Author: Autumn (Janette)
This year I am fulfilling a dream by taking art classes in oils. Lucky for me, my new neighbor is an accomplished artist and gives classes to 12 people. We are known as “The Twelve”. I, of course, am in her beginning class, and she holds two other classes for her advanced students.
She served lunch to each of her classes last week, and it was very classy – as only an art teacher can do. Her place is lovely with fine art, beautiful antiques, and a soft color scheme.
She set her antique French table in her great room for the meal, and I love her combination of tabletop finery.
For instance, she combined her fine Waterford crystal water goblets with a rustic artisan pottery goblet.
The table was bare (I took the photos before she put out the linen napkins in silver holders) and showed its imperfections adding to its charm. Again ,she combined the rustic look of a pewter charger with her good china and vintage flatware with Bakelite handles.
I thought the flatware is beautiful.
She used a traditional Williamsburg centerpiece with greenery from her courtyard and fruit from the market.
Here is an aerial view of the centerpiece, kind of like looking at it from the Goodyear blimp.
Isn’t this a beautiful view?
Now come along and take a quick look at two special areas.
The mantle was dressed in muted colors to blend with her other Christmas decorations.
Its centerpiece was this “Glass Slipper” in a see-through glass box. She displays it year-round, not just for Christmas.
The lights make it difficult to see its beauty. When she’s not looking, that little piece of art might end up on my mantle. Shhhhh. Don’t tell.
The shoe is always on the mantle, and she just surrounded it with Christmas touches. I love the candlestick lamp base.
She tucked in a few huge hand-blown art glass ornaments.
Here is another one. Just beautiful.
And this is the show stopper. It’s a piece of art glass designed and blown by nationally prominent glass artist, Stephen Powell. He teaches at a college near here. Knowing the value of this piece, I literally gasped when I saw it sitting in her room. A photo could never do it justice. It is drop-dead beautiful.
What a beautiful table setting. Thanks for visiting me. I hope you visit again soon.
Penny
Your Colonial Williamsburg centerpiece is classic and elegant,,,one of my all time favorite centerpieces to make.
. Everything looks lovely and the glass pieces are gorgeous.
Merry Christmas!
Love her style! Art classes, lucky you! I’ve got to remember that centerpiece, love it!
Debbie
How fun to take an art class from such an artistic neighbor. Love, love the bakelite flatware, and the pineapple tower (much like Susans!). Thanks for sharing, and good luck with the lessons. Merry Christmas. ~CJ
This is lovely — I really enjoyed the unexpected mixture on the table. What fabulous art on display too. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas.
Her style is so classic. Love the juxtaposition of the rugged with the polished. It’s so pretty. Love that glass piece too.. Merry Christmas, xo marlis
Simple but beautiful and elegant, I love this. I specially like your pineapple tower, I would never thought saw til I saw you and Susan at TT, as I always thought pineapple is for summer, lol. You’re a lucky one to have an artist neighbor to take classes from, I would just adore to! Thanks for sharing. Have a very Merry Christmas.
FABBY
I love the simplicity of her table…the centerpiece is gorgeous. The bakelite flatware is a beautiful shade of yellow. The blown glass is absolutely stunning.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
What a lovely setting for A Holiday luncheon. You know how I love Stephen Powell!!! What a real treat to enjoy this beautiful mantle.
A Christmas lunch is always a treat, but one in such surroundings – well, one would have felt quite spoiled! You’re fortunate to have such a neighbour, and to fulfill the dream of taking classes in oils.