Table Setting Inspiration: Chinoise Blue

After reading our post about Easter table setting inspiration, a friend emailed me for a little guidance on how to mix her traditional wedding china with youthful, fun pieces. Her goal was to find ways to use her formal pattern every day instead of only on special occasions. Mottahedeh's Chinoise Blue was our jumping off point:

image via Mottahedeh

She and I did some collaborating and I sent her two options. The final setting of choice...a mix of fun and funk while still honoring tradition. 

The youthful edge came care of a textured Jonathan Adler vase and the mixed ikat patterned placemat and napkin. I ushered in tradition with the Vera Wang gold-rimmed goblet and L'Objet Aegean charger. Of course, we couldn't abandon that Chinoise inspiration so cut cherry blossoms filled the vase to lend an Oriental appeal while also singing spring. 

What was her other option, you may ask? A nod to our casual coast juxtaposed with unfailing formality. 

My friend's sister-in-law had mixed in Mottahedeh's Blue Lace with Chinoise Blue so I took her cue and ran with it. The goblets and napkin remained but Jonathan Adler's pesce-placemat and scaly vase added a nod to the summery sea.

I'm a big fan of using special pieces in everyday life. Why wait when you can enjoy the things you love every day? Thanks for the challenge and let me know if you have a similar question!