seductive tableSCAPES Downton Abbey Tablesetting Picnic by the Sea Birthday Table Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Tables for 2
decadent details
CONTENTS A Party For Two
4
Southern Tablescape
7
A Downton Abbey Tablesetting
9
Romantic Champagne Table
13
Love You More, Table for Two
14
Indoor French Picnic
17
Table for Two
19
Breakfast for Two
23
Happy Birthday HIMself
25
Wine and Cheese Table
26
How To Design Seductive Tables
29
Parisian Dinner
30
Spring Tablescape for Two
33
Beach Picnic
34
COVER PHOTO
Carrie Higgins
EDITOR
Rebecca E. Parsons, cre8tiva@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Collective Bias
INSIDE
When you see this symbol...click it for more delightful ideas, delicious recipes and beautiful tablescapes from the bloggers.
4
A Party For Two Party Bluprints
With Valentine’s Day just days away, Moll Anderson’s Seductive Tables For Two is a must read and a great gift idea! This beautiful book gives you a road map to rediscovering each other and romance at the table. It’s easier than you think, because Moll provides all the decadent details for the tabletop with her five must-haves: Color, Fabric, Flowers, Lighting and Music. Plus, Moll takes you beyond the table and into the kitchen with some delicious and tempting recipes for two. Once you have read through its pages, you will realize that Seductive Tables For Two is meant to inspire romance in your life and help keep it burning strong all year long. After reading Seductive Tables For Two, we had to create our own ‘Party For Two’ . This Party Bluprint is our take on planning a romantic evening at a table for two in your own home. We used Moll Anderson’s Seductive Tables For Two as our inspiration and guide to getting it right. This beautiful book walks you through the decadent details for Moll’s five tabletop must-haves: Color, Fabric, Flowers, Lighting and Music. Plus, Moll takes you beyond the table and into the kitchen with some delicious and tempting recipes for two. Once you have read through its pages, you will realize that Seductive Tables For Two is meant to inspire romance in your life and help keep it burning strong all year long.
5
6
7
Southern Tablescape
Michelle Cantu
I have been inspired to bring a little romantic whimsy into my life by Moll Anderson’s new book, Seductive Tables for Two. Beautifully designed, I was in awe of the romantic designs and scrumptious recipes to match. Moll’s book inspired me to connect with my husband at the table. Her reminder that slaving over a kitchen is not what it’s about. The goal is to create a romantic space where the two of us can have one on one face time. Whether over a cup of coffee or an intimate dinner, it’s all about quality time together. Living in the middle of nowhere has its perks. I have always wanted to pull out a piece of furniture for an outdoor setting. I dug out our old pub table from the garage and set it under my favorite tree. On the menu was wheat spaghetti with homemade meatballs and buttery French bread. It was a fun break from the usual dinner at our dining table with three kids. I completely stunned my husband with a change of scenery and an impromptu date night.
8
9
A Downton Abbey Tablesetting cover ~ Carrie Higgins
Enter Moll Anderson’s latest book, Seductive Tables for Two. Inside were some great tips, recipes, and beautiful photos to inspire seductive and romantic tablescapes for couples. I knew immediately what the theme of our seductive table would be, and if you’ve been keeping track of my obsessions lately I bet you can guess it– Downton Abbey! My husband and I have been watching it every night, so I decided to surprise him with a Downton Abbey table setting for a romantic snack of wine and cheese after we put the kids to bed, and before watching the season two finale. With those details in mind I created a version of one of my favorite scenes from season one, when Mary and Matthew sit down for an informal late-night dinner. Mary wants to ring for a wineglass, and Matthew tells her not to
For the Downton Abbey table, I made sure to include
worry and– GASP! – pours wine into a tumbler
references to both the show and British culture. Plus, I
instead. Moll Anderson reminds us to include
wanted the table to look masculine and feminine to appeal
decadent details on our tables.
to both my husband and I.
10
11
decadent details
12
Romantic Champagne Table Laura Kuhlmann
My husband and I both work from home. There are so many people who wrongly assume that because we both are home all day, we have loads of extra time to spend with each other. I’m here to publicly declare that this is definitely not the case. I share this with you, to provide some context as to just how excited I was when asked to review Moll Anderson’s new book, Seductive Tables for Two: Tablescapes, Picnics, and Recipes That Inspire Romance.
What intrigued me about Seductive Tables for Two was the idea of creating unique romantic settings at home: sort of a romantic getaway without having to actually get away. I decided that what my husband and I would really enjoy - and could really use - was a time to relax without any special occasion in mind whatsoever. I took some ideas from Moll’s “Delectable Desserts” and some ideas from the section on Seduction to Go. I decided to create a romantic tablescape where my husband and I could enjoy some champagne, and snack on some savory, salty, and sweet treats. I set up everything in our breakfast room.
