Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Warm Glow of Copper

My husband's grandmother sold and collected CopperCraft Guild products some years ago.  She had many pretty pieces, and she displayed them across the top of her kitchen cabinets.  They always looked so cheerful there.  But then, I've always loved copper.  Last fall, Granny had to move to an assisted living facility, and she gave her CopperCraft to various family members.  When she gave some pieces to us, I quickly discovered how pretty copper looks with my everyday blue and white dishes.  I hadn't yet started my blog at that time, but I was already picturing a tablescape in my head.

I did a fairly simple table this evening, mostly because of time constraints.  But also, I wanted to save some pieces for another blue and white table later.  I started collecting these dishes 16 years ago, and they've seen a lot of use.  They're called "Finlandia", by Churchill, made in Staffordshire, England.  To me, these dishes are lovely, but they're real workhorses, too.  They're dishwasher and microwave safe, which is essential for everyday dishes.


I have ten place settings, along with a lot of serving pieces and other accessories.  But for tonight, just some dinner, salad and dessert plates.  I just used a single goblet at each place setting, rather than getting my Gorham stemware back out of the china cabinet.  The goblets are "Claudia", made in the Czech Republic.

One thing I wanted to do with this table was to re-use some of the elements from last week's table.  During this busy time of the year, I think that can make life easier.  Re-use some things and change out others, for two tables with a completely different look.

So this evening, I used the same hurricane globe, with pillar candle and acorns from last week's table for my centerpiece.  But instead of using fresh Nandina leaves and Bittersweet berries, I put the hurricane globe in the center of the copper bowl, and surrounded it with autumn leaves from our yard.  The majority of the leaves are maple, but there are a few from our tulip magnolia tree.  Unlike traditional southern magnolias, the tulip magnolia sheds its leaves in the fall.  There are also some sweet gum leaves mixed in as well.  The prickly "gumballs" from these trees are a major pain, but the leaves are colorful in the fall.


I was really pleased with the way the centerpiece turned out -- just love those colors.

I used a matelasse coverlet as a "tablecloth"; I had to fold it under on the sides for a better fit.  It looks warm and cozy for a fall table.  I used the same gold damask napkins from last week's table, but instead of the napkin rings, I just did a simple, rectangular fold.  I also used the same brass candlesticks with Colonial Candle tapers.  Easy-peasy.  The flatware is "Tennyson" by Oneida.


The other copper piece on the table is a round casserole with handles and removable glass dish.  It also has a copper lid, which I seem to have misplaced at the moment.  I'm just hoping to come across it soon.  Can anyone out there relate?  :)  Since I couldn't find the lid, I used a pretty lace trimmed napkin to cover the glass insert. 


We also have a CopperCraft ice bucket, chafing dish, and two goblets.  I thought I would save those for another tablescape.  But I really wanted to do this table tonight, because I love copper in the fall.  It has such a warm glow, whether in candlelight or firelight; it just has a fall look and feel to it.  Now for some candlelight pics...




...and the rest of the pictures.






This week I'm joining Tablescape Thursday, hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, Home Sweet Home, hosted by Sherry at The Charm of Home, and Seasonal Sundays, hosted by The Tablescaper.  Thank You Ladies, for doing such a wonderful job every week hosting these parties!  And thanks to all of you for visiting the House at Forest Manor!  Have a wonderful week.

Denise




18 comments:

  1. It is warm and inviting and that copper looks amazing on the table. Your centerpiece is just gorgeous!
    Holly
    504 Main

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  2. A lovely table, Denise. I also like copper, although I seem to have sold off/donated the few pieces I had! I also like it with blue and white, very "colonial", I think. xo

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  3. Copper! Ooooohhhh....I love it! It is so rare that we see it on the table, but it should be used a LOT more often because of the warm feeling it evokes. Yours is so shiny and obviously well-kept. I agree with Barbara F. that it has a "Colonial" feel to it. It's like taking us straight into the heart of Williamsburg. Beautiful! And, yes, I can relate to misplacing lids and such. Sigh! There's not enough Ginkgo Biloba on the face of the earth to get this old brain workin' like it used to! :-) Have a wonderful weekend, and I hope you run across that lid soon!

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  4. Beautiful table and how nice you were gifted those copper pieces. I am not a blue person but I LOVE your blue and white dishes! Also love your table cloth!!!

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  5. Beautiful table! The copper looks fabulous with blue and white...

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  6. Hi, Denise.

    I have the same copper pieces you've displayed...and don't use them nearly enough. So, you are encouraging me to polish them for the holidays.

    I also have the same dishes and totally uses them as some of my personal favorites.

    Beautiful job!

    Regards,

    Georgia

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  7. I've always thought that copper was so elegant...and you're right...it's perfect with blue and white! The Finlandia is a gorgeous classic pattern...an elegant workhorse. Aren't family treasures just the very best. Granny will be at the table with you every time that you use it...you honor her. Thank you for inviting us for a peak at your lovely design and for stopping by for a visit. We used Gorilla tape and glue dots to attach the china...really strong! Glad that you enjoyed it. Cherry Kay

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  8. Copper is perfect for the fall and I love your blue and white. So pretty. Happy new follower from the Home Sweet Home blog hop.
    Laura
    http://imsovintage.blogspot.com

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  9. Copper is so lovely. I love the warmth of it. Your tablescape is lovely.

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  10. Your table is so warm and inviting! The china envokes a homey feeling and the copper adds to that feeling! Very lovely!!

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  11. Dennise you've set a beautiful table, I love, love your china and I don't blame you for collecting it, it's one of my very fav patterns in china. Your copper centerpiece is gorgeous, I love copper too. Have a blessed Sunday. I'm visiting from Seasonal Sunday. Hugs,
    FABBY

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  12. Finlandia is a wonderful pattern. Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  13. How wonderful for you to be the keeper of her lovely copper pieces. I've always loved the warmth copper brings to everything. great table ideas.. your china is so lovely.. xo marlis

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  14. Very pretty! I love copper, too. It even more special to have pieces that belonged to your husband's grandmother. Thanks for sharing.
    Cindy

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  15. Your copper pieces are lovely and I like how they compliment your blue and white for an elegant and warm fall look.

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  16. OK, I came here last week, and I'm positive that I commented. I have no clue what happened to it.

    I distinctly remember those Claudia glasses because I have some too. What the heckers happened?

    I'm glad I stopped back by. I love the copper. I had an aunt who collected it, and I've always just loved it. It has such a colonial look to it, I think. The whole table has a colonial look to it, actually. I love the Finlandia. It's just perfect.

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  17. Denise,
    I love the blue and white dishes. I have a teapot like this. Really pretty fall table! Thank you for linking it up to Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  18. Denise~ I love copper too but don't have any. I love how it looks in the kitchen~ lucky you to have inherited some pieces! They look beautiful at your table with your blue & white dinnerware! I love your centerpiece too~ especially with the warm glow of your candles!

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