Pretty In Pink

First, a confession: I'm obsessed with the color pink. Surprised? I thought not. I also love quiche, but that's a different story. I just think there's something so happy about, say, pink garden roses in a pretty milk glass vase. Apparently, I'm not alone. Some studies show that pink actually prompts the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps boost your spirit and curb your appetite. Not that I'm passing up the chips and salsa quite yet, but the roses growing in our garden, together with all the weddings we've been seeing this summer, have definitely inspired us over at our Etsy store. Here's a table I did recently, right here on the property, all in a palette of pink and white, perfect for a casual summer wedding in the country.         

Wedding receptions, as we all know, take so much planning and preparation that often times, they can end up feeling overdone. The centerpieces are too big, the tables too cluttered. For summer weddings especially, I prefer a more understated elegance with eclectic table settings and flowers that are simple but sophisticated. Here, stacked compotes with fresh cut roses add height to the table without overpowering it. One is vintage milk glass with a pretty lace edge; the other, sterling silver with a 1914-1939 engraving, a gift celebrating twenty-five years of marriage for two others long before. 

How great would they be with, say, pillar candles on a fireplace mantel or candied sauces on a buffet? I might even split up the pair and fill them with French-milled soaps in a bathroom. Each is engraved with a pretty "S" monogram, and until I can give them to friends of mine tying the knot, they'll be here for yours.   

The linen table topper I made from a fabric remnant, the edges of which I simply ironed and folded. The settings are casual but sophisticated with a tonal pink-on-pink palette and an eclectic mix of new and old: white dinner plates from the Christmas Tree Shop, silver chargers from a flea market in London, and vintage Fireking swirl plates, collected over years. I like how everything works together; it feels harmonious without being matchy.

Footed servingware is so elegant, especially for a wedding, and these bullseye crystal cups would be the perfect way to begin (or end!) a meal. For an elegant first course, I imagine a chilled roasted beet soup with crème fraîche and chives. For dessert, I might do an almond pound cake trifle with lemon curd and fresh whipped cream. Or, skip them at the settings altogether, and run them down the table as a centerpiece, each with a single pink peony. How pretty is that?

Candlelight is so important on a table, but some candlesticks can be obtrusive. These two-arm depression glass candelabras are low and beautiful, so your guests can converse with ease. Then, for drama, I love the meter-long tapers from our friends here.

I've always thought that weddings—the gifts we give to our families and friends as well as the meals we share to celebrate them—ought to feel as one-of-a-kind as the couples themselves. That's why I love buying vintage. Sure, I'll check out the registry to get an idea of what they're looking for, but then I much prefer giving something truly unique. In the same way, it's always the tables that tend towards a quieter beauty that I love, where a soft, subtle mix of elements—textures, shapes, colors—soothe my eyes and stir my soul.

Comments

[Connie Mebane]

the candles are beautiful and I love the craftsmanship- please enter me in the give away-Thanks!

[Maryam in Marrakech]

oh my..........it's all so, so beautiful! This sort of pink is one you see very rarely in Marrakech (it's more of the salmon pink that makes the city the "red city"). But I love this pink - I can't think of prettier color.

[Camille Presley]

Hey Eddie and Ross,
This is Camille Presley, I just wanted to let you both know how much I enjoyed dinner the other night with Pam. I hope you both enjoyed your time in California. I look forward to hearing from you.
Camille

[Sarah]

So pretty. I love the candelabras!

[Renae]

Eddie,
Great looking table and I am so glad you said where to get those stunning tapers. One of my pet peeves when I see beautiful tables in magazines is that they are not functional. One could often times not dine at them because the centerpieces are too tall or there's just too much clutter. Simple is definitely more elegant.
Well done...but you ARE the pro!
Blessings...have fun in CA taping for HGTV!

[Newburgh Restoration]

Can I send you my bridal registry link? Or at least give ideas to my friends! I would love vintage dinnerware for a wedding gift! Too bad they don't make a registry for that!

[hanako66]

this is all so beautiful, my favorite palette!

