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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Centered in the middle, is a large bowl that held a hearty oatmeal with berries and nuts for brunch.
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.
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.
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).
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
It’s the exact same napkin used for the first method, but look at the different outcome!
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.
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?
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
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
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
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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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Love those plates, and your napkin fold is just so clever! We may be distantly related, my grandmother’s maiden name was Peacock!
Actually, you and my husband may be related Carole! We suspect — that as the oldest child/son — Peacock was likely the surname of his mother or one of his grandmothers. But, so far, I haven’t been able to verify their surnames. I mean, have you ever heard of naming a child “Peacock”? Back then, you’d have thought he’d be named, Alexander, after his father. Especially in colonial times. I’m also confident that Peacock was not a big fan of his name, lol! The family bible still exists and none of his many children (he married twice) carry on the name. But, the British sure had fun with it, by referring to him as The Rebel Bird with 500 pounds sterling on his head.
Such a unique theme and dishware! The napkin fold caught my eye immediately – it’s fabulous! And your large peacock is a lovely piece! Well done!
Thanks Patti, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to try that peacock fold. The Fitz & Floyd peacock figure is one of my favorite things. I tease that I’ll be taking it to the retirement home with me someday lol!
Deebee you never cease to amaze me with your napkin folds. I can never choose just one as they are all so darn stinkin’ cute. š I love your table set up and I don’t know if I ever mentioned this to you but I used to raise peacocks. I love them as they are not only beautiful…(the males and the females in my eyes) but they are good “watch dogs”. We had a large pen for them but many times allowed them to roam free which meant them flying up to perch on the roof of our home and make all kinds of noises which would sometimes alarm our guests. LOL Have a great and wonderful Fall my friend.
Raise peacocks Kari! That’s incredible. Where I boarded Fibber — and now Whiskey — is in the country and they have peacocks in the pasture with the owners’ horses and other farm animals. I had to laugh, because they do serve as guard dogs. Ironic, because at any given time they are boarding several dozen actual dogs at a time! Every once in awhile I spot a male with those glorious tail feathers. I keep saying to hubby “one day” I want one. His response is that retirement homes don’t allow therapy peacocks lol!
Your post is truly a neat surprise because when I read the title I was expecting peacock blue plates. They are so neat! But you did bring in the peacock blue with the napkins. š
The napkin folds are fabulous! Your tablecloth is perfect for fall and your peacock tableware. And with a platter like that, you don’t need a centerpiece. I know you receive lots of compliments on your peacock dishes! Happy fall!
Well Ricki Jill, I wanted to do something different from the apple, rooster, back to school, and pumpkin theme tables my readers have already seen before. It was a surprise to me too, when I realized those peacock dishes were literally staring me right in the face lol! I mean, I see that platter daily! I thought the brown tablecloth with the teal napkins provided a change of pace for fall too. Happy fall!
Debbee, my tables of late are only tables for two! Yours is so fun and welcoming, I want to scoot right in. Love the pretty plates and the gorgeous teal napkins. Yummy! Hope you enjoy some cooler temps soon. Like you, I’m more than ready to move on to autumn! Always fun to visit here! You inspire!
Well, you are always a tough act to follow Sarah! No one was more surprised than I to realize I had never shared my everyday peacock dishes lol! Many times when I set a special table it’s for dinner guests. It was nice to focus on a brunch for hubby and I, as we celebrated our son’s engagement.
Debbee, I am so glad you finally made it to Ireland. We were there in 2015 and would love to revisit. I love the peacock theme and the napkin fold is creative. I must tell you since we are on the subject of peacocks, we live in the country and have had a peacock visit a couple of times. We have no clue where it lives, but fun to see. Sorry I digressed. Your table for two is perfect for any season! It is a treat to blog hop with you and especially to see your famous napkin folds!
Like you Pam, we already are planning to return to Ireland someday — this time to the villages, farms of ancestors. How lucky are you to have a resident peacock! I’m sure it’s attracted by your gorgeous garden. Much better than a pair made out of napkins lol!
Debbee, you are the queen of creative napkin folds! I love your charming peacock dishes and pinned your fabulous draped napkin fold. Happy almost autumn!
That’s sweet of you to say Cecilia, but most of the time I’m just following someone else’s folding instructions. How they figure that out is beyond me! I do so enjoy finding folds that elevate a table theme and styling.
Debbie, those peacocks on the dishes and the plume on the mug are beautiful! Love the transitional look. The platter makes a real statement too. It must make you sick not to know how the other one disappeared, but maybe you could fins one on eBay. And it’s fold number 2, I agree, that achieves the realistic appeal! Congratulations to your family on your son’s engagement! I know you must be thrilled. Thanks for bringing the nice transitional look to our fall blog hop. I love seeing so many interpretations, especially as we acknowledge that summer is still very much a part of our everyday existence. The inspiration still works quite well.
