2015

Beautiful Tables Showcase

Birthday Breakfast with Bunnykins

Designed by Karen Robbins

Novice

Whimsical

A table setting perfect for children or adults who love “Bunnykins”. Delightful dishes copyrighted by Royal Doulton in 1936 along with flatware featuring bunnies, helps celebrate a birthday breakfast. The place settings each with a different playful design, tell the Bunnykins story. The dishes were purchased for Hester Robbins , Designer Karen Robbins’ mother-in-law, who loved Bunnykins!

Dinner With the Bento’s:

Boxes That Is

Designed by Sharon Baker

1st Place Novice

Whimsical

The use of lacquer ware can be traced back to Japan to 7000 bc when it was originally used to attach arrowheads to arrow shafts. This table features vintage Japanese rushi-hanga, Aizu, and Tsugara styles of lacquer ware - the traditional accompaniment to outdoor excursions and theatre. Designer Sharon Baker combines Lenox “Eclipse” china, Gorham “Greenbrier” sterling, and Mikasa Chardonnay Gold stemware to complete this Japanese themed dinner table.

Fleur de Lis

Designed by Donna Erickson

and Sandy Coates

Novice Formal

Designers Donna Erickson and Sandy Coates set this formal table fit for a king using a collaboration of Theodore Haviland “Fleur de Lis” china and family inherited Gorham “Strasbourg” sterling. A mixture of stemware - Waterford “Curraghmore” crystal, Gorham gold rimmed wine glass (pattern unknown) and Gorham “Barrough” cordials complete this elegant setting.

Dinner With David

Designed by Terese Garett-Miller

and Patricia Haberler

Professional

Formal

2nd Place People’s Choice Professional

Designer Terese Garrett-Miller and Patricia Haberler found their inspiration from a visit to Florence and the Galleria dell’ Academia, where Michelangelo’s magnificent, awe-inspiring masterpiece David is on display. The pieces used in this table setting can be found at Bella Kitchen & Home offering the finest quality US and European dining and kitchenware.

A Mid-Summers Night Supper

Designed by Danielle Lord

Novice Formal

Titania’s faerie courtiers have appointed her table with dinner ware representing the woodland and floral faeries. Designer Danielle Lord mixes heirloom, vintage and modern china, crystal and silver to complete this romantic table inspired by Shakespeare. The intimate setting under the twinkling summer stars illuminates the night time canopy where the mischievous faeries dawdle.

Blue and White Love

Designed by Lea Corwin

and Laura Wicklander

1ST Place Professional Contemporary

Designers of this table, Lea Corwin and Laura Wicklander, admit they are smitten by the color combination of blue and white. It is truly timeless and classic. However, the inclusion of contemporary elements such as the quartrefoil print tablecloth, simple tea light holders, Gorham flatware and Royal Worcester china adds contrast. Greek key woven napkins, Mikasa crystal and sterling salt and pepper shakers add tradition to the mix to complete the design.

Gather Round the Table

Designed by Verda Washington

Novice

Seasonal/Holiday

This Thanksgiving table designed by Verda Washington, celebrates the colors of Autumn with warm gold, green and brown. The centerpiece of mini pumpkins, corn, nuts, wheat, flowers, and feathers enhance the tabletop. The warm glow of candles invite you to linger at the festive setting.

Jolly Jubilee Tea

Designed by Ciara Alysworth

Novice

Whimsical

It’s time to celebrate! It doesn’t matter how old you are, there is something to delight everyone! A jumble of fun is set by Designer, Ciara Alysworth. The table features a FAO Schwartz tea set and is surrounded by plenty of toys and treats with a touch of sparkle all laid on a quilt made with love by grandma. Let’s tell stories and enjoy the cake!

Festive Fall Feast

Designed by Linda Finkins

and Ciara Alysworth

Novice

Seasonal/Holiday

Let us gather around the table to toast and taste the autumn season with a sumptuous feast with friends. Set with Fuji “Garland” china from Occupied Japan, complemented with “Monica” sterling silver and green Fostoria stemware. Created by mother-daughter designers Linda Finkas and Ciara Aylsworth.

Cardinals - the Christmas

Birds

Designed by Retta Grisham

Professional

Seasonal/Holiday

1st place Professional Seasonal/Holiday

The cardinal has become a symbol of beauty and warmth of the Christmas Season. The setting begins with 222 Fifth, “Winter Cardinal” dinnerware and is accompanied by Lenox flatware. The birdcage was painted and decorated by the designer Retta Grisham. This table represents how the brilliant bird brings cheer, hope, and inspiration on a gray, wintery day.

