Italy’s House of Medici (or de' Medici), patrons of Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Galileo, was a dynasty said to have had more wealth, passion, and power than the houses of Windsor, Kennedy, and Rockefeller combined. It shaped all of Europe and controlled politics, scientists, artists, and even popes, for three hundred years.
Their wealth and influence initially derived from the textile trade. They were able to bring Florence under their family's power, allowing for an environment where art and humanism could flourish. They fostered and inspired the birth of the Italian Renaissance.
Medici porcelain was the first successful attempt in Europe to imitate Chinese porcelain. The experimental manufactory housed in the Casino of San Marco in Florence existed between 1575 and 1587 under the patronage of Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Never a commercial venture, Medici porcelains were sometimes given as diplomatic gifts.
Even though this is a relatively simple table for 8, I thought of the Medicis as I polished candleholders and unwrapped silver goblets. I thought of Catherine de' Medici (mother of three kings of France), blamed for the excessive persecutions carried out under her sons' rule, in particular for the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre of 1572, in which thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris and throughout France. Many of the persecuted French Protestants emigrated to Colonial Virginia. My ancestors were among them.
You're here to see a table setting. I'll be quiet and let the images speak for themselves ...
China: Myott/Staffordshire, Medici - antiques mall
Crystal: Cambridge, Rose Point (1934-1958) - estate sale
Silverplated goblets: estate sale
Silverplated flatware: International Silver, Triumph (1941) - antiques mall
Placemats: Dollar Tree
Napkins: estate sale
Silver lacquered (lucite over foil) chargers: Belk and Goodwill
Rose Point compote: estate sale
Flowers: Kroger, $2.99 (reduced from $19.99), garden greenery added
Candelebra: antiques mall
Todays tidbit of table setting trivia:
"Before forks were introduced to Italy in the 11th century (and later brought to France by Catherine de' Medici) there was no need to 'set the table.' Individuals all would have been expected to have brought along their own knives."
Please join Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays. Susan and her talented friends always provide wonderful inspiration and heart-warming hospitality.
Thank you for your visit. I'm very glad you stopped by today!
Posts
Bill, again an astonishingly beautiful setting. The Medici china is so beautiful, (in my book anything blue and white is!) and the lovely reflections off the silver and crystal is amazing - I love polished silver.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Rose H
Hi Bill,
ReplyDelete"GORGEOUS as ever"!!! I especially love Blue&Silver, AND Burgundy&Silver, so this is Outstanding... The brilliance of the china, silver AND the dining table and chairs is PERFECT! Is the china a Wedgwood blue(that is how it's showing on my screen)? My very favorite is the etched crystal goblets, do you know their maker??? LOVE,LOVE,LOVE those... Thank you for sharing all this elegance with us...
Have a wonderful week,
Donna
Bill this is so pretty! I love the china, I think it is some of the prettiest I've ever seen! The goblets are also gorgeous. You are the most talented tablescaper!! I love the way you weave stories and facts in your table settings also.
ReplyDeleteBill, once again remarkable. I just fell in love with those plates. I think I'll be searching for those far and wide now. I always learn so much coming here. The goblets are amazing. Next week I'll be showing my "Bill inspired" crystal, because that is what you do.. inspire us. thank you again for a most lovely post filled with facts, fantasy, and gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dear Bill!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses and regards, Zondra Art
Hello Bill,
ReplyDeletewhat shall I say? Same as always. You catch perfect every spirit you ever want. This is Rainaissance from the plate sover the silver goblets to the candlelight. And while I am enjoying your wonderful table I always involuntarily peek to the door for Catherine de' Medici who has to arrive nattering with her royal household and to take their places. And I see her in my imagination lackadaisically waving with her hand and saying the same words as I would say, if I would be she: "Just perfect, Bill!".
Greetings, Johanna
Thank you dear Bill for your nice words!!!
ReplyDeleteBill -- another perfect table! You put them together so well -- and everything is always so elegant -- and I love all of your china and silver!
ReplyDeleteBill, you said this was a simple setting, lol! It's as elegant as always. I like those silver goblets. Very appropriate with the story about the Medici family. Well done again :o)
ReplyDeleteWarmest regards.
