Fall Pheasant Table

Fall is in the air and I've just finished designing an autumn pheasant table for upcoming dinner parties.  This year I kept the color scheme neutral and soft to complement the filtered light that flows through our dining room in the early evening hours.  These pheasant plates I purchased years ago from Pottery Barn inspired the table and I collected a few more creative elements like feathers and nests to accessorize.

We have a very narrow rectangular table, so I opted to divide the length of it with a silk floral arrangement enhanced with fresh nandina berries.  (See  Fall Floral Arrangements:  Designing with Silk Flowers for more information on the floral design and a tutorial.)  

To further minimize the rectangular formality of the table and create a cozy casual effect, the guests will be seated in pairs across from each other, leaving the ends open.  A cream linen runner layered with round place mats constructed of velvet leaves covers the length of the table.  This provides texture and an earthy backdrop for a collage of bird-inspired objects scattered about the table.  Amber mercury glass votives give a subtle glow.

Each place is set with an ecru dinner plate, pheasant salad plate, large amber wine goblet and a light gold-tinted water glass.  The rosewood flatware adds a rustic element in combination with the green and amber printed napkins.  A rolled parchment menu is tied with green raffia and a pheasant feather then placed above each plate.

Nests filled with tiny eggs decorate the runner along with scattered pheasant feathers.  Rosewood serving pieces and new bronze pinecone salt and pepper shakers from a weekend trip to Sur la Table complete the natural aesthetic of the table design.

The flickering light of the amber votives illuminates the table and welcomes guests...