13
14
Love You More, Table for Two Aimee Lane
We don’t go out on the town for date night very often. Sounds sad, but no pity party here! We have lots of lunch dates while the kids are in school and there are so many ways to date at home while our sweeties are snoozing. A table for two is the perfect date and any end table can be used to create that small space. Stud spent the week skiing in Vail with some of his friends. (Lucky, right!) I thought it’d be fun to surprise him when he returned home. I came up with a little romantic table for two. I absolutely love creating tablescapes, but sometimes I need a little inspiration to get my creative juices flowing! I love Moll Anderson’s new book, Seductive Tables for Two!, and how she incorporates so much color in her tablescapes and thought I’d add a fun splash of color to my ‘Love You More’ tablescape. How’s hot pink for color?!?
If you’re looking for tangible tips for creating pretty tables for two in and out of your home by adding touches of color and fragrance, you will just adore Moll.
15
decadent details
16
17
Indoor French Picnic Dorothy Kern
During our stay in Paris almost a decade ago (OMG where does the time go??) we stayed near the Rue Cler, which is a quintessentially European street. Markets and cafes line the street, striped awnings jump out from the rooftops, and people bustle around with their shopping bags. It’s the sort of street where you go to one place for your cheese, another for your wine, and a third for your bread. My husband and I rarely go out on a date; our date nights are always at home or after Jordan is in bed. Or, nowadays, we can sneak a quick lunch in while she’s at school or at a playdate. I love coming up with fun and exciting ideas for our date nights, because they are our only special time together. When I read Seductive Tables for Two by Moll Anderson, I was inspired to re-create our French picnic from that long-ago summer day.
18
Table for Two
Randi Dukes
Phil and I had a sweet, romantic lunch at a table for two this week ... something that rarely happens, especially mid-week.
I was inspired by Moll Anderson’s new book Seductive Tables for Two: Tablescapes, Picnics, and Recipes That Inspire Romance. This book is full of beautiful photos and brilliant inspiration. I couldn’t wait to use some of the tips and ideas to create my own seductive tablescape. While the four older kids were at school, I put my youngest down for a nap and set a romantic table for two in front of our family room fireplace. Moll recommends using smaller tables so I grabbed our chalkboard table from the game room and paired it with cushions instead of chairs, providing an intimate and cozy spot. I like Moll’s tips for layering textures on the table and using things you already have around the house. In addition to tablescape tips, Moll also shares recipes in her book. I had such a great time setting our romantic table for two and it was such fun to sit down for a mid-week lunch with my husband ... a chance to talk and connect and enjoy time together.
19
20
decadent details
21
22
23 Looking for a romantic date with your sweetheart but don’t think you have the time? Why not set up a sweet tablescape for two and eat breakfast together?
The secret to my tablescape lies in the wonderful advice of Moll Anderson. Moll is a lifestyle and romance expert who can show you how to entertain at home. I started building my table, and decided to go with a vintage theme. Moll’s book inspired me to look beyond just “table clothes” and to look at fabric in a different light. I used a few pieces I had plus a few pieces I found while at a thrift store. Next up was decorating the table. I took a cue from these vintage plates that I never ever use. I adore them but they never seem to fit any occasion. The floral design is perfect for a romantic vintage tablescape. Moll’s book also suggested some mood lighting for your meal. I really did not want to go typical and set out candles. So I came up with the idea of using an old oil lamp to set the romantic mood of our tablescape. It worked out perfectly plus kept with my vintage vibe.
Breakfast for Two
Angie Holden
24
Happy Birthday HIMself
Rebecca E. Parsons
Shhhhhh. Don’t tell, but I am creating a romantic tablescape inspired by Moll Anderson’s new book, Seductive Tables for Two: Tablescapes, Picnics, and Recipes That Inspire Romance. The minute I saw this beautifully crafted book, I knew the way I thought about laying a table would be forever changed. {I even interviewed Moll here.} The book is filled with beautiful ways to tell someone how special they are to you.
Seductive Tables for Two inspired what I call my Southern Sunrise Birthday Breakfast tribute to HIMself. “It’s not about the size of the table; it’s about what you put on it,” gave me permission to do it my way, and create a Savory Sunrise moment in time for us to cherish for years to come. To keep it intimate and cozy, I chose to set the coffee table in our living room and use large, silk floor pillows as seating. I am thrilled by the concept of using cherished items to set a mood or “create a surprise,” as Moll says, to create a sensory experience. Ah yes…an experience for all the senses. Lifestyle and romance expert Moll leads the reader through a wonderland of breathtaking ideas for entertaining the one you love. This book fires my creative juices and ignites my imagination.
25
26
Wine and Cheese Table Meredith Hazel
My husband and I are approaching our fourth year of marriage, and have a beautiful little boy. We’re expecting our second child this June. Now, with the addition of our first child, the time we once enjoyed as a party of two has definitely come and gone. It can be difficult to find time just for “us”. I can only imagine how much more scarce that time will become once the second baby arrives.
