A lot of us struggle a bit with how to put together a perfect tablescape or vignette, whether it’s going to display for some time or simply be a showstopper for a special event or meal. Luckily for us, we’ve got a friend in Tina Schiable of To Mimi's House We Go.
Tina’s tables are captivating and engaging, and not at all pretentious. The look and feel is inviting – and I can’t wait to attend one of her dinner parties. Tina a.k.a. Mimi (that’s what her grandkids call her) begins with an inspiration piece, which varies depending on the event, time of year, and number of guests.
“If I have some really fun dishes or if I have a really fun table runner, then I say, OK, there’s the inspiration. Sometimes it’s a centerpiece. Then, I make my table around that item,” she said. “Something has to jump out to me as an inspiration piece. Once I’ve got the inspiration piece or color scheme, then I’ll start taking what items I think I might have for the table.”
The inspiration point for the table above are the two paisley wooden planters. “I love natural elements that go with a variety of dish designs and colors,” she said.
Tina loves to layer her tablescape designs, too.
“Even though that table is kind of on the simple side I still think it was really pretty. And the layers were lovely,” Tina added. And we agree! “I always include a ‘sussy.’ People don’t realize that’s a real word.”
A sussy or sussie is an unexpected gift. For this table, it’s a small potted plant for guests to take home. What a fun idea!
“I’ll do little plants or a little succulents or I'll get some fun, little container for candy that matches the occasion. Or, I’ll fill up an extra glass with candy or a candle. I always have a little something for people to take home,” Tina said.
For those who adore the natural, neutral look, Tina says consider some greenery or florals to bring out a pop of color. In her photos, you can see that the green in the plant really brings a little something out of planters. In fact, you can really change how they look in general depending on what you place inside.
I also didn't use a lot of fussy linens because I wanted the natural elements and the greenery to stand out,” Tina added.
Tina utilized several Purple Rose Home offerings in this tablescape:
Bijou Stoneware Salad Plate (set of 6)
Bijou Stoneware Dinner Plate Gray (set of 6)
Bijou Stoneware Soup Cereal Bowl Gray (set of 6)
With a design that is reminiscent of cut crystal or jewels, Bijou has a unique pattern in a subtle gray glaze. So much detail around the edges makes the salad plate a perfect companion to the dinner plate or alone as a dessert plate.
Plus the design makes for a nice layering effect with the bowl, salad plate and dinner plate. They’re also oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
These planters make a fun, decorative bowl for your tables or counter tops. Carved from paulownia wood and available in two sizes, go ahead and nest a plant in the base or place some faux fruits and veggies inside to style in the kitchen.
“I've used that great, big one for a beautiful candle display. I put a whole bunch of different heights of battery-operated candles in. It’s gorgeous,” Tina said. “The smaller bowl is also fabulous serving - such as lots of different rolls and breads if you're having a sandwich buffet.”
Hand Carved Wooden Candlesticks
These impeccable hand carved wooden candlesticks are made in India exclusively for Purple Rose Home. We’ve worked one-on-one with the crafter to introduce some unique pieces – there are five styles to choose from!
“I love those candlesticks. I wish I had a mantel that I could decorate with them because they're gorgeous,” Tina added. “Change them up for the season or holiday or special occasion. They’re going to look different every time you do it. I think they would be beautiful mixed with black or iron or deep, rustic copper candlesticks.
Marble Cheese Board with Natural Wooden Handle
Mixing natural elements like woods and marble are all the rage these days. This cheese board combines a modern flair with a classic style. I believe juxtaposition works seamlessly together and will wow your guests.
Tina offers one more helpful tip for successful tablescapes:
Even though I do big froufrou centerpieces, I like to be easily removable. Those planters are great because I can just lift them up and move them,” she said. “People ask me all the time, ‘How do you see everybody?’ Well, I take them both off. That drives me nuts when you can't see the person across the table from you, right?”
All this tablescape writing is making me “hangry,” but thankfully Tina shared a fun, easy recipe with us. She loves her air fryer and its versatility, and these sound delish.
Easy Air Fryer Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh Brussels sprouts, washed and cut in half
1/2 cup sliced red onions (optional)
1 T balsamic vinegar
1T good olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Place onions and Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl.
- Toss with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to evenly coat.
- Place mixture in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd. (I have a 7-quart air fryer and everything fits nicely.)
- Air fry at 350-degrees for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the mixture after about 5 minutes.
- If you like them extra crispy and charred, air fry another minute or 2 ’til desired crispness.
- Serve warm.
- Enjoy!
OK, I’m off to the store to get some sprouts for dinner. Until next time, Rose Buds, cheers!
Shop Tina’s full collection here.
