In the crazy busyness of Valentine week I got the bug to take apart the dining table display in the middle of the Home store. I am sure Amy and Sarah thought I was nuts the other day. But when the creative juices get going, I think you should run with it. The zinc dining table had not had a re-do since early November, so it was time.
For me most times, re-doing a display means taking everything away from the previous table. I like a clean canvas. The vintage English brass candlesticks TPS found on our trip to our niece’s wedding would be the main focus of the table. It was the day after the wedding where I did the flowers for the event, and I was beat. There was a freakish warm spell in May outside of Chicago and it was in the high 90′s during our stay. I opted to sleep in. He was ready to go vintage shopping–and boy oh boy, he found some gems.
He found the most gorgeous assortment of vintage English brass candlesticks. Many are over 100+ years old, with most being cleaned up to shiny perfection. Filled with beeswax candles, they would work swimmingly running down the middle of the table.
The placemats gave an earthy quality to the table that I really like. Tortoise color handled French Laguiole would pick up on the horn pieces I would scatter about the table.
A vintage black and white photo would be tucked under the soup bowl for a little extra visual fun.
A few John Derian trays would be added, along with resin cauliflower to make it seem like a meal was set to take place.
A bloom at each end of the table in an old apothecary bottle would give a bit of life to the table that I think is key.
I snapped this photo on my way out that night after I had set the alarm. The lights from the lamps left on in the shop added an extra glow. The table was set. Not necessarily for a real meal, but the meal or dinner party made up in the minds of those that wander past it each day.