When I received Moll Anderson’s book, Seductive Tables for Two, I was inspired to find some time for just my husband and I, simply by setting up a special tablescape at home. This book is full of beautiful photos and unique inspiration. I couldn’t wait to use some of the tips and ideas to create my own seductive and romantic tablescape. Moll recommends using smaller tables, so I knew immediately that I’d use the square table in our kitchen instead of our large dining room table. After all, the table is meant to be intimate and it’s for just the two of us. As the main focal point of the table, I chose to place the white tulips in a tall mason jar, surrounded by burlap and Spanish moss. I also took another tip from Seductive Tables for two and set out a variety of candles to create mood lighting. It was so wonderful to take some time just for us.
27
28
29
How To Design Seductive Tables I’ll be the first to admit, more often than not,
Jenna Wood
the other half and I end up scarfing down a painstakingly home-cooked meal on the couch, precious plates balanced on cushions. It’s not for lack of inspiration, but a lack of time that causes me to overlook our table for this much less glamorous rendezvous. So, when I recently discovered interior designer Moll Anderson’s Seductive Tables for Two tablescape guide I was captivated by the simple concepts even I could execute with things found around the home.
Moll Anderson’s Seductive Tables for Two is much more than a coffee table book with pretty pictures. While you’re certain to find professionally styled tablescapes and illustrated guides to linen and decor, the book reads much more like a treasure hunt. Our Seductive Table for Two was beyond anything I could have prior imagined; little old me having previously been intimidated at the mere thought of interior design. The result of Moll Anderson’s inspiring tips and recipes, along with the vivid visual cues that fill the pages of Seductive Tables for Two has truly brought new life to my dining room and the possibility of romance year-round. I must admit, it was incredibly liberating to take a few key elements and turn them into an entire evening of memorable sights, tastes, and conversation.
30
Parisian Dinner Arena Blake
With having a baby, The Nerd and I have really had to work on keeping the romance alive in our relationship. Like all new parents, we have had to make keeping the spark in our marriage a priority. So when I picked up Seductive Tables for Two by Moll Anderson, I knew I wanted to create a romantic tablescape for the two of us that evoked memories of our time in Paris.
In her new book, Moll talks about how important it is to take time as a couple and keep the spark alive through a romantic dinner. She focuses on color, lighting, flowers, music and fabric as the essential ways to set the mood with your tablescape. I decided to create a table centered on some Paris and Eiffel Tower themed fabric I had found. Instead of a heavy meal, I went with a selection of cheeses, crackers and French bread. A bottle of our favorite wine made it easy to set the mood. I also bought some French macaroons from a local bakery — in Paris, we didn’t get the chance to try these decadent cookies, so I wanted us to have this new memory together.
31
test
32
33
Spring Tablescape for Two
Crystal Owens
A Spring Tablescape for Two is the perfect way to enjoy a date at home with your loved one. A spring inspired tablescape with a moss table runner, pink flowers, and blue accents was created to surprise my husband with a date in the comfort of our own home. My romantic tablescape was inspired by Moll Anderson’s new book, Seductive Tables for Two: Tablescapes, Picnics, and Recipes That Inspire Romance.
Moll Anderson’s book is filled with beautiful ideas and tips to help you create your own special tablescape at home. As soon as I opened the book I was drawn to the lavender tablescape, and it’s absolutely stunning! I think having date nights at home is going to be a regular occasion for us from now on. We had such a great time connecting and it was a fun way to change things up with the tablescape.
34
Beach Picnic Holly Lefevre
Creating beautiful table decor and planning parties is one of my passions. I thrive on designing all the little and big details, but especially the personal details. A great table and a great meal at the right location and at the right time create magic and memories, and can really help a couple connect and reconnect.
Have you thought about creating a “moment� for you and your special someone? Whether you have, or you are just starting to think about it, Seductive Tables for Two: Tablescapes, Picnics, and Recipes that Inspire Romance by Moll Anderson is here to provide guidance and inspiration. This book inspired me to create a wonderful Beach Picnic for myself and my husband. There are different ways to create a seductive table and bring a little romance into your daily routine. You do not need to plan a whole production - what is most important is that you do what feels right for you - what fits into your life, your budget, and marries well with your personality. I happen to live on one of the most gorgeous coastal areas in California - Asilomar State Beach. We love exploring the Central California shore, and there is something about watching the sunlight dance on the water, and listening to the waves crash that puts life in perspective. That is why I chose this to be the inspiration and backdrop for my seductive table.
35
decadent details
36
37
38
39
decadent details
Socialize with Moll! Moll's Website Moll on Twitter Moll on Facebook Moll on Pinterest