INSPIRATION: Singer Robin Thicke’s body-hugging black & white striped suit worn during his infamous performance with Miley Cyrus at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. (shown here with wife Paula Patton) Source: US Magazine
Inspiration apparently comes from just about anywhere. Sometimes when you least expect it. Last year as I watched the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Robin Thicke sashayed onto the stage in a suit that commanded my utmost attention. At first I couldn’t decide…
Convict? Tweedledum and Tweedledee from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”? Michael Keaton in “Beetlejuice”???
Then, I thought of another image a little closer to my wheelhouse…
INSPIRATION: Another fabulous party designed by Carolyne Roehm. Source: The Party Dress
Ah, yes! This beautiful party designed by my beloved Carolyne Roehm. A few short months later I found just the thing to help me bring the spirit of these two very diverse yet equally inspiring ideas (I mean, c’mon…Robin Thicke is a cutie pie!!!) to life in my own way for an intimate summer dinner party.
(Click on any image, and then click again to enhance/enlarge it.)
This semi-formal contemporary table for 12 was created by using two 6′ tables dressed in white stretch tablecloths from LinenTablecloth.com. I’ve talked before about the ease of these tablecloths and how they require absolutely no ironing…my favorite feature of all! 🙂 (I don’t get paid to peddle LTC’s products or say nice things about them…I just know what I love!)
Keeping with the linear look, sharply squared black chargers are topped with square white B. Smith plates.
I created individual menus using black and white striped paper from Hobby Lobby. I chose to use a long decorative sheet underneath with a short top sheet to highlight the elongated aspect of the stripes.
The modern design of the J.A. Henckels “Bellaserra” flatware with its straight lines and squared off heels is perfect for this setting. The jet black napkin is simply folded and tucked beneath the charger to cascade off the side of the table. Again…going for the same long, lean look of the stripes.
To keep with the posh, modern look, I opted to go with dramatic floral arrangements in bright hues of a singular bloom to offset the undeviating lines of the stripes. Scads of calla lilies – a decidedly contemporary flower – are displayed in chunky black glass vases. Long-stemmed tulips (faux here for demonstration purposes, but I encourage you to go fresh for an actual dinner party) arch gracefully from taller, curvier vessels. Graceful 15″ metal case candlesticks are set in simple glass holders. (Metal case candles never lose their shape, don’t pose the same dripping problems as wax candles, and pose a reduced safety hazard.) Those same glass holders are flipped upside down to accommodate a random scattering of votives down the table.
The black and white striped stretch chair covers are from LinenTablecloth.com. When I first saw these on their website, I just about lost my mind with glee! As with all of their stretch chair covers, the front has an opening that allows guests to comfortably put their feet back. Like the tablecloth, these stretch chair covers are very easy care, require no ironing, and slip on in a matter of mere seconds to transform a banquet chair from blah to Wham-Bam-Don’t-I-Look-Absolutely-GLAM!!! To see these chair covers used in a completely different setting, check out “Hometown Pride: Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos Football Tablescape”.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: These chair covers are designed to fit standard banquet chairs only. See product description on LTC website. I bought my banquet chairs on Craig’s List, but you can also purchase them at Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, or through hotel/restaurant/clubhouse going-out-of-business sales, churches, etc.)
Other posts using black & white (some with touches of a bright accent color) on this site:
Shake, Rattle & Roll ‘Em!
Fete Noir et Gris
Diamonds Are a Material Girl’s Best Friend
Little Black Dress
Black, White & Red All Over
A Little Pomp IS the Circumstance Graduation Buffet
Life Is Just a Chair of Bowlies
Hooray For Vodka!
I’ll be heading on over to Christine’s Rustic & Refined for the 13th installment of “Table It!” starting tonight (Sunday) and then to Susan’s Between Naps on the Porch for “Tablescape Thursday” later in the week. I hope you’ll join me as I check out tablescape genius from around the globe!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
Wow! That’s cool. Love the floral arrangements. It wouldn’t take much to turn that into a football theme with the chairs as refs. There’s that “spanx” tablecloth again. 🙂
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WOW ! Striking ! The stretch chair covers are a great invention just like the tablecloth. With the black & white a person could use any color choice. Thank you for the inspiration !
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You are brilliant!! This is so gorgeous, I am speechless!
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Oh boy! Truman Capote needed you for those black and white balls he used to throw! This is hip, edgy, modern and elegant all at the same time. You can do this at my next wedding! Or even my funeral. I would go with a smile, knowing my guests had something like this to remember me by.
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Hey-Hey-Hey!! Robin might be able to get Paula back if he set a table like this for her. Then again, maybe not. At any rate I am thrilled that your vision came to life. This is ultra modern, quirky and flat out gorgeous. You took the linear theme and ran with it! The lines of the flatware, the square chargers and those graceful curves of the tulips were all in harmony here ma’am. Now step up and get your award!
