Tuesday, December 14, 2010

End of Year Book Club Dinner- A Tablescape


I'll admit that this tablescape isn't much different from the Christmas table I just posted.
That's because I'm too busy and lazy to create a tablescape from scratch for our Book Club dinner tonight!

Besides, I love the vintage wool paisley and the tartan plates together. I think they are perfect for a Book Club dinner. There are a few changes though...

I made book marks out of upholstery webbing for party favors. They also do double duty as place cards.

For the napkin ring, I tied twine around a page from an old book.

The centerpiece is just some of my favorite classic books stacked on the table. I used marble book ends on either end. Winter greens, burlap webbing and red mercury glass votives make it festive. A linen runner anchors it all.

If you're wondering why a dog figurine is front and center, it's because the book we are discussing tonight is about a family in the midwest who raises a fictitious breed of dog.

Have you read it? I'm still trying to finish it before this evening!
It's a little slow, but I love the prose.

I'm going to suggest we read a classic next. Maybe Moby Dick or Shakespeare?

How about Doctor Zhivago or a little William Saroyan?

I like the idea of sitting by the fire in January, reading in my favorite chair while it storms outside. I think Doctor Zhivago would be perfect. We'll see what everyone else suggests.

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!
I'm also joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for her Christmas "Share the Decor" party!
On Friday, I'm linking up to Cindy and My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.


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60 comments:

The Tablescaper said...

Such a beautiful table! The book mark/place cards are ingenious. I LOVE the wool paisley against the plaid. I don't think I could bring myself to change it either.

- The Tablescaper

Anonymous said...

B E A U T I F U L !!!

Marlis said...

oh so lovely.. I love the upholstery webbing!!! Too clever. Love the dishes too.

Designs on 47th Street said...

Just so warm and inviting but yet festive too. You have done a great job. I would LOVE to sit at this table! Did you tell us where the plaid dishes came from? I'll have to look back.

Donna

On Crooked Creek said...

Delores,
Love the NEW look on your dining table. . .wink! wink! Your ladies from the book club are going to feel very elegant tonight, dear. Enjoy!
Fondly,
Pat

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Delores,

That is a very appropriate and smart bookmark you've created! Also the napkin ring out of old pages, decoratively done with your special scissors (I gave all mine to our foster daughter before she went back to Indonesia, and she LOVES them...).
Reading is perfect for a winter night indeed and a classic fits the time of year too.

Have a great evening!

Mariette's Back to Basics

Julio Muao said...

Love it Delores! Adding books to the setting adds sophisticated warmth. I also love the twine and paper napkin ring. I agree about Doctor Zhivago as your next book selection. Great story. Thank you for sharing.

Scribbler said...

Outstanding as always. The books as centerpiece may be the best idea I have ever seen, Book Club or no. It would certainly be a conversation starter.

Amy Kinser said...

I am not surprised at all at how beautiful this table is.

netierose said...

Delores, I love it and sooo glad to be one of the guests!

Blue Creek Home said...

Perfection, as usual!
Rhonda

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a beautiful table to sit at, enjoy good food, coffee/wine and conversation with family and/or friends.
Dr. Zhivago - I read the book, then saw the movie, but should have done it in reverse. Have seen the movie many times since.
Enjoy your evening.
Glenda

Joan said...

Very book smart!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

What an incredible table.. I adore your centerpiece full of books, etc, and your party favors is a wonderful touch... hugs ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Forgot to mention the dog statue... have to locate one looking like a cocker spaniel..
hugs ~lynne

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Your table looks splendid and very festive. Dr. Zhivago, in both book and movie form, is a favorite of mine so you would definitely have my vote.
I love all your tartan and the webbing makes perfect bookmarks and placecards. Beautiful table!

Debbiedoos said...

What a neat idea Delores on the place settings. Your table looks so beautiful. I bet your guests had a spectacular time. Happy Holidays to you and your family. I saw your post over from SHerry's.

Carol S. said...

You've outdone yourself! Do you smile at your cleverness? You should. Speaking of curling up by the fire with the January cold outside, I recommend North to the Night, a true adventure story by Alvah Simon. This one is a page turner.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wonderful looking table, Delores. You have thought of every little detail. Love the dog.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Delores,
Your book club table is gorgeous! I love the centerpiece of books and the page markers you made. Your tablescapes are always so unique and beautiful. Thanks for linking up to my party.
Hugs,
Sherry

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Hi Delores, This is a beautiful tablescape and I love the elements from the book. It is one I've been considering to read, Be SURE to let us know if you recommend it? LOVE those bookmarks, AND of course I LOVE the plates... I never tire of paisley and it coordinates so perfectly with the tartan... I have worked my Diana Tartan into my tablescape today if you would like to take a peek at it...
Hugs, Donna

Dianne said...

