Welcome to my blog, Panoply! Today I am setting the table fit for Halloween, but with a twist (and maybe a turn). Taking a page from my past as a ballet dancer, I had tutu much fun with this tablescape, appropriately titled "Tutu Fun! Danse Macabre Tablescape".
The YouTube video performance by the l'Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France (link below) is for your listening pleasure. You may want to click on the video link and open it in another window to enjoy the sound while I tell you about my table. The piece is called, "Danse Macabre" by the composer Camille Saint-Saens.
Back in the late 1980s, our Charleston Ballet founder and artistic director / choreographer (Andre Van Damme, mentioned most recently on my blog here, and here) created a piece for a late October performance called Danse Macabre (Fr., Dance of Death). The dance was choreographed to the music which you hear in the video link above. We were costumed in solid black unitards, completed with hoods, masks, gloves and pointe shoes, with white felted skeleton patterns cut and sewn on the fronts only. We danced under black lights, on a stage set with tombstones, fog and eery lighting. The shot below is that of a newspaper photo in print from that time (we were expressly prohibited to take our own photographs at that time!). We rose from the dead (macabre) and danced through the darkness. It may have been whimsical from the audience perspective, but it was frightening as a dancer to be en pointe under those circumstances! Fortunately, no bones were broken.
When I saw the salad plates (pictured below) at HomeGoods in early September, I clutched them immediately (there was only one box of four). I knew exactly what I'd be doing for a Halloween table, and I had everything else I needed to complete my vision.
As you can see from that newspaper photo, our costumes were more like those pictured on the Homer Laughlin appetizer plate below.
However, it was 'tutu' tempting to add the pink tulle skirted skeleton plates into the mix.
Have I 'piqued' your interest?
Then let's waltz through the other elements I added, such as the spider web net table topper on the white base cloth.
Not to jump (saute) too quickly, but I'd also like to point out the bone ivory flatware.
Now that the individual place settings are behind (en arriere) us, we can slide (glissade) through the rest of the table design. For instance, the table runner you see is vintage, piece-quilted placemats positioned end-to-end.
Crystal candlesticks of varying heights add a bit of drama, for "it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness", as the saying goes.
And for those who are superstitious, it would be far better to have crackled stemware than cracked mirrors, yes?
Things are brilliantly clearer to me now. Halloween tablescaping can be tutu much fun!
Not that I have a checkered history with Halloween, but it has never been my favorite holiday. I don't care for the passing out of candy (another plus to loft living!), but having a brew or other drink with a neighbor while doing so could certainly make the drudgery of the task much easier!
In fact, having a meal at this table with a couple of neighbors might be the perfect antidote to my loathing of past Halloweens. Shall we dance and / or dine?
I'd like to thank our designer / organizer, Chloe Crabtree, of the blog Celebrate and Decorate, for bringing this week's host of stylists together for many more tables of inspiration for the Halloween holiday. Please enjoy more creative takes on Halloween tables via the complete list of bloggers below, with links provided. For your convenience, I will update the links daily, so be sure to come back each day.
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| Danse Macabre Pique Arabesque |
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| Danse Macabre Pas de Valse |
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| Danse Macabre Saute Crosse Derriere |
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| Danse Macabre Brise en Arrière Glissade |
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| American Brilliant Period Crystal Pitcher |
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| MacKenzie-Childs inspired champagne / wine bucket |
Tutu Fun! Danse Macabre Tablescape Source List
Chargers & napkin rings, Courtly Check - MacKenzie-Childs
MacKenzie Childs inspired champagne / wine bucket - Patti Pultorak, Pandora's Box
Chargers & napkin rings, Courtly Check - MacKenzie-Childs
MacKenzie Childs inspired champagne / wine bucket - Patti Pultorak, Pandora's Box
Dinner plates (Mikasa Magnolia), crystal candlesticks, Cabin Creek Quilt placemats - vintage finds, estate sales
Wicked salad plates, tablecloths - HomeGoods
Three skeletons plate - Fiestaware
Ivory flatware, Sophia - Horchow
Black ruffled linen napkins - French Garden House
Purple crackle glassware - Pier 1
Wicked salad plates, tablecloths - HomeGoods
Three skeletons plate - Fiestaware
Ivory flatware, Sophia - Horchow
Black ruffled linen napkins - French Garden House
Purple crackle glassware - Pier 1
Monday
Intelligent Domestications | a casa di bianca | The Little Yellow Corner Store | Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Although I don't much care for this holiday, as you can see, it only takes something small to inspire having fun with decorating / tablescaping! Do you go all out for Halloween? Do you have trick-or-treaters in your home or in your neighborhood? I would love to hear from you and your thoughts on Halloween decor. I try to respond to each and all. If your comment shows up as 'no reply blogger', be sure to check back on this post in case I don't have your email to send a direct reply.
