EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s a fun day on the blog today: we are debuting not one, but two brand new series! When I first met Callie Jenschke, the dynamic Texan who recently moved back to Austin from NYC, I knew a creative collaboration was destined to happen. She worked for the likes of Metropolitan Home, Lonny, Domino, O at Home, Martha Stewart Weddings and Blueprint magazine before starting her own interior design firm with a friend called Scout Designs NYC. As a designer she was chosen as one of Traditional Home’s 2011 Top 20 “New Traditionals,” so there is no denying this girl knows her design…especially tabletop! So, when we first dreamt up the concept for a new series devoted to tabletop inspiration, we knew she was the right gal for the job. Each month, she’ll share tabletop ideas inspired by the seasons. At the Table kicks off with this fresh, modern take on the classic combo of blue and white.
1. Go tropical with the centerpiece — I love making tropical arrangements for a summer table because hearty fronds last forever! My all-time favorite tropical leaf for arrangements is the Split Leaf Philodendron. Make sure you select the greenest leaves without any tears or missing leaf sections. An arrangement of nice green leaves can last for weeks if the water is changed every couple of days. To arrange a variety of tropical leaves together, make sure to select varying shapes, heights and textures to add visual interest to the arrangement.
2. Modernize a classic pairing — Since temperatures are quickly rising, I wanted to create a table setting that exudes cool, and nothing is fresher than the combo of blue and white. Instead of traditional Spode or chinoiserie, I chose bold solids and hand painted, clean-lined patterned small plates and bowls to mix effortlessly with any standard set of white plates. Everyone should have a set of solid white plates that can be matched with fun patterned plates (of varying sizes and shapes) for visual interest in a table setting.
3. Don’t worry too much about matching — Summer tables should be break all the rules since it’s all about easy, fun get togethers. To keep the table unfussy, pair simple glassware with casual tie dyed indigo linens and tropical fronds that give off beachy vibes.
credits // photography by melanie grizzel // palms & tropical fonds by bricolage // como white flat plates // como tile flat dessert plate // rika appetizer plate // white tumbler // promenade 20 piece place setting // marta double old-fashioned // shibori blue napkins // beaker glass pitcher // vintage burkina faso denim african shawl (similar option here) // slate place cards // baltic bowl
