Setting a formal table with silver and white

I have been waiting for ten years to set this table, and I finally have all the pieces necessary to make it as beautiful as the version in my head. (See the bottom of this post for a little more explanation on that.)

So many of these pieces have been in storage for years and years, I am so excited I finally dusted off all these “fancy” pieces and put them to use!

The silver beaded charger is a Costco find and at the time I bought them they were the fanciest thing I had ever seen. This is the first time they’ve been unwrapped and I love how every little bead caught a tiny reflection of light. The branch-pattern salad plate came from Pottery Barn clearance years and years ago. I have twelve of each of these, and definitely have the fancy-minded friends to fill up those places! Now I just need a table that can accommodate a dozen and Operation: Fancy Dinner Party For Twelve will be a reality!

I am not at all embarrassed to tell you that these are grocery store flowers stuffed into a jar from Wal-Mart (that I had to empty of it’s lentil contents to press into service as a vase). I do not think you need to spend oodles of money or shop at high end stores for a beautiful end-result. I mean, LOOK at those blooms! (The new 1.4 F-stop lens I got for Christmas isn’t doing them any disservices, either.)

My go-to navy tablecloth really makes all these silvery and white pieces pop. I bet this would also be gorgeous with a crisp white cloth (but that one was in the laundry, so you’ll have to use your imagination).

In addition to my older fancy pieces, I used a simple white dinner plate, white napkin, and silver napkin ring. I don’t know why I always steered away from white everyday dishes, I have been surprised at how often I pair them with brightly colored or patterned pieces and it looks just right.

The wine glasses have also been in storage for years, they were originally from Pier 1 (on clearance, because that’s how I roll).

Hellooooo, new lens! I really love this graphic-ish branch pattern! So simple! So pretty!

I added  a few votive candles in IKEA holders and my ages-old flatware, and this looks-more-fancy-than-it-is table is complete!

Gah! I die. So! Beautiful! I think I need to make a rule that during the cold and bleary months I shall always have fresh flowers on my dining room table. I don’t care if they are $1.99 Manager’s Special grocery store blooms, they shall be loved!

Sources:

Tablecloth: Amazon
Silver beaded chargers: Costco (old, old)
White dinner plates: Pottery Barn Caterer’s Box
Silver branch salad plates: Pottery Barn (old, old)
White hemstitch napkins: eBay
Silver napkin rings: Macy’s
Flatware: Target (old, old)
Wine Glasses: Pier 1 (old, old)
Votive candle holders: IKEA

Getting Real:

Once upon a time, almost ten years ago, I signed up for a brand new life. I registered for towels and linens with my then-fiance and we started to plan our future: grad school, travel, career, maybe kids. And then, almost as soon as it all began, everything fell apart. After I filed for divorce I boxed up almost everything that reminded me of this “would have been” life we had planned. It’s amazing the sad memories some things bring back, and the hope that comes from others.

These chargers, silvery branch salad plates and goblets were picked out a decade ago by my 20-year old self to use in all the fancy dinners and parties I would inevitably have with my brand new husband. I think this is the first time they’ve been taken out of the box, and I am so thrilled that the only associations are potential parties and fancy evenings at home with a dozen friends.