Hi Cal,

It's been nice chatting with you online. You seem like such a nice guy with an unbelievable talent and passion for everything 'home decor'. I know you will have a big future in this industry.

The antique dinnerware pattern you have in the photo is very detailed and elegant. From the era when everything on a table matched, tapers and a floral centerpiece were a must -- then again, you wore a suit and tie and only pulled the stuff out for special occasions. Although a nice thought, it's not how most of us live and entertain today. We want our guests comfortable and relaxed enough to enjoy the meal and company. Beautiful things around us are all just icing on the cake.

Taking into account the table, and your other furnishings that I can see, I chose layers that are functional and fun, yet retain an elegant element. You might also think of what types of food you typically serve. Is a soup bowl important? Do you use both a salad plate and dessert plate? If so, do you want to bury yourself in the kitchen washing plates in order to serve dessert? Do you usually serve wine, cocktails, iced beverage, etc at the table? All things that need to be considered.

Your first layer in the setting is the wood of the table. It looks to me like a rich mahogany.

On top of this, I would suggest a placemat. I've chosen a few and attached images. To start, I chose a Gold Placemat to showcase the dinnerware with it's gilded trim. The first I am showing you is an intricately beaded mat by Kim Seybert. Her Round Chip Border mat is covered in cut glass beads. They add a slight sparkle when the light catches them. The border is a fringe of these beads mixed with chunks of Tiger's Eye gemstones (see attached image). Another option might be the Kim Seybert Capiz Shell Placemat in Champagne color. These are easy-care and have a great golden glow color (see attached image).

On top of the mat will go your Dinner Plate (see attached image).

The next layer atop the Dinner Plate will be your Salad Plate. Here are some thoughts: use the heavily decorated Antique Salad Plates as your Dessert Plate. They are more decorative and will showcase those sweet delicacies well. You could use them also as your Salad Plate but this is an opportunity to introduce a different texture to break up the formality of the Place Setting. I would suggest a solid black Salad Plate. This will pull forward the black in the trim of your Dinner Plate. I've attached an example of a plate by Frances Palmer. Their pieces are made of restaurant grade vitrified porcelain -- and apparently a favorite of Michelle Obama's in the White House. There are 3 different shapes from which to choose (see attached images).

To finish a basic look, You will need a nice Napkin and Napkin Ring. I've attached an image of some of Kim Seybert's pieces. I like any or all of the Napkins and Rings in this image. Another Ring I'm sending an image of is Kim Seyberts Flower Napkin Rings. It's made of Mother of Pearl with Gold and Pearl accents.

For glassware I would do a mix of clear crystal and some pieces (like your water or iced beverage) that incorporate the gold or black. (see attached image)

Hope all of this helps and gives you some ideas. Would love to hear your feedback -- if you need pricing or I can help further with an order please let me know.

Respectfully,
Adam Norris
440-448-3208