Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Seaside Entertaining


"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!

You and me, you and me, oh how happy we'll be!"


It's summer time and definitely beach weather, but

for those of us who live inland or don't have a beach house,

~ VIETRI ~ has the perfect

selection of dishes to whisk us away to the seaside.

I recently saw the following table settings at two different locations of a local store. Each of these tables offered lovely seaside ambiance for summer entertaining. I adore VIETRI style! When I saw these tables I knew I wanted to share them with all who visit HFTS.

So grab a cool drink and let these tables

take you to the summer breezes of the ocean.



The natural color and texture of the linen table covering gives one the feeling of eating right on a sandy beach, and the mix of aqua and white lends a cooling touch. One can almost feel the ocean breezes.



I especially love these layers of Incanto Aqua mixed

with the rough textures of rattan and natural linen.



But the piece de resistance is the

whimsical turtle plate atop the stack.




It brings to mind the natural look of

tortoise that is reflected in the nearby flatware.



Antique Lattice flatware in

Aladdin Tortoiseshell by VIETRI



Fluted stripes highlight this cup in Incanto Aqua.



The Incanto Mare Turtles come in a variety

of sizes ranging from salad plates to platters.



Additional details of metal sea shells

lend this table even more style and texture.



Mix in Incanto Mare canape plates to

offer the feel of an ancient fossil imprint.



Or add pieces of Incanto Metallic and Sea Turtles along

with a few aqua glass bottles for a sense of found sunken treasure.



As the VIETRI catalog states,

"These whimsical baby turtles might be migrating back to the sea."



The second table offers a bit more elegance with damask textiles,

predominate use of Incanto White, and just a touch of Incanto Aqua.



I like the additional metal details in the

fabulous pewter candle holder and tray.



What an amazing piece!

This candelabra is 15" tall and perfectly sculpted.



Notice the fine details of each of these ocean creatures.



Even the back and underside is done with attention to detail.



I'm partial to this little fellow who

is swimming under that giant octopus.




Life like details also enhance the white serving platter.




These pewter crustaceans are not only decorative,

but serve as perfect handles for this large white porcelain tray.

Can't you envision it full of steamed lobster or crabs?




Look at the amazing textural

details on these serving pieces.



"This large round platter has a personality all its own!

Each shape is different, as are the designs

on both the front and the back of each piece."



Two of my favorites are these Incanto White Lace cake stands.

Anything presented on these would look spectacular!



"Hand-washed glazes varyingly show the

tera cotta below the surface, like one's view

of the sand seen through Italian waters in the sun."





The colors and organic feel of this bowl in the Organica pattern

give one the feeling of scooping a seashell right off the ocean floor.



And those wonderful three dimensional

turtles are back again to offer a whimsical touch.



While the sculpted edges of the ceramics,

the beautiful damask cloth, and the . . .



Jeweled napkin rings give an elegant feel to seaside dining.


I share these tables and this pottery because I love the look and the quality of VIETRI ceramics. Photos and text are my own except where noted from Vietri.



A previous HFTS posts is here featuring Vietri Bellezza.


Thank you to VIETRI for permission to use catalog photos below for a recap of patterns in today's post. You can click each pattern link for more details and photos of individual pieces should you be interested.


A series of whimsical turtles

"swim across a white background sprinkled with sand."



Ocean inspired shapes in both white and aqua

offer a treasure trove for the shell collector.


An amazing metallic glaze offers a nice paring to Incanto Aqua.


A collection of wonderful fish shapes in white,

celadon, or sky blue are a great catch for any seaside tablescape.


Organica offers both an artistic and organic touch.

Joining





Don't forget to check out all the Summer Blog Parties this week.

Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

48 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Hi Sarah, I meant to say the table inspirations are so darn pretty. You found some good ones. I love the turtle plate and the colors are so yummy. I love all the textures too.

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  3. Exquisite pieces! The textures, the colors! All spoke to me. Made me close my eyes and imagine I could hear the waves coming in and going out.
    Brenda

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  4. Sarah, Oh, you're making me want other dishes besides transferware! lol

    These are all so pretty...I love the colors and the blend of textures. The turtle plates are adorable too.

    Nancy

    p/s That article I read on the flag collector...now I can't remember his name...but it was at the Dr.'s office. I don't even remember what magazine it was...but I think it was Time or Life...maybe Newsweek. I'm sorry I can't remember which but I'm pretty sure it was one of those because my Dr. always has those or misc. medical journals out for perusing.

    Have a wonderful night,

    Nancy

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  5. Fun dishes Sarah! They do remind me of being at the shore! Happy Summer:@)

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  6. Sarah,
    How cool and refrshing! Exquisite tablescaping! The one with damask accessories would be my favorite and so calming! Thank you for sharing!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  7. I love the tortoise flatware and those ccute turtle dishes.

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  8. Beautiful setting, Sarah. The turtle dishes are very unique. The cool blues and greens are gorgeous. xo,

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  9. All of the pieces are delightful, especially the turtle plate...love that!! The colors make everything very beachy, too! Love this, Sarah!

    XO,
    Jane

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  10. Wow! Thanks for sharing all these beautiful pieces with us. The turtle plates are so wonderful and I also love the cakestands. Such beautiful pieces to work with would be almost as good as being on the beach. I haven't seen this line before and it is just beautiful. Joni

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  11. Beautiful photos, they really show off the textures of the pieces. We love Incanto!

