For Labor Day weekend, I planned brunch for two, with a peacock table setting on the covered porch. The “goodbye to summer, hello fall” table is one of 20 included in this year’s Welcome Fall Tablescape Hop.

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I always find this the most challenging to style, since it’s still so darn hot here in Pittsburgh! This year was no exception, as the 89 degree temperatures had me perspiring as I set and photographed the alfresco peacock table.

Because of the heat, I’m especially loath to head to the attic to retrieve fall decor items stored there. It’s also difficult to get in the mood to change up tableware and linens. Usually, I wait until the end of September. From Labor Day through then, I use non-seasonal, everyday and rooster theme dishware and decor.

So rather than acquire something new, I pulled peacock motif dishes from the kitchen cabinets — ones I haven’t shared here before. Although used pretty much year-round, the color palette works particularly well for a fall season setting. I hope you’ll agree! Styling a peacock table also provided the opportunity to use a new napkin fold I’ve been wanting to try.

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Table for Two

Welcome to all, and those coming from my buddy Sarah’s darling table featuring owls.

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Since it’s still so hot, I was able to set a Labor Day brunch for Mr. Buzz and I outside, in the shade of the covered porch.

To tie-in with the welcome fall theme, I began with a reversible autumn print tablecloth.

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Starting with a tablecloth, also eliminated unwanted reflections from the underlying glass tabletop.

Made of a double knit, it doesn’t wrinkle — if immediately pulled from the dryer and put on the table.

However, after hanging in the cedar closet for nearly a year, caused long creases that required ironing. Ugh! Even with air conditioning, it felt too hot to be ironing.

I use the cloth frequently in the autumn months of October and November; usually inside on the kitchen table with seasonal tableware.

It’s also been great for numerous casual settings over the Thanksgiving holiday. My favorites was, Pumpkin Patch Table for Brunch, where I flipped the tablecloth to its reverse brown side.

Next, I pulled out two large, woodcut chargers.

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Each of the six in my tableware collection has a different natural pattern, and slightly irregular shape and dimensions.

Everyday Dishes for Fall Table

Positioned on top of the chargers are large, roughly 11 1/4″ dinner plates, with wavy edges and slightly raised rim.

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Originally I had four, but year’s ago one must have gotten broken. That’s probably why you haven’t seen these dishes before, as I seldom share a table set for two. However, hubby and I use the dishes quite often.

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Centered in the middle, is a large bowl that held a hearty oatmeal with berries and nuts for brunch.

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Branches — matching the plate — decorate the bowl, inside and out.

Throughout the fall and winter, I the bowls are often used to serve soup or chili.

Whenever my son’s now fiancĆ© visits, she treats us to a Cultural Cooking Adventure: Vietnamese Dishes. We discovered the bowls were the perfect size and depth for preparing her classic pho and other Asian-Inspired Noodle Dishes.

Peacock Passion Prompts Plate Purchase

Can you say that three times fast, lol? Regular readers know I have a passion for peacocks that was inspired by a colonial ancestor — who’s first name was Peacock!

A militia officer during the Revolutionary War and spy for General Washington, the British put a price on his head. They called him, “The Rebel Bird.” Read Peacock’s inspiring story in, Celebrating Patriots.

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That passion for peacocks has manifested itself in my home decor, Christmas decorations, Peacock Theme My Favorite Things Party, and tableware! More formal peacock plates and flatware where part of the Exotic Peacock Tablescape Graces Dining Room.

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Many years ago — before realizing I was a plate addict — I saw these coffee mugs on a clearance rack at Macy’s (Peacock pattern by Tableware International).

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Just had to have them!

I love the hand-painted peacock feathers! In fact, they were the design model for my own crafted glasses, made as Peacock Party Favors, Gifts and Prizes.

But it was the 8 1/4″ luncheon plate’s peacock image that made me swoon!

Aren’t they fabulous?

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I frequently use these same plates when serving wine, with a fruit and cheese platter. They go perfectly with paper cocktail napkins purchased in bulk. That’s because the napkins carry a peacock feather design in the same color palette as the plates.

And, if you’re going to create a beautiful cruditĆ© spread, you need something to serve it on, right?

Platter Serves as Centerpiece

Most stunning in the pattern collection is the large 18-inch platter, decorated with a peacock’s tail feathers fanned out.

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For the peacock table brunch, I used the platter in lieu of a centerpiece. It held an assortment of mini pastries, cantaloupe slices and mixed-color grapes.

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Normally, the platter sits on the glass cocktail table in the living room. It fits in well with other home decor accents; like the three-piece panel mural (opps, gotta straiten that panel!), pillows, and vase full of feathers on the grand piano.

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The platter is also hand painted, in a style that makes it look like Italian or Spanish pottery.

Unfortunately, another dip and chip round platter has been MIA for years. I must have taken it to a party and failed to retrieve it. Surely, I’d remember if I’d broken it?

