AT LONG LAST

Many months ago, a very loved niece of mine sent me a box of beautiful dinnerware. When I called to thank her, she stated that more boxes were on their way. And they were! By the time all three boxes had arrived, I had Johnson Bros. stoneware that consisted of eight dinner plates, eight salad plates, eight appetizer plates, eight small bowls, eight soup bowls, eight cups and saucers, a platter, and to top it off, eight coordinating goblets! I was completely overwhelmed!! Apparently, Patty had gotten the set from a friend knowing full well who would appreciate it the most.  And, I certainly do.  I have had a table in mind for these dishes for a long time, but life has just gotten in the way this year. Now, AT LONG LAST, I am able to create a table that I hope honors, not only the beauty of the set itself, but the appreciation and love I feel for the gesture that Patty made by obtaining this wonderful set and passing it on to me. This will be a Valentine's Day table!

Here Is The Table I Created:

Here's How It Was Created:

I started with my red tablecloth that I use regularly for Christmas and Valentine's Day:

I decided the color scheme for this table would be red, white, black and silver. I wanted a more sophisticated color scheme, so those colors seemed right. I had found these silver chargers at HomeGoods a while ago. Right now their intricate pattern seems somewhat romantic and perfect for a Valentine's Day table. I'm actually using them more as a placemat than a charger.

The next layer of my dish stack became a black plate with a pebbled border that I found at Anna's Linens (unfortunately one of my favorite stores that has now closed!) I wanted to bring out the color black so I added this plate.

Now for the "guests of honor" on the table. I started with the dinner plate. The plate is labeled, Johnson Bros Ironstone,  "Marbella".  There is an additional notation of "Snowhite" above the pattern name, and I'm not sure what that means. My best guess would be that the "Marbella" pattern comes in different colors, and this one is "Snowhite".  Please take note of the floral pattern on these plates. I don't recognize what the particular flowers are (can anyone help out there?), but I found the pattern very striking, especially in the red, white and black color scheme.

I added the appetizer plate next.

Here is the completed place setting:

It consists of a red napkin wrapped in a silver sleeve accented with a silver filigree napkin ring:

The silverplate I used was my late mother-in-law's and is is Rogers Bros. in the Heritage pattern.

I absolutely love the black goblets that are part of this set. They are a perfect size and complement the stoneware so well.

I also made the cup and saucer a part of this place setting. The shape of the cup and with its coordinating black saucer adds a definite touch of sophistication to this dinnerware set.

My centerpiece begins with silver placemats and a Valentine's Day heart wreath that reflects the color scheme and theme of the table.

I then added a favorite glass vase filled with faux red flowers and lighted pearls,  and completed the look with red candleholders. In the evening they should add a romantic glow to the table!

I wanted to share the accent pieces that are part of the dinnerware set as well: an oval platter (love the shape!) and a bowl.

I have so enjoyed planning and executing this tablescape to showcase this gifted stoneware that was so unexpected and so very appreciated. Many, many thanks, dear Patty; for the generous surprise, and very special contribution to my tablescaping hobby.

I'll be joining Susan's Tablescape Thursday at  www.betweennapsontheporch.net. Thank you, Susan, for hosting this fun party where we get to invent a space for our dishes! Please be sure and drop by to see all the other tables. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, everyone!