Tags
Diane Keaton, Ellen DeGenerous, Jon Stewart, Meryl Streep, Table Settings, Tom Brokaw, Willie Geist
Those that know me probably already know that I prefer the cooler months of the year. When the first promise of fall weather hits Southern California I’m energized, let the entertaining begin.
[By the way, I do love summer entertaining as well, I’m a party girl at heart.]
Eventually I ran to Minneapolis, where it’s cold, and I figured I’d keep better – Rhoda Morgenstern
We’ve been doing quite a bit of entertaining lately. “Entertaining” for us means setting a nice table, cooking a simple meal and having a relatively smallish group over for good food, nice wine and great conversation.
Since setting the table is one of the perks to entertaining for me, this post is mainly to share some seasonal table settings I hope will inspire you. To mix things up a bit, in addition to table setting ideas, I thought I’d share a list of guests I’d invite over in a heartbeat if I thought they wouldn’t report me to the authorities as a stalker crazy lady! You’ve undoubtedly read interviews where they ask you, who, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with? Well, I’m doing it one step better…I’ve thought about this, this list is of people I’d like to talk to, even just casually. I don’t need Einstein, although I’ve read he was quite a jovial fellow. These are people that are alive and seem like genuinely nice and fun people.
Also, since I don’t like enormous parties when I entertain, I’ve only invited 6, with Mr. B and me that makes a very doable 8 at the dinner table. That also gives me a head start on subsequent celebrity dinners…there are so many more folks I’d invite if I could. So, first on the list:
1. Diane Keaton, she may not be exactly as fun as I perceive her in the movies she’s been in (how does one really know, right?), but she loves to decorate, so I know we’d have topics in common. Plus, I love that she seems genuine, not overly self-possessed.
2. Jon Stewart, politics aside, is there anyone that gives a better interview?
3. Meryl Streep, there are no words, rather there are so many adjectives I could use to describe her, but her name, for me, is synonymous with fabulous.
4. Tom Brokaw, I grew up listening to him on our local news station, back in the day. Then, as a Today show enthusiast, I watched him all the years he was there. I just really, really like him.
5. Ellen DeGenerous, she’ll keep us laughing.
and last but not least…
6. Willie Geist, the son of Bill Geist of CBS Sunday Morning, appears on Morning Joe (MSNBC) and does the third hour on the Today show. He’s smart and funny and I love him like one of our sons. He’s a guy that fits in with old and young people alike.
As any skilled party planner will tell you, once you have the guest list you can begin your plans for table setting and menu. We’re going to jump right to the table settings since that is a major part of the fun for me.
The ever talented Jenny Steffens Hobick of Everyday Occasions published a post about fall table setting with muted colors, so pretty. Oh, and did I mention she recently opened an online store selling some of the best tools for entertaining.
Yvonne of Stone Gable shared her table setting for an autumn high tea back in 2011 and that table is still one of my all time favorites, be sure to visit the post if you like autumn and blue and white.
Carolyn Roehm has written so many great books, but her book, Passion for Parties is a constant source of inspiration to me.
Martha Stewart never disappoints and I appreciate her ability to make simple components come together to create a pretty table.
Nancy’s Daily Dish features some great table settings for the season. Her Etsy shop sells trasferware of all kinds. This is such a great autumn table setting.
Delores, over at Vignette Design always provides me with good ideas for whatever season when it come to table top design.
Even though this tablescape doesn’t have the strictly traditional autumn touches, its a subtle and lovely table for this time of year.
The sisters at Providence Ltd. never disappoint…this rustic table is great and completely out of the box.
{Southern Accents ~ oh, how I miss that magazine}
Who would be on your celebrity list for a dinner invitation?
julie ~ eab designs said:
I miss living by the beach in Southern CA, but the seasons here in VA help make up for that. Love your list of dinner guests – please leave a space for me! Did you happen to see Diane Keaton when she was last on the Ellen show. I died laughing – she does seem just like some of her movie characters.