Peacock Shaped Napkin Folds

For our Labor Day brunch, I served refreshing mimosas in tall clear stems, decorated with teal swirls.

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We had reason to celebrate with champagne, as our oldest son had just gotten engaged! He proposed during a private sunset cruise off the waters of Martha’s Vineyard. We couldn’t be more thrilled, as we already view V as a member of the family.

Previously, for the Exotic Peacock Tablescape, I used a simple, fan fold to imitate tail feathers. Since then, I’ve greatly expanded my napkin folding repertoire and ability. See all 23 styles in, Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions.

A quick online search generated four different techniques and looks for napkin folding in the body shape of a peacock. All four require no ribbon or napkin ring. Instead, three tuck the folded napkin into a glass to hold its shape.

Because two of those methods use two napkins for each guest, I eliminated them as not really practical. They reminded me of putting so many decorative pillows on a bed or couch, that there’s no room for actual people lol! Hubby always bemoans home improvement shows that do that.

Option One

First, I followed the simple folding and ironing instructions for the Peacock Napkin Fold by Recipe Tips.

easy-peacock-shape-napkin-fold

Using a large 20-inch teal napkin, the fold was easy and quick to make, but the result looked more like a “basic” bird. Cute, and I may use it on a future spring or summer tablescape, but not what I was hoping for.

For some reason, the folded napkin reminded me of a hummingbird. What do you think?

easy-bird-shape-folded-napkin

No matter how many times I tried to shape the fabric, it lacked the long tail feathers of a peacock — even though I was used a large napkin.

Option Two: Peacock in a Glass

Turns out the final method achieved the look I wanted, using just a single napkin tucked into the tall stem.

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It’s the exact same napkin used for the first method, but look at the different outcome!

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Here’s a view of it from the other side of the stem. I love how the Peacock Napkin Fold by Sondra Lyn has a long tail that drapes over the glass and onto the tabletop.

One of the reasons I didn’t create a centerpiece for the peacock table, was so that it wouldn’t compete or distract from the napkin folds perched in the tall stemware.

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Although, I must say, the folding instructions and illustrative photos provided are rather sparse! It took some trial and error on my part to achieve the above results. And, there’s a lot more folding and ironing steps involved than method one.

Perhaps if there’s enough reader interest, I could create a detailed how-to-fold post?

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Finally, to finish the fall peacock table setting, I flanked each plate stack with copper twig handled flatware (Pier 1 online, years ago).

For other transitional settings, check out Fall on the Farm Rooster Table and Fall Harvest Table & Apple Napkin Fold.

Related Post Picks

Fall Tablescape Hop

Next up is Rachelle and her stylish French Country setting. I can’t wait to visit all the tables to find inspiration and ideas for the fall season! Special thanks to Rita of Panoply, our hostess, for once again organizing this large hop and group of talented bloggers.

Everyday Living – Anxiously Awaiting Autumn’s Arrival

Panoply – Ready for Fall: Game On Tablescape

My Thrift Store Addiction – Simply Elegant Velvet Pumpkin Fall Tablescape

Me and My Captain – Shine On Harvest Moon

Home is Where the Boat Is – Cusp of Fall with Woodland Friends

Hyacinths for the Soul – Whoooo is Ready for Autumn?

Debbee’s Buzz  Alfresco Brunch Peacock Table & Napkin Fold

My Hubbard Home – Country French Autumn Table Using Classic Red Toile

Pandora’s Box – A Yellow Table for September

The Painted Apron – Early Fall Pumpkin Patch

From My Carolina Home – Autumn Apples Tablescape

Celebrate and Decorate – A Fall Tablescape in Shades of Blue

Living With Thanksgiving – Fall Vibes

Dinner at Eight – Mums Lead the Way to Fall

Thrifting Wonderland – It’s Time for a Fall Tablescape

The Bookish Dilettante – Back to (Art) School

Life and Linda – Welcome Fall

Bluesky at Home – How to Decorate a Table with Fall Leaves

Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Fall Tablescape – Autumn Gnome

Red Cottage Chronicles – Cozy Up Around an Autumn Dinner Table

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For Christmas, see my Unique Holiday Peacock Theme Tablescape, feather tree centerpiece, tail feather fan napkin fold, and stunning ornament decorated chandelier.

Irish Eyes are Smiling

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I’m still playing catch up after our wonderful Ireland Vacation: 12 Day Itinerary in Emerald Isle. Yes ladies, third time was finally the charm for our 2020 pandemic-delayed trip!

After having to cancel vacations to Holland and France earlier this year — and catching the virus over the July 4th holiday and breaking my finger — I doubted it was ever going to happen!

Not that United didn’t try hard; repeatedly cancelling and delaying flights to Newark and causing us to miss the first day of our Irish tour.

Now we have both our son and nephew’s weddings to look forward to next year! Wish you could see me, I’m grinning from ear to ear lol.

Hoping you all had a great summer and Labor Day weekend.

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