I’ve racked my brain for years, trying to figure out where that missing serving piece is! If I left it at a friend’s, wouldn’t they have told me? I use to think it was tucked under a bed or skirted chair/couch, but nope. Beginning to think it’s a figment of my imagination lol! Wish I had figured out that fold several years ago; in time for my niece’s wedding. As one of Peacock’s descendants, her accent color was teal. Peacock feathers were tucked into her bouquet and table floral arrangements. Maybe for my sons? Although as mother of the groom, I will try very hard to keep my ideas and suggestions to myself — unless asked lol! Birds of a feather Rita, we both styled non-traditional tables to welcome fall.
Happy Tuesday Debbee! Such a pretty pattern with the glazing detail on the edges and peacock accent plates! Your peacock napkin fold is so creative too! Love all your ancestor-peacock-inspired furnishings and collections. Congrats on your sonās engagement and finally making your trip to the Emerald Isle. As always it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Happy September ā„
Can’t believe I’ve had those peacock dishes for two decades Mary, and it only recently occurred to me to style a table with them. In this case, “in sight, but out of mind” lol! After a couple of stressful months (Whiskey’s tumor, cancelled trips, COVID, broken finger), a dream vacation, followed by our son’s engagement has me on cloud nine! I’m a lucky lass!
Debbee, I love your peacock dishes, glasses, and napkin fold. You are the napkin fold queen! I love peacocks and think they are so beautiful! Love your table for two and the twig flatware. So glad you finally got to Ireland! I can’t wait to read about it. There was a park near Los Vegas with maybe six or seven peacocks that we visited when our son was stationed there. If I could find my pictures, I would send one. It was many years ago. They are beautiful birds. Fun blog hopping again with you. Happy September! It’s still hot in Alabama too!
Thanks so much Bonnie. I’m delighted you enjoyed the peacock theme. It was fun sharing a new peacock setting )with everyday dishes) and getting to use my now favorite napkin fold! When we were in Seville, we visited an Arabic palace with exotic gardens (used in Game of Thrones) where peacocks freely roamed. But, I was unable to get close enough for pictures. Would love to see yours!
Debbee, wow, this table is a showstopper! Your peacock plates are stunning, and the other pieces too, especially the feather mugs. Congratulations on your son’s engagement, it’s always exciting to welcome a new member of the family.
It’s been so inspiring to visit you today, your napkin folds are wonderful. I too agree that fold #2 is the winner. Happy {almost!} Fall! xo Lidy
Thanks so much Lidy, lovely for you to come for a virtual seat at my table. I’m so excited for all the fun to come in the year ahead, engagement party, shower, and wedding. Both my son and nephew’s fiancĆ© are wonderful young women and we are blessed to have them as part of the family.
Very fun and different Debbee! Love your peacock theme with your pretty peacock dishes and of course the fabulous signature Debbee napkin fold! So glad you finally got to take the long awaited Ireland trip, I’m sure it was fabulous!
Thank you Jenna, it’s a napkin fold I’ve wanted to try for awhile. Even though we use the dishes regularly, can’t believe I’ve never thought to feature them before. Ireland was fabulous, and despite the flight nightmare, the vacation exceeded our expectations.
Cheers to you finally making it to Ireland. Debbee, Your peacock plates are charming. I love them! You always create lovely napkins. The platter is gorgeous. What a gorgeous peacock centerpiece. I remember some of your peacock tables. I am smitten. The teal napkins immediately caught my eye since I am loving that color. Always a pleasure to join you on these fun tablescape blog hops.
Thanks so much Linda! Can’t believe those plates were in clear sight everyday and it hadn’t occurred to me to share them previously. Maybe because our hops are usually centered around a holiday? Although I was initially stumped on folding the napkin into the desired shape, I was delighted with the results. Hope to use it on another larger setting, with more of Peacock’s descendants sitting around the table together.
I had no idea about your whole peacock connection, now I have spent all of this time reading!! So interesting! When we lived in Ohio our veterinarian’s last name was Peacock, which I always thought was so coincidental for an animal doctor! That hand painted platter is amazing! I can see why you treasure all of these lovely dishes. Now, the napkin folds…you certainly did an amazing job on model two! I do understand that it did take extra time, extra ironing and extra tries, but it was well worth it! I think it is interesting how we address the heat. It is so hot here in Florida that I think I rush the fall season, thinking that if I decorate things like fall I can pretend it is cooler! If you notice, I opted to set my table indoors!
