Wednesday, November 20, 2013

European Inspired Tablescape

 
We just got back from a 2 week European trip at 1 AM, very early this morning. I have unpacked 3 luggage but still have 1 more to go, which is still in the car. Needless to say I am very busy and tired and then I suddenly realized it is Wednesday. I hurried up to create a tablescape for 2 (trying to save time) on the little kitchen breakfast/game table. Still inspired by all the beautiful castles and scenes in Europe, I thought I would try to create one with that theme but I have to keep it simple and fast.
 
 I will start with a key to unlock the castle. Yes, it is huge because the castle has gigantic doors.
The trip was very hectic. We started in Paris for 4 days, then had a long bus trip to Bernkastel, Germany, stopped and toured Luxemberg, and then boarded the Viking Prestige River cruise ship. It was raining the whole time we were in Paris which flooded the river so the ship couldn't leave. It wouldn't be able to pass through several bridges because water was too high so it was stucked in Bernkastel for 2 days. But our time was not really wasted. They took us to tour different cities in Germany by bus.

Sorry I am getting off tracked here,  I should be talking about the tablescape.
 
 I bought this tablecloth from Heidelberg, Germany.
 
 I fell in love with the beautiful linen material and the embroideries and lace borders.
 

 
My first thought was to create a Thanksgiving table but I really do not have time right now cause I like to do that on the formal dining table, so maybe next week.
 
 
Instead, I picked my Spode Byron plates that were easily accessible, sine they are displayed in the kitchen china cabinet. besides, they have fall colors and the grapevine reminds me of the vineyards in Bernkastel which were planted on the hills surrounding the ship. Take a look below, the rows of plants in varying green, brown and yellow colors are grapevines.
 
 
I started with brass plate charger with ornate edges, layered with Spode Byron dinner and salad plate and finally topped with Tirchenreuth's "The Shannon" cream soup bowls.


 I added a Spode Byron soup tureen in the centerpiece.

This is one of my favorite purchases. After a tour of Cochem, we had to go back to Bernkastel since the ship was docked there and could not leave due to high waters, so John and I strolled the market place at night and found this. We can add it to our Christmas Village later. I just love the details and the blue and white tiles.

I have had this German S& P shakers for years, since I lived in FL. It was a gift.


I could tell lions were favorites among royalties so I used my lion handled flatware. Then I added salt cellars with tiny silver spoons. I took my 2 figural silver plated napkin rings to dress up the napkins. The cherub napkin ring also doubles as a candle holder.
 
I found the figural napkin rings a few months ago in a local antique store here in Natchez.



 

 

 I picked 2 crystal stems that were easy to get.

 German stein S & P shakers.


  Europeans also drink strong expresso coffee in demitasse cups so I added these cute ones labeled Myott Staffordshire on the back with my small Richard Ginori teapot.
 
 
Below is the self serve coffee center in the ship, which was available 24 hours a day. We could drink as much cappuccino, latte, coffee, marchiato or expresso as we wanted.  I have never drank so much caramel marchiatos in my life, before this, lol.
 
 
I am so sorry, I have not visited you but I will try to catch up in a day or 2. Thank you so much for the comments you left on my previous tablescape post while I was away. I also appreciate your visit now and more comments.
Thanks to the hostesses of the memes I am linking with.
FriendsSharing Tea
Centerpiece Wed
Kathleen's Let's Dish
Tablescape Thursday
Kathy's Home and Garden
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Kathryn's Anything Blue Friday
Pink Saturday

27 comments:

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh what fun you must have had! LOVE your tablescape and I know you mut love doing this if you've only been home for a few hours from a long trip! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Vel Criste said...

Glad to see you back and on a roll nonetheless! Saw some of your fab pics on FB dear, glad you had so much fun!!! Love your European Chic set-up!

allisamazing said...

What a stunning tablescape and I just love that tablecloth!

nenette said...

It is lovely Christine! And I have first dibs on the Spode soup tureen! Glad you had a memorable trip. Welcome back. Remember, the soup tureen has my name on it!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh my Chris, getting home at 1am and you already had the energy to set a gorgeous table! I love the dishes and the German tablecloth is stunning! I'm so happy you guys had a great time.
Hugs,
FABBY

Bernideen said...

so perfect that the waters were to rough to leave and you had time for this extra shopping and that darling steeped pitch building for your able - perfect with your dishes and salt and pepper! So glad you shared at Friends Sharing Tea!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Sounds like you had a great trip despite the rain.
Welcome back.

Traci said...

What an awesome trip!!! I'm sure you'll post more about it right??? The able is gorgeous as usual.