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  12. These are such beautiful dishes..the colors are wonderful.
    xo bj

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  13. Sarah, The dishes are fabulous and the colors are stunning. I love every single piece but the turtle plates are a favorite. Thank you for joining Summer Entertaining.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  14. Sarah, I love the lacy-look of the cake plates. I think Vietri pottery is stunning. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous images with us!

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  15. Sarah,
    I love Vietri. I had not seen these newer patterns, so thanks for showing them to me. Love those turtles. I have some older Vietri-the green and gold dishes and the polka dot dishes. I use them interchangeably.

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  16. What beautiful tablesettings, Sarah! I especially love that seaglass-pale turquoise plates with the sea turtles!

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  17. I have always swooned over Vietri. They have such wonderful pieces that add charming accents to what you already have.. Thanks for sharing these lovely tables filled with inspiration. Many blessings, marlis

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  18. Oh how beautiful! The colors, details, layers...all of it!

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  19. Hey Sarah, I knew I would come here to find another beautiful table, filled with ideas and inspiration. Such unique pieces you have for this one. Sigh....just all so lovely!!

    Donna

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  20. YOu have shared so many wonderful ideas tonight, Sarah. I love the colors of the sea and sand. But in particular I really love the distinct sea inspired dishes. Gorgeous!
    Yvonne

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  21. What beautiful and unusual china and accessories! Enjoyed seeing all of it!

    Katherine

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  22. OMG, those dishes are so pretty, Sarah, especially the turtle and the fish....Christine

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  23. I'm so glad you posted this as I love them very much! I love both tables and the tortoises are just so adorable. I love the aqua color--so soothing! And those white cakestands--the detail is divine!

    Hugs/blessings,
    Lana

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  24. This is the closest I've been to the ocean in a long time. The Incanto Mare turtles were my favorites.

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  25. Sarah what an absolutely gorgeous post!! I adore those turtle plates~ so darling!! Both of he tables are wonderful- the colors, and patterns- love them. The pretty pewter is gorgeous too!! :)

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  26. Oh my this tablescape leaves me breathless and wanting more! I love the combinations...and I am in awe of the talent here! I just can't get enough. I so hope you can join Mad Tea Party..what fun!! Thanks for stopping by.

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  27. I love everything about this post Sarah! When I lie my eyes on Vietri ceramics, it just makes my jaw drop. I will keep coming back to this post over and over. Thanks for the time it took you to gather all this eye candy!

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  28. Oops, I should have checked my grammar before I posted. You'll catch it ;o)

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  29. you are right, i love love love this! it makes me want to run right out and SHOP! the candlestick is calling me the loudest... i so wish i was at sea dream today playing with my dishes there, i feel like an addict admiting this!

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  30. Gorgeous tables Sarah! The colors are fabulous!

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  31. Such beautiful tableware, I know how much you love Vietri, stunning photo's drifting on a summer breeze.
    Captivating!
    Maggie.

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  32. Oh thank you for sharing these beautiful Beach tablesettings. I have two Vietri patterns but none of their seaside patterns. I'm with you, I am loving that sea turtle. I do enjoy having a few seaside serving pieces especially since we are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy some of our fresh Gulf seafood. We also have a great gift shop that carries a lot of Vietri. I am going to check and see if they have that sea turtle serving piece or even the salad plates. You have inspired me.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  33. Don't they have the most amazing sea inspired dishes now! What a collection Vietri has. I adore the turtles, how fun are they. I can't decide which I like best, but maybe the first one. The napkins and flatware are great in that one. Oh, too many pretty things and not enough places to store it all!

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  34. I love the turtle plate and the candelabra! Vietri is exceptional!

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  35. Beautiful posting--the pale aquas with whites and naturals are simply gorgeous together. Those turtle plates are precious summery fun!

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  36. You do love your ceramics! I love Vietri too! I have one piece! when I serve from it, I always think it's as delicious as the food! It's a buttery yellow casserole dish. Quite small and plain, but so lovely. Gorgeous post! LOVE that candleabra!

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  37. Just gorgeous stuff! Thanks for sharing Sarah and your porch below is so pretty and so charming, I love it all! You are one creative gal!
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  38. Hello Sarah,
    whow, I am really thrilled with this post. I love turquoise and I love sea animal pattern. But this is the best I have ever seen. The whole tablesetting is like for mermaids, so sealike. Especially the candleholder and the serving plate with the pewter decoration are my favorites. Thank you for showing this wonderful tablesettting.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  39. Those are beautiful inspiration pics. I love all the texture. The handle on the tray is amazing!

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  40. Beautiful, beautiful dishes, Sarah. I love the sea turtles. I could do with a seaside escape right now. :)
    Have a great weekend,
    Babs

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  41. Oh Sarah!
    I love these dishes! The turtle dish table is just fabulous. I love the pewter candelabra. That is an amazing piece. Thanks for showing us this at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  42. So many beautiful choices!
    I love that candle holder with all the sea creatures - now that's a conversation starter!

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  43. Your photos are just gorgeous. The Incanto cake stands are a must have...at least that is what I told hubby...lol

    Paula

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  44. Finally, I can get through. I tried last night but my comment would not post.
    I love those dishes, such texture! And the handle on the tray is wonderful!

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  45. Oh my gosh I don't know where to start. The flatware, the fish platter or the napkins...all are favorites. Lovely post!

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  46. Beautiful ocean inspired table tops - love the jeweled napkin rings. If I had a beach house I wold love picking out special china to display.

    Hugs - Mary

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  47. That is simply stunning. Loving those light and airy colors here. WHat a delight to see.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.