Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Let's Dish ~ Tuscan Inspiration



Let's Dish ~ Tuscan Inspiration

I've been out of town and have had little opportunity to create 
a table setting for this week, so I reached into my photo files for something to share.  It's been more than ten years since we've traveled in Italy, but our time in Tuscany is still vivid in my memory.  When I saw this beautiful tablescape at Pottery Barn last year, I was immediately drawn to the rich warm colors.




Reproduction olive jars set the 

mood in the center of the table.




The olives may be faux, 

but they looked good enough to eat.




~ apricots ~ browns ~ golds ~ 

~ olive greens ~ rusty reds ~

~ natural linen ~


 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  The depth of this tablescapes' color palette 


immediately transported me back 


to the richness of a Tuscan landscape.




Textures and layers offered 

the rich look of aged stucco. 




Both color and texture 

spoke for themselves.




Each place setting offered 

simplicity with a touch of flair.




Heavy glassware and chicken wire 


votive holders offered a contrast of texture 


atop the loose linen weave of the textile.






Flatware was presented within a white linen napkin.






Smooth ceramics atop woven reed chargers 


brought in more layers of interesting textures.




Metal napkin rings encircled a duo of linen napkins.


 ~ One a beautiful printed linen, 


the other a simple fringed ecru. ~





I find the contrast of colors and 


textures very appealing.






Add in the white details and . . .





It all stacks up to be very inviting.






A loaf of bread along with a few bread sticks







Was nestled in with more textural linens.





A natural reed wine coaster 


held a bottle of red close at hand.




So tell me, does this table make 

you feel as if you've escaped to Tuscany?

Joining 







Labels: , , ,
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.

58 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 16, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Sarah,your theme & presentation is absolutely romantic & gorgeous.

    Have a great eve ~
    TTFN ~
    Marydon

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  2. Susan FreemanMay 16, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    Beautiful tablescape Sarah! Your attention to detail is amazing.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

    ReplyDelete
  3. French Girl in SeattleMay 17, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    Another winning table arrangement, Sarah. I expected no less from you :-) The colors and details are so warm and inviting. I would not mind being a guest at that beautiful table! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  4. MarthaMay 17, 2012 at 5:11 AM

    A beautiful table and so many pretty elements!

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  5. Debbie@Mountain BreathsMay 17, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    Sarah, what a wonderful Tuscan table. I'm in the planning stages for a trip to Tuscany, and would love any input you may want to offer :-) Also interested in hearing more about your trip to Rhode Island. xxoo Debbie

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  6. OliveMay 17, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Sarah, we were in Tuscany in 2003. We loved it of course. Yes this table, with olives, white and rustic elements is very Tuscan to me. hugs, olive

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  7. Yvonne @ StoneGableMay 17, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Sarah,
    This table transported me to some old villa in Tuscany! The pottery, sunflowers, soft muted warm colors and lots of woven elements!
    Your napkins are real show stoppers!
    I am going to remember to tuck my flateware in white napkin like that and add a napkin with flair too!
    I can just feel the Tuscan sun on my cheeks!!!!
    Beautiful table, Sara! Well, well done!

    ReplyDelete
  8. La Table De NanaMay 17, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    I don't think one ever forgets Italy..I remember vividly also..Etched in my mind forever I hope..
    Had to make sure you read my little note to you..I envy what you did..the class..and cannot wait to hear and see :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. BabsMay 17, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    Sarah, I just found some PB Italian made rooster plates and I've been wanting to do a Tuscan tablescape. Thanks for the inspiration photos. Love the napkins and all the textures. Hope you're having a fun time.
    Babs

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  10. MaryMay 17, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    I remember Tuscany with so much love and longing. We must have visited around the same time!

    I would love to return - we did a road trip through the villages including Cortona to see Frances Mayes' (Under The Tuscan Sun author) house. Florence and Sienna were beautiful cities, everything was so lovely - it's always calling me back but there are so many new places yet to see before I can return. Meanwhile dear Sarah, loving your images here - very elegant yet truly Tuscan.

    Hope life is good dear. Hope you were somewhere fun!
    Hugs - Mary

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  11. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsMay 17, 2012 at 8:16 AM

    Yes, it brings me back to Italy. I loved Tuscany and hope to return someday.

    This table setting is lovely Sarah.

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  12. ScribblerMay 17, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    This is absolutely gorgeous!

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  13. Tammy @BeatriceBanksMay 17, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    Gorgeous! Takes me to Tuscany, although I've never visited, your photos certainly make me feel as if I'm there!

