Tabletop Treasures: Old and New by Anne Lautz

Have you ever wished you could start over with all new dishes in order to set the “perfect “ table for a special dinner? Our family will be together for the first time in a year, the day after Christmas. As the mom, I would like that first dinner together to be perfect with much laughter and love being shared around the dining room table as we eat and reminisce. Since a complete tableware re-do is not an option, perhaps some additions to what I already have is a possibility. With that thought in mind, I recently gathered items from my hutch and closet into a laundry basket and went to Marcel’s where I enlisted help from my co-workers Janie and Rita. Our creative juices started flowing!

A beautiful gray Garnier* tablecloth purchased several months ago was the foundation for two possible table settings. The fabric has both gold and silver threads, which compliments the metal tone edges found in my different dish patterns. In each of the tablescapes, I also used beautiful linen napkins* as well as antique silverware inherited from my husband’s great aunt.

For our first table, salad plates from my mother’s wedding china were paired with my mother-in-law’s china dinner plates. Since both of these women were wonderful role models for our family, it will be a tribute to and memory of them. Under the dinner plates and centerpiece we placed gold tone Chilewich Dahlia pattern placemats* that complimented the gold threads in the tablecloth and the edges of the two china patterns. A white mercury Christmas tree* provided a great centerpiece. Here’s what that table looked like:

For the second table, this time we layered white salad plates edged in grey and silver, with Arte Italica glass and pewter rimmed dinner plates*. The centerpiece was a silver mercury Christmas tree* sitting on a gorgeous Arte Italica cake stand*.

I appreciated the ability to accessorize and update old family keepsakes with new treasures from Marcel’s. Have fun if you incorporate some new pieces into your tablescapes; I know I did!

*Indicates Marcel’s treasures