Happy Friday everyone! I have good news. After 6 long weeks working away from home, I will be picking up Mr. Décor at the airport this morning. I also passed my Art History exam/class with flying colors. I think this calls for a celebration. Queue Kool and the Gang. I also decided to plan a mini celebration at home with A Tablescape Inspired by Van Gogh’s Irises.
A Tablescape Inspired by Van Gogh’s Irises
Over a decade ago I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. It was there that instead of merely thinking about Vincent in terms of his mental illness I began to look at him as a gifted artist.
One of my favorite paintings he created is entitled “Still Life with Irises” in 1890. This oil on canvas is very similar to his more famous “Sunflower” series of paintings but I like it even better.
In the still life, Vincent used a common confit pot as a vase and filled it with lush blue irises that grow wild in France. Much like these that were shown on the Metis blog.
Alas, I could not find any blue irises but I did spy a lovely bouquet of blue lilies ~ one of my favorite flowers.
I didn’t have a solid yellow cloth either but I did have a lovely white and yellow damask set I purchased years ago at a German flea market. It seemed apropos to use this for Mr. Décor’s homecoming as both the tablecloth and napkins bear his initials.
Having just under 15 minutes to set and photograph the table it was a very simple setting.
Wanting some additional blue on the table and desiring some candlelight I nestled white votives in clear plastic holders into a few of our Polish pottery teacups also purchased while living in Europe.
Each setting was quite simple but, for us, a lovely memory to look at.
I have just one more class to get through before I have two glorious weeks off. How are your spending your weekend?
Laura
The Quintessential Magpie says
How lovely! I adore this, Laura.
Every time I see irises, I think of Louisiana and am a little homesick for that part of the country. SO pretty. But they always make me happy. They are beautiful, and I like the colors and textures you mixed with them with your accoutrements.
XO,
Sheila
Julie Tucker-Wolek says
Yay for passing the test and for hubby being home!!! Loving the table!!!
Liz Hockamier says
YAY! He's home! 🙂 Good for you! Congratulations on finishing your course. It's a time to celebrate for sure. I love your dishes and vintage linens. The light is great in your dining room.
Thank you for joining in for Fresh-Cut Friday! This is a beautiful addition! 🙂
~Liz
♥ Sonny ♥ says
Congratulations~!!
love the irises and your tablescape.
Ann@A Sentimental Life says
15 minutes? Gorgeous! sometimes I do better on the spur of the moment.
Congrats on your test and I know you
glad to have Mr. home. You have celebrating to do!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Your tablescape is gorgeous, I loe your beautiful linens and the flowers are so pretty. So glad hubby will be home for a while and congrats on passing the test. Hugs, Marty
French Basketeer.com says
Table looks great! I can't wait for the little cousin of the confit pot to arrive!
Mary Ellen says
Yippee Jesus to hubby being home and test passed!
Love your arrangement! Not an iris bloomin here yet. Snow last week and this week makes for flowers staying snuggly in their bed!
We had to go to AZ for a quick trip as Bill's uncle passed away and he was asked to officiate the service. We went from 102 there to snow and cold 20's in a day!
Have a great weekend friend!
bee blessed
mary
Sue (Someones Mom) says
Congratulations on both counts! I think your table is lovely…Iris make me happy!
Ral @ARTbyRT Seascapes and Island Life says
Each element compliments the other, lovely! I very much like the earlier drawings of peasants that Van Gogh started with. He saw beauty in the ordinary. Aloha Ral
ImagiMeri says
I spent my Friday making something for you sweet friend.
Hugs N Love,
Meri
Sarah says
Congratulations on the test and enjoy having your husband back at home. Your table is lovely. I've always admired Van Gogh's work and this painting is a favorite.
Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says
Congratulations on passing your art history exam! I love that you are sharing some art knowledge with us and combining it with a pretty tables cape!!! My irises are just beginning to come up, and you have given me an idea for a future table too! Linda
Vel Criste says
Lovely, lovely Laura, you truly captured the essence of Van Gogh!
openid says
Laura,
So happy the train has reached the station after working its caboose off! I knew you could, I knew you would. Choo Choo
Remind me to send you a box of Good 'n Plenty.
Enjoy this starry, starry night and the company of your husband while celebrating your recent accomplishments!
Your table is a masterpiece! Are you sure those aren't irises? They certainly look like them.
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
Yay- Congrats on acing the test! Your flowers are beautiful- I would have never known they weren't irises. Love the idea of the tea lights in the cups, especially those tipped over- very clever. I may have to steal that idea. 🙂
Sweetladyelaine says
Congrats on both accounts,your hubby home & passing your class.BRAVO!!!
Your table is elegant…I love the vase & irises as your centerpiece. The Polish cups with tealights is also a great idea. You set a beautiful table! Thank you for sharing….
Blessings My Friend,
The Boston Lady says
One of my favorite paintings, indeed. My mother loved those blue irises and always grew them in our backyard.
Table looks just lovely and I love your tealights in the coffe cup. Glad Mr. Decor is back where he belongs and enjoy those two weeks after the exam. Ann
Liz @ Sit With Me In My Garden says
What a great inspiration for your table! I think it turned out wonderful!
Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says
The table is lovely Laura! the love you put into it shines loud and clear!
lynn cockrell says
What a lovely post, Laura. The blues are perfectly wonderful!
Carol says
Simple, maybe, but most definitely very pretty. I'm sure Mr. Decor truly appreciated it.
Lorrie says
Congratulations on passing your exam, Laura. I wouldn't expect anything less than “with flying colours” from you.
I love the Van Gogh inspiration of your table setting.
vicki archer says
So lovely Laura… those irises are superb… I love the way you have the tea lights in the cups… that's so original… I think I will have to copy your idea this summer… it's beautiful… xv
Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside says
Wow, only 15 minutes!?! It's a beautiful table! I love the napkins!
Marlis says
I totally love the pretty iris and the polish pottery! What a wonderful table you've set. Love the tablecloth and napkins too. The yellow picks up the yellow in the blooms.. perfect! xo marlis
Judy Biggerstaff says
Beautiful inspiration for your table. Love your irises for your centerpiece. Also, congrats on passing your class.