When the gourmet group heard we were going to Sicily for another Foodie Adventure, a request was made for a Sicilian meal when we next hosted. Lucky I was warned because that made me pay attention to tables and accessories when we were there.
At a market I found a cloth which started the thought process.
I was very attracted to ceramic heads which were a reflection of the Moorish influence in Sicily. I finally yielded to temptation and purchased two small ones that I knew would work into whatever tablescape would eventually evolve.
When the time came to put a table together, I brought out the chianti bottles which have been used many times over the years. Now I know chianti is Tuscan, but I figured as long as I kept the Italian thing going, it would be OK.
The same thing applies to the handpainted plates which were gotten in Ravello some years ago.
As I looked at the table, it dawned on me that citrus was everywhere in southern Sicily, so I went outside, cut a few stems of holly fern and arranged whatever oranges, lemons and grapefruit were in the refrigerator on the table. They actually play off some of the images on the cloth which is proving to be quite an effective inspiration.
A dish towel doubling as a napkin and folded into a pocket for flatware
and an orange atop the salad plate completes a table that turns out to be very reflective of sunny Sicily.
And to think it all started with a request for a Sicilian dinner which I’ll share next time.
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Lulu's Musings 
Your plates are beautiful. My favorites are the gorgeous cobalt stems. Adding the citrus gives everything a fresh look – I’m sure a fresh scent, too.
Love everything, Linda. I remember those Chianti bottles from long ago. Do they still make those?
Great idea to have a theme table and use a cloth from the market as your table runner. I love how you pulled out other mementoes and had an instant theme and so colorful and inviting too.
I’m sure the chianti bottles still show up somewhere, but I haven’t seen them in some time.
Happy 2017
Good posts, beautiful blog.
Congratulations.
Welcome to see my creations:
paintdigi.com
Thank you. I enjoy your work as well.
Welcome friend:)
What a great table and I am sure you wowed your guests….I love those head vases!!!
I’m just happy they got home in one piece. They were a bit of a splurge.
What a beautiful table setting! 🙂
Thank you. It was fun to do.
I love your table setting, especially the Chianti bottles. They bring back memories during the late 60-70’s. We used to buy and drink Chianti wine and burn the candles in them. look great on your table. Thanks for sharing.
The bottles date back to the 70’s. it’s a wonder they haven’t been thrown out.
Your tables are always so interesting and unique Linda, the waxy chianti bottles and citrus are the perfect touches for your Sicilian dinner! The cloth is such a great souvenir!
Jenna
The chianti bottles are a blast from the past, huh ?
Linda, a table after my heart…love the cloth from the market and the hand-painted plates…everything works together for a Sicilian table! Can’t wait for the menu!
Thank you. I wanted. A couple. Ore of the cloths and never saw them again.
I love a theme around a meal. You did so well!
Beautifully done!
Love it! The bright colors and eclectic mix of materials make this a real Sicilian tablescape. Takes me right back to our time in Ragusa!
I’m still wishing I had a couple more of the cloths.
Those ceramic heads are divine!
Love this! My husband’s family is from Sicily. ❤
We were in Sicily last year and found the village of Alia where my maternal grandmother lived for the first eight years of her life. There are still some relatives there. I bought two beautiful ceramic lamps and of course a trinacria to complete my Sicilian theme. We had arancini everywhere we went and I now make several different varieties. I’ll be anxious to hear of your food experience.
How wonderful to hear from you,Cyndi! Ah, Aran ini. Like you, I ate it at every opportunity along with cannoli. I’m sure it was a special experience for you to learn more about your Sicilian heritage.