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33 Comments

  1. Lory
    This is so pretty! I have a few antiques from my grandmother, but the height never seems right. Where do you store all the dishes. I consider myself a Homegoods dish whore, so I feel like i walk a fine line between decor and hoarder! ha! I am saving this for a future issue of my Weekending finds! laura

  2. Lory, loved your post! Gave me a lot of great ideas since I have just retired and I want to start doing some entertaining with friends. This was always on the back burner when I was working and is something I really enjoy doing. Thanks again for the inspiring post!

  3. Such a beautiful tablescape, Lory! Always jam packed with inspiration. ?

  4. Josephine says:

    Lory, your table-scape looks lovely. I love you silver chargers. (note I am not saying anything about the flatware).

  5. Lory, your candelabra are beautiful! They help anchor the table and add the pedigree that makes it elegant and timeless. This is a lovely table.

  6. Just beautiful. The silverware in the bow has to be some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. You have such treasured pieces.

  7. These are such great tips! So glad you brought up the double napkin trick. I’ve been seeing that one more recently. Pinning for later!

  8. Lory I love your talent and that you share it with us. How do your guests see and converse over the flower arrangements in the tall china and silver vessels in the centre of the table?

    1. Thank you!! This particular table was one I just used for the holidays and the arrangements weren’t so tall to see over. However, I have no problem with my guests moving the arrangements if they need to, much like they remove the dessert plates and napkins when they sit. My guests enjoy seeing my tables and often it’s the first thing they look at when they enter my home, even taking pictures, so for me it’s worth the effort, even if things will get a bit messy once everyone sits down. I always serve hors d’oeuvres buffet style, so the tables stay pristine for at least an hour or two. But once everyone sits to eat, I’m super relaxed about the mess because, after all, the food will mess everything up anyway. I just want people to enjoy… 🙂

  9. The table is so gorgeous. Every detail is so well thought out. I love the elegance of how you put it all together.

  10. Margaret Robinson says:

    Like everyone else, I think your table is aways beautiful, especially this newest creation! I do have a question —- you use double napkins and I wonder if it’s difficult for your guests. Do they just leave one on the table and use the other? When “unwrapping” them, is it a problem or does everyone know your decorating style and actually expect to have 2 napkins? They’re beautiful together no matter what.

    1. Thank you, Margaret! I actually have an upcoming post that addresses some of these practicality issues that people often ask about. As for the napkins, it always amuses me to look at the table after a dinner and see what people did… lol. The answer is, yes, most of my guests know me and attend every holiday, so they’re used to it. But they still all do it differently. Remarkably, about half don’t use the napkin at all! I clean up the table and they’ve never been unrolled. That’s even if there’s just one napkin in the ring. Others use both. But most often, the outer napkin is sheer, and it’s fairly obvious that the inner linen napkin is the one that should be used. The key for me is that I’m very relaxed about entertaining. I don’t like to start giving instructions when my guests sit down. I don’t really want to clean double the napkins, but it’s not a big deal. If you’re doing a wash anyway, may as just throw them all in. They’re the easiest thing in the world to iron. (And now you can expect to see this whole paragraph in an upcoming post… ;-))

  11. I just found your site and I love it – it’s exactly the blend of elegance and fun I’ve been looking for! (Plus you spell and punctuate correctly! Such a joy to get through an entire paragraph without rolling my eyes!) Thanks for the beautiful inspiration!

  12. Lucy Beliveau says:

    Good Morning Lory!
    Wow! You are really something else! What a terrific blog! Your tables are comfortable yet they reflect your love of beautiful finery and superb style! Much appreciated are your lovely French antiques, your exquisite use of colors and hues and you’re willingness to share all of your

    Like you, Lory, I thoroughly enjoy owning and using antiques. My choice is US southern antiques; they are definitely my weakness and I use them regularly! Blessed with many pieces of furniture, lots of sterling silverware and a
    plethers of lots of other fun pieces, I play decorator every day!!

    Well, I’m going to fix us some double napkins now and change my runner but I’ll see you soon!

    Regards, Lucy

    1. You definitely put a smile on my face today… 🙂 It’s a pleasure to have like-minded people reading the blog!!

  13. Lisa Lewis says:

    The tabletop looks fabulous. I love how you use what you have and mix and match. It all comes together so beautifully!

  14. Ruth Ledyard says:

    I really love the old bought and inherited items for use on the table. From antique family linens and silver to things I have found for 50 years in the antique shops, it is fun to change it constantly. They each make a table unique. I love keeping my dining room table set so I can enjoy the effort to make it look beautiful and I change it regularly. Your settings are exquisite and give me so many ideas. Love the double napkin idea.

    1. Thanks so much, Ruth! I love the idea of keeping the dining room table set all the time. It looks so pretty!! And changing it often keeps it from getting dusty… 🙂

  15. Linda Ann Lundy says:

    I love you posts and your beautiful ideas. I am not sure when using silverware tarnished became the norm, but I can’t do it. Ha! Keep posting and we will keep enjoying and using your ideas. Happy Mothers Day.

    Linda Ann

  16. Beautiful table!! What did you serve on the small blue antique plates? An appetizer? I assume middle layer was a salad and the large plate for main courses. Do you leave the chargers during the meal? Thanks!

    1. I always leave the chargers but sometimes if I’m not serving a separate salad, I will collect the salad plates and save for dessert. Most of my guests are family who already know the drill and put the top plate on the sideboard before filling their dinner plate (I almost always serve buffet style for holidays).

  17. Cecilia from Georgia says:

    Hi Lory, I just love the French salad plates!! Just wanted to say hello and hope you are safe. Yesterday I set my table for Easter (even though no guests will be here) just because I love putting together a pretty table. When I used cake stands with domes for centerpieces, I found myself asking “wonder what Lori would say?”!! You have certainly influenced my style and I love you for all your wonderful inspiration. XOXO

  18. Lori, your table is absolutely beautiful! I would love to be a guest at your house sitting down to see all that elegance. I am sure the food your serve is just as appealing, I have a collection of Spode blue and white and I love it.

  19. Such a sweet tablescape. . . .very well done.

  20. Denise Collova says:

    Beautiful table setting, the blue & white really brings it makes it look so elegant. With the fresh flowers and the plates, the beautiful vase, I say thats my cup of tea lol thank you lori