Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Summer's Bounty Tablescape


I love this time of year when the produce is so fresh and delicious. It's so much fun shopping the local farmer's markets both in San Francisco and in Healdsburg. Often times, we even stop at local fruit stands and buy direct from farmers.
There is nothing like fresh organic heirloom tomatoes, corn on the cob and sweet peaches--Mr. A's favorite.

The inspiration for this tablescape is our summer's bounty of fresh, local produce. This tiered stand is perfect for showcasing fruits and vegetables of the summer season, starting with these sweet cherries for the first tier.

Lovely white peaches for the second tier.

And heirloom tomatoes and zucchini for the bottom. The best thing about this centerpiece is that we get to eat it later!

The dinner plates are vintage by Masons in the "Fruit Basket" pattern, which is apropos for this table setting.

I then added these hand made leaf plates. They were made by Mr. A's grandmother in 1962! We were fortunate to inherit two green ones and two brown ones.

She signed the back "S. Hagopian, 1962."
They remind me of majolica, and I think that is what she was trying to create when she made these. She was definitely ahead of her time and a very talented artist too.

In keeping with the summer harvest theme, I put an artichoke on each plate.

Corn on the cob resting in the majolica corn dish completes the table.


Close up detail of one of the brown dishes. Truly a one-of-a-kind plate!


Time to light the candles.


Linen napkins, wicker hurricanes and wicker glass sleeves keep it organic.

For a summer flower, yellow rudbeckia plants in wicker pots are perfect to go with the harvest theme.



The light is slowly fading...

and fading....time for dinner!

Chicken wire chargers, tiered basket and table runner: Pottery Barn
Salad plates: Hand made by Satenig Hagopian, circa 1962
Dinner plates: vintage Masons "Fruit Basket"
Corn cob plates: Bordello Pinheiro
Napkins, glasses and hurricanes: Tuesday Morning
Ceramic chickens: vintage
Flatware: Ross
Flowers, fruit and veggies: Trader Joe's

I'm proud to be joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her 99th Tablescape Thursday!
It's always a pleasure to participate in this "party" and visit other tablescapes too.
Thanks Susan for being the host with the most!

On Friday, I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. A beautiful blog to visit!

Because I love fresh fruits and veggies, I'm linking up to Laurie's Favorite Things Saturday party at Bargain Hunting With Laurie. Be sure to visit to see more favorite things.
Thanks Cindy and Laurie for hosting!

On Sunday, I'll join in the fun at Summer Sunday over at The Tablescaper! It's all about what summer means to us all.


56 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, Delores! Those treasured heirloom plates are positively magical...I ♥ them!!!!

    The chickenwire place settings are sooooo YOU...rustic & classic & unique, too.
    You know, I bought a similar 3 tiered basket on sale & RETURNED it like a dummy because I felt it was too big for my tables & counter. ~~kick-kick~~ If I ever see another...sale or not....I'm getting it!

    Oh & your photo of those cherries is magical, too! AWESOME light play!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your table is beautiful; the centerpiece is to die for; but your maple plates are priceless!

    ReplyDelete
  3. like something out of a book ..

    girl, everything you do is p.e.r.f.e.c.t.

    what time is brunch?

    ReplyDelete
  4. You set the most BEAUTIFUL table settings!!!! I agree with cityfarmer.... everything is always PERFECT!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your table is really pretty! If I got going on which pieces I love, well, I'd have to rewrite your whole post. That would be too silly, wouldn't it? I'll just say - wow! - for your mil's plates! i love the brown ones. Your table is so organic and soothing because of it!

    In your last post - I was just telling someone, on sunday, how i miss lizards. I think that the East Coast "lizard" is a chipmunk. The snakes I could do without, however. eeeeeeep! We have them, too! Good thing you have so much lavender - it's soothing to the nerves and soul, no? =]

    Love, Katy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very nice tablescape to celebrate dining!
    You've done a super job creating an atmosphere.

