1. style and fashion
2. fashion designers

2012
Beautiful Tables Showcase
Escape
Designers - Elaine Edmondson,
Karen Pate, and Sandi Chandler
Novice - Contemporary
Okaloosa Island. . .Hana. . .Majorca - Escape the darkening days of the
Pacific Northwest to the sandy beaches of the world. Gather stoneware
from Portugal set on Driftwood Chargers handmade by Indian artisans
of exotic mango wood, combine them with soup mugs from the shores
of Chesapeake Bay, along with grandmother’s crystal stemware circa
1960 and set them around seashells and driftwood collected over the
years from beaches around the globe. ‘Sunshine and warmth’ will
instantly fill the hearts of all who dine at this table created by Elaine
Edmondson, Karen Pate, and Sandi Chandler.
Holiday Greens
Designer - Bonnie Stromberg
Professional - Seasonal/Holiday
The fabulous breakfast table designed by Bonnie Stromberg of
Selden’s Home Furnishings is adorned by a slender gaily appointed
Christmas tree. Setting the stage for a fun and wonderful
intimate holiday meal the designer uses décor of all shades of
green with a mixture of casual and luxurious elements. The
unique wooden chargers are combined with porcelain plates and
Gorham “Buttercup” sterling making this dining experience
memorable. What a way to start a Christmas day.
Let Your Garden
Add the Color
Designer - Michael Bowman
Whimsical - Professional
Designer Michael Bowman, Owner of the Design Gallery, combines
Vista Alegre, “Manueline White” and Reed & Barton stainless to
begin this al fresco dinner for two. A creative centerpiece by the
designer completes this festive ensemble.
Africa Meets
America
Designer - Karyll Henry
Novice – Whimsical
Designer Karyll Henry features the Sankofa Bird that
originates from West Africa, mainly in the country of
Ghana. Napkin rings are replicas of rings worn on the
hands of Kings. The strips of woven cloth, also from
Ghana are called Kinte Cloth that are woven by the
men of the village. Traditionally, many families wear
their own specific pattern. Intertwined with the
African theme are “Madrid” pattern dishes of the
American depression glass era. Hence, Africa meets
America.
A Succulent
Garden Brunch
Designer - Wendy Simmons
Novice - Formal
Guests are welcomed to this brunch by place cards nestled
in birds’ nests. Antique English silver egg cruet set, footed
tray, and pitcher complement vintage glassware and
Noritake China in “Shenandoah” pattern. A tiered
centerpiece of nests with succulents, flowers, and eggs, all
collected from designer Wendy Simmons’ garden, adds a
touch of whimsy.
For Barbara:
A Holiday Dinner
Designer - Stuart Curry
Novice - Seasonal/Holiday
Designer Stuart Curry features pottery by Portmeirion
“Holly and Ivy” in this festive holiday table setting. The
designer has created a centerpiece blending an array
of red and green pieces to complete this ensemble.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Designer - Vicky Shanaman
Novice - Formal
Best of Show
Designer, Vicky Shanaman has
called upon the 1960’s classic
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to inspire
this setting that will transport
you back to the days of elegance
and beauty. This design begins
with Minton China and
incorporates Fostoria, “Clear
June” stemware and several
other pieces adorned with
turquoise and gold. Sit and enjoy
a cup of tea and a scone with the
iconic Audrey Hepburn, on some
of Great Britain's finest China.
Vaer så god (Welcome to the Table)
Designers Karen Robbins and Kris Suter
Novice - Seasonal/Holiday
Designers Karen Robbins and Kris Suter
welcome you to their 1970’s Scandinavian
Christmas Eve smorgasbord. This table
setting features a vintage set of Johnson
Brothers, “ Bergren of Scandinavian
Rosemaling” ironware plates and other
colorful vintage and modern day service
ware. “There you go!” as the Norwegians
invite the family to dine.
Floral Fusion
Designer - Sandy Ruffo
Novice – Contemporary
A blend of vibrant colors and patterns brings life to this
contemporary table designed by Sandy Ruffo. Each place
setting of Lenox China, “Floral Fusion” is paired with
green stemware and unique white soup bowls. The
miniature floral salt and pepper shakers are made by
Radnor. The roses surrounding the table perimeter are
hand made by table designer Sandy Ruffo and add a
layer of interest and texture to bring all elements
together into an inspiring floral fusion.
An Artsy Bunch for
Brunch
Designer - Kate Miller-Johnson
Novice – Whimsical
Designer and former elementary teacher Kate Miller-Johnson
uses giant inflatable crayons from the late 80’s to set the
mood for this whimsical brunch for grandkids and/or young
neighbors. The simple softness of the matte ivory colored
Franciscan Ware “Coronado” is highlighted by all the bright
colors and activity surrounding them. What a delightful way
to combine artistic creativity and a lesson on good manners.
