A Timeless Table

The Occasion: An anniversary dinner party calls for the finest china, flatware, and linens.

The Inspiration: The magazine's 30th anniversary sparked an idea for a dinner party that reflects everything Southern Accents is about -- timeless design that presents the finest of the past and the best of the new in a fresh and timely way. My starting point was the Duke of Gloucester china by Mottahedeh. It's definitely a classic: The original pattern was made in the 1770s for William Henry, Duke of Gloucester. The rich pattern rendered in fall hues is perfect for this time of year.

The Table: The gold rim on the fruit-and-flower patterned china inspired me to use stemware with gold rims and an etched design. The silver water goblets and flatware help unify the table. A service plate with a rust-colored border sets off the colors in the dinner and salad plates. Place mats give a more relaxed yet traditional feel and allow the dark wood of the table to contrast with the shapes and colors of the serving pieces. Monogrammed linens are a classic Southern touch.

Memorable Accents: Menus printed with plum-colored ink, another reference to the china, also serve as place cards (see Place Card Particulars). A calligrapher wrote each guest's name in gold, a touch that makes everyone feel attended to and sets the tone for an evening to remember.

The Flowers: Because the dining room is so neutral, a centerpiece filled with gorgeous fall color (see Autumnal Inspiration) seemed most appropriate. Roses, callas, dahlias, and hydrangeas in shades of plum, burgundy, and orange are loosened up with bupleurum, hypericum berry, and plumes of cockscomb. Fruit-filled antique silver compotes on each side repeat the colors of the flowers and lend symmetry to the arrangement.

RESOURCES: Floral design by Sybil Brooke Sylvester, Wildflower Designs, 205/322-1311, www.wildflowerdesigns.net; china by Mottahedeh, 800/242-3050, www.mottahedeh.com; service plate by Herend through Bromberg's, 205/871-3276, www.brombergs.com; place mats and napkins by Leontine Linens, 800/876-4799, www.leontinelinens.com; Deborah wineglasses and goblets and Isabella Champagne flutes by William Yeoward Crystal, 800/818-8484, www.williamyeowardcrystal.com; sterling silver compotes from A.M.W., Inc., 205/870-3588; Old Maryland Engraved flatware by Kirk Stieff, 800/635-3669, www.lenox.com; place card/menu by Alexa Pulitzer, 504/945-4843, www.alexapulitzer.com; calligraphy by Maria Helena Hoksch, 504/363-9129, www.calligraphybymariahelena.com; Marlboro dining chairs by Hickory Chair through Mary Evelyn, 205/879-7544.