by Jesma Reynolds
photographs by Catherine Nguyen
Spring has sprung. It’s a fine time to pull out china, silver, linens, and accessories from the cupboard to create a spring tablescape for entertaining at home. We pulled together three looks to inspire. Ranging from traditional, to elegant blue-and-white, to nature-inspired, we let the colors of the season be our guide.
Introduced at the First World Exhibition in London in 1851, ‘Queen Victoria’ china by Herend mixes with heirloom linens, silver, and Herend porcelain animals. Daffodils from the garden brighten the scene. Seasonal candies – jellybeans and foil chocolate eggs – are a festive addition.
Richard Ginori’s newly-released Delft blue ‘Antico Doccia-Oriente Italiano’ dinner plate sets the tone for a blue-and-white theme. Dutch porcelain figurines and a tulipiere complete the look. Originally used in the 17th century for growing bulbs indoors, tulipieres today provide a stylish option for arranging tulips and other flowers. Easter eggs with bunny and chick silhouettes – a creative variation on traditional pastels – perch on antique silver napkin rings. Artel’s ‘Verdure’ cut-crystal double old fashioned and highball glasses complement the Dutch theme.
Gold-leaf-decorated eggs echo the Kelly Wearstler china pattern, which serves as muse for a gold-and-gems look. Pieces of amethyst and a quartz slab tray with 24-carat gold edging complement the graphic china and 24-carat-gold-flecked flatware by Hillsborough-based Vietri. A chocolate bunny provides a decorative and tasty flourish.