    Enjoyed seeing this post!
    God bless,
    d

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful table setting. The fresh produce looks so good.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i love all the fresh produce too, if ever you are on 80 heading east thru suisun you MUST stop at larrys, dirt floors, wheelbarrows to shop with and crowds to rival the ferry building, the prices will knock you over with a feather, dirt cheap, people come from sf every weekend, you can fill your trunk for 20 bucks.

    your cherry shot is prize worthy, the lighting is fantastic...

    and more of that wonderful chicken wire~

    incredible workmanship from your family, really beautiful plates!

    loved your table, casual, comfy and rich in texture.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Catching up on blog reading this AM and I must say that Mr. A's GM was one talented lady to make four of those pretty plates. I miss all the fresh produce that was so readily available to me when I was out in CA. There is a tiny farmers market here just off the island in Blufton one afternoon a week that has the sweetest corn ever. I like to so much I ate the leftovers for breakfast:-) Hi to Maureen for me.
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow! I really think that puts it best. You have captured such a moment. The exquisite shades of the fruit blend so perfectly with the entire tablescape. Those leaf plates are simply outstanding. How fortunate for you to have such treasures. Just outstanding. The green ones are spectacular, but the variation of color in the brown ones is unbelieveable. And the addition of the chicken wire gives it such a great impact.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  11. My goodness!! Just wonderful! I could look over and over at your pictures!!!
    This is really inviting. Can I join you at this table??
    xx
    Greet

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gorgeous!! I always love your tablescapes. but this is definitely one of my favorite! Love those chsrgers, and of course the plates!! We are also enjoying fresh produce from my parent's garden. There's nothing like going next door for fresh tomatoes and cucumbers! Beautiful table!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Delores, Oh My how gorgeous is the fruit mixed with your beautiful dishes. I love this table setting. I know what you mean about the fruit.We have been going out to the fruit stands for fresh produce and it is wonderful this year. The corn is the sweetest ever, I wonder if the rain had something to do with it. Love everything you do my sweet friend,Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yummy! I'll be right over Delores, and I will bring the wine!

    xxoo kelley

    ReplyDelete
  15. That was beautiful, I love a table that is set with love and care...it shows!

    ReplyDelete
  16. That close up of the cherries was gorgeous! It looked like they were glowing!

    And those wire chargers are fabulous!! I can think of all kinds of things to do with those.

    Lovely pictures, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your table is so nice and casual. And the bench, with the linen French pillows looks like you could settle in for a long conversation. I loved seeing the unusual leaf plates. Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Delores, this is my favorite of all the beautiful tables you have shown us...I also did a green and white table, this week. The leaf plates are so pretty, especially the brown with the bits of green. The chicken wire chargers are so unique...but the star of the table are the plates, just gorgeous. The produce centerpiece looks good enough to eat!

    ReplyDelete
  19. So beautiful! No detail ignored!

    Love it!

    Enjoy!
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  20. HI Delores,
    Well, brilliant minds think alike and all that, I've got fruits and veggies posted today, too! Yours are much better than mine - I've got to upgrade my camera! Your table is gorgeous as always, when is dinner I can be there in a about an hour!
    Hope your summer is going great so far, I hope we can plan our shopping trip soon!
    XO
    Heidi - Heart and Home

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is just stunning! I love your chargers but you left no detail undone. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful, this is just perfect-enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I wish I lived closer! I have those same wicker sleeved glasses at the beach, love them!

    ReplyDelete
  24. How very, very pretty. Hope you have a great week. Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very nice ... love the candle light!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I can imagine that no one wanted to get up and leave the table at the end of the meal. A perfect setting for lingering and sharing good conversation and perhaps a great glass of wine. Lovely design. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  27. Delores, your table is just amazing. I love everything about your home and gardens. I've really enjoyed looking back through your posts. It's all just beautiful!
    xo,
    Debra

    ReplyDelete
  28. Bountiful to say the least! WOSERS! I love your tablescape... I feel like I am in the Italian countryside! Where did you find thos fabulous chicken wire baskets/ chargers??? I LOVE THEM!!!!!
    And I can appreciate farm fresh produce... I live in a farm area and love grabbing a nice big sweet watermelon for a dollar, on the side of the road!
    Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  29. your table setting belongs in a magazine! It's perfection. LOVE the runner and placemats. The dishes are just wonderful! So great how you played off the produce for color inspiration.
    Debbie@houseatthelake

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is so very pretty. Those leaf plates are amazing. You are lucky to have them to enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This table is fabulous! I love the chicken wire chargers and especially the tiered basket! And I'll bet that the veggies smell wonderful--there's really nothing like the fresh smell of a tomato just picked and warmed by the sun. Your plates are also wonderful! Great job! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love it all, but I love love love the placemats. The leaf plates are one of my favorites .

