it on Ebay. It is Victorian, (circa 1850-1899), electroplated silver on nickel. Just look how shiny it is and I did not even polish it. I showed it to dh and asked him how much I should bid on it to win it and he said at least $700. I did not even get close to that cause I won the set at $122.50. Yipee!
Do you see the pool through the kitchen?

I used different kinds of crystal and a silver candle holders for elegance and ambiance and a white embroidered table runner I bought from Horchow a while back but have not used it till now.
Sequined placemats, silver plate chargers, plain black dinner plates I bought from Big Lots for $1 a piece and Biltmore's "Holland Platinum" salad plates I bought from Belz at 75% off add to the elegance. The design and quality of the salad plates are exquisite. I think I ended up paying a little over $5 for each of them. I really like the platinum medallion on them. The flatware came from Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I found them first at TJ Maxx but they were down to one last box with a set of 4 so I went to Marshall's and luckily found another last box of a set of 4.
I bought the orbs at Ross at the same time I bought the hurricane candle holders and I thought mixing the designs will add more centerpiece interest. I also found the mercury silver votive candle holders with a bling there. I paid $2.99 for a set of 3.

All the pieces in the teaset are all marked EPNS
at the bottom.I just love with the bird finials and the filigree scroll etchings.
I bought the pewter peacock napkin holders from Ebay also. At least I think they are pewter, they're heavy. I bought 8 and tried to bargain with the seller and asked for a quantity discount cause they were quite pricey. Anyway, I really like them. Doesn't he just look so regal?.
The salad plates are made by Biltmore in Holland Platinum pattern. Isn't the medallion pretty?
A close up of one of the crystal candle holders. The short silver candle holder on its right is a Sheffield.



The black stemware is called "Black Diamond". I like the crystal ball
above the stem. The clear and platinum wine glasses are Italian made. I hope you enjoyed seeing this as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Your visits are always highly appreciated.
Thank you Susan, for allowing us to play and have fun on our tables again.

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine! Oh, my goodness! That is the prettiest silver tea set I've ever seen! It's exquisite! I think that was a great price for it too!
Now your table is so beautiful! I love everything about it. It's so elegant and sparkly! Where in the world do you keep all your dishes?:)
Have a wonderful trip on the cruise. We have seen this on TV and have said how much we would love to take a cruise on it! How marvelous you're taking the maiden voyage. We took the maiden voyage of the Voyager of the Seas. I just love cruises.
Take lots of photos and have a wonderful time, my sweet beautiful friend!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sue said...

You have such beautiful things. I love the salad plates and the orbs. Of course the coffee set is amazing and you did get a great deal on it. Everything looks so elegant. I hope the trip is blissful!

Sue

From the Old InkWell said...

Fantastic! Those plates are gorgeous. Love the classy black and white and you've done it up proud!!!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Classic and classy, Christine. The black and white theme is so sophisticated and just beautiful.
Susan

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, your teaset is absolutely stunning. I havn't ever seen anything with so much detail. What a wonderful find. I am so glad you won it on Ebay. Great price too. Your table is just gorgeous. I love the beautiful Biltmore salad plates too and the hurricanes and candle holders are all so pretty. I really like the flatware you found too. I have been looking for some, but I havn't found anything that I like. I hope you have a a great trip. I really look forward to seeing your pics. Also if you have a post for the "Holiday Cloche Party" I will link you up. Hugs, Marty

Joyce said...

So elegant and I love the flatware and the tea set. Have a wonderful time on the ship and yes take lots of photos to share with us.
Joyce

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Wow Christine!
This is the most beautiful and elegant table! It looks like the President should be showing up in Black Tie soon! You are amazing and I am amazed that hubby says to bid $700! Those are not words I hear! Have a great day! Hugs, Cindy

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh my this is just so elegant! And I love your new tea set -- it just sparkles. Have a wonderful trip and take lots and lots of pictures to share!

Donna said...

Hi, Christine,

What a wonderful tea set, and what a great price! It's just so pretty.
Lucky you. :)

D

ellen b. said...