Every post is pure eye candy. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful blog. You constantly amaze me. This tablescape is so inviting. Books, good food and good company...what a delightful evening you have ahead of you.

Honey at 2805 said...

I love your table! Every detail is just incredible. I'm your newest follower as I don't want to miss a thing.

Tamra said...

Love the look of the books stacked on the table. What a great idea!

Sheila said...

Love this! Everything about it is so cute. I would kill to have a dog statue holding a frame like that...too great!
Do you use tiny stencils for the names?

Kathysue said...

Delores the addition of the books is perfection!! I also really like the napkin enclosures you made. It is all the special little details that you add that make you designs so uniquely YOU!! I love that about you. Have a wonderful rest of the week, xo Kathysue

Sarah said...

Delores, I would use this tablescape as often as I could. It is perfection! Your addition of the bookmarks and the little paper napkin rings is genius. I want to dine at this table. ;-)
And I want a set of those plates. Can you tell me who makes those? I'm searching for a set of tartan plates and these are calling out to me. They just are saying where they are. LOL
Happy Holidays! ~ Sarah

xinex said...

Just a perfect setting for a book club member dinner! It looks very classic. The placecard/bookmark idea is superb..Christine

A Runner's Mind said...

Wow! Everyone is up so early! The 29th commenter and it is only 7:30am! As a member of the book club, we thoroughly enjoyed the table....and the dinner a la Mr. A! Dex made an appearance with his jingle bell collar....another blog entry maybe????

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

YES! I have read this book and how I would love to be in your book club and sit at this GORGEOUS table!!!! The book marks are genius, the napkin rings too! I am COVETING those wine hocks!!!!! Are they Lenox? They are just gorgeous! Can you believe I ahve never read Dr. Z.??? I can't!! I have seen the movie many times and LOVE it, so now I will go GET the book and read it! XO, Pinky

La Dolfina said...

Dolores, you are right behind Eddie in my opinion. You are seriously blowing me away with your tablescaping talents!!! Honestly, I'm not worthy. It's really hard for me. You have a true talent. Your home is simply awe inspiring. My husband just looked at this post with me and said,
"her home looks like the one in the Home Alone Movies!"
You have exquisite taste and a truly stunning home but best of all is the woman behind it all!!!
Lucky ladies in your book club!!!
Much love and I'm so excited for your son to come home. OUrs arrived yesterday and I have a feeling he'll sleep all day today, but it's so nice having him back in his bed safe and sound!!!
Love you!!!

Terri

Colleen said...

This table is wonderful! Perfect for wine, good food, and great conversation. Your bookclub is very lucky to have you host.

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

From a fellow book-lover here; this one slays me! Your friends were most fortunate to wind up at that table!!! So yummy-lush!

Rhonda said...

Stumbling upon your blog has been has been a source of happiness for me. Love your tablescapes and your house! I need to recover my sofa, and when I saw your green velvet one with the needlepoint pillows, I knew I had found what I wanted! Your Christmas table, complete with tartan and paisley, is gorgeous! I love books, too, and Edgar Sawtelle is quite intense, with just about the worst ending a book could have! Thank you for sharing your talent and gift with us.

Just a dreamer said...

Gorgeous as usual. I do hope you win one of the awards at Tartanscot. It seems everything you do is outstanding and certainly bookworthy. Bookmarks are ingenious.

Kathy said...

I love your book club table setting -i like that you wrapped the napkin with pages from an old book

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Gorgeous! I am a part of a book club too. I LOVE the old book page napkin ring. Your table is so rich and colorful. Visiting you is like eating a big piece of chocolate cake. Delicious and sinfully rich... and irresistable!
Delores, have you read Rebecca? A wonderful classic and a real favorite.
Yvonne

Anonymous said...

What clever ideas you offer up.
I especially love the napkin rings.
I soooooo made a note of that.
Our book club is too big for sit down dinners. Actually, it is too big for a decent discussion anymore too. I am envious of your more intimate group.
We also read that book. I have to admit I tried slogging through it but just never became enamored with it. I do know that most of the women really liked it. I guess I am the odd one.
Enjoy.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table. The centerpiece is perfection!

Alycia Nichols said...

I am so in love with this table...I think I feel a bit faint! I have some monster-size books that I have just been waiting for the right occasion to use in a centerpiece...you hit a homerun with this!!! Beautiful!!!

Unknown said...

I love your bookmark idea, so original. Old books as the centerpiece are just so majestic and cozy at the same time. They invite you to sit down and get comfortable. Very classic and pretty.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Delores, you really shouldn't change this table much before Christmas. It is so perfect already. Love the bookmark/placecard idea! And the napkin rings for book club are just so clever. I started this book (I think a year ago), and I do enjoy it, but it is huge, and I haven't found much time for reading in awhile. I'll have to start it over, because I've already forgotten what I read! How long did your book club have to read it? It's a LOT of reading! Your table looks beautiful, and I'm definitely going to borrow your idea for the bookmarks some time! laurie

Pat said...

