Flowers for the Table

I have been dwelling on this post for the entire summer. Initially, I wanted to gather a collection of my favorite florists, but I think what I really want to tell you about is the very lovely and talented Sarah Ryhanen. 

Sarah combines even the most unlikely plant materials (like tomatoes!) with gorgeous blooms into the most glorious, moody arrangements. In Sarah's blog, Saipua, she specifically speaks to my New York nostalgia, but also, to my simultaneous longing to live a simple rustic life. She is both city and country, and her arrangements magically reflect that.

Flowers have a place with food and entertaining. They make everything feel a little more special, they slow down our pace, invite us to linger over dessert. Maybe Sarah's artistry will inspire you to create something lovely for your own dinner table using plants from your own yard, ones that you had never thought of using before.
 
All these gorgeous photos were taken by Sarah Ryhanen! She's an amazing photographer, as well!

Navy and Gold Dinnerware Round-up

I have a weakness for ceramics. Often I dream of setting a beautiful, fancy table with an assortment of plates and serving ware. I love the idea of mixing and matching plates, and bowls, especially as it seems more obtainable to have just one piece than the whole crazy-expensive set!

Here are a few of my current favorites which I think would make a lovely setting for your first dinner party of the New Year...

This plate is by one of my very favorite artists, Hella Jongerius. It's of her Nymphenburg Sketches Animal Bowl Series. 

And this one...from the same collection, called the Game Plates.

From Jasper Conran for Wedgwood, 'Navy Fringe.' Jasper Conran makes so many lovely things!

From Gien France, 'Sultana.' I like the bit of folkiness to this one.

From Alessandro Zambelli, 'Gold Tub.' Because Brussels Sprouts would be so lovely in gold...

From Diane Von Furstenburg, 'Brushstroke.' I think flourless chocolate cake would look so delicious on this painterly plate.

Golden Holiday Table Setting

After much deliberation, I have decided that I would like to incorporate the design of entertaining into FoodVictorian. This is the first of a new series called, Tablescaping! I love having parties and a lot of the fun of a party, for me, is the decorating. So, without further ado...

If you haven't seen This is Glamorous yet, it's a gorgeous blog, filled with lovely, lovely images and thoughts.

via Belgian Pearls via This is Glamorous

I love this golden, extravagant holiday table setting! Wouldn't this make the most lovely dinner party? Minty greens, blacks, linen, silver and golds...what a pretty color palette!