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

That table linen is absolutely stunning....looks so exquisite! Love your table setting, always so elegant! I love those German salt and pepper shaker....you always have the most unique and beautiful collection to share with us:)Love your European-chic tablesetting! Thanks for setting it up for us despite the long flight:) Hugs, Poppy

Diane said...

Oh, Christine! I am so jealous of your trip! We used to travel to Europe every two years, but I am afraid we have had no real travel adventures for three years (could buying the Florida place have something to do with that??). Anyway, I love all of your treasures. The tablecloth is magnificent and the "castle" is wonderful. The flatware is fabulous - is it "Lion" by Frank Smith? I have always loved that pattern! You did a great job recreating the beautiful scenes that you viewed on your trip. Wonderful post!!

Sarah said...

Welcome home, Christine. You are amazing. I still don't have a post ready for this week, and I've not been traveling for two weeks. Where do you get your energy? '-)
Beautiful table. Eager to hear more about your wonderful trip. Hugs ~ Sarah

Candy S said...

Christine, I love your new tablecloth. the embroidery is gorgeous and it a perfect compliment to your Spode Tureen and your Spode plates. The cream soup bowls are simply lovely. It sounds as if you had a marvelous time even if it rained. I always love shopping and would have been perfectly happy to do so with or without the rain. I am glad you are home and hope that you get some rest (after you unpack or course) Have a wonderful holiday.

Candy

Unknown said...

Welcome home...love your tablescape and the linens are beautiful, especial the tablecloth...thanks for sharing! We hope you take the time to rest...you must be exhausted after starting so early!
Hugs, Loretta

Blondie's Journal said...

Simply beautiful, Christine. The china is stunning...no wonder you keep it close at hand. I really like your tablecloth and the napkins are very pretty, too.

I have been following your trip on FB and can't wait to hear more!

XO,
Janie

Lulu said...

I can't believe you took the time to create a table when you've just arrived home! As always, you've done it just right with beautiful pieces.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table, love it all. But I have to say that the Spode Byron is to die for and I am so coveting it right now!

Jewel Sauls said...

You can definitely see the European influence is this beautiful table! That tablecloth is a wonderful souvenir of a fantastic trip!! Thanks for sharing the details!

Alycia Nichols said...

Wow...the combination of Spode and your talent creates a beautiful table for 2 even when you're in a dash! I can see the European inspiration, and I am SO jealous!!! How wonderful for you guys to spend time there!!!!!! It sounds like you hit a lot of spots, and you'll have lots of great memories!

Get some rest, honey bun! You must be jet-lagged and really out of it right now! Take care of yourself!

Chubby Chieque said...

Welcome back. Seems you had a great time.

Feeling European, huh? Yeah! it is Winter in Europe now, Ate Xine! You're lucky we still have an unusual warm weather. Naku? if not? you will struggle the heavy snow.

Simple & pretty setting, that's what European love.

Enjoy the rest of the day & have great weekend ahead.

Greetings from D´Box,
/CC girl

Marigene said...

Welcome back, Christine! You have excellent taste, that tablecloth is exquisite. Love the pastoral scenes on the china.
Have a wonderful week.

Tea in Texas said...

What a great place to travel! The Spode Byron is so lovely and perfect with the beautiful tablecloth. I have a teapot in the pattern and enjoy all the people and scenes. Your cute demitasse cups and saucers blend with the Spode so well. Have a great week!

Pam

Jeannie Marie said...

I'm in love with your S&P set! So unusual! Happy Pink Saturday!

Sue said...

I can't wait to see pictures of our trip...I love Germany and the castles...I just got in the mail today info on the Viking river cruise...would love to do that one day. I have been to Marksburg Castle on the Rhine a few times and all the nearby little towns...Your tablescape is gorgeous....and does look very German...the dishes are stunning....

pinkkandy said...

Happy Pink Saturday!! Being thankful for the wonderful things God has done in my life...I have lived days without Him and I have lived days with Him...I, by far prefer the later...It is so nice to see the daily normalness of our lives....

Kathleen said...

Beautiful, Christine! Those linens are gorgeous!

Kathy said...

I enjoyed seeing your pictures on Facebook, Christine - this is an amazing tablescape - the tablecloth is gorgeous - your new find is wonderful and those dishes are dreamy! I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Beautiful dishes and tablescape! Thank you for sharing. You were one of the features at the Anything Blue Friday party yesterday. Here is the link to the party. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/anything-blue-friday-week-36.html Hope to see you again at the little blue soiree. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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