Another beautiful work of art. I always enjoy reading the information and/or history you provide on your beautiful china, silverware, crystal, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou get some great deals on your flowers. I must be missing the mark downs at the Kroger I shop at the most.
Enjoy your evening.
Wowza! Don't forget, I've got dibs on the Medici if you get hit by a bus ; )
ReplyDeleteIf DB doesn't wind up with the Medici, put me next on the list. I am a sucker for blue china...or anything blue. The whole tablescape is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeckie in Brentwood, TN
Beautiful setting. Your silver and crystal glassware are gorgeous! Great job as usual!
ReplyDeleteGosh Bill, this has to be the only blog where the comments discuss your imminent demise and put dibs on your goodies...
ReplyDeleteYour table is wonderful but your photography is also amazing. When the lights go down and the candles are lit you really get some great shots.
Hello Bill,
ReplyDeleteI love the Medici pattern. I remember you showed this once before, and it has stood out in my mind as a favorite. Your table looks so very elegant. You always pay such attention to detail, and it shows. Love the views by candlelight too. Nicely done!
Blessings, Beth
Very pretty, and your photos too. I think you always do a great job though! I love the glassware, it's so delicate! Have a great day. Sandi
ReplyDeleteOh, I DO love the Medici! What a great find. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDear Bill,
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Beautiful! Perfect! What time is dinner? I can be there in about 6 hours....
I am so envious of your talent - including the photography. Everything is just gorgeous. Thank you for giving me a chance to see this lovely china and crystal again! I love it all.
gloria
Dear Bill,
ReplyDeleteOnce again very lovely.
I love this: Placemats: Dollar Tree
Flowers: Kroger, $2.99 (reduced from $19.99), garden greenery added
It is so true, beauty can be affordable.
Thanks for feeding my eyes with a stunning
tablescape.
Kindly,
Chris Ann
treehouse.queen18(atyahoodotcom)
Hi Bill:
ReplyDeleteWe are having our 1st blast of a Canadian Winter outside. Thank you for the feast for the eyes of your beautiful warm table.....as usual!
Jackie
Canada
Bill, you have managed to set another beautiful table. I love, love the Rose Point.
ReplyDeleteStella B.
Beautiful as always! I love the formal china with your Rose Point.
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Charo
Wow, this is so elegant and gorgeous, Bill. Love the gleaming candelabras and the silver goblets. And your chandelier looks beautiful and shining as well!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Gloria
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis post is especially beautiful. I am so drawn to blue and silver together; I suppose it is the coolness of it all. It is a good thing you are extra neat in polishing and drying your crystal because surely any "smudge" would show in these clear photographs!! You are so very talented. I really enjoy visiting your dining room because you present everything so well. It is as if I am really there.
ReplyDeleteMary
From Virginia
Lovely table! Enjoyed the refresher course on Medici history and adore the Medici china!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and elegant table Bill. Your silver and crystal just glisten in the photos. I've never seen this pattern before--its gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteEspecially like the stemware. It is awesome!
A pleasure to visit your place.
God bless,
d
Bill, Beautiful tablescape and a history lesson as well! Enjoyed it all! You're certainly very lucky on picking up reduced flower arrangements and one would never know unless you told us. Maureen
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic table! I'm glad you included the history on the Medici china. It is lovely! The stemware is stunning!
ReplyDeleteOh Bill... of all the china you have used, that is my very favorite. I love the entire table. It's elegant yet very warm at the same time.
ReplyDeleteTruly, it's stunning.
What a gorgeous tablescape! Very elegant!
ReplyDeleteAll that silver has my head spinning! YUM! I love it! As always you are the master!
ReplyDeleteLacy
Every aspect is absolute perfection! I'm such a fan!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! I always enjoy your stories and the trivia additions as well!
ReplyDeleteThose goblets are my favorite, so lacy and feminine!
I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving, and looking forward to a wonderful Christmas!