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  14. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenMay 17, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    Sarah, I've never been to Tuscany, but feel like I was after seeing your beautiful tablescape! Loved it!!

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  15. xinexMay 17, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    I have seen the display at Pottery Barn and it led me to buy some olive jars. Such a pretty tablescape, really takes me back to Italy...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  16. On Crooked CreekMay 17, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    Sarah,
    What a lovely tablescape! I adore the reds, greens, golds...my kinda' colors! Not having a Pottery Barn store close . . . I have to drool over their catalogs as they arrive! Thank you for this trip to the edge of Tuscany!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  17. AnonymousMay 17, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    :)

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  18. Anita at Cedar Hill May 17, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Beautiful table, I love the Italian touches.

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  19. Sissie's Shabby CottageMay 17, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Oh my, this is so lovely.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  20. Sissie's Shabby CottageMay 17, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Oh my, this is so lovely.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yellow Rose ArborMay 17, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Such a beautiful tablescape! Love the Tuscan theme! Makes me want to return to Italy!

    Katherine

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  22. bjMay 17, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Just lovely, Sarah...so many pretty things going on here. I love Tuscan ANYthing. :))
    xo bj

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  23. Nancy's Daily DishMay 17, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Sarah, Your table is so inviting! I love the textures and colors you've pulled together here. I keep seeing the olive jars all over blogland...they are really growing on me! The chicken wire votives are adorable!

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  24. MarigeneMay 17, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Such a lovely table, Sarah. Gorgeous napkins.

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  25. MarlisMay 17, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    It does!!! It reminds me of the luscious colors of the region. Love that you shared this with us and took us along on your faux trip. I am such a PB gal.. I should buy stock in the company. sorry wasn't here earlier,, had some internet issues. have a wonderful weekend, xo marlis

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  26. Judy BiggerstaffMay 17, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    You nailed this one, yes very Tuscan to me. Each detail is perfect, love the texture in the napkins.

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  27. AnonymousMay 18, 2012 at 8:20 AM

    You can repeat your Tuscan table any time as I love the colors, smells and textures it invokes of one of my very favorite places.

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  28. thistlewoodfarmMay 18, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    This tablescape looks amazing. I love all the warm colors and the attention to detail is absolutely amazing :)

    blessings,
    karianne

    ReplyDelete
  29. Johanna GehrleinMay 18, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    I am never tired to see your posts again. And I am so fond to Tuscany style. I just love this post, the textures and rich colors. Thank you for sharing this holiday feeling post.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  30. Marie RaynerMay 19, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    Sarah, what a beautiful table setting and blog! I adore all your photographs. You have wonderful taste. I have yet to visit Tuscany, but it is on my Bucket List! As is Provence. I will get one step closer this autumn though as the Toddster and I are going on a cruise Med Cruise in September and there are stops in Corsica and Italy, as well as Cannes, amongst a few others. I am looking forward to it a lot! xxoo

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  31. Tablescapes By DianeMay 19, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Hi lovely lady.
    Wow So Gorgeous! Takes me to Tuscany, I've never visited, your photos certainly make me feel as if I'm there! Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Nautical Tablescape.
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family.
    XXOO Diane

    ReplyDelete
  32. MaggieMay 19, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    What a wonderful post, it really took me back to our visit to Tuscany & Sienna over 20 years ago.
    I would love to have a store, such as PB, near here where you can browse a while and be inspired.

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  33. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageMay 19, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    Welcome back Sarah! I always go to Pottery Barn when I'm feeling like a bit of inspiration! This table is wonderful!

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  34. JojoMay 20, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    Oh how I wish bloggers could have a meet-up in Tuscany and enjoy a nice long visit at a beautiful table with Tuscany as our backdrop. My imagination gets away with me looking at your beautiful table.

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  35. Castles Crowns and CottagesMay 20, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    ooooo you are perfectly preparing us for when we hover over ITALY!!!!! Oh how I love a Mediterranean tablescape!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH SARAH for participating in the party!!! Have FUN! Anita

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  36. KathleenMay 20, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    This is just beautiful! What a wonderful stack, and the napkins are gorgeous! I love the glassware and the chicken wire votives too, so pretty and rustic!
    Thanks so much for linking this to Let's Dish. I looked at it the other night on my ipad, but it was being bratty and wouldn't let me leave a comment.
    Hope you had a wonderful weekend, the weather here was fabulous!

