Month: July 2013

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

/ Alycia Nichols / 64 Comments

Just as suddenly as I reappeared last week, I will disappear again after this week as I prepare to go under the knife on Friday. I am both terrified and relieved to have it finally happening. My shoulders have been the source of much pain and anguish for a long time now, and I’m ready to get the first one fixed. My understanding is that using my right arm will be all but impossible for at least 2 months, so I’ll be on the computer only when in the mood to hunt & peck with my left hand. I hope that you will once again forgive my spotty appearances as I go about the business of physical therapy on my way to recovery. I have several tablescapes that I created back in early Spring (including this one) in anticipation of this down time, and I will hopefully be able to post those before summer’s fast-approaching end.

INSPIRATION: The chic and quirky Holly Golightly enjoying a breakfast pastry and a cup of coffee outside the window of Tiffany's - new York

INSPIRATION: The chic and quirky Holly Golightly enjoying a breakfast pastry and a cup of coffee outside the window of Tiffany’s – New York. Source: Amazon.com

Yes, I know the Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme has been done and done and done again. I’m gonna take a pass at it, too, just for kicks. OK? I think it would make a really fun theme for a bridal shower, bridal luncheon, special ladies brunch, birthday brunch (especially a milestone birthday!), or even a mid-morning engagement party!
(Click on any photo, then click again to enlarge it and see details up close!)

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - full dining roomThe table is draped in a sleek black 90″ x 132″ tablecloth from LinenTablecloth.com for the sophisticated look of the proverbial little black dress.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany'sThis rectangular dining table is set for 6, but would look just as great set on a longer rectangular table for multiple guests or even a round table.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's place settingI kept each place setting sleek and simple. The white chargers are rimmed in rhinestones. (I wonder if they come with real diamonds at Tiffany’s? 😉 ) The china is very simply adorned Noritake “Spectrum”.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Menu collageThe custom-created menus are white paper on black and Tiffany blue card stock embellished with a small gemstone. I included an image of a tiara to mimic the one worn by Holly Golightly in this famous poster. Also notice the print on the menu. I chose two print fonts that closely match those on the poster!

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Flatware, napkin, rim shot, stemware collageMikasa “Jamestown Platinum” stemware and International Silver “Royal Danish” flatware work well with the place setting. (Get it? Royal Danish flatware? As in Holly Golightly eating a Danish pastry for her breakfast at Tiffany’s??? 🙂 ) A sleek black napkin is folded twice lengthwise and tucked around the charger beneath the dinner plate.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Breakfast Pastry, Croissant collageWhat else to serve but breakfast pastries? That was Holly’s breakfast of choice!

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - centerpieceA blinged out breakfast or brunch calls for a very creative, upscale, but still lighthearted centerpiece.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Hand collage I

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Hand collage IIThe centerpiece is created using two identical black rectangular mirrors with tiers of rhinestones from Hobby Lobby. (Also used HERE in the post “Happy Birthday, Barf!”) Just as a jewelry store like Tiffany’s might, I used these black hand display pieces (Michael’s) holding jewelry from my own collection including a Tiffany bracelet and necklace. (TIP: If you’re a bride who is gifting her bridesmaids with a little something-something from Tiffany’s to wear in the wedding, this would be a fun way to display it during brunch and then let them know they can pick theirs off the display afterwards!)

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Roses, mirrored vase collageWhile promotional posters showed a red rose on Holly’s table, I decided to go with clusters of petite white roses in sleek mirrored vases. The arrangements are festooned with big, clunky bursts of bling.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Votive, runner corner collageHere you can better see the tiered mirror’s edge. Simple votive candles demurely reflect on each mirror.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Goodie bagsWhat’s a bridesmaid’s brunch without goodie bags??? 🙂

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Goodie bag collageThese Breakfast At Tiffany’s nylon bags were found at Michael’s in the fun stuff aisle! Each bag is adorned with lots of “pearls” spilling out along the side.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Tiffany's boxes, pearl bracelets, tennis bracelet collage

The buffet behind the dining table holds the goodie bags and displays fun things from Tiffany's that Holly might wear including a fabulous tiara, black shades, pearls, and those famous opera gloves - Rings, gloves, Tiffany pouch collageThe buffet behind the dining table holds the goodie bags and displays fun things that Holly might wear including Tiffany’s jewelry, a fabulous tiara, black shades, pearls, and those famous opera gloves.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany'sA little something extra to brighten up the space and make it very girly is a bust form in a little black dress and flirty black feather boa. (Thanks to my friend, Barbara, for the boa and the rhinestone-flecked gloves shown here!)

