Many days at the lake, dinner is casual and sometimes even served around the campfire. And then there are days when fancy is on the menu. And this day was to be just that: Wendy and Steve’s wedding.
When my cousin’s boyfriend proposed to her on the beach at our lake house, it only seemed natural to host their wedding and reception there. Twenty family members came to witness their “I do’s” and celebrate with them on their special day.
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After “you may kiss the bride” signaled the end of the ceremony, we celebrated with champagne toasts on the lake before gathering on the lakefront deck for a sit-down dinner.
Here is a sneak peek of the day, focusing on the tablescape. Look for the whole story of this lakeside Northwoods wedding in the Fall Woods + Water Digital Magazine.
Just for fun, I looked up the definition of tablescape when I started writing this article. The definition stated that a tablescape is akin to a landscape. I couldn’t agree more.
This definition got me thinking of one of my professors in art school. He taught Landscape 101. I am thinking back to the class where I sat with 12 other students in a field, with easels before us and paintbrushes in hand, contemplating composition and the various hues of greens in the field and blues in the sky. The clouds were changing into glorious colors as golden hour approached. My art professor wandered between easels, giving tips and pointers and expounding on the techniques of painting landscapes.
“Be aware of your colors and how they play off one another. Pay attention to composition. Where is your focal point? Are you drawing your viewer into your scene? You are viewing an environment, but you are creating an environment of your own on canvas. The goal is to create that environment with colors, textures and focal points as to evoke emotion and draw the viewer in.”
A tablescape is similar.
The hostess creates an environment with colors, composition and a focal point to draw her guests in and have a warm, hospitable environment.
On this special day, I especially wanted a place for easy conversation that made guests want to linger. I think a beautiful tablescape is as important as what is being served.
The bride-to-be and I discussed many ideas for the wedding and decided the theme for the day would be “Northwoods rustic with a side of fancy.”
So, here’s the scope for a tablescape of Northwoods rustic with a side of fancy.
Table choice was easy. We knew we wanted to be on the lakeside deck where a long farmhouse-style table would fit perfectly. We created this by pushing two banquet tables together with an attached 36-inch round table for the bride and groom.
I chose a neutral tablecloth which got noticed for its great, rich texture and attention to detail in the fringed hem. It was the perfect foundation for table decor, as the neutral wouldn’t compete with other elements.
Next up, wood slice placemats that couldn’t say “we’re in the Northwoods” any better! I was worried that they wouldn’t be large enough, but they did not disappoint. I had so many compliments on them.
Another Northwoods favorite of ours is buffalo check. I’ve heard it said, “Plaid is my favorite color.” Well, that’s true for Wendy and for me! I found this gold and cranberry color combo fabric to be unique and had a friend, Robin, make the napkins, which were then layered under my mom’s vintage silver. I love how it contrasts a rustic with a fancy, as well as keeping my mom’s spirit with us that day. Another sentimental touch was using Wendy’s mom’s crystal sugar and creamer on the coffee bar.
There’s that saying, “If you know, you know.” Everyone knew why there was “XOXO” on little hearts tied to the water goblets. No explanations needed. We all loved how Grandma signed her notes with that over the years to all of us. She surely was smiling down with us that day.
The candles were beautifully made by one of Wendy’s good friends, Arza. They were made from beeswax and burned slowly and beautifully all evening long.
My collection of blue canning jars came out of the cupboard for the occasion. The jars got dressed up with a bow and filled with flowers from my garden, a combination of hydrangeas, lilies, dahlias, lavender as well as sunflowers from our local outdoor market. These flower arrangements were a focal point on the dining table or anywhere else that needed a pop of color.
I choose to use our everyday moose dishes for our 20 guests. My aunt and I bought them in Eagle River many years ago and everyone loves them when they come to visit. Someone once told me, “Everyone in the Northwoods has these dishes or wishes they did.”
All these things came together to create a beautiful backdrop for an unforgettable wedding day that reflected Northwoods rustic with a bit fancy.
Don’t forget to look for the rest of the Northwoods wedding story in the Fall issue of Woods + Water.
Contributing Writer, Roxie Sharp
Contributing Photographers: Gail Vandewalker and Roxie Sharp
SHOP THE LOOK
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Table and chair rental at Sam’s Rental Minocqua.
My garden plants from:
Sunflowers, St Germain Flea Market
Winkler’s Greenhouse, 5405 Park St, Boulder Junction, WI 54512
JJ’s Acres, 9436 County J, Woodruff, WI 54568
Stoney Creek Home & Garden, 7560 Poplar Dr, Minocqua, WI 54548