Oh boy Christine this is just exquisite. I love the layering of those beautiful dishes and all the silver on the table. So beautiful!

Silvia said...

love it!i know i always say you beautiful things but you really do! so many treasures, wow!!
have a good evening..

xx

Lana Kim White Austin said...

This is sooooo gorgeous. Truly stunning.
Hugs,
Lana

nannykim said...

Someday you will have to tell me how you post date your post! You have outdone yourself with this one--gorgeous!! What a nice comination of interesting items and what good deals you found!! I love the cutlery!! The dishes are so nice together!

nannykim at spindlecottage

Phyllis @Around the House said...

Everything is just beautiful, love the dishes, love those birds on the table, love the crystal, everything is my favorite...

vignette design said...

Wow Christine, you really outdid yourself! Absolutely exquisite!

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Love the drama of the black & white with the red candles! Those dishes are so pretty! Everything is beautiful!

DD

a quiet life said...

so many beauitful pieces, very elegant, LOVED IT!

Kammy said...

What a beautiful table - all the right touches ! You did get lucky on Ebay ! You have a greeat time on your cruise !!!!! We want to see lots of pictures !
Kammy

nannykim said...

HI again, thanks so much for giving me the info about posting!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

nannykim at spindlecottage

SmilingSally said...

Christine, you've outdone yourself with this one. I love the elegant look of this tablescape. So you're an April baby, huh?

Bon voyage!

Carol at Serendipity said...

Christine,

What an absolutely gorgeous table - just stunning.

Your blog is wonderful and I am going to start following today!

Carol

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

Hi Christine.. oh my gosh.. look at your table setting!!! stunning! i love the silver tea & coffee set! I guess if the setting is this beautiful.. the food must be delicious! hehehe.. Thanks for sharing.. have a good day!

xo
fitty

KBeau said...

What a beautiful and elegant table. I always know to expect the best from you. The box of goodies arrived yesterday. Thanks so much. I'm especially excited about the birdie salt and peppers. I may have to use them on my Christmas table, since I'm using my three French hens for the centerpiece.

Marigene said...

STUNNING table, Christine! I love the tea/coffee service, exquisite. There is nothing on your table not to love. The flatware is gorgeous as are the salad plates. I think my favorite not counting the tea/coffee service is the little peacock napkin holders. I have never seen any quite like them. Thanks for sharing.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Absolutely beautiful. Warm and rich. Have a wonderful time and God bless you.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Wow, Christine, WOW! Love this so much. You really knocked this one out of the ballpark! :-)

XO,

Sheila

PAT said...

Oh my gosh...I love this!! I'm speechless! Gorgeous table, Christine!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

OH THE BLACK AND PLATINUM IS GORGEOUS! Just such a well put together table. Love it all!

Maria said...

Hi Christine! I'm new to Tablescapes ~ I have visited for a few weeks and decided to do a post on Thanksgiving day at my sister's. I'm so inspired by all the people who decorate their tables with beauty and love~

Your setting tonight is so elegant. My favorite part is the medallion in the center of the first plate. Everything is stunning!
~Maria

Picket said...

Ohhh weee lookie here how pretty! I do love that siver set and I am not even a 'silver' person! lol Lucky you going on that cruise..what memories you are making girl! Have fun and Merry Christmas to you and yours sweetie!

Kathleen said...

Christine that is beautiful! Your pieces are all so beautiful and different.
It looks wonderful together!
Have a great trip!

Janean said...

it looks like a million dollars, but you're smarter than that, you bargain hunter! yay! it's beautiful. The salad plates make me drool.

mrsben said...

