Glads Make Me Happy Table!

Today's table began with a vintage champagne glass, one that might also have been used as a tall sherbet dish. The pattern is Laurel Wreath, manufactured by Duncan & Miller sometime between 1943 and 1955. I purchased 7 of them at a local antiques mall recently. I started to buy them last year, when they were priced at $24 for the set. I was drawn to them from a distance by the way they sparkled in the light but, on closer examination, noticed that several of them had rim chips (also called fleabites). I decided to pass.

A week or so ago I was back in the store. The glasses were still there, and they'd been reduced to $20, $16 ... $10. For $6, I couldn't resist! I knew I could file the chips, but my first impulse was to view them as decorative objects. "Floating candles," I thought. "Floating in colored water!"

Glads were on sale at Kroger this week. I wrote, "glads," because I couldn't decide whether to call them gladioluses, gladioli, or gladiolas. Whatever the plural is, I think they're beautiful! I love the lush, colorful flowers, and their sculptural quality provides instant drama.

They can last a long time if you change the water as it becomes cloudy (re-cutting stems) and remove faded blooms to encourage the higher buds to open. The first time I saw them sold in supermarkets was in Florida years ago. I couldn't believe how little they cost. I was definitely pleased to see them at Kroger for $2.99 per bunch. I bought 2 bunches. The next morning I went back (to purchase food this time) and noticed they were only 99 cents! Naturally I realized I needed a few more bunches to share with you today.

Here's the result:





Even though I used quite a few vintage pieces, my goal was a modern-looking table setting. I combined shades of peach, pink, mauve, maroon, and rust -- tints and shades of reddish colors that are near each other on the color wheel (analogous colors). Since reds and greens are opposites on the wheel, the green stems provide a complement to the warm and cool reds.


It's been a while since I've used the flamingo figurines, but some of you might recall them from previous tables. I think of them when I want to add a touch of whimsy or further a tropical mood.

To keep the table relatively uncluttered, I skipped the placemats today and only used one glass per place setting (not counting the "candle champagnes").


The china pattern is Monroe by Lenox (1983-2003). The flatware is Beloved by International Silver (introduced in 1940).


The taper candles I usually select are basic colors (white, ivory, and sometimes burgundy). Susan of Between Naps on the Porch often recommends Colonial Candles, so I decided to purchase some. The colors are rich, saturated, and beautiful. You can check out their color selection online HERE. They have a great deal for new customers, and you can sign up for their e-mail newsletter while you're there.





I overlaid new cotton dinner napkins with vintage damask (luncheon size) ones and tucked them into stainless steel rings (from Goodwill!).


The center vase is from a local thrift shop -- $1.


The tall stems are Marquis by Towle (circa 1982). I like their fan & dot design, and they have a nice substantial weight.


The late afternoon light creates interesting effects ...





The usual disclaimer: This table setting incorporates a heavy dose of fantasy. For an actual dinner party, I'd keep the centerpiece low. This would be ideal, however, if you detested the person across from you and wanted to interact ONLY with the people seated on either side! (That was supposed to be amusing, by the way!)





I used simple glass candleholders for the Colonial tapers. They're widely, very inexpensively, available at thrift stores, and work equally well as tealight holders.


It's not dark yet, but let's light the candles ...











I hope you've enjoyed your visit today.


Please join Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays!