Ocean Tablescape

Soft blue ocean waves, warm sand and a glowing sunset provide the inspiration for this table styled with serene colors and rich textural elements.  Here the emphasis is on reflective glass, soft sparkling light, and natural materials. 

Beige, taupe, light blue and silver form the color scheme for this soft, water-inspired tablescape.  The dishes selected do not match, but instead share a common feature.  Each piece has a flowing pattern and a muted color that complements the overall theme.  The woven place mats are highly textural and offset a layered damask tablecloth and light blue table runner, reflecting the mood of sand and sea.

The softness and serenity of the ocean is also seen in the choice of flowers used in this arrangement.  Fading hydrangeas are cut and loosely inserted into a light blue pot with a scroll motif. Sprigs of blueberries are then added to punctuate the arrangement with a hint of clear vivid color. Hydrangeas are one of the few flowers that can be said to improve with age and the whitewashed look of the petals is subtle enough to set off this table.  Because they are usually fading by midsummer, these are a good choice for a July or August table.  However, these blooms wilt quickly once cut, so it is perhaps best to acquire them the day of the event.  If hydrangeas are not available, other soft white blooms or small flowers like gardenias floating in glass bowls would also work well with this look.

Seashells are randomly scattered though out the table to emphasize the ocean theme.  Some are on printed napkins, others on the table runner and near each place setting.  The filigree pattern of the stemware reflects the organic shapes of the shells and other flowing lines throughout the tablescape.

A pair of traditional taper candles are used to bring a formal quality to the table.  Then, to complete the look, several tea lights are scattered throughout the design creating a sparkling quality when lit.  This diffuses the light and brings a subtle illumination to the table for a shimmering, sunset-inspired effect.

Tropical Inspiration...

This hot weather has me thinking about the tropics and pouring through some paintings I did when we returned from Hawaii.  The clear bright colors of the island and gorgeous birds and flowers are some favorite themes.  Here is a sample of the island-inspired art in my summer collection, along with some photos that have a tropical flair.  Enjoy!



Palm Trees in Kauai



Kauai Waterfall

Lush Kauai Landscape




Kauai Beach at Sunset



Summer Tomatoes in Abundance

Does summer ever seem like summer without fresh tomatoes growing in the yard?  For me the answer is no.  I look forward to these all winter long and, come July, find myself collecting bowls of them to eat in every possible combination. Tomatoes in salads, on pizzas, in pasta and stir fry... there are so many possibilities!  As you might expect, I've been searching for new tomato recipes to try and Epicurious is one of my favorite sources.  Here are some new discoveries soon to be on the menu...

Pasta with Sun Gold Tomatoes

Warm Cherry Tomato Salad

Provencal Tomato Soup with Rice

Do you have a favorite way to serve tomatoes? 

California Poppies

This mixed media painting captures the vivid color of orange poppies as they explode into bloom during the spring and summer months.  Because these wildflowers seed themselves so easily they are usually grown in groups and form tangled bunches of brightness that seem to pop up everywhere. Here the orange is amplified by the surrounding  blues and purples and the flower's light grey-green leaves mesh into the textural background.  This piece is accented with iridescent beads, patterned papers and metallic gold line work.