Keeping it Simple?

It's time again for Tablescape Thursday with Susan of Between Naps on the Porch! For my first table of the new year, I decided to keep it simple.

If you've visited Affordable Accoutrements before, you've probably noticed that that the tables I set tend to lean in the direction of formality. It's true; I DO like vintage fine china with rims of gold and gossamer-thin etched crystal stemware. I love to see silver flatware and serving pieces glowing in the light of a multitude of flickering candles. Well not today ....

We're going "below stairs," where I set a table for you once before (HERE). It's not a formal space, and it's not usually staged as a dining room. I like the idea of redesigning and repurposing rooms in our homes when we're entertaining guests ... or simply to suit our moods and keep things interesting.

My "simple" setting ended up involving more work than I'd originally intended. I decided to move the table nearer to the fireplace. That meant the sofa had to be shifted out of the way, and the lounge chairs and coffee table had to be temporarily moved to the studio (the room on the other side of the fireplace). What was I thinking??? I hope you'll like the result!

The dishes are vintage ironstone by Johnson Bros., England. Over time, I've purchased (very inexpensively) numerous pieces at local Goodwill stores. Some are white; others tend to be more cream-colored. Several exhibit surface crazing in the glaze, but I think that adds to the timeless, traditional feeling of these classic dishes.

You can clearly see the crazing on the square-ish salad plate. We tend to think of this shape as being very fresh and contemporary but, obviously, it's not a new concept! The knife was labeled a "1920's Celluloid Fish Knife" in an antique shop. With its serrated edge, I think it works well for slicing small, crusty loaves of bread for dinner guests.

It's a table for six. I brought in mismatched chairs from various rooms of the house.

I used tall stemmed water glasses by Towle. The pattern is Marquis. The vintage/retro balloon-type red wine glasses came from a local estate sale (for around one dollar each).

For less formal tables, I enjoy using vintage aluminum serving pieces. They're often available at thrift stores, estate sales, and antique malls at very reasonable prices. They were produced from (mostly) the 1930s through 50s in every imaginable shape, size, and pattern. I think they're fun to collect and great for adding a special touch to today's casual style of entertaining.

An overview ...


The beams were recycled from an old train station that used to be downtown ...

It's a hazy day, but the windows still provide natural light for the space (especially with the leaves off the trees).

It won't be long until time for guests to arrive ...

I used soft rayon/cotton blend napkins (from an estate sale), and folded them casually. I resisted the urge to use a tablecloth or placemats. That was the plan, remember? Keeping it simple ...

No flowers today ...

The plate collection displayed on the shelves is David's. It began with the ones that were displayed on his mother's and grandmother's kitchen walls when he was a child. The hand painted Blue Ridge dishes were produced from the 1920s - 50s by a Tennessee company, Southern Potteries. Read about Blue Ridge China HERE.

I saw a table set with mismatched Blue Ridge plates recently at an antique mall, and it was charming. If you like, I'll set a similar table for you for an upcoming Tablescape Thursday.

The flatware, like the chairs, is an assortment. The vintage celluloid/bakelite handled flatware combines well with older silverplated or sterling pieces. It can be relatively expensive if purchased in full sets, but individual pieces can often be found for a dollar or two in "dig boxes." The odd looking lines you see on the soup bowls and spoons are reflections of the beams above.

Just another view in late afternoon ...

Time to bring in the tealight holders and light the candles ...

Even a simple table can be quietly reflective ...

Some of my art books line the shelves in the background.

Another view looking down the table ...

David bought this mesh candleholder after one of his cats jumped on the table and set its fluffy tail on fire! No cats on the table today (yet) ...

The view from the wet bar in the corner (yes, I'm climbing to new heights for you!) ...

The fire definitely makes things cozy. The logs are gas (unvented) and produce enough heat to warm the space quickly. The fireplace formerly burned wood, so the bricks developed a nice patina over time.

Another view with by candle and firelight ...

Just a simple table ...

Won't you come and join me?

'A Loaf of Bread, a Glass of Wine, and Thou'

Omar Khayyám was right ... what could be nicer?

Don't forget to join Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays and visit all her talented participants at their creative, inviting tables!