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Grapes are in season right now. The local vineyards are harvesting grapes and they have made their way to farmer's markets and grocers.
Today's tablescape was inspired by grapes.
When I think of grapes I think of words like earthy, succulent, fresh and rich. I wanted to set an earthy old world style table with a hint of rich decadence that a great wine conjures up. Sorta marrying the outdoor vineyard with the wine cellar.
Each place is set with a napkin folded to make a placemat. This is a trick I use so often. Just fold the center and smooth the side edges and no one ever knows. The creamy ivory damask tablecloth adds a heavy and rich background for the table.
Keeping with the vineyard theme wreaths made from grapevine become natural chargers.
These heavily embossed green grape plates have been used in several tablescapes. Their bronze oil rubbed border is all that is usually seen. But today the beautiful motif on the face of the plate echoes the theme of table
Adding a little glimmer to the table, bunches of sparkling grapes are draped across the salad plates.
Napkins are folded informally next to the plates. The traditional look and feel of the flatware carries the old world theme.
Warm brown fluted water glasses give are very elegant in style . I think these are such a lovely quality. And I am very fond of footed stemware. I got these at JC Penney. I was delighted to find such good quality.
Large grape laden salt and pepper shakers grace the table. They have the same bronze oil rubbed banding as the plates.
The centerpiece is a green bowl matching the salt and pepper's perched on a dark, turned pedestal to give a tiered affect. The bowl is filled to overflowing with an abundance of purple and green grapes. Grapes are also displayed around the edge of the pedestal.
Substantial glass lanterns with bronze oil rubbed hardware flank the centerpiece. Tall green pillars glow through the thick glass. You will see these again next month, I think they look like pumpkins. But for now they remind me of hand held lanterns used by vineyard worker to go out and tend the vines at night... frost makes sweet wine!
Dessert is waiting to be served. Dessert plates and flatware are placed on the table if there is room.
A bottle of great red wine is emptied into a hand blown wine decanter. This lovely piece was purchased a Peller Winery on Niagara-On-The-Lake. We try to go every year for their wine weeks in September. A most magical place!
Wine will be served with a cheese board. And then taken to the table.
StoneGable tip: To make a $10.00 bottle of red wine taste like a $50.00 + bottle of wine, decant it (and use an aerator if you have one) then let it sit for 10 ~ 30 minutes before serving. You can also pour a glass and let it sit for 30 minutes. WOW! You won't believe the difference. Red wine mellows out and looses that taste that makes the back of your jaws pucker.
The Menu
Cheese Board
Apple, Beet and Carrot Salad
Pork Loin Stuffed With Butternut Squash and Bleu
Roasted Garlic and Leek Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Broccoli
Individual Grape Tarts
Wine
Coffee
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