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