ideas for setting?



E

elaine

Guest
I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.

I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;

I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
 
"elaine" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4


Perhaps a cloth napkin rolled up with a napkin ring -- I know they are old
fashioned, but I have some that are German wooden-handpainted that I was
thinking about would be homey/cheery. You wouldn't have to set the table
that way.

Do I see a small vase there? If you have no flowers, search your yard for
some greenery for a vase.
Dee Dee
 
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected]
says...
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>


Flowers.

--
Peter Aitken
 
"elaine" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>


Those tie on chair back cushions...made in a pattern to match the artwork.

--

The house of the burning beet-Alan

It'll be a sunny day in August, when the Moon will shine that night-
Elbonian Folklore
 
"Dee Dee" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "elaine" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

>
> Perhaps a cloth napkin rolled up with a napkin ring -- I know they are old
> fashioned, but I have some that are German wooden-handpainted that I was
> thinking about would be homey/cheery. You wouldn't have to set the table
> that way.
>
> Do I see a small vase there? If you have no flowers, search your yard for
> some greenery for a vase.
> Dee Dee


Yes, I have flowers, but they would probably die before guests arrived (just
kidding, I do have friends)

LOVE the idea of the napkin ring. Thanks.........That would be perfect and
I was looking for somethig permanent.

elaine.
 
In article <[email protected]>,
"elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:

> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4


Are you saying you set tableware, flatware, etc. and just leave it there
all day, gathering dust? Like a showroom display? That's different.

Personally, I'd set a place for myself and use the silverware and the
wine glasses and a cloth napkin and enjoy dinner alone.

Or am I missing the gist of your post?
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007
 
"Melba's Jammin'" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> "elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly
>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

>
> Are you saying you set tableware, flatware, etc. and just leave it there
> all day, gathering dust? Like a showroom display? That's different.
>
> Personally, I'd set a place for myself and use the silverware and the
> wine glasses and a cloth napkin and enjoy dinner alone.
>
> Or am I missing the gist of your post?
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
> pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007


I'm with Barb. Dining solo or not, you are entitled to pretty linens, silver
and a proper wine glass. It's not "pretending" if you do it all the time!

Felice
 
elaine wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>

I would lose the dowdy turnstyle thing in the middle and get a/some
small vase(s) and fresh flowers. The placemats aren't terribly colorful,
yet would be an excellent backdrop for earthy or colorful dishes and
napkins. Very easy to dress up or down because of how neutral they are.
 
merryb wrote:

> Maybe red napkins and fresh flowers?


Like merryb mentioned, you could use red napkins, napkin rings, flowers
or a table runner. Pull the red color from the poppies in the painting,
to add a little color to your table. I like your floor, BTW.

Becca
 
On Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:44:46 -0400, Peter A wrote:

> In article <[email protected]>, [email protected]
> says...
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>>

>
> Flowers.


I always figured you for a flowers-at-the-table kind of guy.

Me - I want a nekkid woman in 3 of those chairs.

-sw (Maybe I *am* turning into a Sheldon !?!)
 
elaine wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4


I like the placemats and I like Dee Dee's suggestion of napkins (in rings or
not)... I'd make them a splash of cheery red to coordinate with the floral
painting on the wall. I have no idea what your dishes and glassware look
like, though, so that may not work for you. It would work for me because I
have simple white dishes with a lattice pattern around the rim. I like the
white stoneware because I can change up the colour of the glassware at will,
too. I'm thinking those place mats, white (or very simple pale) plates,
ruby red water goblets and red napkins.

Jill
 
Goomba38 wrote:
> elaine wrote:
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
>> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>>
>>

> I would lose the dowdy turnstyle thing in the middle and get a/some
> small vase(s) and fresh flowers. The placemats aren't terribly
> colorful, yet would be an excellent backdrop for earthy or colorful
> dishes and napkins. Very easy to dress up or down because of how
> neutral they are.


I had a lazy susan in the middle of my table once. While it was very handy
(especially when Thomas Jefferson came up with the idea since he had a much
larger table LOL) it took up way too much space.

