Nostalgic Summer Tablescape

Fine china doesn’t have to be formal and fussy. It can welcome you to a cozy cottage table setting that encourages you to relax and “sit a spell” with good friends. Welcome to the Blog today, Friends, as I share with you this thrifted cozy tablescape.

The picture above shows that you can set an approachable table with a simple color scheme that evokes memories of Summer evenings, sipping lemonade and enjoying a country meal with friends. The china used above is Susie Cooper’s Chatsworth pattern. It is fine English bone china but looks like it belongs in an English cottage. I found this pattern at a Thrift Store last year and really fell in love with it. There were six place settings consisting of a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate and a bread and butter plate. They were in excellent condition and the set was under $8.00. I was so excited to find it.

To keep the setting simple I used just one additional color for the linens. The lovely yellow placemats and napkins are by Pottery Barn and also came in a set of 6 each. I think they were $3 or $4 for the set of six. They are really pretty and are like new. The placemats and napkins are embroidered in white and the placemats have a white border All the way around the perimeter. I alternated pears and apples for some interest at the top of the stack and to pull in the colors of the setting. What could be more nostalgic than eating pears and apples?

Coronation silver-plate by Oneida Silver pairs well with the placemats. You can see they have a similar flower design.

The crystal water goblet is Regalta by Gorham Crystal and is a beautiful cut glass bowl on a simple stem. Next to it is a Lenox pattern called Encore used for the wine glass. It is not as elaborate a pattern but goes nicely with the Gotham Crystal. Both glasses are fairly heavy crystal which is appropriate for more of a cottage setting.

I used simple pottery napkin rings to hold the bright yellow napkins. They add a bit of color but don’t fight with any of the patterning taking place on the table.

I saved the centerpiece for last. A simple collection of alstroemeria, mums, daisies and a carnation or two in multi colors remind you of a bouquet gathered from the garden. It helps set the relaxed tone for the table setting. the flowers are held in a clear glass vase with no patterning and rest on a white and silver flowered trivet.

I was really pleased with how this turned out. The best part ….. everything was thrifted and about a year ago so no expense involved. I think guests will really enjoy dining at this table.