Wednesday, September 08, 2010

A Tablescape on a Grand Scale


For the wedding Saturday, tables were set outdoors at Heritage Acres. Old farm equipment, an old schoolhouse, charming signs and more evoked a sense of history.

White table cloths, gold napkins and table squares of dark pinky red with lines of gold and orange grounded the white dishes and glassware. The colours were perfect for a last hurrah to summer. 


The head table had runners instead of table squares. I found a great deal on tablecloths and bought 4 long ones to make runners for the head table and the serving tables. The table center squares were napkins in the same design.

The gold napkins were rented along with the dishes and tables.


Each table held a vase of dahlias, snapdragons, salal and twigs slightly raised on a slice of tree trunk. The vases were all thrifted - tones of green, golds, purple and pink. Trees cast long shadows across the area as we ate our dinner. 

The Bride wrapped fresh curly willow around each of the red wine bottles and let it dry.


Place cards were broken pieces of balsa wood washed with paint, then lettered and tied to the wine glasses.

The set up was gorgeous in the September sunshine. Not too hot, not too cold (until much later in the evening). The rain stayed away and a few stars twinkled high above us.


Katie, the Bride's Sister-in-law made a wonderful apple cake with a caramel filling, covered it with fondant and wrapped plastic twigs around it. Oh how yummy! The Bride made the cake stand in keeping with her woodsy theme. 


Yes, it was a lot of work. But I'm focusing on the beauty and on the joyful atmosphere created. It was a wonderful last hurrah to summer!

I'm linking this to Tablescape Thursday, hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Click on over for more gorgeous table settings.

15 comments:

  1. Hi Laurie,
    The outdoors setting is wonderful, the tables look gorgeous too.
    I'm sure it was a lot of hard work but it certainly paid off, tenfold.
    Maggie

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  2. So much effort made for a wonderful, unforgetable day. The tables look fantastic, and with weather permitting, outdoors is such a beautiful setting. Nature enhances the beauty of the event taking part in it.

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  3. What a romantic settings in a sunny day! Beautiful bride & handsome? Whatelse a guest can ask for?

    Happy TST,
    Greetings from Stockholm
    /chie

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  4. It's nice! all wine glasses makes that tables and also party so beautiful. As per i think that there are, if not good wine glasses then you should not have to arrange a party because that makes wrong impression against all invited persons. Thanks for this good post.

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  5. Hi Lorrie,

    It just keeps getting better and better. The tables settings are elegant and charming. I love the balsa wood tags.

    That cake is to die for. I bet it was delicious. You must still be over the moon.

    Big hugs,
    Barb

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  6. You and everyone who worked on this project just did an amazing job. That cake looks heavenly and the stand is so creative. I've really enjoyed seeing the contrasts between dainty, feminine, and woodsy. A wonderful marriage of styles and ideas...so creative!

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  7. What a beautiful setting!! I can't get over that cake and the flower arrangements are gorgeous too!

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  8. It all looks amazing! The perfect setting...and beautiful decor. I'm so glad the weather co-operated.

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  9. What a beautiful bride. I love that she re-did the veil (I said that wrong, beautiful brides!) The tables were lovely and the cake is so gorgeous. I can't believe someone made it. It looks fantastic. What a wonderful day and congratulations to all. I love having married children!

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  10. Man, that cake sounds yummy! I can't ever eat the wedding cake (unless I come across a gluten free wedding cake!)

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  11. The many personal touches made this such a special wedding. Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. Cherry Kay

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  12. Beautiful! Gorgeous cake, sounds delicious, apple and caramel...I love the unique cake stand.

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  13. Yes, it was surely a lot of work, but boy was it worth it !!! It really makes the wedding one of a kind and personal. And the cake, a real feast for the eyes (as well, because I guess that it sure was good !!) And the artistic display... really original. Your daughter is really lucky, in many ways !!

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  14. She is beautiful, and the flowers, and the cake.

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  15. ooohhh, how beautiful! The split logs holding up the cake is awesome. I think the balsa wood for the tags is so cool. Thanks for the ideas!

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