I Love, Love, Love beautiful table settings... By Simie Seaman

I Love, Love, Love beautiful table settings...

By Simie Seaman

I Love, Love, Love beautiful table settings. The way they make you feel, the stories they have to tell really nothing makes me happier. I have always loved china, crystal and, silver, it’s one of my weaknesses. Wherever I go I come back with something for the table. My collection started many years ago inspired by my sister in San Francisco. Most of my collection is second-hand, yard sales, and flea markets items. You will discover a wide array of these “treasures” waiting in the unexpected places. You can do so much with very little money when shopping this way. Never have a closed mind. If it speaks to you, and you fall in love with it, you’ll find a special place for it. Table setting for me is not abiding by strict rules of etiquette. It’s creating your own style- having fun mixing old and new with a dash of color here, mixing the unexpected patterns there, and deciding on which tablecloth provides the best background color.

My method is to build layer upon layer for the settings. I start off with color theme then build on that. First I decided on my tablecloth, placemats and chargers I then select different pieces and experiment with one place setting then add another element or change the color of a glass, a napkin or silver piece and then stand back and squint as if it’s a still life…. Embellished plates and china is art in themselves. Color glass is startling and can be enchanting. Napkins are layered with different colors and textures, silk, linen and organza topped with a unique napkin ring. The flatware can be silver or gold and different patterns. It’s the bringing together of mismatched and the unexpected that’s the Eye Candy.

My style is meant to encourage experimentation and boldness with color combinations, and to inspire confidence in developing your own personal style. The important thing is not to worry about overdoing it.  With these kinds of table setting you can serve a very simple menu and turn it into a feast not only for the palette but for the eyes and imagination. I feel that when someone comes to your home and sits at your table and breaks bread with you, you want them to leave not only with a relationship that is forever changed and everlasting memories.

Bio

Simie Seaman, enthusiast amateur photographer, history buff and collector of beautiful things. Simie is President of the Wilmington Historical Society.

email: thesistersprivatecollection@gmail.com

310-835-8177