Katherine
This is one of my favorites of yours. I love the china and you did a wonderful job with the flowers on this table. You make me want to add a silver candelabra to my collection! I'm not sure what it is exactly, but all the pieces really come together for me on this table. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill!!!!!!!! You're killin' me, Bill! This is stunning! The china is too gorgeous for mere words! The goblets are so, so pretty and the flatware is Divine. (Notice the capital D? :-) ) Oh, my gosh...fabulous design! Those votive holders are really slick, too. Very unique. I like the depth. I am mesmerized by each and every element. Just gorgeous!!! I continue to be amazed at the great deals you find at your local Kroger store. I wish they'd bring Kroger back to my area! Sorry to hear about the persecution of your ancestors. I get that. Have a good one, and I look forward to checking in on you next week! By the way, I'm still checking thrift stores and not finding deals nearly as good as the ones you encounter. Rats!!!
ReplyDeleteBill I don't know how you do it, but your tablesetting just twinkle in the light, amazing so beautiful,Kathysue
ReplyDeleteBill...this is so gorgeous. I love the china, but the crystal stemware is amazing...I've been looking at it(and looking only!!) on ebay.
ReplyDeleteI also love your history lesson! Thank you!
Tess
Bill, your table just takes my breath away, its stunning. At first I glimpse I thought you were using Lenox Autumn for your china. Thank you for introducing me to yet another pattern. Your crystal just beams, thank you so much for sharing this fantastic table with us.
ReplyDeleteBill, gorgeous as usual. Blue is my favorite colour and I always love a little blue china. Thanks for the Medici trivia! I love the glassware also. Wow! Thanks for including all the sources - I am rather envious of those estate sales of yours...!
ReplyDeleteI think I might blog about you on my blog. I noticed that most of my readers are not here - I thought many of my decor crowd would have discovered you. I see some familiar names but must write you up for my readers to enjoy!!
xo's Terri
Bill, Lovely table as usual. I love that Dollar Tree is represented amongst all that elegance. I would have never guessed. The china is so beautiful but there is a simplicity about it. Perhaps it's the blue and white.
ReplyDeleteI have been away for a while but I always enjoy your combination of tablescaping mastery and history. I should have stayed home and traveled with your tablescapes. Would've saved me a lot of money. Your commentary always helps to whisk one away if even for a moment.
I am still trying to catch up on rest and chores. Having to put off the reading til nightfall. I am glad I got to see this one. May you have a blessed holiday season, Ginger
Hi Bill!
ReplyDeleteWell, this table just turned out lovely and regal. The china is gorgeous. But, I have to say, I am in love with the silver goblets. Just stunning.
Bill -- It's always such a delightful treat to be "seated" at one of your lovely tables! I love the wonderful background you also lay before us -- It's like a guided museum tour!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely breathtaking Bill!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me about the knives. I knew that but had forgotten.
Wonderful post!
Bill, I love that fact about the knives! I just marvel at the elegance and beauty I find at your tables each week. Each detail is so perfectly chosen. I spend most of my days in jeans, chasing toddlers with my camera or deadheading the roses. You make me want to put on my best dress and enjoy each and every moment at this table.
ReplyDeleteWhat an elegant dining room! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Bill, Your Tablescapes are so Beautiful like all ways, love your flowers from Krogers this is the place to go Bill.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table, the blue and silver are just dazzling! And I love your thrifty centerpiece with the candle:@)
ReplyDeleteYour tables are always so exquiste. I take a long time looking at all the beautiuful touches that go into them. I am just a plain jane kind of decorator but it is special to be able to look at how it should be done. Wonderful as always.
ReplyDeleteThe golden glow of that last photo is just magical, Bill. In fact, the whole table has the magician's touch, from the elegantly formal china (I ♥ it!) to those EXQUISITE Cambridge, Rose Point stems...TDF!!
ReplyDeleteYou continue to teach, inspire & amaze me.
We actually saw & learned lots about the Medici family's political dynasty when we were in Florence, Italy about 6 years ago. I loved walking the streets & bridges of that beautiful city. It was one of my favorite stops on the whole tour.
Funny how your ancestry is French Protestant, mine is Irish Catholic, we both love anything Italian & I couldn't help but think that this icy blue table would be PERFECT for the start of the Jewish Hanukkah or Festival of Lights, which started this week!!! Truly an ecumenical experience!
i love it bill...you've put staffordshire, cambridge and silver on dollar tree placements. there's hope for me yet.
ReplyDeleteand as always, it's stunning.
Elegant table, Bill as always. I continue to learn something new from your posts. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are not only a visual feast, but the little history lessons and background stories make them so interesting as well. The blogs I always come back to are more than pretty pictures! Yours always qualifies.
