Table arts: Get inspired to set the scene

The art of the table extends beyond the food that graces it. It encompasses all the elements that engage the senses, creating beauty and harmony and encouraging us to linger in the genial glow of a shared meal. The table is a blank canvas, to layer colors and textures, to group a favorite handmade vase or platter with bits of foraged nature and maybe a nod to the season.

As inspiration for setting the scene, we have gathered artisan pieces made or sold locally that lend themselves to the restorative conviviality of the table.

Styling by Tara Swartzendruber-Landis

Wooden vases and trees by Tim Hall Wood and Design from Whistle Stop Grocery, Union Pier, MI. Ceramic vase by Justin Rothshank, Goshen, IN. Large wooden bowl by Patrick Dillon, Goshen. Small shell bowls by Black Tree Studio Pottery, New Carlisle, IN. Stoneware plates and bowls by Goertzen Pottery, Goshen. Linen Sanders napkins by Matteo and ceramic salt cellar by Grandmont Street from Sojourn, Sawyer, MI. Recycled glass wine glasses and small salt spoon from Hearthwoods Custom Furnishings, Lakeside, MI. Red Laotian fabric from Found, Goshen. Vintage silverware from Tara Swartzendruber-Landis.

Black walnut, paduak and maple wood cutting board by Ross Miles Van Overberghe of rmv:design, New Carlisle, IN. Small wooden utensils, Found, Goshen. 

Copper candlesticks by Hessel Studios and centerpiece arrangement from Fleuracity, Three Oaks, MI. Stoneware bowls by Black Tree Studio Pottery, New Carlisle, IN. Plates, recycled glass wine glasses and small salt spoon from Hearthwoods Custom Furnishings, Lakeside, MI. Linen Sanders napkins by Matteo, cup towel by Creative Women and ceramic salt cellar by Grandmont Street from Sojourn, Sawyer, MI. African indigo fabric and Cambodian metal bird boxes from Found, Goshen, IN. Silverware from R Etc. Events, Goshen. Wood-fired white stoneware vase, pitcher and cups by Goertzen Pottery, Goshen.

Stoneware tureen by Black Tree Studio Pottery, New Carlisle.