    ReplyDelete
  33. Delores, great tablescape with such a sommerly and romantic atmosphere. Yes, and there is more in the air, a touch of southern feeling. Those plates are really a artwork for themself. What a luck that you have got them.
    Greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh, this is my kind of tablescape! Lots of texture and organic elements. I managed to resist that tiered basket at PB yesterday. Now I am sorry that I did. The leaf plates are such a treasure! How lucky you are to have them. They look lovely on your table.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Delores, Your table and photographs are wonderful! Love the chicken wire place mats, The three tier stand and the leaf plates. Everything is lovely. We are headed to the farmers market tomorrow!
    xo, Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  36. the leaf plates are just beautiful! their life like shape really makes them the best! beautiful tablescape!

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a special table! Your dishes are just amazing, I know you're thrilled to be able to use them! I love the rustic theme of this setting, the wire placemats and flowers are the perfect combination. Thanks so much for sharing!
    Sharlotte

    ReplyDelete
  38. Such a wonderful table! I love how the fresh fruit and vegetables are the stars, but the wonderful plates and placemats add to the appealing scene. I must confess, that centerpiece wouldn't last long in my house, as I'd steal a cherry on every pass through the kitchen! Don't you love cherry season?

    ReplyDelete
  39. One word . . . breathtaking!!!
    Truly inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Delores, what a beautiful post! I love everything. It is so inspirational! I love your style!

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a beautiful table you've set. I love all the texture and organic feel to it. From the fresh fruits and vegtables to the glass sleeves and that fabulous tablecloth. Just love it all!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love your chicken wire table accessories, Delores. So unusual! And the fruits and veggies look so fresh and yummy...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  43. You really did a great job putting everything together. I really like your dishes. Have a nice weekend, Mary

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is just so inviting. I am inspired to set my table too! Great post and thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  45. So beautiful. Love all the natura elements of your tablescape.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Another spectacular table Delores! I love everything on this table. Those chargers are so unique and so perfect for this summer setting. I am so amazed and so in love with the hand-made leaf plates! How wonderful that you have those, and what a talented and smart woman she was! The edible centerpiece is fabulous too. Summer tomatoes are one of my favs - I probably eat at least one a day during the season. Thanks so much for linking this to Fav. Things Sat. Have a wonderful weekend. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  47. Beautiful post. I adore your choice for the chargers. They are so unique. Would you mind sharing where you got them? hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  48. OMG! Stunning!!!! GORGEOUS! WOW! What do I not like about this!? I love all the fresh fruit, I love the plates, I love the dining room, and the pillows - WOW! I'm so jealous! Can you set it all up again? I'll be there in a minute! :) xo, Artie

    ReplyDelete
  49. I just love all of this!!! All the fresh produce is wonderful...I especially love the Rainer cherries...they are wonderful!! The three tiered wire basket is beautiful as are your dishes! Everything is perfect!! Thanks for sharing your table with us!

    Miss Bloomers

    ReplyDelete
  50. This such a beautiful and refreshing table. Summer's bounty is full of color and nutrition. I'm eating my way through pounds of cherries this summer along with fresh peaches, corn on the cob, etc. Love the wire chargers. I'm going to see if I can find a set of those. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hello,

    Nice to meet you. Had I known I would have seen photos to rival Food and Wine magazine I would have had a snack first. All looks not just inviting but quite delicious. I need a snack now.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Beautiful table! I love the pictures of the produce, just wonderful!
    I am late visiting due to computer troubles!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks so much for being a part of Summer Sundays! Hope to see you next Sunday!!!

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  54. The photos are so beautiful. I love the tablecloth. Really enjoy your blog. What a gorgeous home. Are all the photos from the country home. It's hard for me to tell.

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate your comments! If you have any questions, I will answer them here, so be sure to check back!