ANATOMY OF AN ANTHRO TABLETOP

If there's one thing I love more than designing interiors, it's putting together a fabulous tabletop. Needless to say this time of year is heaven for me. And, a few weeks ago I got to indulge in some serious tabletop designing with a little event I did at Anthropologie here in Seattle...

When I was a merchandiser, I remember how many shoppers would get overwhelmed by the variety of dishware offered at the store and ask for help on how to mix them with their current patterns. So, when I started talking with Anthropologie about doing an event I immediately knew what I wanted to do...


I set up a little table where one side was a bit more colorful and whimsical and the other more monochromatic and classic - both of which took the best of current Anthropologie dishes, stemware and other tabletop accessories - and layered them on up! 

On the 'blue' side (with the black tablecloth) I chose a few different patterns in the same colorway and changed up the way they were layered in each setting. The stemware was all different but all clear glass, and I rotated my favorite tumblers that also happened to be in the same palette of the dishes. 

On the 'colorful' side (with the red tablecloth), I started with large white dishes as the base, then a fun Nathalie Lete plate (le pomme is my favorite!), a different salad dish at each setting, and topped them with those adorable flamestitch bowls. Keeping most of the pieces consistent - just in different colors - made the settings feel a little more cohesive but still very playful. I also used all colored stemware.

I was so happy to have an intimate group to gab with about the settings, explaining how and why I selected the pieces I did (I spy miss Maggie of Maggie Rose and Jenn from Bowtie and Bustle!) .

I also put together a small table of some of my most favorite gifts (mostly for the hostess, but I'm sure any gal would be happy to receive these packages!)

While I love a 'themed' gift (in the case above a kitchen calendar, cookbooks, and whisk), I also think gifts look good in color schemes (like below with the mini latte bowls, chevron frame, and holiday candle all in red).

Of course the most fun part was after my little 'presentation' when everyone got to do some serious shopping!

If you're still figuring out your holiday tabletop, or looking to add even one new element this year, better hop on over to Anthropologie quick. Many of the dishes I used are currently on sale! And, if you have any questions on the pieces I used, feel free to leave them a comment and I'll do my best to answer.  I had so much fun collaborating with Anthropologie on this event, and I hope it's something I'll be able to do with them again!

*a huge thanks to nicole at sunshine charlie for all for all of the amazing photos!!! please give her proper credit if you re-post!