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This is a big WOW! Love the references, especially Robin Thicke. The striped chair covers are fabulous. I must visit that store again. I have that book by Carolyn…completely awesome and great ideas. You have once again blown us all away with your creativity. The pink flowers with the black is so pretty. Keep on creating Alycia,
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Nothing more dramatic than black & white and the strips take it to a whole new level. So sophisticated and smart. I love the Calla Lilies in the shorter vases. this is a grown-up table for sure! dianne
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Holy bleep thats gorgeous! I feel like you and I should be singing ebony and ivory and rocking some cray cray pink louis vuittons purses and shoes!!
Such drama and great color….you did it again….Bravo!
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Oh, Alycia! You are so talented!! This tablesetting is extraordinary: stylish, striking and so classy. I love everything about it, and my taste generally runs to more of an old-fashioned style. But you have shown me how marvelous square plates can be used and how stripes can be truly stunning!! Bravo!!!
Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
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Simply gorgeous. I totally concur with all the adjectives used by other posters to describe this sophisticated feast for the eyes. I love it!
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WOW Alycia, that is one stunning table! I love the calla lilies and then the drama of the taller tulips. Oh my gosh… and the menu is fabulous. The chair covers are amazing and really transform the chairs. I’ve never heard of metal case candles. That’s a new one to me. I want to come to dinner on your deck!!
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Alycia,
This elegantly done tablescape “Takes My Breath Away”, dear friend!!!
Love, LOVE, L O V E black and white tablescapes with only one other accent hue. . .and the pink is so~o~o classy!!!
The flatware with its square at the base is stunning!
Thank you for sharing your creative talent with amazing tablescapes each week!!!
Fondly,
Pat
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Sending you huge fan mail from CANADA Alycia! My whole family LOVES this table setting. So elegant and stunning in black and white stripes and bold vibrant flower arrangements. I love the sunflower arrangment of Carolyne Roehm’s. I think she will want your source for the chair covers! Gorgeous!!!!! Canada loves your creativity! Fantastic!
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OK, Miss Alycia, this one is definitely calling my name! You know you had me with black and white stripes. I may just need to order a set of those fab chair covers. Loving the pink tulips as a centerpiece. Your table is just as wonderful as Carolyne Roehm’s. I’m off to pin these to my Black and White board. Thanks!
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LOVE those chair covers!!! Alycia, you have an infallible eye. When are you going to get your own TV show???
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Absolutely stunning!! I never tire of black and white and you created such an amazing table + the chairs. I’d love to be a guest at one of your parties. 🙂
I’ve never heard of the metal case candles…great idea to use them!
xo
Pat
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Alicia –
I can’t figure out how the stripes stay straight on that stretchy fabric. Is it magic, or did you just give it that “Alicia-style” talking to? I love this so much.
Linda @ A Toile Tale
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What’s black & white and pink all over?? This glamorous tablescape. The black & white combo is truly a showstopper. Hollywood should be calling your name on this. It’s time for them to know who “Alycia” is!!
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You are right about inspiration coming from surprising sources, but not all of us would take it to the next level. This is one of my all time favorite tables, so sleek and modern, yet very inviting and totally fun. The black and white chair covers are outrageous. Great work, my friend.
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You have outdone yourself with this one, girl! The symmetry of the stripes is as comforting to me as our rows of soybean crops. (Haha, but much more elegant.) The sleek black and white is so striking, and the soft pink tones in the flowers soften everything perfectly! I’ve always said you’re a genius. You have to believe me now! Because you win an OSCAR with this table!
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Seriously the most gorgeous table setting! I’ve never heard/seen the stretch table cloths or chair covers. They are terrific. I also love the double layers of flowers.
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I am in LOVE!! This is a gorgeous table. I especially love you using black vases. WOW!! Mind blown. Good job She-Ro.
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Sigh….I am just about speechless…first of all, black and white is at the TOP of my LOVE list, and those chair covers are striking, and totally divine. I applaud you for keeping everything else so simple and using the vase of tall bowing pink blooms to provide the perfect accent and contrast. Clap clap clap!! 🙂
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Wow very dramatic! Those stretch linens really dress up the chairs and create a very organized look! You achieved a great look with the clear glass accents and florals. I hate to admit I know nothing about Robin Thicke- I’ve heard his name but that’s it! I do know who Beettle Juice is though! You are right, it’s funny how different things can inspire you!
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Oh this black and white table is just fabulous. Love that you can throw in whatever splash of color to want to kick it up! Those chair covers are very dramatic.
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Wow! Hollywood glam and fabulous! LOVE the striped chair covers and square plates. Great look, Alycia!
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OMG, I am almost at a loss for words!!!! This is magnificent!! Gorgeous, amazing, every adjective you can think of. The TULIPS (faux or not) are fabulous and the crowning touch. Every detail is perfect. This could be my favorite table:):) OH! And I will send Joe out soon!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO
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Wow, wow, and more wows!!!!…you nailed this table…the chair covers are a showstopper…but then again all of your tables are showstoppers…I am waiting for Robin to peek out from behind the table…Those pink tulips were an outstanding choice!…and the other flowers so beautifully round out the centerpiece…Bravo, bravo…a true standing ovation!!!
