Giddy-up!!!

These very special napkin rings have been in my buffet drawer waiting for just the right post.  Aren't they wonderful?  They are made by my friend's company, Rebecca Ray Designs.  More about her business later in this post.  These are reproductions of highly collectible antique bridal rosettes which have been made into napkin rings.

These are the four designs that come in a set.  They are all on this dark brown grosgrain ribbon with white stitching on the edges.

I wanted you to be able to see the way these are made.  This brass that surrounds the rosette has this loop in the back that holds the ribbon.  These are all handmade by traditional methods by the men and women in the Amish community in Ohio, as is most of Rebecca's wares.

I've set this table for four in our bar on a very dreary day.  The napkin rings were the inspiration, but this antique toy horse was the piece de resistance.  He is on loan from Patty Jones at Queen of Hearts Antiques in Alpharetta, Georgia.  It's a co-op shop with lots of great things, but I love her stuff the most.  I have some more photos of that later as well. 

Here's a placesetting.  I used the napkins across the bowl so that each element would stack upon the next.

The pottery is the "Stitches" pattern from European Ceramics and I got it at Old Time Pottery.  Do you see the stitches in the pottery, the napkin ring ribbon and the saddle on the napkin?  Great, huh?

The fabrics are all from Ralph Lauren.  Who does equestrian better than Ralph?  Hermes?  Well, yea, but I think I'll have to stick with Ralph.  The tablecloth plaid and this window pane check both came from Bocca Bargoons in Alpharetta.

Here's a close-up of this detail.

Glassware is from Bobby Flay's line at Kohl's.  I think I saw that they still have this in their current inventory.

This faux bone handled flatware is so versatile.  I especially like the metal detail on the banding.  The bone color echoed the cream in the napkin.

See the incredible handiwork on these?

This other star of the table is also handmade, but many moons ago.  The details are somewhat crude but to me, this just adds to the charm. 

Here's his sweet face head-on.

This leather saddle....

the hooves.....

and the tail are really nicely crafted.

I really didn't think this table called for flowers, but I wanted to soften the look of the middle.  I used stuff from my yard; kale, Leland cypress, and nandina berries.

This might be an unrealistic sized centerpiece for a meal, but you get the feeling I was going for. Guests might get a bit tired of gazing at this great guy, but he could be gently set on the counter nearby.

At Patty's booth, this is the way he waits for just the right home. Could it be mine after all?  Maybe! 

I really appreciate the loan!!!  He made the entire table special.

If you appreciate the sporting life, you really must check out Rebecca's unique company. She started out her American-made couture handbag line with whimsical fabric bags adorned with sporting images and antique or vintage brooches. She has since added greatly to her line with bags made from Hudson Bay blankets, antique French grain bags, and canvas feed sack images. Jewelry, dog collars, key fobs, placemats, belts and pillows are some of the other items that she has developed.

I've been so happy to see Becky start and grow this company.  She has shared her experiences, as well as her merchandise with me!!!!!!!!  Go, girl!

From the Estate Series of handbags

From Accessories

Cuffs from the Jewelry line

From Home Decor

A vignette photographed at their corporate office in Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Even their staff's children are equine-focused!

I'm linking up with Tablescape Thursdays.  Go see Susan's party with lots of great ideas.

http://betweennapsontheporch/

Happy to Design has a great blog party called Sunday Favorites that invites bloggers to post their old favorite posts.  I've chosen this one for tonight. Visit her blog at:

http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/