Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Mikasa Daylight - Freshness of Spring!

Afternoon temperatures have soared into the 90s in Tennessee this week. How have I coped with the heat? Air conditioning helps, of course, but so does setting a table with Mikasa's fresh, energetic Daylight dishes. For me, this table creates the feeling of a cool, soothing oasis.

I was so pleased when I won the Daylight giveaway hosted by the very talented Marlis of Creative Journeys! See the magic Marlis created HERE. I had first admired the pattern when Alycia of Tablescapes at Table Twenty-one set a gorgeous table for her readers HERE. Actually, Alycia created multiple tables to demonstrate the versatility of the pattern. I'd also suggest that you check out the lovely "Daylight & Butterflies" table at Home is Where the Boat Is -- HERE. If you know of other examples, please let me know, and I'll update this post.

My first impulse was to set a casual table for you in the sunroom. Then I decided it might be more interesting to play up the elegant side of Daylight's nature with a semi-formal table setting in the dining room.

The table covering is neither tablecloth nor runner; it was definitely affordable. When I saw the rolled-up Roman shade in a local charity thrift shop, I thought, "Tablescape!" One tag said "silk." The original price tag was still attached (Pottery Barn, $99). I asked how much, and the nice lady replied, "Oh that's silk, I guess you can have it for a dollar."

I like the color and texture it provides, as well as the contrast with the dark wood of the furniture.



I did quite a bit of repurposing for the centerpiece. The "vase" in the middle is a hurricane candle holder (from Goodwill). I lined it with a canna leaf and filled it with Queen Anne's Lace (from a vacant lot downtown), oak leaf hydrangeas, and classic orange lilies. While some people detest them and call them "ditch lilies," I rather like them. They easy to grow (harder to eliminate) and remind me childhood and country roads.

The other "vases" are assorted decanters I've collected over time from estate sales and thrift shops. Instead of silver candleabra with crystal tealight holders at each place setting (a look I very much like), I used a a variety of vintage glass candleholders. To add even more sparkle, I displayed a few of the glass stoppers from the decanters in shot glasses/toothpick holders.















The stemware is Athelone by Tiffin (1945-67). I'm using the water goblets as wine glasses. The smaller ones, originally called "liquor/cocktails" could be used for an after-dinner cordial with coffee and dessert. I found these recently at the estate sale of a local doctor. I have a similar Tiffin pattern, also called Athelone, that was made only in 1966 (which could also be "AMC8" from a company called American Cut). Click HERE to see a table I set in an historic home using the similar stemware.






The silverplated flatware is Oneida's South Seas (1955-65). I think its clean lines work nicely with Daylight's design (and help offset the relative formality of the candleholders).



I like the simplicity of Queen Anne's Lace used alone in vases (or decanters).































Naturally the candles must be lit!



























Here's a great short video from Mikasa called "Making Life Memorable:"




Please be sure to join Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays! You'll be very glad you did!

46 comments:

  1. This is a real spring table decoration, very nice and elegant, I like it!
    A pleasant evening and greetings Bill:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like the elegant use of the casual tablecovering with the Mikasa dishes. I personally love the Queen Anne's lace. It grows profusely in Western Washington where I grew up. Reminds me of sunny summer days.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just beautiful! I love the Mikasa fresh pattern!!

    We are no longer coming to TN in the fall - going to Washington DC instead. Will let you know as I am sure a TN trip is in the cards eventually!

    I can't believe it is in the 90's there! It is still high 50's and 60's here, so quite fresh and nice outside. I prefer this!

    Talk soon, xo Terri

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ah Bill, it's so nice to have you back in the land of blogging. As usual, your table is magnificent. Your use of the leaf lining the vase is so inspriational. They took ordinary road side flowers to another level - but hey, all of that crystal and candle light didn't hurt either! LOL!

