Party at Monticello

After seeing the newly renovated Monticello (thank you - Ralph Lauren) in the pages of ELLE DECOR, I thought what a fabulous place for a party!

Looking at this dining room, I decided to use it as inspiration to create a dinner fit for a modern day crowd, but embracing this magnificent historic home.

I love the table settings above, as they draw your focus to the room. For my table setting, I wanted to go a bit bolder, but still classic, and have the color contrast with the yellow walls.

Blue porcelain with Chinese motifs are prevalent in the collection at Monticello. These cards custom printed in regency blue for invitations from DEMPSEY & CARROLL.

Fabric from LEE JOFA for a tablecloth which would be done as an overlay over a classic ivory cloth.

And this fabric from LEE JOFA for napkins.

PEWTER NAPKIN RINGS from the gift shop at Monticello

A pair of CANDELABRAS

Light blue tapers from CREATIVE CANDLES  for some "pop".

Flowers like this arrangement from the phenomenally talented NICOLETTE CAMILLE. The flowers, herbs and berries look like they could have been cut from the gardens surrounding Monticello.

Wine and champagne glasses from JULISKA

Water glasses from ANTHROPOLOGIE

DINNER PLATES in a traditional Virginia Blue pattern similar to something you might have at Jefferson's table. 

Set on top of SILVER CHARGERS

A SILVER PINEAPPLE at each setting for place cards. They were everywhere during the Jeffersonian Era and mean "welcome".

Silver bamboo chairs from CLASSIC PARTY RENTALS. The antique wood and leather chairs pictures above are stunning, but don't scream "party".