Oh, my! Just the perfect tablescape as far as this booklover is concerned! That could be out pretty much most of the year. I would want to sit there, eating or not!

Pat

Decor To Adore said...

Your entire tabletop makes me feel very merry and bright! Those place cards! :)

Seasons greetings to you.

Anita Diaz said...

Wow is all I can say. This is just gorgeous, and unique. You have such a talent for combing things no one else would think of putting together! The napkin rings are so creative, as are the bookmark "placecards." The crystal is just fabulous. Everything is just beautiful! Thanks so much for stopping by! I would LOVE to see what you do with the Radko plates. I can only imagine!

Tricia said...

How I wish I were in your book club! I loved the Edgar Sawtelle book, but to see your gorgeous table in person would be the true delight! Just gorgeous, with the rich paisley and plaid, the books stacked on the table -- gorgeous! And what a clever bookmark idea -- love it.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

First -- I'm in LOVE with that dog figurine! Your table is so welcoming -- it looks as though you are dining in an old English library! What a wonderful idea for the bookmark -- this is perfect for a book club dinner. I'm sure your guests were quite delighted.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What a charming tablescape! I love your book page napkin rings...perfect! And your bookmarks will make wonderful gifts! I am sure that your guests had a wonderful time and were impressed by your lovely table! Merry Christmas!...hugs...Debbie

Burlap Luxe said...

Delores,
What a beautiful "House Beautiful" Magazine beauty over here! The JUDGES give you straight 10's!!!

I really love the "Jute Binding" name place tags, I used the same one in my shop for boarder trim above the burlap on the walls.

Thank you dear!! for your beautiful visit to my humble Joyeux Noel Tree in gary's and whites.

Now I am going to go and throw out all in my dinner room and start over after visiting yours :)

Keep on designing beautiful settings.

Cheers
Joyeux Noel.

xoxo
Dore

Calypso In The Country said...

So many creative touches! You just have the coziest dining room! I don't think I would ever leave if I had dinner at your house!

quintessence said...

Love the place tag book marks - a pretty and practical gift!! And as for your introductory remarks, I don't think anyone in their right mind could ever associate you with the word lazy!!

Barbara said...

Oh, I just love this table! The plaids, the paisley and most of all the books. I am smiling at how you used the old books. I keep buying old books so I can use the pages for decor but I can't bring myself to do it! The closest so far is using an old dictionary. Thank you for the inspiration!

Entertaining Women said...

The table is gorgeous, and I must give you props for the special personal touches...the webbing bookmark/place cart...the napkin rings...outstanding choices! How about IVANHOE by Sir Walter Scott? I think that you could do an entire meeting just on the prelude...such a wonderful study on the evolution of fiction. Thank you for stopping by my post. Please, come visit any time. I do adore your blog and you meticulous attention to detail. Cherry Kay

Marigene said...

Beautiful, Delores!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table setting! It looks so cozy and perfect for Christmas morning.
Thanks for sharing and happy holidays!
Xo,
E&J

Anonymous said...

We had our Christmas book group tonight. An Agatha Christie - Poirot's Christmas. As I was leaving, tonight's hostess, Roz, asked if I saw your blog on your book discussion group. I do hover round your delightful posts, but, had been gone for about a week, but, my friend knows me well and knew I would love this setting- and I did, indeed! This is absolutely wonderful; from the bookmark/placesettings, plates, use of books, and, of course, the dog. We read Edgar Sawtelle last year and had a lively discussion on it. You have given me some wonderful ideas for tablesettings for the holidays. Thank you.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Your table is absolutely gorgeous and warm and inviting--I don't think I would be able to change it for a long time! And your bookmarks are ingenious! Let us know what you choose to read next! Linda

Elizabeth said...

You are incredibly creative. It all looks striking and very professional. I wonder how you got the names onto the bookmark place markers. I couldn't tell if you used ink...It's lovely. Is the book that you are reading a good one? I've seen it, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy it.

I hope you had a wonderful party.

Unknown said...

*Gasp* It's beautiful.

Angela said...

Okay, I have to ask a stupid question. I love to set the table and tablescape for dinner parties, but I always back off on the centerpieces so there is room for the food. Your centerpieces are all so stunning but there is no room left for serving dishes. Do you have your guests take their plates to a buffet line or do you just squeeze the serving dishes in around the centerpieces? Even with 36 at Thanksgiving this year, I just didn't feel right doing a buffet line. As a consequence, I had little room for grand centerpieces. Thanks for sharing.

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