Jill
 
elaine wrote:

> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4
>
>

I made a pieced tablecoth in sunset colors for my mom. The kidlings and
I went shopping and added:

- 8 washcloths in shades of red, orange, gold and yellow (instead of
cloth napkins)

- 8 tumblers in an orange-to-amber fade

- 1 layered rectangular candle
 
On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4


Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.

If I was to go purely by your table/chairs - I would have suggested a
blue & white motif, but you've chosen to go with more vibrant colors.
So, use contemporary prints for your napkins and seat cushions. Of
course, everyone has suggested flowers - which is a no brainer (I see
poppies, in your print which would also be dynamite on the table too),
and find some vibrant colors for your vases. If you're into
collecting or not, look for Fiesta Ware pottery (like a water pitcher,
tea pot or a jumbo cup & saucer).... they sell modern versions of it
for less at restaurant supply stores. I'd also do a chair rail on
the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a subtile two tone
green) under it for added distinction.

BTW: silk flowers aren't what they used to be. I have silk orchids
that you have to touch to know they aren't real.

sf
 
"sf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
>> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>
>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>> silly
>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>
>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

>
> Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
> you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
> to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.
>
> If I was to go purely by your table/chairs - I would have suggested a
> blue & white motif, but you've chosen to go with more vibrant colors.
> So, use contemporary prints for your napkins and seat cushions. Of
> course, everyone has suggested flowers - which is a no brainer (I see
> poppies, in your print which would also be dynamite on the table too),
> and find some vibrant colors for your vases. If you're into
> collecting or not, look for Fiesta Ware pottery (like a water pitcher,
> tea pot or a jumbo cup & saucer).... they sell modern versions of it
> for less at restaurant supply stores. I'd also do a chair rail on
> the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a subtile two tone
> green) under it for added distinction.
>
> BTW: silk flowers aren't what they used to be. I have silk orchids
> that you have to touch to know they aren't real.
>

Thanks everyone - all excellent suggestions.

What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??

e.
 
elaine wrote:
> "sf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On Jul 31, 4:29 pm, "elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match
>>> the colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>>>
>>> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems
>>> silly
>>> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>>>
>>> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>>>
>>> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4

>>
>> Thanks for the picture.... I can barely see your print, but I think
>> you have taken your inspiration from that! The FIRST THING you need
>> to do is find a table cloth to go underneath those placemats.
>>
>> I'd also do a
>> chair rail on the wall and paint broad stripes (probably in a
>> subtile two tone green) under it for added distinction.
>>

> Thanks everyone - all excellent suggestions.
>
> What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??
>
> e.


It's a railing made with that wood trim used around windows and doors (the
proper name escapes me). It's affixed to the wall about 3 feet from the
floor. Ostensibly it's to prevent the backs of chairs from scratching the
paint on the wall. A lot of people put wallpaper below the chair rail.
Your table is far enough away from the wall this would be purely for effect.

Jill
 
In article <[email protected]>,
"elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:

> What do you mean by a chair rail on the wall??
>
> e.


Elaine, in a Google search window, type in <define: chair rail> without
the brackets. That'll give you some concise definitions. Good luck
with your project. I love the yellow placemats.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com - story and
pics of Ronald McDonald House dinner posted 6-24-2007
 
On Jul 31, 6:29 pm, "elaine" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I've been looking for over a year for a tablecloth that might match the
> colours in my kitchen. Today I found placemats.
>
> I could set the table except no-one is coming for supper so it seems silly
> to pretend with silverware, wine glasses;
>
> I would love any suggestions to make this look cheerier.
>
> http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5xgluz4



Unless there are 4 people at your table for meals, I would get rid of
2 placemats; get rid of the condiments or whatever those things are in
the middle, and put a small, live plant in a red-painted flowerpot in
the center.

Give it some interest with some folk-art type ceramic stuff - a couple
candlesticks with short candles would be perfect. You could use 2
napkins, too, in a big graphic red/yellow design (or if you don't like
red, use another bright color in the setting, like blue or orange),
folded on each placemat.

N.