What do you get when you combine a warm fall menu, a richly appointed table and 7 vibrant women of a more mature age? 5 1/2 hours of eating, laughter, stories and fun!!!!!
I had a brunch for my mother and some of her friends this past Monday. The are all in their 70's and 80's and are talented, vibrant and lots and lots of fun...
The inspiration for this table (aside from these great women) was a richly colored fall tablecloth I found at TJ Maxx. It was screaming, " fall is here, take me home!!!!!!" And I have learned that when one is screamed at by a tablecloth one should listen!
The tablecloth reminded me of a rather bohemian lush tapestry. So I used that same theme and attitude setting the table as well. Instead of having the tablecloth be enough visual punch, I equaled its visual statement with everything I put on the table.
I wanted it to be lush and rich... just like Autumn had tumbled out and poured all over the table. Almost visual overload... just like the bounty of the season.
Each place was set sans placemats. I picked up these beautiful scrolled edged plates at HomeGoods last week just for the occasion. I thought their deep burnt pumpkin color would work so nicely with the tablecloth. Piled on top of the dinner plates, a trio of smaller dishes add height, color and interest.
A green heavily detailed plate with an oil rubbed band (HoneGoods) is topped with another pumpkin colored square plate (Pier 1). The raised dot detail makes my heart sing!
A leaf plate (HomeGoods) pairs with a little leaf bowl (Pier 1) wrapped in bittersweet to continue the Autumn theme.
The dear brunch guests gasped when they saw the number of plates. They all wondered if I was serving a 5 course brunch. I assured them that I just love to stack plates for a fun effect!
A StoneGable garden pumpkin sits on a little leaf and becomes a take home gift for each guest.
The same brown marbleized flatware (HomeGoods) that I have been using for the last couple of weeks make yet another appearance at the table this week! They are perfect for this time of year!
Doubling napkins seems to be a StoneGable habit. Napkins that match the tablecloth are combined with dark green napkins. They are pulled through a bittersweet napkin ring (Olde Millhouse Shoppe) and fluffed next to the forks.
Gold bubble glasses (HomeGoods) and warm mustard colored mugs (Wegman's) wait brunch libations.
Two sets of fun themed salt and pepper shakers sit at each end of the table. One a playful set of squirrels sitting on a leaf...
And little detailed acorns.
The center of the table is full of fall color and elements, too! A rusty colored mum is placed in a large golden bowl (Wm- Sonoma) and embellished.
Adding wonderful, fun elements gives this mum the centerpiece treatment!
Burnt orange turned candles adorn either side of the centerpiece. They are perched on white washed wooden candlesticks.
To fill in the table, little pumpkins and leaves are scattered here and there!
We all had such a lovely time together, enjoying a good meal and each other's company!
The Menu
Mulled Apple Cider Spritzer
Waldorf Salad
Maple Sausages
Coffee
Tea
Shoo Fly Cake
Look for the recipe in an upcoming foodie friday.
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