An interesting part of sheltering in and self-quarantine is the desire to create special moments so that the experiences make the day stand out and become more memorable. It’s easy to have days blend together without work outside the home and the socializing and outings we are accustomed to. Memorable moments certainly apply to dining. In our household, we’ve instituted our grandparents’ tradition of Sunday dinner: a special well-considered menu, setting the table with linens, china, and crystal and getting a little dressed up for the occasion.
To be honest, at our home we usually don’t up our game for a nicer table unless company is coming. But in these days of Corona, having company over is no longer an option, and it might not be for some time. So, here are some tables to inspire a special meal or perhaps an Easter dinner this Sunday even though the usual big group can’t get together to celebrate.
In the opening shot and the detail of another project just above, the stacked tableware promises a beautiful table setting to come. (AMB Design—Anne-Marie Barton)
No one can flaunt homeware collections like Victorians. This beautiful Victorian cottage in Healdsburg, California has an interesting story. A woman with a Victorian heart carefully restored the home consistent with historical records with care to preserve all the original redwood. She searched for antique furnishings, carpets, artwork, and of course china, flatware, and silver pieces that matched the restoration period. Then, she turned it into a private playhouse where she and her women friends would gather for tea, meals, and socializing. Sometimes they even indulged in Victorian hats and dresses.
This kitchen designed by Jo Packham, publisher of Where Women Create, serves as an example of the importance of table decorations and flowers. I particularly liked the wall display of essentials in this commercial space.
Outdoor dining rooms bring pleasure to a meal. Of course, with a location like this on the Southern California coast, who could stay inside? In this design by Karen Butera, the tableware repeats the hues of the water.
This grand picnic table under a covered porch by the Puget Sound takes in countryside vistas as well as the sparkling water lapping the shore. The linens and table decorations set a casual but festive tone. (Ross Chapin, architect)
This neighboring home along the Puget Sound, also designed by Ross Chapin, takes dining inside for the many stormy days the area experiences. The banquet has glass on three sides to feel as if dining outdoors. The tableware keeps a beach theme.
Returning to Park City, this dining room enjoys a high ceiling with clerestory windows for bright indirect light for a morning brunch or starlight and candlelight at night. Ron Lee is the architect and K Rocke Design (Kristen Rocke) is the interior designer.
At the risk of sounding like Thanksgiving rather than Easter, I am going into this holiday with a great deal of gratitude. I am grateful that so many of you are staying well and safe, and I am very grateful to the medical professionals who risk so much and are working such long hours to care for those infected. I feel I am surrounded by abundance, and I am grateful for the many people who are making that possible in such trying times. I am concerned for those who are facing shortages and hope that my small donations to the food bank will be echoed by so many others that people will not go without.
I hope you feel inspired to set a glorious table for a special dinner and I wish I could be there with my camera to capture the moment.
See more of Scot’s Photo Friday work here.