STUNNING! My favourite has to be your choice of flatware and salad plates. Simply beautiful!
-Brenda-

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

This is my FAVORITE so far today!! At first I thought there were snowflakes in the center of your plates, until the close up photo...Love the black and white,,,LOVE it ALL! Happy Holidays

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Oh my gosh Christine! How did I miss this!?!?! So beautiful! Every little detail! I don't know what I like best! Okay, I love those Biltmore plates I think the best! But the tea and coffee set is in a class all by itself!! How come I can't every find deals like that on Ebay!!!! I love birds on anything! But this is probably the prettiest set I've ever seen! You know the medallion on the plates looks like a snowflake! You should be quite proud of this one! It's fantabulous! (my new blogging word!) The black stemware is fantabulous too! I agree, I love the crystal ball under the bowl part! I'm so glad you asked me to come over and check this out! You have the most beautiful things! God Bless! Lauralu :)

Melissa Miller said...

~WOW!!! Christine this tablescape is outstanding! What a truly gorgeous tea set. Your dishes are stunning too! I am drooling on my keyboard they are so unique and elegant. Love the beautiful candleholders as well.

Fabulous job on this! ~I'm in awe my friend. Thank you for telling me about it. It was a treat to see today.

Blessings my friend, ~Melissa :)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

HOW DID I MISS THIS FANTASTIC POST!!! Just breath taking! Makes me wiggle with joy when I see such a home as yours!! LOVELY!

Cindy J. said...

Oh Christine! This is just the one of the most elegant things I've ever seen. You are certainly a master tablescaper...boy I am so impressed! Can't hardly wait until our meeting! Have a great cruise. Love, Cindy

Tardevil said...

Oh my...so glad you told me to take a look. I'm trying to keep up with everyone's posts these days, but it is more than I can do. ;O) Oh girl, where do I start. Those pictures could be straight out of a magzine! I wish we had the store here (Belz's?). I love those place. I went to Biltmore the weekend before Thanksgiving, and the name is fitting because they look like something from there. Love that flatware & stemware too. I was just at Home Goods looking for some red like it. Also like the gorgeous napkin rings and table runner. I would have to leave that setting out forever. I have heard the commercials for the Oasis of the Seas (think that's the name) and hope you have a wonderful trip on the maiden voyage. That scares me a little bit for you b/c I always think of the Titanic! LOL! Be safe!

NettieV said...

Wow Christine you really have a flair for this....very exotic and elegant in just the right measure. Jealous about the cruise, hope it's awesome!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I really enjoyed seeing all this, it is sooo gorgeous! I love all the details. Beautiful flatware too. My husband just bought me some similar in a butterscotch color.

Katherine

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, this table is spectacular! So much beauty and elegance. Your tea/coffee set is gorgeous. That china is stunning, and what wonderful napkin rings for you to find! laurie

Blondie's Journal said...

Christine~~~

I am so happy I did not miss this!! What a stunningly elegant table. I hope you have the opportunity to share a meal with family or friends here!! You really hit it big on eBay this time!! You must have been so excited...and about the peacock napkin holders as well!! I LOVE the tea set. Do you keep it displayed somewhere? And the dessert plates are fabulous! I think this is my favorite tablescape. So many pretty details.

Enjoy your trip. I can't wait to hear how you like the ship and where you travel...but I know you will have loads of pictures. How exciting!!

xoxo
Janie

Suesue said...

Oh Christine - I adore the way you set your dining table and it is so elegant and glamorous looking too. What a steal-deal you got on the coffee/tea set. I've never seen anything like it and especially not at that price! You did good girl!!!

Christie aka Yardsalequeen just sent me an email (we stay in touch) and told me you were asking about me. Thanks for remembering me from the good old RMS days. I stop by your blog every now and again. You sure do travel the world and I love going along with you ... in spirit anyway. :)

I didn't see an email address for you on the blog, otherwise I would email you. Also don't know if you'll read this but if you do and want to leave a comment for me, I will come back soon. :) Take good care X.
Love and hugs, Sue

Tina Overbaugh Photography said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tina Overbaugh Photography said...

I like these place settings, mom. Can I have them when you get sick of them? LOL

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

Wow, Christine this is gorgeous! I'm so jealous of your tea set...it is really one of the prettiest I've seen! And what an awesome price! Can't wait to hear about your crusie! Was it a little scary going on a maiden voyage of a ship? Obviously, everything was fine! :-)
Susan

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