By the
Seashore
Designer - Marilyn Mogg
Novice - Whimsical
Marilyn Mogg features her Fitz and Floyd, “Oceana” collection as the
centerpiece for this table setting. She incorporates Marguerite
Wesseler’s hand painted, made in Italy, scalloped dishes with
flatware that belong to her mother. The setting is enhanced by the
amethyst colored goblets and brings back fond memories of summer
at the beach.
First Night Together at
the Four Seasons
Designers Laura Wicklander and Lea Corvin
Novice - Contemporary
The wedding day was beautiful and
exhilarating. Now it’s time to enjoy
the quiet of their first dinner
together in their honeymoon suite.
Mother/daughter team Laura
Wicklander and Lea Corvin have
incorporated Lenox ,“British
Colonial” China with Hallmark,
“Ballad” c1942 sterling silver. The
Wilcox silver tray and Noritake
crystal stemware complete this
eclectic mix that was inspired by the
glitz and glam of the 40’s.
A Merry
Mélange
Designer - David Colegrove
Professional - Formal
Designer, David Colegrove, Owner of The Key Antiques, has a perfect
marriage of Royal Worcester dinner plates, Royal Doulton salad plates
and “Cottage Industry” Porcelain. The vintage hand blown cranberry
stemware enhances this stunning formal table setting.
Voyage of
Discovery
Designers Linda Finkas and
Ciara Alysworth
Novice - Formal
Welcome aboard Captain Robert Fitzroy’s ship, HMS Beagle, on its
voyage to circumnavigate the world. Abroad is the Admiralty
cartographer who will name land masses, rivers, bays, and coves and
the young naturalist Darwin who will examine, name and describe
the details of nature. This is a re-creation of a table set for English
gentlemen using Spode, “Trade Winds” China, Waterford “Lismore”
crystal, brass cutlery and flora discovered in their travels. Designed
by mother-daughter team Linda Finkas and Ciara Alysworth.
The Dragon and
The Swan
Designers Davette and Christopher Mowers
Novice - Whimsical
Step aboard this Swan with her captain Sir
Frances Drake, the infamous English
privateer affectionately known to the
Spanish as the Dragon. He sailed the seas
in search of riches of Spain. This eclectic
whimsical table was designed by Davette
Mowers and son Christopher using
Hutschenreuther, “Sylvia” china and
Wallace “Grande Baroque” sterling silver.
Combining the antique, modern and
handcrafted pieces helped the gentlemen
scoundrel use his ill-gotten goods to set a
table fit to entertain and impress his lady.
Mid-Century Modern
Dinner Party
Designer - Rachel Bowman
Professional - Contemporary
Designer Rachel Bowman incorporates
Joseph W. Stetson, “Dixie Dogwood” China
with Blenko glassware in this simple, yet
stylish table design. An artistic centerpiece
by daughter Rachel Anne Cole enhances
this casual dinner gathering - 1957 style.
A Winter
Celebration
Designed by the Staff of Drees
Professional - Seasonal/Holiday
The Staff from Drees of Olympia provides an enchanted
winter collage of interesting table setting elements. All
items are available at Drees of Olympia.
Here Comes Santa Claus
Designers Cheryl Norton and Tiffany Hempeck
Novice-Seasonal/Holiday
This table designed by Cheryl Norton
and Tiffany Hempeck depicts the
arrival of Santa. The items used on
this table were purchased over the
years and in many different places.
Hippity Hop,
Easter’s on its Way
Designer - Robin Barnes
Novice-Seasonal/Holiday
Bunnies, jelly beans, eggs and daises help designer, Robin
Barnes, create her colorful Easter celebration. The table
setting begins with her 60’s wedding China Noritake,
“Parkridge” and is accompanied by a mix of Lenox and
Noritake crystal stemware. Who will find the golden egg?
Off to the Races
Designer - Deedra Walkey
Novice - Whimsical
Designer Deedra Walkey creates a table just for you to
celebrate your horse’s win. The setting begins with a mix of
Flow Blue china pieces and is enhanced by Duncan Miller,
“Mardi Gras” stemware. The ensemble is complete with
Towle, “Old Colonial” sterling and is ready for you to enjoy a
refreshing beverage as you savor your win.
Nothing
“Chintzy” Here!