Karen B. said:
Julie, Oh, I wish I had seen that interview. I can only imagine the two wise-cracking and making each other laugh. I didn’t realize you lived in Virginia…such beautiful country and you are so lucky to have real seasons! Of course you’re welcome, I’ll add a placesetting. 😀 xo, Karen
Phyllis said:
Beautiful inspiration here today Karen, and I needed some!
xo,
Phyllis
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Phyllis. Enjoy the rest of your week. xo, Karen
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
This is a great idea for a post… I will steal it, if I can think of anyone I can be bothered to make dinner for. (Aside from Don.)
I totally second Ellen. I don’t think I would even need to cook. She seems like she would be fine with cheese and crackers.
Karen B. said:
Hey, if you manage to get a “yes” to your dinner from Ellen and Don, and maybe Tatum, please let me know, I’ll jet in for the affair!
Loi Thai Tone on Tone said:
oooooh can I crash your celebrity dinner party? I’ll make a Swedish apple cake that’s perfect for the season 🙂
xo
Loi
Karen B. said:
Absolutely! I’m sure my guests would enjoy your company, as I know I would! And Swedish apple cake, oh my, you must send the recipe. xo, Karen
Teresa @ Splendid Sass said:
I miss Southern Accents too!! It was published here. I wish I could talk them into publishing again!
These tables capes are gorgeous!! And I love the wreath with the feathers.
Great quote, sources and images, Karen.
Teresa
xoxo
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Teresa. I think Southern Accents is my all time favorite, I was so sad when they stopped publishing, although I do see that they publish a specialty issue now and then. xo, Karen
Kelly - Talk of the House said:
What a fun post! The table settings are just perfect for this time of year, and your guest list sounds like it would generate great conversation. Meryl and Diane alone would be good! I had to think a while to narrow my list down…how about Alan Alda, James Taylor, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, (can you tell I value humor?) Diane Keaton, and Katie Couric.
Karen B. said:
Okay, Kelly, I’ll invite you to mine if you’ll invite me to yours. I love Alan Alda, James Taylor and bill Crosby. How fun! Xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Marilee said:
Hi Karen! I love this post! Autumn is my favorite season as well. Your tablescapes are so inspirational! Xxoo Marilee
Karen B. said:
Hi Marilee,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I always say living in California we have to appreciate her subtle weather changes and fall is probably the showiest. 😀
xo,
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
I loved your guest list! I’ve had a secret crush on Tom Brokaw for years. The table settings were so inspirational. How does Martha Stewart continue to come with such great ideas! I loved the Rhoda comment too. In fact, I’d put her on my guest list.
Karen B. said:
I thought about Rhoda (Valerie Harper) but was thinking that with her current health she might have to decline. 😀 xo, Karen
Linda said:
I don’t think she’s declining anything – did you see her on Dancing With The Stars? 🙂 Such a force of love and life! (maybe I missed recent changes with her health?)
Just wishing to attend your dinner… I’d be happy at The Kids table.
Karen B. said:
Linda, No, I missed seeing her on Dancing with the Stars. If this party happens, you are welcome to join us! 😀 Thanks for stopping by. Karen
Taylor Greenwalt said:
Its hard to tell its Fall in So California…Saturday was beach weather….but looking forward to a change and to experience the new season…..so many beautiful table settings…….
Karen B. said:
Julie, I guess we’re lucky but I’d love just a bit more of a fall weather pattern about now. 😀 Hope your weekend is going well. Karen
Gretchen said:
I know that eight is your perfect number for dinner, so I’d just like to be a fly on the wall! Since I can fit ten in my dining room I might want to add Steve Martin and Katie Couric to your carefully chosen list. I might want to fit in an extra chair for Alan Alda too! (Your readers made some good suggestions for additional guests!)
The table settings in your photos were stunning!
Karen B. said:
If we host the party at you house we can invite you great suggestions as well as mine…let’s do it! Xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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