Apparently, word has got out that there is food at our house. The woodland creatures have arrived in force, and several have already settled into the middle of the table.
The Fantastical Forest plates by Pottery Barn were the starting point for the table. Their borders are alive with adorable woodland birds and animals, trailing branches and little pockets of flowers.
There is something different to discover as you work your way around the rim, while the open white centres leave plenty of room for dinner.
The squirrel is beautifully depicted, and the pompous gaze of the quail makes me laugh.
The plates cried out for an outdoor setting.
Woven chargers bring the colour and texture of basketry to each place, sitting comfortably against the autumn plaid tablecloth. Its muted greens, golds and russets gather up the colours from the plates without competing with their illustrations.
Sage-green napkins and dark green tumblers continue the leafy palette. Pewter napkin rings have joined the party, too.
Two green lanterns give the centre of the table some height and structure. Around their bases, autumn leaves mingle with pumpkins in an assortment of colours, patterns and textures.
Deep green velvet pumpkins nestle beside richly patterned chintz; smaller orange and pale green pumpkins fill the gaps. I like the way the patterned pumpkin picks up the intricacy of the china.
There is plenty going on, but the repeated greens and warm autumn colours keep the various pieces companionable.
Then there are the inhabitants. The hedgehog seems particularly well suited to this arrangement, tucked among leaves and acorns.
Squirrels abound, including this fellow with a rather splendid green bow.
The solemn bespectacled racoon sits upright beside the pumpkins, surveying proceedings with an expression that suggests the seating plan may require some adjustment.
Squirrels participate in salt distribution in two places. The little one in the picture above presides over an open salt bowl. And acorn shaped salt and pepper shakers below have a thoughtful tiny squirrel hiding between them.
Seen from above, the table becomes a busy forest floor, with a place laid for everyone around its edges.
It is a table for the mellow outdoor evenings that autumn provides, to be enjoyed with something warm from the oven, a second helping, and no particular hurry to clear away.
The woodland guests have certainly made themselves comfortable. It’s time for us to join in.
Sources:
- Dinner Plates: Fantastical Forest by Pottery Barn
- Green Tumblers: Magnolia Home (discontinued)
- Lanterns: Reina by Pier 1 (defunct)
- Acorn Napkin Rings: Williams Sonoma or Pottery Barn (discontinued)
- Animal Figurines, Squirrel and Acorn Salt & Pepper Shakers: Pier 1 (defunct)
- Velvet Pumpkins: Etsy
