Monday, July 16, 2012

Czar & Queen of Russia: A Tablescape

Today, Kathleen is having a "Destination Challenge" on Let's Dish.
I chose to go Russian.

I invited the Czar and the Queen to join us.

Before I show you more of my table, let's visit the palaces of Russia and see how they set their table.
Below is Catherine's Summer Palace in Pushkin.You should see this palace, it's huge! It's a mile long. I wouldn't mind having enemies as guests here cause all I have to do is put them at the other end of the wing and I would never see them, lol.

How about Peterhof, Peter the Great's Summer palace? The table settings are really elegant. I do have similar urns but I used the table in the breakfast nook and they won't fit there. The fountains outside the palace is really what is impressive in this place.


Next, let's see an ordinary Russian citizen's table. This is where we were served lunch when we went to St. Petersburg, Russia. Not bad but not as luxurious and elegant as in the palaces.


My table is somewhat in between but closer to the ordinary one, lol.

I brought the queen and czar vodka decanters there and they are still full of vodka because I wouldn't let anobody drink them, lol.


80% of known amber comes from the baltic area so there are a lot of them in Russia. They sell them all over. For that reason, I added an amber tree as part of my centerpiece. Note the little Russian children figurine on a carriage.

They have so much amber there that Catherine's summer palace even has an amber room. The room below is all made of amber. Even the walls were lined with amber. Sorry the picture is out of focus. We weren't allowed to take pictures in that room but my camera accidentally just clicked:-)

And of course, we can't think Russian without thinking Faberge eggs.

I decided to use blue and white dishes. I almost took this set to my booth to sell them but I am glad I kept them. I just have way too many blue and white dishes.



Below is a collection of blue and white china displayed at the palace in Tallinn, Estonia. I know Estonia is not part of Russia anymore but it used to be.

I got this set of S & P shakers from an antique store in Destin, FL.

And just like Faberge eggs, Russian nesting
dolls called matryoshka , though not as expensive, are also in abundance there.




I found my Russian hand painted lacquered
napkin rings from Ebay. I like the fact that they all have a different design. Isn't that a magnificent mosque? I have my little version on the table too, just not quite lavish.

I found this ceramic cloche from a resale shop in New Orleans.

The  etched crystals came from an estate sale.

The blue tapered Bohemian
glasses are from Ebay. They will be perfect for our Vodka. Have you ever tasted Russian vodka? It is very strong
so you do not need big glasses.

The taller wine glasses are from Mikasa.

Russian laquered shot glasses.





Thanks so much for this challenge, Kathleen. I really enjoyed it. I hope you get to visit the Kathleen and the other "Let's Dish"  participants at

I would also like to link with
Marty's Tabletop Tuesday
Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop at
Susan's Tablesape Thursday at
Honey's Potpourri Friday at

Thanks y'all for stopping by and many thanks to all the gracious hostesses.

38 comments:

Unknown said...

Love love your tablescape...such a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing.
Many Hugs

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh Christine, what a wonderful post you did, so interesting about Russia. A group of friends just left for Russia, we couldn't go because of our Sil's operation. You tablescape is fascinating, from the Vodka Czar and Zarina filled with vodka 4/ever! Every element you've used is perfect and beautiful, the Fabrege eggs, the glasses, flatware...everything is stunning Chris. Thank you for all the palaces, wow! I enjoyed your Russian theme very much.
FABBY

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

You did a great job with your Russian tablescape. Thanks for showing us the beautiful palace table settings! Wow!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

A very elegant table and enjoyed seeing and reading about the Russian table settings. I laughed when read your comment about not drinking the vodka. I had a bottle of tequila with the worm in the bottom (Ewww!)I bought in Mexico years ago and would not let anyone open it either.
Enjoyed your post.

Sarah said...

Christine, I've never traveled to Russia. Thanks for this little get away to a fascinating spot. The table is beautiful. You amaze me with all the different dishes you have in your cupboards. ~ Sarah

BrightenedBoy said...

This is so wonderfully creative! As a bit of a Russophile (or at any rate a Russian history buff) I found your tablescape doubly interesting!

Deanna said...

Like your post....you did a super job! The blue is something else.

Think your blue crystal is awesome.

I must be entering a blue phase where I really like blue. It's taking a hold on me.

God bless,
d

Jojo said...

Such a beautiful table and I love seeing your travel photos mingled in-between the post.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Christine,
This is my first time to visit, and I really enjoyed your post. Lovely table that does look very Russian,
and loved all your travel pics that
you posted along with it. Very nice,
and I know it must have taken quite a bit of time to do all that.
Great job. Always have loved those lil nesting dolls, so cute.
blessings, Nellie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, this is so beautiful. I love all of your tablescapes and you always fill them with so much wonderful history from your travels. Fabulous. Love the Czar and Queen and that wonderful cloche. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Creations By Cindy said...

How beautiful! I always enjoy the thoughts that are behind your tablescapes. Love it! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

My goodness Christine, this table is fit for a queen and king!
It just glows with beauty!
Glorious table, and interesting post, I so enjoyed the pics!
Hugs,
Cindy

Chubby Chieque said...

Wow! You go Russian, huh?

Love the way you put together your Russian treasures.

I and hubby are working at our branch in Riga, Latvia next week. I will be in heaven in their Russian ceramics.

Adorable finds too.

Musta everyone?

Hugs,
/D`Nics

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Your collections are so beautiful.
Lovely collection of Faberge Eggs.
The table you set is gorgeous. My camera has clicked all by itself too :)

Olga Ю said...

