For as long as I can remember, these decanters have been a visual presence. My mother got them from from my great grandmother’s house which makes them well over 70 years old. If my guess is right, they probably once held Tennessee or Kentucky whiskey! I have no idea why I’ve held on to the decanters other than liking them and appreciating that they are some part of my family’s history.
Now that I think about it, the decanters are always out. Filled with colored water, they are pretty anywhere they happen to be thanks to their differing shapes and sizes. Today, and for the first time, they are on the dining room table. Combined with some of the bells from my extensive collection, a colorful cloth and some candles, they become part of a centerpiece that is likely to inspire the next table setting.
It didn’t take long for that to happen as yet again friends are coming for dinner. You know by now that I’m crazy for color and texture, and the centerpiece provided ample inspiration. Garage sale dishes, World Market salad plates and Anthropologie napkins playfully combine.
Clay and glass add touches of texture. Around the table the wine stems don’t match. I’ve never had crystal, but for years I’ve bought an etched glass or two or three at some antique show or garage sale. I so appreciate the uniqueness of each piece and can’t help but wonder how and why it was chosen/used by the original owner.
A finished table often suggests what food should be served. This one, I think, says something like paella that also combines a variety of ingredients. What do you think?
i so appreciate your visit and especially the comments you leave behind
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Lulu's Musings 
Paella sounds perfect for this creative table! The decanters with colored water are a treasure and they finally made it to the table!!
Looks very festive Linda, I would be inclined to International flavours…perhaps Indian? So many wonderful countries and flavours to choose from! Enjoy! 🙂
That would be easy cause I’d probably get it from Costco or Trader Joe’s!!
Beautiful! I like to mix it up on a table too. Your thought of serving paella sounds like a great idea!
And I like the way you mix things up!
I absolutely love your use of color and your overall taste! I always look forward to what you will come up with next.
Love the colors – reminds me of colored Easter Eggs. Always love your table settings. The decanters are a very nice touch.
Paella sounds great and I bet yours is perfect.
Your grandmother’s decanters are special. What a great way to showcase them. Love your candlesticks and linens.
I love the colors of this and the different textures you’ve used. The stemware is so pretty. I just got some from Williams Sonoma that reminds me of one of your new pieces. I like the colored glass in the decanters. That’s really special that you’ve had those in the family for so long. The tablecloth has great spring and Easter colors and I like how you presented it.
When it comes to fabric, you know I like to “muss” it up!
Those pottery tumblers are so unique. The bottles with colored water make the perfect centerpiece. Paella is something I love, but have never attempted to make.
Enjoy the rest of the week, Linda.
Thanks for stopping by. A lot of people don’t try paella because they think it’s harder than it actually it. I like it because there are so many variations.
The decanters are beautiful, and colored water is such a fun idea, I must try that! Your table looks lovely and Paella sounds great!
Jenna
Coloring water comes in handy from time to time.
LOVE all of this post! Great pictures
My favorite addition to your table is the askew pottery glasses; they are great! This is such a perky table! Love it!
So pretty and springlike. I love the idea of mismatched crystal. So much so that at my daughters upcoming wedding in May each guest (al 120 of them) will have a different champagne glass all found at thrift and garage sales. Andyour decanters are a nice touch and love the sentimental value.
Kudos to you for having made the effort to find so many different glasses.
Oh I think Paella is perfect and so is the table…I love those decanters and love them more with the fact that they belonged to your great grandmother.
I’m amazed the decanters have survived all these years.