It’s Adoption Day!

Designed by Judith Warren

Novice

Whimsical

After two years in the foster care system, three year old Kent has been adopted by his forever family. This table was designed as a special family dinner to celebrate his adoption day. Primary colors are combined with a variety of shapes and accents to enhance the Fiesta tableware and Oneida flatware from designer Judith Warren’s collection.

Commemorating Family

Heritage

Designed by Emily Whitcombs

1st Place

Novice Formal 3rd Place People’s Choice

Generations bond through the love of formal entertaining. Everything on this table has significance; these treasures once graced the beautiful tables of loved ones. Grandma Bea’s trademark blue with gleaming silver is brightened with a daring splash of fuchsia. Designer Emily Whitcomb’s fondness for heirlooms was recently rekindled by the gift of Gebruder Winterling china from an aunt. Sharing treasures of a lifetime is the best legacy!

Winter Wonderland

Designed by Cheryl Norton

Novice

Seasonal/Holiday

2nd Place Peoples Choice Novice

Designer Cheryl Norton begins with a wonderful reindeer centerpiece accented with snow and white lights. The turquoise chargers enhance the holiday table setting ready for a dinner for four.

Memories of Thailand

Designed by Marguerite Wesseler

2nd Place Designers Choice

Novice Whimsical

One of Designer Marguerite Wesseler’s highlights from her Thailand trip was riding an elephant! After she came back from Chiang Mai she was delighted to find elephant dishes, and a dear friend gifted her with the lovely elephant vase as the centerpiece to her table. She uses teak and brass flatware and gold-rimmed glassware. She adds a touch of beauty to each place setting with the intricately carved flower soaps so popular in the Chiang Mai markets.

Merry, Merry Margarita

Designed by Linda Bornander

Novice

Whimsical

Designer Linda Bornander combines years of family collecting including several trips south of the border to create this very colorful display. Pier 1 plates “Feliz Stripes” and Fiestaware bowls along with authentic “hecho en Mexico” pitcher and glassware add the finishing touch.

Enter Spring

Designed by David Colegrove

1st Place

Professional Formal

People’s Choice 1st Place

Designer David Colegrove from The Key Antiques creates a table setting for his dear friend Jeanne Nickerl owner of Abigail’s Antiques &Estates, who passed away in 2014. After collecting for over 50 years, her passion for antiques was surpassed only by her love for animals. Jeanne rescued and adopted many pets. She enthusiastically collected many categories of antiques with a special passion for cranberry glass. This table is set with some of her treasures in her honor.

Midnight Blue

Designed by Sandy Ruffo

1st Place Designers Choice Novice

Formal A

A quietly elegant formal table has been created by designer Sandy Ruffo using some of her collection of china, silver and crystal. Atop layers of dark blue fringed and lace linens, this display features Lenox Marchesa “Plume Sapphire” china, Towle “Adelaide” flatware and an assortment of crystal stemware. The picture is called “Althea Reading in a Blue Dress” by John White Alexander

A Celtic Chriistmas

Designed by Betty Willis

Novice

Seasonal/Holiday

This beautiful table setting is representative of childhood memories of this magical time of year in Northern Ireland. Designer Betty Willis uses china that she inherited from her beloved mother. Silverware was a gift from a friend in California in 1962. The napkin rings are designed by Kim Sey Bert from Gump’s in San Francisco. The European crystal complement the china with the “Rose” pattern.

Harvest Celebration

Designed by Tina Nelson

Professional

Seasonal/Holiday

Designer Tina Nelson uses gold accented plates to complement the rich Harvest color of fall. Along with her mother's crystal vase filled with fall leaves and other vintage collectibles found at antique stores. This table will make you fall in love with fall.

Christmas at the Cabin

Designed by Barbara Valdez

Novice

Seasonal/Holiday

For designer Barbara Valdez, Christmas conjures up the best memories. Time spent at my grandparent’s cabin. Warm and welcoming and a Christmas dinner fit for a king. The mossy oak dinnerware is more rustic in appearance then grandma’s Fiesta, but the Cambridge stainless silverware matched the memories of love that brought us together remains the same.

Memories of the Dining Car

Designed by Patricia Emerson

Novice

Whimsical

Designer Patricia Emerson traveled as a young child on the Northern Pacific Railroad, “the North Coast limited” to see her grandparents on the west coast. The route she took was from Mandan, ND to Kelso, WA. One of her memories was eating in the dining car, the elegant table service, and the wonderful service from the waiters. In particular, she remembered what is known as the finger bowl. As a young child, she was really intrigued with it.

