Whether it is a sleek dinner plate or a beloved heirloom, like your grandmother's teacup, inspiration for your reception tables can be found in the china cabinet. Florists and designers often look to serving vessels such as milk jars and antique carafes for décor, so why not take it one step further and turn beautiful place settings— available to rent or buy—into the launching point for your wedding style? Let the colors, patterns and moods set the tone for invitations, escort cards, cakes and stunning floral displays.
A Blooming Start
Adorned with delicate cherry blossoms, this place setting creates a sophisticated and romantic mood. Invitations by Erica Keuter Designs are vibrantly paired with satin lamour from Designer Specialty Linens and Madison fine china by Cru Dinnerware ($29-$90), available at Macy's.
The French Connection
Inspired by the fleur-de-lis stamp on these clean, white French
farmhouse-style plates, Andrea Boudewijn of Studio City’s Superfine Bakery
created a lemon-soaked cake with blood orange buttercream. Linen: Purple Smoke
shantung from BB J Linen; china: Fluer De Lys stoneware plates ($12-$16) from
Anthropologie.
Purple Reign
The gold filigreed vine around the plate’s rim sets a delicate,
rich mood, while a vessel of marginata, amaranthus, arabicum, astilbe, cobra
lilies, trachelium, eucalyptus pods, hydrangeas, scabiosa pods, ferns, lotus
pods and dahlias finish the look. Flatware: Vintage Pearl silverware from Town
& Country Event Rentals;flowers: Le Petite Gardenia; linen: Chocolate
Lamour from Classic Party Rentals; place card: Erica Keuter Designs.
Mix and Match
Lovers of mismatched vintage dishware can tie the look together with strong, unique floral arrangements. This floral display uses a gold birdcage as the form upon which calla lilies, paper flowers, succulents, vintage jewelry, western cedar and skeleton leaves are added. The materials are woven together to create an abstract floral display and strung from above by a string of pearls. Flowers: Le Petite Gardenia; china: Various designs from The Vintage Table Co.
Garden Party
If a clean and simple place setting is your preference,but you love a pop of flowers, then let a bold linen make a stunning statement. A cobalt blue dinner plate rests atop a charger with an ornate gold band—adding a metallic elegance to the scene. China: Cobalt blue porcelain plate and Golden Opulence glass charger from Town & Country Event Rentals; linen: Carlisle Lamour from BBJ Linen.
