Whether it’s a new royal baby, becoming reacquainted with granny china or there were actually moments of sunshine this week to pick flowers without having to wear a coating of rubber from all of the biblical East Coast rain–British style reigns. The English may be known to be fussy with their hats and hundred pound draperies but they also have a loose quality, notably on the table.
An imprecise display of tea ware, garden-picked flowers and pastries create a casual yet welcoming table setting.
How to get the British look? Think layers and personalization:
- Layering: Formal place settings complete with butlers and finger bowls is all very manor house, but a more casual setting eliminates many of the rules. There is still rich detailing but lost is the precision of looking too matched. A variety of tea ware, pulled-from-the-garden flowers, and a lone textile create a setting like no other.
- Embellish Embellishments: Back to the no-rules mindset, add accoutrements to the unexpected, like flowers and powdered sugar to the pastries.
- Be Selective: Sometimes a basic teabag is just that, basic. Be adventurous with more high end teas, which are a great investment from the packaging alone.
The older I get, the more I gravitate towards minimalism. But I do like a layered table from time to time. And yes, this weather is biblical in nature. Start building the ark!
I agree and the table is a short term solution when you want to pile it on! An ark? What a great idea. xo