Pages

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Start with a Purple Glass

It all started when I saw some pretty purple glasses in the clearance pages of a Ballard Design catalog.  They were marked way down, plus I had a coupon, so I ordered them.  They arrived in just a few days, and they were even prettier in person.  If you look closely, you can see the pattern includes a crown. 
I asked my husband to bring home some purple flowers from the grocery store, and he obliged, selecting these lovely Dutch iris.
I tried several combinations of china patterns and placemats and even briefly considered ironing a giant white tablecloth before I came to my senses.  I only have one set of napkins in my stash that includes a little purple, and no other linens in the "right" purple, so I finally settled on using the plain white backside of some placemats.
I used plain white plates set on silver chargers -- really silver trays we received as wedding gifts.  Each one is a little different.
 Silver was apparently a LOT less expensive way back in 1972, because we received a lot of it!  Over the years my trays have played a role in many receptions, bridal and baby showers, etc.
Once I settled on using the silver trays as chargers, I pulled out more silver to continue the theme.  The silver goblets were also wedding gifts.
The tiny salt and pepper shakers belonged to my in-laws.  Aren't they sweet?
I happened to remember some purple candles, left from our Advent wreath, so after a quick polish of the candelabra, the centerpiece was complete.
Here's a placesetting. 
And here are a few views of the table.

Thank you for visiting! I will be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch later this week.

18 comments:

  1. So pretty, Tricia! Purple is a favorite color, and it always looks regal! I'm glad you were able to get a good deal on the glassware. That was a happy start with an equally happy ending in this tablescape!

    Silver WAS a lot less back in the 70s! I remember getting stuff for my (first) marriage that today would cost nothing short of a fortune. Silver was a lot less pricey back in the early 2000s, too, and that's when I swooped in to more than quadruple my stash. I just love it, even though it requires special attention and precise storage methods to keep from tarnishing. I don't think too many of today's brides are much interested in a lot of silver, but I have always and WILL always love it!

    Great idea to simply flip a placemat over for the right look! Those napkins are super pretty, too! Your husband did a good job of picking our flowers. What a guy!

    Even though I'm a big tablecloth fan, I'm with you on skipping the tablecloth on this one. The wood looks beautiful and lets the purple stand out without as much apparent contrast. So pretty!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am crazy about this. Really, it's just so stunning to me, and I fell in love with the purple in the thumbnail on my dashboard before I even opened the link. I'm so glad you went with the white and silver to go with it so as not to take away from the napkins and the glasses.

    And tell your husband he gets two enthusiastic thumbs up for the flower choice!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love silver and yes, it's a fortune today! I'm lucky that what I have are mostly heirlooms, but I haven't got silverware, though. Hope someday to go to Peru to get it a lot cheaper tan others. Your table is stunning Tricia, you are such an elegant lady! Everything purple is so elegant and regal, I'm into it lately. Your hubby's flowers are lovely. Have a happy Valentine's.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tricia, I love those purple glasses. They are so classic. How perfect are the irises for this table, and the napkins too. I have no silver chargers like that, they are beautiful. Joni

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, wow, wow, those glasses are stunning! Of course I love the color, but the design is fabulous too. Hubby did a perfect job with the flowers. It couldn't have been a better match!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tricia, I'm swooning over your silver trays with their beautiful rims and new purple glasses! Your irises and napkins are the perfect addition!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tricia, I just love this! Oh wow, those glasses are so pretty, I have to jump over to their website and see if I can get some, but if not I think I've seen something similar at a store near my house. They were plastic but no one will know ;) and now that I've seen what a pretty table you can make with them, I have to get some! Love all your silver, too. Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.
    History & Home link party, Tue-Fri weekly

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love your tablescape....the silver trays and touches of purple are stunning :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh so pretty! Love the purple with silver- what a great combo! Lucky you to own the silver chargers! I think the white side of the placemats wre a great choice- they let the setting play off it nicely! You don't look like you are old enough to have been married in 1972! Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Tricia - this is so strange. I thought I left a comment on your beautiful table yesterday - I even remember writing about how hard it is to find purple napkins. However, I do not see the comment - strange! Anyway, I love silver and purple together and your table is gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What an amazing table. My daughters and daughter-in-laws would go gaga over a table in purples. Maybe I will try this for their birthdays! Thank you for sharing such a lovely table. I am a little jealous, though. I was married in the 1970's and registered for silver. Did not receive a single placesetting!

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a stunning table! I LOVE your new glasses and the napkins are a perfect fit. I've got to start looking for silver trays while out antiquing because they do make wonderful chargers! Your flowers are perfect: it just all looks sooo lovely. Bravo!! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pretty Purple! What a beautiful set of purple goblets and so glad you found them at a great price. Your purple designed napkins are perfect with the glassware. Your table for four will be wonderful for a party. Hope you will take a peek at my Valentine's red and white table for you might enjoy it!

    Have a grand 14th!
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a beautiful shade of purple! Gorgeous table, Tricia. Those napkins match the new glassware perfectly.
    Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tricia, I always love your tables. They always have such an elegant look. That glassware is awesome and you are so smart to flip over the placemats. Love you idea for the silver trays for chargers.
    So glad I got to see this. Have a Happy Valentine's Day.
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  16. This table is beautiful. and it all started with the glasses! I love those silver chargers, too, and your husband was so thoughtful to get the irises.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Purple and silver goes well together and your beautiful wood table sets all your dishes off. I love your new glasses and the purple floral napkin and french iris flowers are perfect together. Very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your tables are always wonderful, Tricia. I'm glad you got a good close up of the detail on the new glasses; they are indeed special and worth swooping in to get on sale. I love the way you coordinated everything and how you displayed the iris too.

    ReplyDelete