Pretty in Purple

The Colors: Long considered girlish and perfect only for a child's room, lavender is now being taken seriously in more formal spaces, such as living rooms and dining rooms. Napkins in a plaid pattern inspired the yellow-and-purple palette. Because of their rustic feel, plaids, ginghams, and nubby linens go well with the English country look of transferware. Plates in a mulberry hue coordinate nicely with the lavender ware; by mixing and matching, we created six unique settings. The custom-made tablecloth allows the patterns to stand out.

The Flowers: Using only one color and forgoing greenery gives the purple blooms more impact. Because this is an intimate gathering, small antique silver dishes contain the flowers, so as not to crowd the table. For a larger table, consider filling a soup tureen with flowers for a singular centerpiece.

NextCreate the Look