Morris Middleton has been traveling again and I love it because he sends back the most amazing pictures. This one of Highclere Castle, better known to all as Downton Abbey, really made me smile. It’s almost that time y’all!
It made me smile because I have felt a lot like Mr. Bates this month as I have done holiday table settings after table-setting.
This was an early inspiration that I still love. Wish I had that fork and server.
First, it was just fun little villages for the delight of the littles on sideboards and such, like this one done at a cabin in Union Springs.
I am told that little Sam loves to add rocks and things to it as the month rolls on. That made me smile.
The dining table continued this mossy, woodsy scene. The place settings for this one are gorgeous hand thrown pottery plates by Earthborne.
But then things began to get a little more formal as place settings were added and silver came into play.
I can’t show you the finished product since these are for next year’s issues of magazines but I can show hints of what was to come.
This is where Mr. Bates comes into play. Notice John tweaking each setting? Every plate and charger was touched, visually measured and exactly placed. Every chair aligned. Every napkin fluffed.
Did you know that hem stitching on placemats are wonderful guides for placing silverware at the same level? Once we figured that out we didn’t have to search for Mr. Bates’ little measuring gizmo. This picture is pre-Mr. Bates’ inspection.
Talking about all these place settings reminds me to tell about a wonderful new restaurant that Jeff and I discover this week in Auburn.
Watch for my next post as I share about our fun date night from this past Thursday!