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very pretty and looks like a Spring/Summer table setting.
    Yes ! Summertime has arrived !! ;D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely table...the centerpiece is beautiful, that little splash of orange makes the plates really stand out. I love Queen Anne's Lace, even though it is what most people consider a weed.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Pretty dishes! Congrats on your win! Everything looks very fresh and light with so much crystal you used. I specialy love the way you used those wine decanters as flower vases and the sweet flowers, also, pulls this table for a great summer look! Fabulous Bill. Lots of hugs. FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  8. Now I want some Queen Anne's Lace in my garden. Must make room by removing some annoying grass. Love the sparkle with all the crystal pieces. Happy week to you. ♥♫

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bill, so glad to see your lovely table. The leaf in the vase is certainly a duh moment - as in why didn't I think of that. Love the day lilies! You've inspired me to use mine to pluck into a vase! What a lovely runner you've come up with. Perfect with the daylight. It tickles me that you really made it shine, but then I knew if anyone could make it be the star it is, it would be you. Why don't you share this table (and others) at http://www.thegreatdinnerparty.com?
    hugs, many blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bill, this is such a lovely and fresh looking tablescape. It really does look cool. I always enjoy all of your tables and this one is just as amazing as all the rest. Love it all. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  11. Another lovely tablescape. I love the stems on the Tiffin crystal. I also like how you have scattered the vintage crystal candlesticks across the table.

    Queen Anne's Lace is such a beautiful "weed", isn't it? I love how you have featured it in one of your signature centerpieces. Gorgeous all the way around!
    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gorgeous, gorgeous! I love crystal, and your table is so stunning.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bill~ Your Daylight table is gorgeous~ the porcelain glows surrounded by your sparkling crystal! I so love your floral arrangement with use of the leaf in the vase, Oakleaf Hydrangea & Queen Anne's Lace~ As lovely as it is in the daylight, your table really shines with the candlelight reflections!

    ReplyDelete
  14. How pretty Bill -- I've admired that pattern on several tables lately ---- love your presentation in a most elegant way. You certainly know how to make your tables stunning and set apart.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm enthralled that the stems of leaves on each plate create a visual path that moves the eye gently around the table. I've had some planting done in my yard lately, and I'm going to add Queen's Lace...so beautiful and effective. The other idea that you may consider officially co-opted is the use of the crystal stoppers. I have a collection of Waterford posy vases that I think will be a perfect shape and size to use with stoppers...kind of like glorious tree topper ornaments. Thanks for sharing another gorgeous design. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Bill, What a pretty pattern. It let's the food shine without distraction, yet lends a little flair too. Love how you put it all together with all the crystal. Simply gorgeous--as always! ~Delores

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is always a treat to vist you and linger over your gorgeous tablescapes! This one is really a show stopper, with the crystal, candles, and pretty flowers. I am a lover of fresh flowers and Queen Ann's Lace is one of my favorites. Your flatware is stunning....simple but elegant and it is just perfect for the china. Only you would have thought to put the decanter stoppers in tooth pick holders.....and I adore the look!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. A pretty table as always Bill -- love that shade -- it does make for a good table topper!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. A lovely decor!!!! I adore the crystals! They are simply stunning!

    Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the clever way that you have used the decanters as vases, and the stoppers in the little bud vases or cigarette holders or whatever they are. It really adds lots of sparkle, and it is a pretty way to put the decanters back into service now that we can't put alcohol in them any more.

    ReplyDelete
  21. i truly love queen anne's lace and love adding it to arrangements.
    bill, you need to do a book of your table settings. your creativity and artistry with elements that are within reach of even those of us with a limited budget is amazing. your photography is wonderful and your posts informative. have you ever considered it?

    ReplyDelete
  22. A beautiful table! The South Seas, cutlery pattern is beautiful. I too love Queen Anne's Lace. It grows everywhere here in Nova Scotia!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Bill, your icy-cool and sparkly tablescape is just what I needed on yet another HOT day in TN. It's beautiful - and so are the Queen Anne's Lace and "ditch lilies!" I've never heard them called that, but I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. BILL!!!
    BILL!!!!
    BILL!!!!!!!!!

    Supremely splendid as always.

    I LOVE your use of the decanters!!! Stunning!