Now, waltz on over to see more from the bloggers listed above!
Thank you for your visit today!
(A special thanks to Rebecca of Zucchini Sisters' Celebrate your Story #203, to Cecilia of My Thrift Store Addiction's Vintage Charm Party #205, and to Carol of Bluesky at Home's Happiness is Homemade Link Party #293 for featuring this post! A special mention to Cecilia of Thrift Store Addiction's Vintage Charm Party #207 for the feature of the month of October!)
Rita C. at Panoply
Sharing: Pieced Pastimes, Best of the Weekend, Happiness is Homemade, Love Your Creativity, BNOTP, All About Home Common Ground, All ABout Home Follow the Yellow Brick Home, Inspire Me, Make it Pretty, Tuesday Turn About, Celebrate Your Story,SYS, Delightsome Life H&G, TFT, Grace at Home, Vintage Charm
What a Grande Jeté…Tutu fun indeed Rita! I’m cackling with glee as those plates were made for you {insert Twilight Zone music here}. I love the splash of pink and I am indeed listening to "Danse Macabre" as I linger over all your wonderful table details. Love your witty and appropriate addition of the bone flatware, MKC inspired wine bucket, Courtly Check chargers & napkin rings and spider web overlay tablecloth. As always it’s a treat to blog hop with you.♥
ReplyDeleteRita, You are so clever and creative! Your post was perfect for you the dancer, writer, and witty tablescaper! Those plates were made for you!
ReplyDeleteI will have to visit the music later as I have early appointments and a hectic schedule today.
Impressive creativity!
How much fun was this! I too am listening to the music as I read about your delightfully fun Halloween tablescape. It is so wonderful that you found the perfect plates at Home Goods and of course they only had that one set. I have carted around one dish in there until I found the match several isles over!
ReplyDeleteThose pink tutu'd skeletons are too much and add a nice whimsy to the table and a fond memory for you. Love those costumes from the performance. I could almost envision the dancing on stage and how fun it was to watch.
Rita those plates could not be more perfect! In fact, your table is just the best. Every time you post a tablescape I think "Oh, this is my favorite!", but I really do think that this one IS my favorite. Every thing from the skeleton tutu plates to the fine crystal is perfect. And the back story, along with the music, just completes it.
ReplyDeleteRita, you have created the ideal table for you! I love the pink tutu plates, they could not be more perfect for a ballet dancer! Thanks for including the music to set the mood. I agree with you, I have never gotten into Halloween, just not my favorite. We live 13 miles from town and have had two trick-or-treaters in 40 years. I did love Halloween as a child, but it was so different than now. I am cheering your first Halloween tablescape, well done!
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze! A ballet dancer! Bravo! You are an incredible woman! Now, I can see why you snatched up those plates, and what incredible plates they are! I don't even know where to begin, it is all so perfect!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness gracious!! These plates were made for you!!! I would have snatched those up in an instant if I had seen those, but glad I didn't now because I never would have done them the justice that you have!!! Your table is fabulous and so wonderful to have such a connection to it. I loved the music as I scoured over all your details. I love how you worked in your "Checkered" with Halloween. That crystal pitcher with the candle sticks - and how you got the candles to just the right drippiness!!! All fabulous! I hope you enjoy a nice glass of wine on Halloween!
ReplyDeleteTutu fun indeed!! How perfect for you to glissade upon those dancing skeleton tutu plates! I can picture you hugging the box to your chest and smiling as you look around not quite believing your luck!! The Dance Macabre is such a brilliant and unique theme for a Halloween table! Wonderful fun!!
ReplyDeleteJenna
I am on your side. I have never really enjoyed decorating for Halloween. I am usually all "falled out" and ready for Christmas. This year I found a little bit of of the TuTu spirit and got two Halloween vignettes going.
ReplyDeleteNow.....with all that being said...If I had seen those plates there would be a third place all decked out for a ghoulish scene. Those are gorgeous Rita and how fitting for you! Your table is just perfect.
Rita, those plates were definitely meant to be yours! What a fun and creative tablescape. I especially love the spiderweb overlay, even though I'm not a big Halloween fan either. But you know I love theme tables, and this one is fantastic! You should definitely share it with friends. It's tutu cute to keep to yourself.
ReplyDeleteLike you Rita, I am not a big fan of this holiday, BUT I am a huge fan of your creative tablescape and those fabulous plates! What a fun theme and as always, your attention to details is meticulous! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for sharing your whimsical table at at Vintage Charm! It made me smile!