[Linda@ Restyled Home]

I'm a sucker for pink, too! I love that tablescape...and the setting is gorgeous!
Makes me want to throw a garden party!

Cheers,
Linda

[tracy]

Hello!! I've been admiring from afar, and it is time I speak up. *ahem*

I featured you in my post today...our mutual love of milk glass is the general topic. But from being a reader for sometime, I've noticed that you can make just about EVERYTHING beautiful...!

I borrowed your pics, I do hope it is OK, please let me know, I'll remove it immediately.

Can't wait to see what you do next!

hugs -
Tracy.

[Kathysue]

Hi Eddie, What a beautiful,simple, elegant
table setting. I love the fresheness of the pink and white. The way you describe each piece makes me want to go and set a lovely table just to look at. You are always inspiring,such a talent. Hugs Kathysue

[personalityispreferred]

Love Pink. Love the settings.
debi
http://www.personalityispreferred.blogspot.com

[beachbungalow8]

between you and Anna Spiro, I've fallen in love with pink all over again.

[suzq]

I have to agree with table settings. So many times, I've sat at tables with huge floral displays in the middle only to play "peek-a-boo" with the person sitting across from me.

I love putting out small footed bowls with floating one blossom in water or a votive floating in water. I'm always afraid the clumsy folks at the table (me, mainly) are going to knock over tall tapers!

What a great idea to fold a colored cloth over a white table cloth. It's a great way to keep reusing stained table cloths that just won't clean up but are too pretty to toss.

[karla nathan]

Lovely, of course. And I was happy to hear the seritonin/pink connection. I know pink makes me happy!

[carol]

Hmmmm...the "S" monogrammed sterling silver...not planning a wedding, but I do have birthdays...and oh say they would make a great Santa treat! LOVE pink and you!

[michelle]

I love your tablsettings!! Pretty in pink indeed!

Best,
Michelle

[Renovation Therapy]

I have a bad Christmas Tree Store habit...may need a 12 step program...LOL

[Debbie]

Milk glass containers filled with sea glass from the beach that I often walk on...A little bit of heaven for me.

Now I know why my eye is often drawn towards the color pink! Fantastic post, Eddie and Jaithan.

Hugs,
Debra

[Bette]

Eddie,

Pink has it place and it's close to the hearts of all of us. I think it makes everyone look so fresh and soft and happy.

I agree what better place for these feelings than at a wedding!

Bette

[Design Esquire]

Simply stunning. I love it.

[Firefly Hill]

Eddie,

Just heavenly....

xo,

annie

[Althea]

Lovely, Eddie. Simple yet inspiring.

[Karena]

A truly beautiful and romantic setting, wonderfully planned!

[Ruth Ann]

Sooo beautiful! Pink is my favorite color! I would love to attend this party! You are unbelievable! Such an inspiration! Hope you are having a great weekend!
-Ruth Ann

[Terri]

Beautiful ideas Eddie. I agree, pink is such a glorious colour. And simplicity is delicious after so much over the top living. And I love the very tall candles.

[Wendy Dawson]

So beautiful! Makes me want to run out to the flea market first thing in the morning to continue the treasure hunt. This table is a great inspiration!

[lulu]

Milk glass and pink roses? Be still my heart!! Eddie, amazing eye candy as always!

[Visual Vamp]

Yummy!
I love me some pink! (like Jaithan's pink jacket!)
xo xo

[pve]

Any bride, would be tickled pink to celebrate at that table, any anniversary too! I love the country setting.
pve

[Judy]

What a beautiful table setting. I love the long tapers. Makes everything look extra special.

[Barbara]

Eddie,
Beautiful! I love pink, green, and white in almost any combination and almost anywhere.
Re: the beautiful milk glass compotes - the first time I ever heard of milk glass was while reading a book by the late writer Gladys Taber. Gladys wrote about life in her Connecticut farmhouse and sometimes mentioned her beloved collection of milk glass. She was really a generation before mine but I still love to read her books. If you don't know of her, I think she'd be right up your alley. See, for starters: http://www.gladystaber.org/.