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - floral head

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Floral head bling, tiara collage

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Necklace collageI created a fun centerpiece using a bust form for a Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon a couple of years ago. This is the same basic concept, but a little more playful. The floral head here has chunky bling shooting out of it and boasts another tiara. I created a replica of Holly’s famous pearl necklace using faux pearl strands from Hobby Lobby. I simply quadrupled them and tied them with a gossamer ribbon at the nape of the neck. I then added a huge brooch to the front of the necklace. Not exactly like Holly’s, but a fun play on it!

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Candelabra, bobeche, Tiffany logo collageThe promotional poster used as my inspiration piece shows Holly gazing wistfully into the Tiffany’s display window. Hanging in the window are beautiful bling-laden candlelight chandeliers. The play on that here is this 5-lite silver candelabra with bling bobeches.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's tea cart

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Teacart spoons, cups, pastries collageCoffee and an assortment of breakfast pastries are served from the vintage tea cart in a corner of the room.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - Tea cart box, brooch, Tiffany's logo collageWhat girl doesn’t suck all the air out of the room when she sees this famous blue box? 😉

As a parting gift, I leave you with my original idea for the bust form. It’s silly, really, but I created it in a weak moment and thought you might get a good laugh out of it.

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Breakfast at Tiffany's - "Bee hive hairdo" collageIt was going to represent the “beehive hairdo” Holly wore. Get it? Bee hive? Lame, I know. I just covered a beehive in wired pearls and bling. Don’t hate! 🙂

OK…so that’s it. I’m outta here! See you after the snip-snip!

For more “blinged out” tablescapes on this site:
“Platinum & Pink Valentine”
“Should Have Put a Ring On It”
“Princess Pink Birthday”
“Fairy Tale Wedding Shower – Princess & the Frog”
“Love’s Arrow”
“Peonies and Pearls”
“Fete Noir et Gris”
“Rhapsody in Blue”

I will be joining Cuisine Kathleen for “Let’s Dish!” starting Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., CDT. I’ll also join Susan for “Tablescape Thursday” starting Thursday at 9:00 a.m., CDT. Come along if you’d like to get inspired by some really talented tablescapers!!! You can also find me over at BeBetsy.com!

Patisserie de Paris

/ Alycia Nichols / 67 Comments

After another short absence, I am back for a couple of weeks before my shoulder surgery next Friday, the 26th. Again, thanks to all of you who have been so patient with my on-again-off-again posting as I’ve tried to deal with soul-crushing pain in the wake of Daddy’s death. It has not been easy in any way. Add to that the physical pain with my shoulders and back…not a fun summer!

All that being said…I’d like to dedicate this post to two very special fellow bloggers. First up, Jennie Schumann of Got My Reservations went to Paris earlier this year and was so sweet and thoughtful as to gift me with this week’s colorful inspiration. Merci, Jennie!

Patisserie de Paris placemat - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One

INSPIRATION: Many thanks to Jennie Schumann for these easy-clean beauties!!!

I also want to dedicate this post to Linda at A La Carte who will be jetting off to gay Paris in September. She’s so excited about it, and I’m truly excited for her!!! What lucky girls! I can only live vicariously through them since I am so afraid to fly!
(Click on any photo, then click again to enlarge it for close-up details.)

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneOur deck is the site of this lovely French patisserie or bakery. It’s all set up for a lovely ladies luncheon, bridal luncheon, bridal shower, lady’s birthday, the girls’ way of celebrating Bastille Day (that’s a stretch!) or any occasion where femininity and fun are key elements.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneLet’s start with the petite dining table set for four.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneThe placemats are far too pretty to completely cover, so clear glass dishes are on tap today to let the design shine through.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneThis oblong placemat has a beautiful pink damask background with soft green borders. The image of the Eiffel Tower is set against what appears to be a lacy doily. Images of luscious French macarons seem to bounce right off the placemat. The flatware is International Silver “Royal Danish”. (FUN FACT: the word “macaron” is not an alternate spelling of macaroon. The two terms refer to two distinctly different things. Both macarons and macaroons are confections, and both names are derived from “ammaccare”, which is Italian for “to crush” — but that’s where the similarities end. The macarons as pictured are a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream or fruit spread. A macaroon, on the other hand, is more often than not that little quarter-sized dollop of egg whites & sugar rolled in dried coconut and toasted to sweet perfection. In France, this is called a “congolais” and is served during Passover because it contains no flour. Sufficiently confused yet? 🙂 )

Patisserie de Paris menu - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneYou may notice lots of layering going on throughout the space, starting with these 4-ply menus. (Click on the photo, then click again to enlarge and note how the menus honor Jennie and Linda!) A bright celadon green is topped with 2 different shades of pink damask cardstock from Hobby Lobby to complement the design of the placemat. It is held together with a metal fleur de lis brad, also from Hobby Lobby. The stemware used for this tablescape is from Old Time Pottery, and the napkin is from Bed Bath & Beyond.

