Even though we are not of Irish decent, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, because it is the birthday of my daughter, Julianna and my mother, Julia. That, in itself, is a good reason to set a St. Patrick’s Day Table. However, who is St. Patrick and why is this holiday celebrated around the world?
A Little History
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish observe this day as a religious holiday and have so for over 1,000 years.
St. Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
Mixing Old and New
For this year’s St. Patrick’s Day table, I am using this fun piece of contemporary fabric from my friend, Anne. I couple it with my antique English china, Fondeville Ambassador Ware 6762. The rich shades of green, gold, pink, blue and yellow make these gold-rim plates one of my favorites.
To me, this is the essence of collected chic~mixing bold patterns with elegant tableware.
Stacking the antique china on the simple brushed gold chargers enhances the gold in the pattern. Adding the crackled gold rim clear salad plate from Leslie Roy does not diminish the platter floral design. Similar chargers can be found here. These chargers are so affordable and I use them frequently.
Of course, I love my Wallace silver/gold bee patterned flatware (see link here) which seems to go with just about any place setting I create.
Made in Waterford, Ireland, the Waterford crystal Marquis water goblets and Lismore wine glasses are in keeping with the Irish theme. Gold trim napkins softly fold and find a home inside the wine glass. See similar napkins here.
Making it Festive
With a fun and festive holiday like St. Patrick’s Day, it is easy for the table decor to become kitschy or juvenile. Trying to keep the table elegant, but fun, I add gold shamrocks to the tablecloth. Since I bought these several years ago, you could use gold coins instead.
Each place settings get a light up shamrock necklace for a little whimsy. See similar necklace here.
The Centerpiece
Brass candlesticks from West Elm brighten up the table. Set up in our family and surrounded by windows, the table changes color as the day progresses.
The centerpiece is a vintage Westmoreland oval footed milk glass bowl with hydrangeas, peonies and green glitter shamrocks. It is the perfect size for this round table.
Will you be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? My daughter will be 24 years old and my mother, if alive, would be celebrating her 91st. Time marches on, doesn’t it?
Wishing you all a happy Tuesday. We are having unusually warm weather (in the high 80s), but the temperatures are to drop back down into the low 60s this week. My poor garden is so confused.
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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday #650
franki Parde says
You bet your clogs we celebrate!! It is our son’s (Aaron Patrick) 40th birthday!! Sailente!! o’franki
LA CONTESSA says
BEAUTIFUL TABLE!
YOU GET AN A PLUS PLUS!
HAPPY BIRTHING DAY MAMA!!!!!!
YES, we do as our last name is KIRKPATRICK!
IT’s always corned beef and cabbage here!
The weather has been STRANGE!I have heavy FOG at the MOMENT!
Mary Crozier says
Our weather has been strange too. 88 degrees last week and a very chilly, dreary, drizzly 48 degrees this morning. Brrr for us! Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s day at the Kirkpatrick house!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Haha – I was at Tablescape Thursday and was just going to pick one link to read, and it ended up being yours!! I’m not actually surprised, your tables always captivate me!! Thanks for another round of beauty and inspiration in my day! Now I better get back to work! 😉
Michele M. / Finch Rest says
Gorgeous china pattern – works so well for a SPD tablescape, Mary!
Funny, I am Irish on both sides – and my hubs is Italian. He NEVER EVER lets me forget Ireland’s Patron Saint is actually Roman. As in all year long. He is a relentless Italian, haha.
He calls me a “wee” person. He is 6’3 and I am 5′ and shrinking. Life around here is never dull.
Mary Crozier says
Your husband sounds very funny….wow, that is a height difference too. Sounds like you have a very fun marriage~a sense of humor is critical!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Ha that’s great Michele! I can’t wait to meet you (and your amusing husband) in person someday!
Debbie says
I love that china, its beautiful!! Your whole table is so pretty
Mary Crozier says
An old friend bought me this china. I’ve lost touch with her over the years, but think of her every time I use it. Have looked for more pieces but cannot find any of the green…There are some red ones on eBay, but I’m not sure why the green is so elusive.
va in NC says
Beautiful table setting! Thank you for sharing sources, would like to have source of the gold rimed
clear salad plates.
I really like all your ideas…you are so talented.
Thank you for all your hard work and beautiful ideas.
Va
Mary Crozier says
I got the salad plates from Leslie Roy. She used to be a table designer in Connecticut. I have tried googling her but the only website that shows up is very old. You may be able to find some on eBay. Leslie used an old European technique to get the gold on her plates~a crackling look. So unique and I love the clear salad plates because you can see the platter design below. Thank you for your kind comments!
Shelley Caniglia says
Beautiful colors on the table!! Calls for a big green salad along with Corn Beef and Cabbage!!
Shelley
Mary Crozier says
Shelley, yes, corned beef and cabbage! We used to have that for St. Patrick’s day until I found my Guiness Beef Pot pie and Bailey Irish cream cheese cake recipes. Hope to post those next week in time for St. Patty’s day!
Chas Greener says
How festive Mary, I’m looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day because it’s during our spring break here. I can’t wait for that time off.
Renae says
What a lovely table setting. Your green plates are absolutely stunning! I think that I need to add them to my wish list.
Blessings to you.
Rachel Harper says
Mary,
This is just stunning! I love everything but those antique dishes have my heart ! So much inspiration!