DeleteRita, this is "tutu" fun! What a way to start my day with "Danse Macabre" and this charming, tutu perfect table! It was meant for you to find those plates, the pink tutu making them all the more delightful. I wish I could have seen you dance. I never did take dance, but have always admired and appreciated it. Your clever whit taking us through each step of your post, the mini lesson in ballet terms....I love it all! Of course the Courtly Check is the perfect touch for this table, and the bone flatware genius. Your candles, glassware, and ruffled linens all add to the drama of this fantastic table. Great photos too! I feel as if I should walk on stage and present you with a bouquet of red roses!
ReplyDeleteDining or dancing would be so much fun with this lovely table as a backdrop. You are very creative and I love your style.
ReplyDeleteRita, I was thrilled to hear about your dance experience and enjoyed the video clip. Your ballerina salad plates make for the perfect tablescape for your wonderful memories. I can see why you grabbed them up at the store. You incorporated them beautifully in your table with your pastel colors and your light colored table runner. I love how you added the little bit of checkered pattern too. It is definitely a Halloween classic! It is a great pleasure to blog hop with you. Happy Halloween.
ReplyDeleteRita, I am loving those pink tutu plates. I saw them on Ebay and was tempted. A lesson on ballet is priceless. The Courtly checked dishes look fab and the napkin rings. This is a perfect post for you Rita. Love every detail on this fun post. I would love to be a guest at this table.
ReplyDeleteRita, your puns go over well with me, as my daughter is a ballet teacher and assistant director at her studio. I showed her this post, and she was most impressed and thought it was lovely (she actually likes skulls and skeletons... not sure where she got that from!). (BTW, you missed one pun... "Not to jump (saute) too quickly, but I'd also like to POINTE out the bone ivory flatware." (hehe)). Would love to have you come join us at Tuesday Turn About... we open at 5pm CST today, via myweeabode.com . Hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteThis might be my all time favorite Halloween table. First, thanks for the music link. It's wonderful. I might need to play this again on Halloween. I love the plates and they couldn't be more perfect. The pink and black with the bit of purple in the runner is fabulous. All the pieces, the crystal and candlesticks and the fabulous bone silverware just adds to the theme so perfectly. And leave it to MKC to have the perfect bucket for your table. Plus, it was a total delight to read! Brava! (I do hope you invite some of your ballet friends to lunch here!)
ReplyDeleteTres magnifique mademoiselle! Both magical and macabre. And how marvelous how it fits with your own mysterious masquerade "past" life, LOL!
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing you dancing amongst the skellies, it's hard to imagine that you don't enjoy Halloween. Those plates were destined for you Rita! I love the eerie elegance of the whole spooky scene.
Much classier than my colorful skeleton theme table tomorrow. Next year, you should decorate the light fixture overhead like my Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier. Just replace the mums with purple tulle for a tutu, and add children's ballet slippers on the skeletons toes --- voila!
Those ballerina skeleton plates were meant for you Rita! I'm sure you were delighted with that find. What a delightful and fun tablescape for you to enjoy setting up, bringing back your memories of your days of dance. I am wowed with this table Rita, so clever and detailed. A wonderful Halloween tablescape, never expect anything less that specular from you........
ReplyDeleteWow that was a fun and very creative tablescape! I can’t get over those cute plates and how fun that they tied into an event you were in!
ReplyDeleteThis was excellent!!! The music accompanying your story! Love the tutu dishes, tablecloth, even though I'm not a Halloween person either. I do have a couple 'pretty' witches but I mainly decorate for Fall. My favorite time of year. I wish I could include my favorite Halloween photo for you---it's my granddaughter dressed as a scarecrow that I get out every year. It's an 8x10 in a green frame and she was probably about 4 and not happy with me! She's 21 now and has forgiven!! Happy Fall Rita! Love your blogs!
ReplyDeleteAnd Rita....thanks for sharing your dancing career. I can only dream.....:)
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you for comments on Halloween, my table and my blog. And I'd love to see your Halloween photo of your granddaughter if you'd like to share. You can send it to my email: wv.panoply@gmail.com
DeleteHappy Fall!
I sent it!! :)
DeleteI got it, Susan! Emailed you back! ♥
DeleteRita, a wonderful Halloween table and so perfect for you. I enjoy hearing about your dancing life and also always enjoy your creativity and humor. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThe skeletons wearing the tutus are "tutu" cute! I love your table! Maybe I should post mine.
ReplyDeleteRita, I love the skeletons in their pink tutus. These plates were meant for you. Great tablescape!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post. The dishes are perfect for you to have! The tablescape is so festive and fun - well done!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post; I didn't know you were a ballet dancer. Your tablescape was awesome and the plates perfect for you! Loved the row of candlesticks, too! My daughter loves to decorate for H the way I decorate for Christmas including an annual pumpkin carving party. I decorate my front hall and call it good!
