Liana and I met years ago when I purchased pillows from her now closed Etsy shop. We became friends over our mutual interest in fabrics and décor. We can talk for hours on the telephone (she is in southern California). Everything she does inspires me! I hope I do the same for her. Are you lucky to have a friend like that, too?

Here are some fabrics Liana is considering for her home.
She mentioned that she was setting her dining room table for a party she throws annually for a friend’s birthday. I asked if she would send some photos.


I knew she would have a great mix of high and low. Just like I like!

Liana says buying live plants in advance is less stressful than buying fresh flowers with a shorter shelf life.

The place setting tags are darling with the velvet ribbon and berries. Simple and elegant.


Liana swears by these glasses…they are a bargain, to begin with and NOW they are even on sale!
Mercury Glass Votives: World Market
Candlesticks: vintage silver (these are fun to look for at flea markets)
Dripless tapered candles There are tons of colors from which to choose.
Napkins: Matteo linens (mauve)
Charger, Dinner and butter plates: Arte Italica Bella Bianca
Soup bowls: Astier de Villatte
Flatware: vintage

This color scheme feels so fresh for holiday parties.
Thanks once again for all the inspiration, Liana!!!
I’m in New York right now…can’t wait to tell you about the fun.
Check out my Instagram.
This weekend there is 20% off Williams Sonoma Tabletop.
OMG….that table was breathtaking! Loved the little plants and those place cards were stunning! What talent:)
Your tables settings are always so pretty and make me want to look at every small detail. Lovely as usual. 🙂
THANKS, MARILYN!
Gorgeous! And I love the look of your blog, haven’t had the time that I used to visit but happy I stopped by. You do not disappoint…I agree high and low looks can be easily achieved and can be such a thrill to master! Hope you are well.
Thanks so much, Tina. I found your comment in the Spam folder which I wasn’t checking. I’m new to WordPress and I’ve had a learning curve. Hopefully, you will be able to comment in the future. Take care!
Mary Ann, you are inspiring to me so I guess Liana is inspiring me too! I came over from Driven By Decor about 6 months ago and have been enjoying your old and new posts ever since. I used to live in SF but now live about an hour south so I enjoy all your posts about The City–I miss it. I love the Ralph Lauren fabric Liana is thinking about using for her pillows. It is similar to one you used on a large lumbar pillow in your entry hall/other locations. I would love it if you could find out the name of the fabric swatch. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Cindy. It is a different fabric than the one I have. I will ask Liana.
I love all the details! And I love a mix like this…and the bare table makes it all perfect!
Me too, Annie!
Such a beautiful tablescape. Love it. Just wish the cooking part wasn’t involved! 🙂
Hi Mary Ann! I found you thru the Contessa! This is an exquisite table! Every detail is thought out. Thank you for telling us about the Crate & Barrel glasses, and if my handwriting were prettier, I’d take a stab at making place cards! Looking forward to getting to know more about you and your blog. I’ve signed up! Come see me at 1010ParkPlace sometime. There are a number of us there, but you’ll find me under “Brenda’s Blog.” Best, Brenda Coffee
Brenda, thanks! I will head over to visit you now!
What a talented friend you have. Her combination of live plants is so pretty, using both florals and variegated greens that coordinate so well with the white china and flowers. I also didn’t miss how nicely the velvet ribbon picks up the colors in the foliage as well. It’s a very pleasing look, especially on top of the raw wood tabletop.
All just beautiful. The little small touches like the brown velvet ribbon are so great. That is what makes a great table even prettier!
xo kelley
I love the use of the terracotta plant pots, in varying colours, keeps the whole look really fresh. Makes me want to have a dinner party just so I can play around with table settings!
Liana’s home is gorgeous. So fresh and appealing. She has a casual elegance!! Thanks so much for the sources, Mary Ann.
I think so, too, Patricia.
You and Liana are cut from the same cloth when it comes to style, design and beautiful decore. (And I’m sure many other things too)! What a gorgeous table setting, I’d sure love to have a seat at that table. Just wish she still had her pillow shop on Etsy. She is the pillow wizard.
xoxo Gail
I know, Gail…with us toasting with Liana’s Champagne glasses!
Love the colors. And the plants.
Question: Do people no longer use tablecloths? Have they gone the way of pantyhose? Just curious.
I still use a table cloth now and then. I have some nice ones stored. But seeing the wood is really popular right now.
I still use a tablecloth! The table looks better with it (fuller) and it helps to pull everything together.
We used them here: https://classiccasualhome.com/2014/06/vintage-san-francisco-cocktail-party.html But it is fun to mix it up!
I think the colors are so pretty, too, with the terracotta and lavender and burgundy.
Do you have any ideas on incorporating a candleabrum into a table setting? They seem so dated and interfere with my chandelier but since it was a gift I don’t want to part with it. Thanks.
Oh yes! Very cool. Check this out… https://classiccasualhome.com/2014/06/vintage-san-francisco-cocktail-party.html