Tuesday, June 6, 2017

A Run for the Triple Crown

I love going to horse races. I loved spending Saturdays at River Downs, where my favorite place to be was always at the finish line. To hear and see and feel magnificent thoroughbreds thunder past me is unforgettable. I never cared who won, it was the races themselves that were exciting!


The third race of the Triple Crown will be held this weekend. Horse racing's Triple Crown consists of three iconic races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. In one hundred years, there have only been twelve horses able to win all three. I was happily glued to the TV for the last four winners! (Secretariat is still my favorite. . .)


The inspiration for this week's tablescape was a set of carved wooden horses Greg gave me last year.
Four of them adorn the corners of white-washed wood placemats, chosen to evoke stables.


Look closely - you might realize these placemats are made of craft paper! Green luncheon plates, that were first seen here, remind me of the turf found at some race courses.


Napkins are tied with leather cording, square-edged like the leather strapping used in bridles.


Cut crystal glassware is a nod to the "official drinks" associated with each of the races.


Since I do not have three similarly sized vases for the centerpiece, I used cut crystal iced tea glasses, each holding silk flowers of a single type. They were placed on a silverplate tray, because, after all, horse racing is the sport of kings! (And the winning trophies are made of silver!)


The tradition at the Triple Crown races is to place a blanket made of flowers on the winning horse. Each of the vases holds the flower of one of the races. Red roses for the Kentucky Derby,




black-eyed Susans for the Preakness,



and white carnations for the Belmont Stakes.

 

I hope you enjoy the excitement of the Triple Crown!


Thank you for stopping by!


 

 

Resources   
Plates | Bordallo Pinheiro
Iced tea glasses | Godinger 'Palm'
Napkins | Sur la Table
Craft supplies | Michael's
   
  
  
  
  
  


22 comments:

  1. Very fun idea. I love the horse figures and the use of the different flowers that represent the races of the Triple Crown. Thanks for sharing on Share Your Style.

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    1. Thanks! It was fun to create the tablescape.

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  2. Sandra, such a beautiful table! Everything looks just perfect and elegant, too. It is a tradition in my family to watch all three races. My dad never misses a one. Hope you are having a wonderful week!!!

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    1. Thanks, Shannon! Aren't the races spectacular? I love the pomp, and the fashions, and the traditions, and the horses!

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  3. I really like this table. A great idea to use scrap book paper for placemats. The theme was well thought out.

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    1. Thank you, Barbara. I really tried to choose some things that wouldn't break the bank but would be fun to use.

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  4. This is beautiful and I love your interpretation of each highlight of the races. If you hadn't said the placemats were scrapbook paper I wouldn't have none. The cording on the napkins is a great touch also. Beautiful styling and thanks for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story.

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    1. Thanks! Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places! I always enjoy your weekly parties - thanks for hosting them.

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  5. Beautiful table Sandra, I love the detail you did on he napkins and your dishes are superb!

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    1. Thank you! I immediately thought of a leather napkin "ring" when I viewed photos from the KY Derby. The dishes were buried at an antique store.

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  6. I've never been to the horse races here in the states, but did get to experience one in Paris at the Hippodrome. True excitement!
    Your table is fun with all the special details. Hope your horse wins the Triple Crown!

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I wonder how different the experience would be in Paris? Sigh....

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  7. OMG! You just enlightened me on the use the 1000's of sheets of 12x12 crafter paper I have collected for the last 10 years! Wonderful table. Dianne

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    1. Thanks, Dianne! Craft paper is so versatile, and comes in so many patterns and colors. For tablescapes it's definitely no mess, no fuss!

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  8. Fun post and tablescape to celebrate the triple crown.

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    1. Wasn't this a fun year to watch the races? And to have a triple crown winner! Thanks for stopping by

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  9. Adorable theme for a tablescape.Thanks for linking to Keep In Touch.

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    1. Thanks, Katie! It was fun to put together.

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  10. Lovely table setting--and definitely in the spirit of the race. Of course you have to have the Red Roses, smiles!

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    1. Thank you, Sandi! I imagine the blanket of red roses is spectacular in person! Maybe some day...

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  11. What a fun tablescape! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! I always enjoy the party!

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