Dining With Style

Designed by Heather MacMaster

People’s Choice 1st Place

Novice Formal

Friends gather to toast “Haute Couture” of the early 20th Century. Designer Heather MacMaster uses Villeroy and Boch “Design 1900” china, inherited from her mother, to showcase the Paris fashions of this era. Each setting is accompanied by traditional Bohemian hand-cut stemware “Monika” by Slansky crystal and “Francis I” sterling by Reed and Barton. The antique sterling dessert forks and spoons belonged to Heather’s maternal grandmother.

Heritage Hawaii

Designed by Patricia Warren

Novice

Contemporary

1st Place Novice Contemporary

Designer Patricia Warren uses her collection of South Pacific serving pieces to create a contemporary setting that showcases the spirit and heritage of Hawaii. White bone china provides a contrasting counterpoint to chunky goblets carved from coconut wood. Shining napkin rings made from coury shells and authentic Hawaiian table linens merge with bright orchids and giant shells to create a tiny tropical paradise.

Ode to Autumn

Designed by Nancy Hall

Professional Contemporary

Designer Nancy Hall combines the rich autumn colors and Juliska Chargers showcase the creamy white “Vesi” vintage Dansk stoneware creating an elegantly rustic tablescape. Baccarat “Massena” crystal, Ricci Stainless and glass pumpkins complete the look.

Dia De Los Muertos

Designed by Barbara Bullinger

Professional

Whimsical

1st Place Professional Whimsical Best of Show

Skull Lace by 222 Fifth Ave is the first Day of the Dead china that designer Barbara Bullinger has ever come across. She has loved this holiday because it is a joyful celebration of color, light, food, drink, flowers, sugar skulls and music. The table will be set for Catrina the skeletal bride and her groom. Skeletal bull dogs will be attendants. When we visited Mexican cemeteries, mariachi bands were playing and families were dancing near.

On a Snowy Evening

Designed by Cynthia Morris

Novice

Seasonal/Holiday

1St Place Novice Seasonal/Holiday

This romantic table setting for two is inspired by a favorite poem from Robert Frost. A perfect place to stop along the way to reflect. Designer Cynthia Morris, has c ombined some of her beloved Royal Doulton “Innocence” bone china and Lenox “Atrium” crystal stemware to produce a sparkling winter woodland venue. Relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Think Pink

Designed by Linda Knecht

Novice

Contemporary

Designer Linda Knecht has brought a fresh and contemporary theme to this table which places an emphasis on black and hot pink coloring. Black china and glassware, which have been collected over the years, remain timeless.

Memories of Mom

Designed by Susan Steen

Professional

Contemporary

This cheerful flowery Century set was bought for me by my mother years ago and we both fell in love with this “happy” pattern that still makes me smile to this very day. The accompanying cut glass ware is a small part of my Mother’s very large collection that I inherited. “Nothing fancy by any means” Designer Susan Steen will tell you, but sentimental all the while.

Temple Travels, a Taste of the Orient

Designed by Margaret Jacobsen

Professional

Whimsical

This table setting is an eclectic mix mainly consisting of vintage Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Chinese pieces, as well as a handmade tea set from Nepal. Also included are hand painted pillows by the Designer Margaret Jacobsen and a vintage Japanese obi used as a table runner. The placemats are framed silk kites from China.

Shaken Not Stirred

Designed by Lauren Jackson

Novice - Whimsical

Designer Lauren Jackson takes the classic Bond line that conjures up an image of the most sophisticated of drinks: the martini. The famous British playwright Somerset Maugham, disagrees with Bond explaining, “martinis should always be stirred, not shaken so that the molecules lie sensuously on top of one another.” This table boasts a variety of vintage shakers, pitchers, and martini glasses, along with some classic martini recipes -- one straight from the mouth of Bond himself. The stylish greenery by Julie Martin completes this setting.

Tea Time in Ireland

Designed by Irene Russo

Professional

Formal

3rd Place People’s Choice Professional

Creative elegance by Designer Irene Russo speaks to her subtle touch in this collaboration with Diane Thomas’s Noritake Ireland “Morning Jewel” place setting, Irene’s own Crystal stemware and flatware, and a silk floral display arranged by Sue Olinger. This delicately designed table offers visions of “Tea and Crumpets” that would be fitting for any traditional Irish Tea service. Soft hues of pink in the linens and napkins helps complete this timeless look