Shreve, Crump & Low is basically the Tiffany of Boston (never mind that the blue box wonder now has an outpost in town). As the oldest jeweler in the country, it’s where the city’s most dignified of sorts not only procure their engagement rings, but also register for china, crystal and silver.
This month, Shreve’s presents “Festive Table 2009,” a designer showcase of seven gorgeously laid tables meant to inspire your holiday gatherings. Some of Boston’s best interior designers, including Dennis Duffy, Anthony Catalfano and Shreve’s own Visual Director, Eric Steven Jacobs were told to let their imaginations run wild. Choosing wares from Shreve’s sumptuous collections of brands like Baccarat, Christofle, Wedgewood, and Steuben, they conjured up themes that ranged from “African Safari” to “Seaside Retreat.”
Maybe it’s because we’re already longing for warmer weather, but at the opening night party last week, it was designer John Berenson’s of John Berenson Interior Design, whose “Magic Garden” table most caught our eye. The stone table, surrounded by rustic-chic carved wooden chairs from Oscar de la Renta for Century Furniture, was set with Anna Weatherley “Ivy Garland” plates hand-painted with ivy and butterflies atop William Yeoward “Avington Lavender” chargers rimmed with gold. Stemware included Heritage “Cricklewood” etched goblets and wine glasses, as well as Baccarat “Mille Nuit Ametyhyst: champagne flutes. The sterling was Tuttle Richelieu ($875/5-piece place setting) and the accessories include Grant Dawson “Gold Warbler” salt & pepper shakers and Baccarat colored butterflies
Berenson graduated from Boston University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, and has been creating fabulous rooms for years, first in Miami and then in Boston. His rooms combine comfort and simplicity with a heavy dose of luxe femininity, and have been seen in in Architectural Digest, New England Home, and The Boston Globe Magazine. We spent some time chatting him up to learn about the inspiration and process behind his lush tablescape, which looks fit for a wood fairy.
The Inside Source: With so much to choose from, how did you decide on a theme?
John Berenson: After several trips around the store to look at china with my assistant Troy, we noticed a beautiful stone table that looked as if it came out of a lovely English garden. It was like being hit by a bolt of lightning. Also, I have always loved Anna Weatherly's "Ivy Garland" pattern—the craftsmanship of the hand painting is so beautiful.
TIS: And the color scheme?
JB: One of my favorite color combinations for accents is green mixed with purple. I predicted purple would be big this fall!
TIS: So the garden took shape from there?
JB: I equate design and decorating with cooking, which I am also passionate about. Designing is a process, like seasoning; as you create, you add a bit at a time until you reach that perfect taste. When I started to build upon the color scheme, using organic yet elegant accessories, the idea of doing a luscious lunch in a garden came to fruition.
TIS: Any tips for creating an inspired table?
JB: Flatware should always make a statement. To me, it's like jewelry. Go for something you will remember (and love), long after you first pick up that knife and fork.
TIS: Who can you imagine dining at your garden-inspired table?
JB: Who else but the Ladies Who Lunch! I had two people in mind, both very fashionable, with impeccable taste. One is a jeweler and the other the wife of a king of silver. Both are wonderful philanthropic women with hearts of gold. Thinking of them sitting with a champagne, a yummy lunch, coffee and a little sweet to finish off a spring afternoon made this table an easy one to design.
John Berenson’s Table In Your Home
Anna Weatherley Designs "Tulips" Dish (buy it now price, $199)
Berenson opted for a pattern of vines, but this dish is equally charming, especially with the hand-painted tulips and exaggerated scalloped edge.
Anna Weatherley Charger (buy it now price, $86)
This charger provides the perfect pop of purple, whether paired with a simple dinner plate or one with a more fanciful pattern.
Woolrich Twig 5-Piece Flatware Set (buy it now price, $39.99)
Sculpted brass twig handles with an antique copper finish triumph over sleek stainless.
Gold Bird Figurine (buy it now price, $12.99)
A charming cherub of a birdie in a gilt finish adds whimsy
Set of Two Amethyst Crystal Etched Flutes (starting bid, approximately $11.10)
Sipping champagne from these jewel-colored glasses would make anyone giddy.
Green Glass Leaf Lotus Serving Dish (buy it now price, $9.99)
Green glass can be dressed up or down.
Set of Five Butterfly Candy Dishes (buy it now price, $6.98)
In lieu of pricey Baccarat butterflies, try these exceedingly well-priced vintage candy dishes.
Amethyst Glass Lotus Pattern Salt Cellar (buy it now price, $9.99)
This chunky lotus-shaped salt cellar echoes a 1920s design from the Westmoreland Glass Company.
Godinger “Tivoli” Serving Dish (buy it now price, $9.99)
This freeform dish is a simple way to add a garden feel to any table. Take a cure from Berenson and fill it with Jordan almonds.
Arte Italica Vetro Gold Charger (buy it now price, $149)
Gold edged chargers add instant glamour to any place setting.
Marni Elyse Katz is a Boston-based freelance writer who covers style, art and design for a variety of publications, including the Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Home and her own blog Style Carrot. Click here to read her post about some of the other designers’ tables.
