Harvest Table and Designing Ideas

When I hear the term "Tabletop", I get all dreamy eyed and my mind starts creating and dreaming up inventive ways to do things, and well, I get a little caught up trying to create something really special - my wedding planner mentality takes over - and I spend days fretting over what to do. Visions of lighting and draping and chandeliers, and custom linens...well, you get the picture.

I truly enjoy creating a beautiful tablescape or event space.
It is one of the things that makes me so happy and really inspires my creativity.
I love creating spaces outdoors, perhaps because I am from coastal California where the weather is pretty much the same year round.
I also love creating tables with texture, interest, unexpected surprise...and most of all tables that look rich and expensive...but are not!

You have to see the rest...click on READ MORE!

Fall is my favorite season and when I began planning this table, well, I had so much fun! My mind started going and going and I just had to stop - 
I have so many more ideas
(if only there was more time and unlimited funds...and a staff!)
or maybe another tabletop!?

In the next week or so, I will share more about how I created certain elements of the table but for now, here are a few things I generally look for/try to achieve
when I design a tabletop.
Here is the wood burning tutorial for the napkin embellishment. 

1. I want it to be pretty but not fussy or complicated. 
It is a balancing act - to get the right mix and it is all person a and about your aesthetic. I (personally) don't want it to look like I spent days planning it (even if I did). In fact, I even left the pine needles on the deck...I felt it gave that "I just happen to be throwing a last minute FAB party on the deck." I would have imported fall leaves and covered the deck in them...if I could have.

I also do not want to have to move 99 tchotchkes just to be able to eat at the table. I want the table to be "ready to go."
 

2. I LOVE mixing rustic and glam elements. 
My favorite look is the marriage of the unexpected. Like this brocade table cloth (that I got on clearance for $3.00 6 years ago and use ALL the time) that tops a canvas underskirt. Peeking out is a unique table skirt I made using strips of burlap and canvas, as well as varied widths of organza ribbon - I happen to LOVE it.

3. Use easy pieces to create drama.
Branches from the garden canopy the table when placed in tall vases already on hand. Tuck small plants - I prefer herbs (buy a 6-pack of plants from the nursery) into new containers...I used the personal turkey gravy boats for a planter. Inexpensive grocery store florals, when grouped together make a great impact for a small price and even produce in jars and vintage (thrift store) glasses. I plucked some produce out of the kitchen for color - a few pomegranates and pears and a touch of Fall color.

4. Layer and layers and more layers.
I don't just mean in terms of linens, but also in terms of dishes, florals and heights of the centerpieces. Stack the dishes and place a personalized napkin and custom made initial place card inside. It looks pretty but it not a lot to move when it is time to eat.

5. Candlelight is "king,"  I mean "queen."
Candles make the simplest of tabletops more intimate. They just create instant atmosphere all on there own. BUT I am a freak about being safe with them - always be cautious. All of these candles are inexpensive  votives - most purchased at floral supply stores or Smart and Final. There are a few mason jar lanterns hanging in the tree (re-purposed from a camping themed b'day party 4 years ago!)

6. I love to bring inside elements outdoors.
Grab your throws a couple of pillow, some containers that are normally inside and bring them outside for the event. My party cart is always on hand, throws are available for the guest should they catch a chill, and this centerpiece vessel which is always on display in my house - usually filled with my glittering french eggs - becomes a home for the perfect pumpkin atop a bed of kale. I even pulled my dining room chairs outside.

 

7. Keep harsh scents (scented candles or overpowering florals) off the table. 
I use non-scented candles - I have found the best price to be from Smart and Final. Competing scents is not a good thing. I do sometimes use herbs (see #3) that have scents, but select ones that do not have strong scents or scents that compliment the meal. For example, if I am making rosemary potatoes, rosemary is a perfect choice. I used thyme on this table.

As well, certain elements like glitter are fine but not on items that come to near the utensils or plates/glasses. Do you want glittered potatoes? Also, burlap can have a strong smell and feel harsh. I did use a touch of it on the table skirt and wrapped it around the base of the cake stand, but, I hand washed it, and is not touching food.

A personal gravy boat is not something I would normally purchase...as I generally stay away from items that are too holiday specific, but I found these little turkeys and of course I used them as small planters (what else would you use a gravy boat for?)

Do you have any secrets for creating a special table for entertaining? 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Glassware: mine, Mikasa Jamestown Gold
Napkins: Custom white cloth napkins - more info coming soon!
Linens: Layered off white canvas, silk large check, and gold brocade
Ribbon Table skirt: burlap, sheer ribbon, canvas - more info coming soon!
Vases: new and vintage - mix from around the house
Florals: Kale; general "cheap" flowers from the grocery store (3/$12); greens picked from yard; assorted herbs (thyme) from hardware store.
Place setting/cards - more info coming soon!