ReplyDeleteThe Medici family is such an oft forgotten historical giant...I'm pleased that you've given them a nod in your magnificent tablescape. I am always taken by filagree patterns...to wit, my wedding china/Oxflord Bone China, Filagree...silver/Grande Renaissance...and crystal/Lalique, Treves. Your table speaks to my very sensibilities. I love it. Also enjoyed the tiny peak into your kitchen and parlor. I kept returning to examine the Cambridge, Rose Point...such an elegant, beautiful stemware. I don't think that I've ever appreciated the amazing stems before viewing them in your photos. They are truly amazing! I love every minute of this post...I could linger at your table, and we could share tidbits about our beloved tabletop treasures....I can at least dream. Thank you for sharing your sophisticated, gorgeous design and for stopping by my post with your kind thoughts and words. Please, come visit often. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteHi, Dear Bill! Oh, you constantly amaze me at your talent of setting the most beautiful tables. Those dishes are so pretty and everything else. I do appreciate your stories too!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you got to see my little Carter! This is my first time being a grandmother and it's wonderful!
Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Glad I came across your blog. I love a pretty table and this one is fabulous. You really do have a talent for this. I'll follow you and maybe learn a thing or two. Deb =^..^=x5 Ottawa, Canada
ReplyDeleteWell, sweetie, you did it again. Just when I think you are about "played out", you come back with a flourish. This is so stunning, it leaves me breathless.
ReplyDeleteAnd, your amazing house is knocking my sox off..it is so beautiful.
AND..your pretty words just make it all magical.
Thanks so much for taking the time to make something beautiful for your readers. I know that we ALL appreciate it and love everything you do.
xo bj
The history lesson was so interesting - you always have such interesting information and elegant tablescape! Would be an honored guest at your table - even if I had to bring my own knife... thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMmmm...what a deliciously beautiful table! I really love the color of this china. The color really comes out in the candle glow.I love the griffins in the border pattern (at least I think they are griffins?).
ReplyDeleteLove the pattern of the china and stems and the table is beautifully set as usual, Bill. So elegant!...Christine
ReplyDeleteKrásné, elegantní, perfektní!....Markéta
ReplyDeleteBill, I apologize for arriving so late. Can't miss one of your tables though. This is such a gorgeous, regal table. It doesn't get any better than this!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the delights of the season.
~ Sarah
Bill, this is just as stunning as all of your tables are. I am always so inspired. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteMorning Bill,
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing tablescape as always. Everything is simply gorgeous. Love that blue china, it is so elegant and pretty. Those wine goblets are absolutely breathtaking!! They stole my heart right away. You did a fantastic job as always. Always enjoy my visit.
May you have a Christmas Season full of love, joy and peace.
Blessings, Nellie
As graceful and elegant as always. I love the information, not only lovely, but a learning experience too! Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteHello Bill... my feelings are same as Johanna said, what else remain to say:)... lovely, beautiful, superb, fab, great ...... the list of praising words can be going on and on... I never did any table scape but its all very tempting to do something at least not grand like yours but a little effort can be.. may be some time:)
ReplyDeleteVery elegant china, candle holders are something stunning and your centerpiece arrangement is beautiful... I am bit late but busy with some personal affairs... Sure i dont miss in between...
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah
Hello Bill:
ReplyDeleteYour table gleams! but of course the etched goblets steal my heart.
- The Tablescaper
now that I have caught my breath
ReplyDelete...that is the most beautifully set table
Thanks for the tidbit Bill.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Catherine for bringing forth the fork! How absolutely mid-evil.
Your table is stunning.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Hey Dude, do you hire out ha ha!! another great only Bill can do table...Loved seeing this my friend..I need you to come here and help me burn my paper plates and solo cups ha ha!! I never had what it takes to do like you and Susan can do...My poor family just wants food when they come and don't care what I serve it on I could tear off sheets of wax paper put in on the table and there would be happy to be...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteThat Cambridge, Rose Point crystal is absolutely the prettiest etched crystal I've seen...I love the stems too! It's one of my dreams to find something like that someday. Love the Medici pattern china too! Good deal on the flowers! Liz
ReplyDelete