    And the wrapping of the leaf in the vase/hurricane is so beautiful.

    Love.
    Love.
    Love.

    Hugs,
    Lana In Italy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Bill, did you know that the Mikasa site on Facebook is featuring YOUR table!!? Rightly so too, this is so beautiful! I love that it is like a breath of fresh air, and that is what we have NEEDED the past few days! We had high 90's too but it finally broke today! I love this pattern, so nice that you won the giveaway. I will go to the other blogs and see how they used it too! XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  26. 90s here in NC too. We call those tiger lillies and try to grow them. :-) What a creative tablecloth. Your tablescapes are always inspiring and beautiful. Always some idea to pick up!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh I so love the floral arrangement! Is there anything more summery than Queen Anne's Lace and Lilies! Great combo and the Oak Leaf Hydrangeas give it a touch of class! Did you also know you can put food coloring in the water the the Queen Anne's Lace will change to that color? Yep! Anyway, back to your lovel table! The dishes give a nice light and summery feel to the table and I love the decanters used for vases and even more that you put their tops in the votives! How creative! All the elegant crystal pieces keep some formality going and how original using the Roman Shade for the table covering! Great stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  28. It is so much fun to see your affordable creativity. I have a request. Would it be possible for you to show us the process of setting your table from beginning to end? Some of us might like it best at different stages, but it would be enlightening to see how you arrive at the end point!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love, love, love all the crystal. Beautiful choice with the Daylight and even though it's called Daylight, it's absolutely lovely with the candlelight.

    Dianne

    ReplyDelete
  30. Gorgeous dishes! So different! They are so simple and clean but make a huge statement. I will look for something like this next time I buy a new set. Loved the tall arrangements too. One of my faves...

    ReplyDelete
  31. Bill, congratulations on your Mikasa feature! You have certainly done a beautiful job, as always, providing just the right elements to set off this wonderful china. Such a fresh elegant atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congrats on winning, Bill! You certainly put those beautiful dishes to good use on your elegant table...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sparkle !!!! LOVE LOVE !! Just stunning.. IN LOVE.. Happy I stopped in !!!!!!! Jules ♥

    ReplyDelete
  34. Elegant table, Bill. I love the look of the Queen Ann's Lace in the crystal. Congratulations on winning this gorgeous set of dishes. They have a perfect home! ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love all of the 'sparkle' on this table and the canna leaves, pure genius. Very beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  36. elegant,romantic. i love it!
    have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Bill, I was up late, not feeling too swift, and I decided to see if you had set a table. To my delight, you had. GORGEOUS. I adore this china pattern and your crystal. The whole table is fresh as a breath of spring. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

    XO,

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  38. Bill, your crystal sparkles. Love the queen annes lace. Such a fresh lovely table. Ambience speaks volumes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Am new to your blog...but already love it! The Queen Anne's lace in the varied crystal decanters, vases, etc. is just lovely. Fabulous table setting by day...magical in the evening light!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi bill,
    I love your centerpeice! Queen Anne's Lace is one of my favorite flowers! Your table is so pretty. I do think it is elegant. Just lovely...thank you for sharing. Blessings My Friend,

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Bill
    Just wondered if you're okay? Missed seeing your gorgeous posts ;o)
    Best wiahes
    Rose H

    ReplyDelete
  42. So beautiful! So fresh, and yes, cool! I love Queen Anne's Lace and have since I was a little girl and played with the long stemmed flower as an umbrella!

    I hope you are having a good summer, I know it isn't official until Tuesday, but with all the high temps, I think it's been here a while already!!

    Katherine

    ReplyDelete
  43. I just found your blog....this is TO DIE FOR!!!!

    simple elegant and FRESH!

    ~~Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  44. your crystal sparkles. Your table is so pretty. I do think it is elegant. The glass is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your table is lovely as usual, Bill. The flowers are so pretty and lucky you for winning the beautiful Mikasa dinnerware. This is another elegant table although the table runner made it double for a casual dining....Christine

    ReplyDelete