It is a very nice table!

And you certainly need a porcelain samovar!

With best wishes, Olga, St. Petersburg.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Too bad Anastasia couldn't be around to share a meal at this wonderful table!

Bonnie said...

Wow, Christine, you outdid yourself. I am so impressed. Please do not sell these blue and white dishes- they are so pretty. My favorite pieces though are all your crystal. The blue crystal especially. I love the precious cloche -it goes perfectly with this tablescape and all your other pieces are so nicely and cleverly done on your table. Your post is very interesting. I am going back for a longer look.

Bonnie said...

Wow, Christine, you outdid yourself. I am so impressed. Please do not sell these blue and white dishes- they are so pretty. My favorite pieces though are all your crystal. The blue crystal especially. I love the precious cloche -it goes perfectly with this tablescape and all your other pieces are so nicely and cleverly done on your table. Your post is very interesting. I am going back for a longer look.

Marlis said...

Christine, this is just lovely!! I love all your story telling and all the personal pictures just make this a very inspiring post!Your dishes are quite lovely. Love love the Russian pieces you have. Each is so very special and adds so much to the table. Did you know that I am part Ukrainian (it too used to be part of Russia)? I loved traveling with you. You are the perfect host. xo marlis

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Christine!

This tablescape is so beautiful and elegant with all the blues... love the blue stemware! I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your visit to Russia. Looks like you had nice sunny days!

Thanks for sharing at my party!

xoxo Bunny Jean
Wednesdays Bunny Hop!

Aledia said...

Gorgeous!! I just LOVE your pretty blue and white dishes and the table runner matches perfectly!

Catherine's is absolutely magnificent, I can't even imagine living there..Thank You so much for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful night!

(hugs)
Aledia @ Plum Perfect

Entertaining Women said...

Now I want Hal to make another trip to Russia and take me. Such fantastic pics! Your tablescape is gorgeous. I'm glad that you didn't sell the plates. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Debbie said...

Christine, this one is fabulous! I love the inspiration photos that you showed from the palaces to the every day. Your color choices are just beautiful, and I love the way you used both the Faberge eggs and the nesting doll, which brings out the colors in the napkin rings so perfectly.

It's one of the loveliest tables I've seen as I've been visiting the destination table blogs.

Wonderful!

Alycia Nichols said...

Wow, Christine! You have traveled to so many places in the world that you really understand about authenticity. The elements you used here make your table look 100% authentic Russian! My Mom traveled there about 15 years ago. She is not a vodka drinker but said they served it with just about every meal the same as they do water here in the U.S.! She was woozy half the time she was there!!! :-) I guess it wasn't served ice cold the way we tend to like it here, either. Room temperature vodka...now that'll get your buzz on fast!!! :-) The eggs and the vodka czars and the dolls are all perfect accents! I love the photos you showed, too, especially the "accidental" one of the amber room! That is magnificent!!! What do you mean you have too many blue & white dishes??!?!?!! Bite your tongue, Miss Tablescaper!!! You can NEVER have too many! :-) This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing all the cool photos!

Magnolia Blues said...

This is probably my favorite tablescape you've ever created. I love anything Russian. I love the history, architecture, music, and artwork. I would love to visit the palace, museums, and shop for Faberge eggs. What a wonderful post, Christine. Hope you are enjoying your summer.

Hugs,
Gigi

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

OMGoodness, Christine, you have the most wonderful things! I love the Queen and Czar presiding over the table. You have thought of everything and it is all beautiful.

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

You did a great job with your Russian table. I love the blue tapered Bohemian glasses. The queen and czar vodka decanters are wonderful!

Kathleen said...

Nostrovia!
Love the dignitaries you invited
, so many interesting pieces!
Beautiful job, Christine, thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Wow! Great photos! Nice Destination! Your tablescape is fabulous, what a nice collection you have. Love the blue with it all.

Katherine

Savannah Granny said...

Your table is awesome. One can never have too many blue and white dishes. LOL!
Love the eggs, WoW!
Hugs, Ginger

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, your table is stunning! What an elegant place to dine. What beautiful Fabrege eggs and those special blue and white pieces. Love the vodka decanters and that precious sleigh with children. Your miniature masque is wonderful and your napkin rings too. The stemware - gorgeous! I think this setting could be in a palace! laurie

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I am very late to Let's Dish Destination party, but I finally made it! I had NO INTERNET for almost three days, can you just imagine!! They finally fixed it this afternoon. Hope you two are having a great time my friend.
FABBY

Darjeeling Darlings said...

What a fun idea. Love the way the blue and white complement each other!

Amy said...

I love your Russian theme tablescape. You always amazes me with your talent and great taste in choosing items for your setting. Those Faberge eggs are simply gorgeous too.

Cathy said...

Love all the blue. Your table is really fit for a Queen.


Cathy <:)

Tricia said...

Oh, Christine, your Russian table is just exquisite! The blue and white looks so elegant as you've combined all your pretties! Thank you for visiting my table and leaving a nice comment. I'm late visiting back, as I've been out of town.

Olga V. said...

Hi Christine!
Мне понравился Ваша сервировка стола в бело-голубых тонах),хрустальные пасхальные яйца в стиле Фаберже и конечно же чудный фарфор! Очень красиво!

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Wow, what a Russian table you have created with all the beautiful elements: the glasses, the Fabrege eggs, flatware, all is gorgeous.

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