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wow absolutely stunning and i love the pop of pink the flowers bring
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What could be more elegant than black and white? Even the votive holders look like top hats to me. I find the pink tulips to be a surprise element. I like a surprise and I think this adds fresh and modern to the story. The insert of the prisoners uniform, Tweedledee and Tweedledum and Beetlejuice made me laugh out loud. That is so clever. I think those fabulous chair covers could be used in many different ways, from funny to sophisticated, zebra to fantasy. I hope I start to think like you!
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Alycia, Alycia, Alycia . . . Where do I begin? The moment I saw the picture of Robin Thicke I knew this table would be a winner. How can you look at this cutie pie and not smile? I liked the song before I had ever even seen him, and then, well, I liked the song even more. Your table is stunning! With all due respect to Ms. Roehm, I like your design even better. The pink tulips and lilies soften the look of all the black and white. I love all your choices! This is one table I’ll always remember. Great job!
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Now, THIS one is the one I’ve been saving the word “stunning” for. Or what do I know—I may have thrown it out there several times already. This is absolutely so glamourous, with the stark simple lines and corners, and the sophisticated sheaves of calla lilies punctuating the table. And the sweet soft roundness of the tulips nodding above such an elegant setting—absolute perfection.
And PLEASE forthcome with that vanilla mousse meringue recipe.
rachel
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Wow, wow, wow!!! What stripes and color, how eye catching with your black and white and then those pink flowers. Just stunning! I’ve been gone for 5 weeks so just now getting back to blogland.
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Any post that starts off with Robin Thicke has to be a winner because yes, you’re right, he’s a cutie ;).
The pink tulips are absolutely stunning and elegant. Who cares if they’re faux? Not moi.
The striped chairs remind me a bit of Mackenzie Child’s. I’m sure you know which pattern I mean? I can’t think of the name though.
The place settings remind me a little bit of what was done at my daughters wedding last month. I can’t take credit for it of course, but I actually posted some pics and a slideshow on my blog and now that I have a feel for your style I think you might enjoy taking a peek if the spirit moves you.
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This may be my favorite yet! I’m in love with the b&w stripes. Those chair covers are stunning. I love the large vase holding the tulips too. How gorgeous. You really did an amazing job with this one.
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Never. I mean, never in a million zillion bagilliion years would I have thought to take Robin Thicke’s suit and be inspired to do a table. I just love the way your mind works, and I can say with all honesty that you LIVE that Angelou quote to the max. This table is stunning. How black and white stripes can be stunning and formal slays me. I love the way the menus pick up the theme and just sort of flow out of the chair. Plus, I love those gorgeous centerpieces. You scored with this one… just like always.
I wanted inspiration this morning. I specifically woke up with a mission to find my inspiring. I think I hit pay dirt.
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Just commented. What did I do wrong, now? Lost it? UGH
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Wow! So dramatic, elegant and oh so chic! You have a special flair for creating outstanding tablescapes 🙂 I love those stretch chair covers and tablecloth…..everything is so elegantly contemporary, love the black and white stripes! And the vase holding the pretty pink tulips is absolutely stunning! Thanks for inspiring, Alycia, and for your sweet words :)~hugs, Poppy
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STRIKING and elegant!! Those stretch chair covers and tablecloths are super. LOVE LOVE your flowers. Gorgeous. This is one of my favorites. Your plates, vases,goblets, napkins are perfect together. This should be in a magazine or book!!!
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This tablescape is a knock out! Wow ~ just stunning. I love the pops of color you have added to set everything off. Perfection!!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
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Love this contemporary and stunning table! Though of Carolyn Roehm with that black stripe too!
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You are so talented, Alycia! What a knockout setting! This is such a beautifully striking setting…fresh, contemporary and elegant all at the same time. I love it. The menu sounds quite yummy too!
Hugs to you,
Nancy
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Oh Alycia no one can beat when it comes to setting an table with colour combinations.Wonderful.Love the strips and it stands out.Happy week endLove and hugs sujatha..:):)
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Stunning…no blurred lines here. Love those pink tulips!
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AMAZING tablescape with the bold black and white stripes, dearest!
I adore the pink pop of color to it all. No one can top you, not even Carolyne Roehm…are you sure she didn’t get inspired in you…I DO!!!
Have a lovely weekend, my friend.
FABBY
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Stunning as always, my friend! I am a huge black & white fan from way back and those pops of color from the floral centerpieces are just the right touch! I adore those faux long stemmed tulips!!! By the way, you might want to check your email, your Facebook messages or my blog post from Weds Aug 6 (the one just before the “foodie” post). I think you’ll be very happy that you did! xoxo M.
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Beautiful as Always!! I hope you have been doing well. We need to get together sometime so we can see the photos from Sarah’s wedding. I haven’t seen them yet but she said the photographer got some good pictures of the tables. Thanks you!
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Your black and white stripes make a striking statement. Beautiful. I am a sucker for black and white in checks, plaids, stripes, and florals. I love it. The pink tulips are especially pretty in the tall black vases. Just lovely!
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And yet another love of mine (now that I’ve discovered MacKenzie-Childs and black and white). It’s amazing how just a pop of black and white can really add some humph to something. Love the black & white chair covers.
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