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  37. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaMay 20, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Great table setting! I love the colors, the textiles, and those great little chicken wire votive holders.

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  38. The TablescaperMay 20, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Sometimes we must all dip back into our files. Such lovely photos and wonderful inspiration. Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  39. The French HutchMay 20, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Sarah, these photos certainly deserved to come out of the files. Just gorgeous pottery, linens and vessels. Sure reminds me of beautiful Italy. Sunflowers are beginning to bloom in my neighbor's gardens. Your photos are inspiring me to think of creating an Italian tablescape.
    Hoping to find some sunflowers at the farmer's market.
    Have a great week Sarah.

    Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  40. The Style SistersMay 20, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Sarah...I love this tablescape so much because of all the texture! I love to see texture on the table...those chargers or placemats just make it feel like you are in Italy. I really like all the colors you chose as well. The vases are spectacular with the sunflowers in them. Great job capturing a Tuscan dinner look.

    Karin

    Thanks for linking up to Centerpiece Wednesday and sharing your ideas with us.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorMay 21, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    Oh my Sarah, you have created an amazingly beautiful tablesetting... just gorgeous! I love how you added color and texture to create a feeling of the Italian countryside... love those olive jars as centerpiece and the chicken wire votives.The printed linen napkin is so pretty... love all the colors in your table setting. Thanks for the Tuscan inspiration:)Have a lovely week!Hugs,Poppy

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  42. UnknownMay 21, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    Sarah,
    What a beautiful table. I love Tuscan style and you have depicted it perfectly in your accents and tablescape.

    You always set a lovely table.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousMay 21, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, your table is so pretty and I love all of your Tuscan touches! Your dishes and accessories! Love the faux olives! :)
    Hope you've had a wonderful weekend.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownMay 21, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    Lovely! Love the rich textures! Thanks for sharing Joann

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  45. LindyLouMacMay 21, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    A lovely set of vignettes and time you planned another trip to Italy :)

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  46. EviMay 21, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Dear Sarah,
    absolutely incredible!You have the most amazing tableware and an even more amazing talent in styling !!!!
    Oh, to be a guest in your home....
    I smiled about the pottery jugs. I purchased them from PB, when I made my pompom arangements for the mantel. Had to bring them back, because they were too big. I loved them. And did you get your chargers at William Sonoma? I bought 8 last year. My settings never look as beautiful as yours.
    Sarah, have a wonderful week,
    Evi

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  47. SoniaMay 21, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    I have never been to Tuscany but this really makes me want to go! Lovely table and photographs! Simply gorgeous!
    Miss Bloomers

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  48. ~Lavender Dreamer~May 21, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    I love everything inspired by Italy! I've never seen the faux olives...I would love to find some! Beautiful table!

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  49. DebbiedoosMay 21, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Of course Miss Sarah, I love this table. Sunflowers are one of my favs. Those are very pretty napkins too.

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  50. FRENCH LAUNDRYMay 21, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    I just love Pottery Barn and their beautiful table settings, don't you? I always leave there wanting to redo my whole house! But, I don't...occasionally though, I get a little something to add to my decor (usually when it goes on clearance!).

    Have a great week Sarah,
    Judy

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  51. Warm Heart BearsMay 22, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    What a beautiful table setting! Love all of it!

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  52. Lynn WoodMay 22, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    I totally remember those olive jars from Pottery Barn last year. I can't believe one didn't come home with me. I love all the colors and textures in this setting!


    -Lynn

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  53. KathyMay 22, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    I feel transported! This is a beautiful Tuscany inspired tablesetting - love the sunflowers, olive jars, dishes, napkins, all! Perfectly done Sarah! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  54. MaryMay 22, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    Sarah~ I could bankrupt myself at Pottery Barn! I have a version of those olive jars and those same napkin rings I have yet to use! I've never been to Tuscany but it's on my bucket list~ thanks for transporting me there :)

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  55. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 22, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Sarah, PB always has the prettiest vignettes. This is a beautiful Tuscan inspired tablescape. Thanks for sharing this at my party.

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  56. allisamazingMay 23, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    What a beautiful table. Thanks for stopping by my blog and visiting :)

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  57. AnonymousMay 25, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    love this site – it's a great blog – may i suggest you get an rss feed.

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  58. Alison @ The PolohouseMay 27, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Bravo!
    I was transported to Tuscany with each photo for sure, Sarah!

    So pretty!
    xox
    A

    ReplyDelete

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.

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