ReplyDeleteKathy, thank you so much for your visit and kind words. I think it's great that some love the holiday. I'm like you - Christmas is my favorite holiday.
DeleteHappy Fall!
Oh Rita! Your table and your story is tutu fun!! The music clip was a welcome touch! I can see why you would have scooped up those plates. It is so fun that they speak to your past. A very festive Halloween table indeed :) Like you, I don't really go "all out" when it comes for decorating for Halloween, but do like to add a few festive touches here and there!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed this post, Rita and thank you for the wonderful music to enjoy while reading word-for-word. How exciting, I didn't realize you were a dancer. LOVE your Halloween place setting - those dishes couldn't be more perfect! Like you, I'm not a big fan of the holiday either and we duck out the back door and walk to our neighborhood pub until it's over. LOL
ReplyDeleteRita this is fabulous! I did a unit every year with my fifth grade music classes on Danse Macabre and many of them, now adults, still remember it as some of their most fun school memories.
ReplyDeleteThose plates could not be more perfect! This is tutu spectacular! Love the crystal and purple touches. Very creative!
So fun to hop with you!
What an adorable table! You are so clever. Those ballerina skeleton plates are tutu much. Wish I had seen them at my local Home Goods. Thanks for sharing this delightful tablescape.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting and leaving your nice comment! Someone mentioned they almost bought those plates on eBay, so if you still wanted them, you might try scouring there. :)
DeleteLove your macabre ballerinas, Rita! What a fun connection to your dance performance (I want to know which one you are in the photo!). I would have so enjoyed seeing your performance to that lovely music. Great post :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana. That ballet was a lot of fun, a whimsical departure from some of the choreography of the classic ballets we did.
DeleteExquisite table!Those plates are stunning and the pitcher is to die for!Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Glad you stopped by. Happy Fall.
DeleteWhat an absolutely perfect table that you've created in honor of your tutu days, Rita!! I would've loved to have seen your performance back in the 80's. I can understand the difficulty in performing under those circumstances, though. Cheers to you on your table!
ReplyDeletebig WOW!!! Tutu fantastic. Oh my goodness you rocked this theme and then some. I love the ballerina skeletons and the way you thread your lovely story throughout the descriptions of the tablescape.I wanted to be a ballerina when I was young and asked every year if I could take lessons. Sadly the answer was always no. My father insisted on activities that were academic only. So for a moment I lived through your story. Pinned and it is a pleasure to be on the hop with you. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWell, Katherine, sadly too many parents don't see the left brain benefits of right brain activities. I am a strong proponent of the benefits from the right-left brain connections!
DeleteP.S> I am not a halloween fan at all . But I am always a fan of imagination and creativity ( wink)
ReplyDeleteOh, those plates are too much fun! Enjoyed the dialogue that went along with your photos, and the music was a great background!
ReplyDeleteI listened to the music as I admired all of your pictures. Since you were a dancer, these plates had to be yours and you used them to create a fabulous table. Love your glasses and that gorgeous tall crystal pitcher.
ReplyDeleteI hated Halloween when I was teaching. The last thing I wanted to do after wrangling excited 7th graders all day was to open the door over and over to give out candy. For the Halloweens since I've been out of the classroom, we have built a fire in our fire pit and handed out candy from there. It's fun and I don't have to get up from my sofa over and over to answer the doorbell. Trick-or-treater numbers are much lower here than 20 years ago. I think a lot of folks do community type things or trunk-or-treat with churches. I really enjoyed seeing your table!
Rita, I had no idea you were a ballet dancer! Those plates were definitely meant for you. I just loved listening to Danse Macabre while scrolling through your tablescape. It really added a nice touch. I also love the spider tablecloth and the ivory flatware. It's always fun hopping with you! I've also featured you this week at Celebrate Your Story :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the tutu plates ! Your table looks amazing and will be a real treat to your guests. No more Trick or Treat time for us living in our apartment - but everyone in the building is getting together in a gathering area for a Halloween Pot Luck. I am taking - what else - Devil's Food Cake !!! Have a Happy Halloween !
ReplyDeleteLove the pot luck, and your choice dessert is perfect! ♥
DeleteRita!!
ReplyDeleteLove this sweet Halloween tablescape and I adore those salad plates!! So cute!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Rita, your tablescape is one of the most creative I’ve ever seen for Halloween. How cool that you were a valet dancer and able to use that talent in this table design. The place mats are perfect with the plates. What a find. Thank you for sharing the background story.
ReplyDeleteRita,
ReplyDeleteI had "tutu" much FUN viewing your photos and reading your blog today!! Terrific post!
What a fun,fun post, Rita. I love that you found those dishes..they were the perfect start and finish to what you did. Great job. Happy Haunting! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThe plates are so interesting and that spider web tablecloth is the perfect touch.
ReplyDelete