Several years ago, when Pier 1 was still among retail stores present and accounted for, I came across these wonderfully cheerful llama plates and was instantly smitten.
There is absolutely nothing restrained about them. Each llama has its own expression and personality—one in a jaunty green knitted hat, another sporting a flower, others looking variously bemused or very pleased with themselves.
Hands down, this guy is my favourite. Look at him—he is practically blushing with self-regard.
Did I need llama plates? I think we can all agree the answer is categorically no. But they were too good to pass up, and besides, how often do you come across llama plates?
They are quite painterly, which makes them surprisingly adaptable. Rather than heading in a brightly coloured, vaguely Southwestern direction, I decided to give them a more rustic setting and let their greens, golds and warm earthy colours lead the way.
A green-and-white gingham cloth provided the background, topped with galvanized metal chargers. I slipped white scalloped plates beneath the llamas, their green rims picking up the colour in the cloth and in several of our woolly protagonists’ accessories.
The galvanized metal reappeared in the centre of the table, where a tall pitcher held a great armful of sunflowers. They’re such obliging flowers—big, blowsy and cheerful, and quite capable of holding their own against a tableful of llamas.
Amber pressed-glass tumblers brought another warm note to the table. I particularly like them here with the sunflowers; when the light catches all that patterned glass, they positively glow.
The plaid napkins pulled everything together. Their rust, mustard, green and brown tones bridge the rather disparate elements—the gingham, galvanized metal, amber glass and brightly painted plates—without making everything look too carefully coordinated. Wooden napkin rings and wood-handled flatware added another layer of texture.
And then there were the cupcakes. I decided on Raspberry-Filled Vanilla Cupcakes with Lime Buttercream and it seemed precisely the table on which to have a little fun with them.
With their swirls of pale lime frosting, they looked remarkably at home tucked into colourful llama wrappers and topped with little llamas and cacti. Some went onto galvanized cake stands while others perched on small white pedestal dishes around the table.
Completely ridiculous. And absolutely perfect.
I particularly love the table from above. That’s often the view that reveals whether all the disparate pieces are actually getting along, and here they seem to be having a marvellous time together. The sunflowers provide a great splash of yellow, while the galvanized metal quiets everything down and the gingham keeps the whole affair feeling fresh and summery.
It’s certainly not a serious table, and perhaps that’s the point. Not every gathering needs heirloom china, polished silver and an elaborate menu. Sometimes a handful of sunflowers, a batch of cupcakes and four ridiculous llamas are more than enough reason to set the table.
And really, who could possibly be grumpy while eating a cupcake with one of these fellows staring back at them?
We’ve been enjoying blissful weather, barring the odd crashing thunderstorm from time to time. The dogs have been revelling in early morning walks on the beach at low tide. We had Lauren’s lovely German Shepherd, Rabbit the Dog, staying with us for a few weeks, and he fit right in.
The ranks actually swelled to five dogs one weekend, with the addition of Sophie, our neighbour’s golden, who happily came to stay with us. Feeding time went surprisingly smoothly, with everyone on their best behaviour. From left to right, front to back we have Churchill and Burton, then Sophie and Marigold in the middle and Rabbit looking on in his dignified way from the back.
Yes, we are nuts. And the answer to the next question: central vac and a Dyson stick. Regularly.
Happy weekend, all.