Ahh, took you down the peacock rabbit hold did I Chloe? Yes, I’m convinced it’s a surname. Otherwise, who on earth would name their firstborn son Peacock lol? Every once in awhile, I spend hours re-researching his parents, hoping some new records, database has become available with the information I’m looking for. But, I continue my passion for peacock tableware and decor undeterred! Pretty pleased with the fold, after initial frustration, and can’t wait to use it for a family table setting. Laughed at your point about our opposite views concerning heat vs fall — it makes a lot of sense. Living here, we come by fall naturally, with the change of leaves, etc. that you don’t.
Debbee, your peacock inspired fall table is beautiful! I love your collection of peacock dishes and that platter is fabulous! The teal colored napkins are so pretty and perfect with the table. Love the peacock napkin fold (#2) too and so glad that you persevered because it looks great- I do hope that you will share the tutorial! I hope the temps cool somewhat for you (ours just started to cool this week after a very hot summer) and that you enjoy a wonderful fall season!
So sweet of you to say so Kim — thanks! After initially scratching my head, I was so pleased with #2. Plus, now I have another fold to use; next time I need a little birdie to fit a theme. I liked the peacock fold so much, it was actually “hard” to dismantle it when I pulled it from the glass — even for a champagne enhanced beverage lol!
Debbee, have always enjoyed your “peacock” posts and the many different plates you have depicting this noble bird. These are lovely and so nice to find in great Fall colors. I have tried many of your napkin folds as well but the peacock fold is new to me. I may be using it on my Thanksgiving table. I’m so looking forward to any meal on our screen porch but it is still way too hot so doubly nice to see yours. Hope you have a wonderful Fall.
Thank you Lynne, it was nice to dine outside. Between the shade of the covered porch and overhead paddle fan, it was comfortable temperature-wise. You’re sweet to follow along with my peacock theme posts. Do try the fold! If you’re used to napkin folding, figuring out #2 shouldn’t be difficult. Hint: small fold, press, repeat, repeat, etc. Once you tuck the napkin into the glass, shaping it is a snap!
Debbee, your peacock dishes are so pretty and unique. The colors are perfect for fall. Love using teal as a fall blue. Your napkin folds are lovely. The peackcock napkin adds a fun vibe to the table.
Appreciate you kind remarks Carol. It was fun to do something different than my norm to transition to fall.
Debbee, this hot weather has me hot flashing every few minutes. A phase that I thought was over and done with. So, you know you have my complete sympathy. And climbing the attic to retrieve the dishes would have been an act of heroism. So much better to take out the ones in your kitchen cupboard š I think the table and end results look perfect for a September tablescape. The center ceramic peacock is outstanding as is the story behind the rebel Yankee. I just might have to start calling you Yankee Girl š Are you ok with that???? Love and hugs
Oh Rachelle, you are a hoot — thanks for giving me a case of the giggles! I answer to many things, and Yankee Girl is fine and dandy! Although, Peacock is actually my hubby’s 8x great-grandfather. My sons say my obsession with him is, “ancestor envy” lol!
This peacock napkin fold look stunning on your table! What a fun table theme.
Thanks Meagan, now that I have that fold figured out, I can’t wait to use it for a family dinner with Peacock’s descendants seated at the table.
You never disappoint with your fabulous napkin folds! The second fold looks so elegant draped down from your stemware in the perfect blue color. That platter is magnificent! With the history of the family name, and the history of your plate addiction- it is apropos that you do a fabulous Peacock table!! Have a happy fallššš§”and congrats on your sonās engagement ā¤ļøHappy times!!
Thanks Ann, but whatever am I gonna do when I run out of napkin folds to try lol? Already thinking I could do napkin folds for the rehearsal dinner…
Debbee, what a darling table! Your peacock dinnerware give me a bit a tuscan vibe given their colour. I will definitely be borrow ring your peacock napkin fold idea! So unique, and interesting even if peacocks are not the theme! Your twig flatware is so fun. Oh, and congratulations on the recent engagement of your son. Exciting times ahead!
Appreciate your kinds remarks Maureen! I’m thinking that peacock fold could be beautiful for a wedding ….
I know what you mean about alfresco tables in the heat! Here in north GA I only plan alfresco tables and meals in the spring and fall (with an exception in the summer IF the temps dip and there’s a nice breeze!). I would almost hate to remove those wonderful peacock napkins from the glasses! It’s fun when you have such a delightful backstory for your collection of striking peacock dishes. Hope you have a wonderful week
The overhead paddle fan sometimes helps if it isn’t too muggy out. My husband asked sheepishly if it was ok before pulling the napkin out of the glass, lol! I’ve got to create a tutorial while it’s still fresh in my mind — so I can repeat it myself. I know I’ll be using it again since I have three different “sets” of peacock decorated dishes.
What a beautiful tablescape! The napkin fold is darling. Thanks for sharing on Happiness is Homemade.
Glad you liked it Niki! You are such a considerate party hostess — always taking the time to stop by and comment. It’s much appreciated!