COMFORTABLY SET

A REFRESH ON FAMILIAR PLACE SETTINGS

BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTOS BY CARLI ECONOMY

LEFT: Neutral linens set the tone for earthy arrangements and tableware. THIS PAGE: Frankoma Pottery produced an extensive line in this Prairie Green glaze, which dates back to the 1940s.

CELEBRATED DECORATOR Elsie de Wolfe said, “A house should be a synthesis of comfort, practicality and tradition.” For many families, the table is where we nourish ourselves with food and conversation. By extension, bringing comfort, practicality and tradition to our table should be a goal.

I have long loved to create beautiful table settings, and for this fall I found myself harkening back to the Sunday dinners of my youth at my beloved Mimi and Papa’s home. This weekly gathering usually had the same menu, was served on the same Frankoma pottery and – most importantly – was with the same people.

While our tables were not set with sunflowers and candles, I wanted to show how even something that seems of “days gone by” can be transformed into an updated beautiful table. Mixing the Frankoma with vintage flatware, new buffalo check napkins and slate charcuterie boards updates the look. Sunshine yellow candles and floral bouquets with sunflower stems are the perfect adornments.

Sadly, this is not the handed-down pottery of my grandparents; it is the combined collection of a dear friend and his mother. I learned the hard way to never say “no” to the handing down of heirlooms. I’m sure more than a few of our readers have Frankoma in their homes. It may be tucked away in boxes, stored in kitchen cabinets or possibly even in the regular dinner dish rotation.

On page 22, read about the rich history of Frankoma pottery. I hope it inspires you to bring out your handed-down tableware – whether it’s fine china or chipped pottery – as you surround your table with ones you love.

By extension, bringing comfort, practicality and tradition to our table should be a goal.