Designer - Brenda Lee
Novice - Whimsical
This inviting dessert tea setting, created by designer
Brenda Lee, features colorful Royal Winton “Welbeck”
Chintz along with depression era Anchor Hocking
“Waterford Waffle” glassware. The Godinger “Baroque”
gold-plated flatware and elegant floral centerpiece
complement this table setting.
Contemporary
Elegance
Designers Susan and Joan Krogh
Novice - Contemporary
A dramatic tablescape, designed by Susan and Joan Krogh, combine the
boldness of silver with the glamour of gold, setting the stage for a
fabulous evening. The centerpiece “Silver Driftwood”, with its graceful
Ikebana style flower arrangement lure you to the table. The “Duetto”
China lay upon red chargers and is paired with Madeline stemware that
entices you to indulge yourself. Don’t be shy- Zwilling J.A. Henckels
sophisticated “Vintage 1876” flatware demands that you savor each
bite. Bon Appétit!
A Sophisticated Easter Brunch
Designer - Gail Smith
Novice - Seasonal/Holiday
Designer Gail Smith, calls on you to
don your Easter bonnet and join her
for a sophisticated Easter Brunch!
While sipping your champagne
cocktail from Tiffin, “Wisteria”
stemware, enjoy the elegant menu
served on Haviland “Rosalinde” and
Beleek China. The International
“Prelude” sterling and Easter tree,
showcasing vintage handmade egg
and crystal ornaments, complete this
colorful table setting.
Shades of Fall
Designer - Myrna Morey
Professional - Formal
Interior Designer Myrna Morey sets
the table featuring hand painted
Limoges plates, each with a different
flower. The centerpiece platter holds
an arrangement of fruit and flowers
arranged by Mark Young Flowers.
Kusak stemware is paired with 1930’s
Fostoria “June” cocktail glass, in
topaz/yellow. Sterling is Reed &
Barton French Renaissance, and
vintage dessert set with mother of
pearl handles.
Diamond
Anniversary
Designer - Nia Collins
Professional - Contemporary
This table setting begins with a grand Magnolia centerpiece that
designer Nia Collins coordinates with her vintage Noritake, “Savannah”
China. A mix of stemware and gold and silver highlights enhance this
modern representation of a diamond anniversary.
China Meets China in a
Black & White Affair
Designer - Barbara Bullinger
Professional - Whimsical
Designer Barbara Bullinger
combines antique China doll
heads and a Civil War China doll
to serve as the unique
centerpiece for this memorable
dining experience. The 222 Fifth
Avenue “Slice of Life” China
evoke different times and places
in our country and in the world. A
mix of flatware and stemware
provide the final touches for this
whimsical table setting.
All is Calm
Designer - Jean Swanson
Novice - Seasonal/Holiday
Designer Jean Swanson dresses her table using
festive handmade treasures and crystal pieces
creating a joyful setting for the holidays.
A Christmas
Carol,
Revisited
Designer - Marcia Terry
Professional-Whimsical
Enter the world of Charles Dickens’ classic tale “Christmas Carol”.
In this whimsical holiday setting by designer Marcia Terry,
handcrafted pieces made of paper, clay and mixed media
highlight scenes and quotes from the story. Everyday table and
flatware have been given new life with unique personalization.
The mood has been set for a celebration of spirit, life, and
Christmas!
The King and Thai, a
Tropical Evening to
Delight the Soul
Designer - Valorie Robinson
Professional - Whimsical
This table display designed by Valorie Robinson begins
with a striking Thai Botanical Batik and incorporates Baum
“Empire” porcelain with Yves St. Laurent stemware. The
hand carved surfing Buddha figure and Baccarat crystal
parrot complete this whimsical setting to delight the soul.
Arctic
Solstice
Designer - Marguerite Wesseler
Novice - Formal
Designer, Marguerite Wesseler welcomes you to winter elegance using
silver and bright fuchsia as a colorful contrast. This setting begins with
Arctic Solstice plates and is paired with Longchamp, “Crystal
d’Arques” stemware. The Lunt, “Harkness Hall” silver plate flatware
put the last touches on this table display welcoming winter.
Merrily Cobalt
Designer - Irene Russo
Novice - Formal
Designer Irene Russo uses Truesbacht
“Blue Onion” china in this formal table
setting that is complemented by
d’Arques stemware and Gorham
“Lascala” sterling. A candelabra and
floral centerpiece by Susan Steen
completes this ensemble.
Painting the Roses
Designer - Patricia Smith
Novice - Whimsical
Patricia Smith takes you down
the rabbit hole to a tea party
with the Red Queen. Using a
variety of pieces from her
father S. Kent Smith family’s
collection, she creates a scene
of the same whimsy and
imagination found in Lewis
Carrolls “Alice in Wonderland”.