One Table, Two Looks

by Rita C. - Panoply

2 Materials

I do a lot of tablescaping, using a mix of new and vintage items. In this post, I'm demonstrating how you can readily and somewhat easily make two looks with one table. My theme is Polished to Plaid: One Table, Two Looks.

Textiles as Inspiration for Two Looks

Both of today's looks started with the same basic underpinnings on the table for each: an ivory damask tablecloth, with a runner layered down the center. The runner's construction of tartan plaid center with velvety textured ends seemed to suggest both polished and casual style.

Polished, More Elegant Centerpiece

Working with vintage and newer things I had, I pulled out my pedestal mirror and crystal candlesticks to start. I already had some silver ball ornaments and a couple of tree-shaped, preserved boxwood topiaries. I added some battery-operated, warm led lights. Cuttings from the landscape garden were tucked all around.

Holiday Polished Look

My plate stacks consist of silverplate platters as a charger base, topped with white china dinner and tartan plaid salad plates. I used my sterling silver flatware for this table, as well as part of my collection of sterling and antique silverplate napkin rings for the cotton damask napkins.

Plaid, More Casual Centerpiece

For the plaid look centerpiece, I used three graduated hurricanes in lieu of the candlesticks and silver balls. I found an inexpensive package of three plaid owl ornaments to drop in the base of each hurricane, and added some faux snow in each. The pillar candles are battery operated.

Holiday Plaid Look

The change in the place setting, using a different charger, napkin, flatware, glassware, and salt and peppers results in the more casual look below.

Polished to Plaid - Two Looks, One Table

The points made: 1) you can gain a lot of versatility with some basic underpinnings (white china, glassware, table linens) ; 2) using vintage items, especially in unexpected ways (silverplate platters as charges) makes the hunt for these [often inexpensive] items fun; 3) using vintage items, mixed with newer things, adds your personal flair and style to the table, something your guests will undoubtedly notice and appreciate.

See my blog post link for complete details and source list!