I am sure you know citrics are rich in vitamin C, which protects us from colds and the flu, but did you know that silver has great antiseptic properties too? It does! In fact, silver has been used throughout history for its antiseptic and germicide properties in many aspects of life! Naturally, having lived a whole year through this pandemic, I figured that capturing it in some allegoric way would be a hopeful reminder of how we must approach 2021…prepared to continue protecting our health!
I also wanted to set the table in a sparkly and luminous way that would go well with the richness of our Christmas decor. Since the embroidered tulle tablecloth is so ornate, I wanted the rest of the elements to subtly blend-in, so as to simply add luminosity to the entire table.
Hand-cut crystal and mirror-like sterling silver were the perfect choice. Beaded sprays and white flowers, mixed with touches of orange and gold, by way of the real mandarin oranges, helped to anchor the tablescape in an Edwardian, trumpet sterling silver vase by Watson. Again, just like I did for my Christmas Eve table, using what you have around the house works!
For added lace-like drama, I used my Gorham Melrose candelabra (removing the arms) and added the 19th century, Gorham sterling silver pierced shades. These are very difficult to find, but I was able to link below some silver plated ones that look very similar! To finish the centerpiece, I also extended the orange blossom touches by arranging more flowers in Towle sterling silver cordial goblets and Fisher and Arrow urns. These little urns are highly collectable because, although they were originally used to hold cigarettes and toothpicks, they are quite versatile for other things in modern times.
For the stemware, I decided to use the Alvin sterling silver goblets, and pair them with Redlich sterling silver and needle-etched crystal-lined goblets. For the champagne, I highlighted the minimal gold of the table with Ralph Lauren Home Landon Gold champagne flutes.
As you can see, crystal was an easy way to add sparkle, so I relied on it heavily for the place setting too. Using a Ralph Lauren Hewitt Platinum dinner plate over the Wallace sterling silver chargers, I also used Silver City Flanders Poppy footed plates for the appetizer. They reinforced the flowers on the tablecloth, as well as the orange blossoms from the centerpiece. Since I didn’t want to cover the sterling overlay florals, I used the cut rock crystal bowls for the soup.
The bread plates were Whiting Talisman Rose coasters that I repurposed, since I have collected so many of them throughout the years. For the flatware, I mixed the sterling silver Wallace Grande Baroque pattern with two sets of pearl handled flatware. The appetizer set is by 1847 Rogers Bros., and has plated blades and sterling ferrules. The dessert set above the plate is all-sterling, from the 19th century, by British silversmith, Walter Trickett. The butter knives also have plated blades and sterling ferrules, but are unmarked.
I am definitely a “more is more, and less is a bore” kind of girl, so I always add some tidbits for added drama. For this table, I added the antique, French, hand-cut crystal knife rests, and the Gorham sterling silver Strasbourg/Cromwell nut bowls, which I repurposed for our 12 midnight grapes! You will also see in some of the pictures, a British hand-cut crystal claret jug with a sterling spout and handle by silversmith John Grinsell & Sons, and an American Brilliant Period, hand-cut crystal bottle. Both are from the 19th century.
As for the menu, we had sweet potato veloute; Russian egg and potato salad; individual beef wellingtons. For dessert, I made mandarin Charlotte Russe.
I hope you enjoy this table! It has been one of my favorite ones ever! In fact, we kept it for a few days after. For New Year’s Day brunch, I added the Mikasa “Something Old” salad plates and teacups too. I also featured a lovely glass beehive honey pot that you can see in the pictures!
I certainly hope you all have a sparkly year ahead!
THE CENTERPIECE ELEMENTS:
THE TABLECLOTH:
THE STEMWARE:
THE FLATWARE:
THE KNIFE RESTS:
THE PLACE SETTING PLATES:
THE DECORATIVE ELEMENTS:
THE MORNING AFTER BREAKFAST:
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