July Tablescape

“Let us live like flowers—wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.” – Ellen Everett

It’s July and summer is firmly imprinted on our thresholds. Hot sun blazes from a deep blue sky and we are drenched in golden light. Welcome, Friends, to the blog today. You’re just in time to share the first tablescape of July. So let’s get started as we go through some cupboards and gather some cherished favorites for a casual summer dinner.

Start living now.
Stop saving the good china
for that special occasion.
Stop withholding your love
until that special person materializes.
Every day you are alive is a special occasion.
Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.
– Mary Manin Morrissey

Using pretty china to dress your everyday table is just like wearing lipstick when you leave the house. It’s kind of a “must do” especially in the South. Setting a pretty table takes a few moments longer but has great benefits. Your Family feels special that you’ve taken a little extra care and feel good about the dining experience even if all you’re serving is hamburgers. A pretty table makes the food seem special…a definite win for the cook.

Today I chose some blue and white English china that I found recently. The pattern is quite pretty and, even though it covers the plate, the pattern does not seem overwhelming. The dinner and dessert plates are nested in a rattan charger that sets a relaxed mood for the table.

It’s not a vintage pattern so has the practicality of being dishwasher and microwave safe. As you can see it’s made in England by Churchill.

Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.

Andre Simon

It’s such a pleasure to drink water from a cut crystal glass. When you add a glass of wine it’s even better. I use my good crystal for everyday meals. The beverage looks enticing through the crystal facets and tastes all the better for the reflected light. Here I’ve used Gorham crystal in the “King Edward” pattern. These came from a recent Estate Sale. The napkin raises the bright yellow color a little higher as it tucks cozily in the water glass. The napkins are by Williams-Sonoma and a recent thrift store find.

Pottery Barn has beautiful linens and I am always on the look out for that brand when I am thrifting. These placemats are from Pottery Barn. I found six of them with matching napkins in brand new condition a few years ago. I use them quite often because they are so beautiful and cheerful. The flatware is used for every day. I am not sure about the pattern. I like it because it is very stream-lined and can go casual or a bit more formal.

Centerpieces vary with the table settings but I love to pull in something from the garden. My lemon verbena needed to be cut back so I brought the clippings indoors and filled several vases with them. The fragrance was amazing. The whole kitchen was filled with the scent of lemon. This is an herb that is useful for cooking, drying and displaying. The jars are very casual in their wooden crate and the herbs provide a vibrant presence to the table.

It came together nicely and presents a casual feel with a touch of elegance…perfect for a summer evening. I meant to take pictures of the food but got side-tracked and forgot. LOL. We had barbecued flank steak in a pineapple and garlic marinade with corn-on-the-cob and pasta salad. Dessert was key lime cheesecake and we had a charcuterie tray of fruits and vegetables to start. I can’t believe I didn’t take any pictures!

It was so nice to share this table with you. Thanks so much for joining me.