Patisserie de Paris centerpiece - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Eiffel Tower collageThe dramatic “Eiffel Tower” centerpiece is one that, while very tall, can still be seen through across the table. I have used this piece in different ways for two other posts, “Springtime in Paris Buffet” and “French Poodle”. Here is is lightly embellished with dainty pink silk flowers and a few butterflies. The center holds a glass cake pedestal piled high with pastries.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneThe layered look continues with the table linens. A 108″ round LinenTablecloth.com tablecloth in “Tea Green” is topped with a soft pink 90″ tablecloth. Layered linens always give a richer, more sumptuous look to a table and allow multiple theme colors to extend below the table’s surface.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneSimple white resin patio chairs add to the “outdoor cafe” look.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneIt’s no jam-packed Parisian patisserie window, but I thought this vintage baker’s rack would be a neat way to display pastries and a few French-inspired knick-knacks as well as to bring the feel of an authentic patisserie to the deck. Notice the replica penny-farthing (bicycle) there on the floor as well as the fleur de lis symbols on the shelves. (TIDBIT: Frenchman Eugene Meyer is credited as the father of the penny-farthing or “high bicycle” by the International Cycling History Conference.)

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One, Cross and box collageCrosses show up a lot in French design and architecture, so I used this large wrought iron cross on top of the baker’s rack. The cross is flanked by two celadon green hat boxes with French flair.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Cake, coconut balls, cake plateau collage

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Floral, fleur de lis stand, meringues collage

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Sugar wafer & marshmallow cookie collageJust like in a French patisserie, there is a huge variety of sweet pastries from which to choose. I stuck with pastries in the same/complementary color palette as the table.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneWho knew a MoonPie looked so much like an authentic macaron? Hmmm….the MoonPie was created at the start of the Great Depression, so maybe it IS the poor man’s macaron? 🙂 And maybe it’s why they have been a traditional “throw” during the Mardi Gras (very French!) parades in many Southern states since the 1950s? (Where are my ‘Bama girls to back me up on this? Ellen? Sandra?) Something to ponder….! 🙂

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Small cakes, Pirouette cookies, cupcake collageMore pastries on the dessert buffet, including beautiful pirouette cookies and pretty little cakes that make me want to slap on a crown and shriek, “Off with their heads!“, are displayed in and on glass and silver.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Cake server, forks & napkins, dark fleur de lis collageI bought several of these beautiful silver cake servers yeas ago. They come in quite handy for dessert buffets! The dark wrought iron fleur de lis seen here, as well as the white one in previous photos, both came from the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby for just $1 apiece.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Buffet table

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Pink & green table runners from LinenTablecloth.comThe buffet table carries on the theme of pink, green and white as well as layering. This 90″ x 132″ white tablecloth is topped with pink and tea green satin runners, all from LinenTablecloth.com. It looked nice with the plain white tablecloth, but adding bits of color (for such a teensy, tiny price!) just kicked it up a notch! I used 3 runners to represent the 3 vertical bands of the French flag.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Coffee service collageThe coffee service set up on one end of the buffet table features a silver 25-cup coffee urn, a vintage creamer and sugar set, soft pink napkins, and a billowy floral design in a French-inspired white vase. The pastoral scene on the side of the cups is decidedly French, too.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Bread & cheese collage

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-OneLoaves of bread stand tall in a silver champagne bucket while croissants and other breads are displayed in a silver wire basket with Victorian-era tongs alongside assorted cheeses. The Austrian crystal cheese picks and forks add just the right amount of bling.

Patisserie de Paris - Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - French decanter & corks collageFinally, this fancy glass decanter with the word “Paris” on it is filled with corks instead of a beverage for a nice decorative touch.

Many, many, many thanks to Jennie for this wonderful bit of inspiration!

More posts using pink & green on this site:
“Showered in Pink”
“Blushing Bridal Shower”
“Fairy Tale  Wedding Shower – Princess & the Frog”
“Mother’s Day Luncheon in Pink”
“Pinky Peter Cottontail”
“Pleasant Under Glass”
“Springtime in Paris”
“Easter Brunch”

I’m joining a couple of blog parties this week:
“Let’s Dish!” with Cuisine Kathleen
“Tablescape Thursday” with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

I’ll be back next week with one more post before surgery. It’s gonna be a doozy, and you won’t want to miss it!
Until next week, au revoir!