Enchanted Forest Dinner Tablescape

Every year Judith Baigent King (teaching chef, food writer, author) coordinates and organizes a Fantasy Table event to raise educational scholarship money for those who work at our country club in the mountains. It is a monumental effort and hence, very difficult to say no when she asks you to host a table! What makes this event unique is that every table is decorated differently. It is up to the table host to select their theme. Last year, you may remember my table, Dinner in the Library (you can see it here). This year, my theme is Enchanted Forest and I’m excited to share the photos from this event with you.

The Invitation

The guests we invited last year were so much fun, that we replicate the same guest list. I believe electronic invitations serve a purpose for some events, but I really prefer a paper, in the mail, invitation. Perhaps it’s a bit old fashion, but I feel the same way about hand written thank-you notes too. If someone takes the time to buy you a gift, then how much effort is it to hand write a note? Having said that, I did use an electronic image that I download from Zazzle and personalize it on my computer.

After printing on card stock, we mail them off to the 8 participants.

The Table Cloth

Generally, I start with the tablecloth and work out from there. Since I didn’t want a table covered in moss near the eating utensils, I opt for a tapestry that depicts a misty forest which my creative friend, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate, finds on Amazon. I quickly order the inexpensive the 71″ x 95″ piece.

Layered over sand colored tablecloths, it provides a nice rich green backdrop without the mossy mess.

The Dishes and Charger

Since I really don’t have any dishes that represent an enchanted forest, I find these Woodland Dinner Plates by Spode on Replacements. I order 4 with elk and 4 with deer. I justify this purchase as I really need more dinner plates to use at our cabin.

Perhaps the most compliments received that night is due to this wood charger. I can’t recall where I bought them (years ago) but it could have been through Wayfair.

Name Cards

My sweet husband cut these wooden circles out of oak. After letting them dry out I am able to calligraphy the names of our guests. Some of the circles warped while drying out so you may want to weigh them down during the process. Also, in order for the felt marker not to bleed through the wood grain, I coat them with one coat of Modge Podge matte first.

Please note that I do NOT do calligraphy but I did use a lettering book by Lisa Funk as a guide. I think they came out rather well. Scott drills a hole at the top so I can insert a piece of jute twine to attach to the napkin.

The Centerpiece

The focal point of the table is the real tree we use as a canopy. We were notified that the tables would be narrower than last year so in order to make an impact, I decide to go up. Unfortunately, this little sapling needs to be removed and we recycle it for the center of the table.

The custom made metal base has a rebar post. Scott drills a hole in the trunk which allows the tree to slide over the top of the rebar post. Using rocks on the base helps to prevent the tree from tipping over. I’m 5’4″ so you can get a sense of the size of the tree.

Table Decorations

You cannot have an enchanted forest without mushrooms and fairies. This 21 piece set of unfinished wooden mushrooms is the perfect size for the centerpiece. My daughter, Julianna agrees to paint them in both realistic and whimsical tones.

The forest floor provides natural material for the table~from pinecones to mossy rocks. Delicate porcelain fairies from Etsy come in a set of 8 and are tucked into the nooks and crannies. Fresh flowers and votive candles give the table an elegant and bright touch.

Scott cut logs of differing sizes to create some height in the center, adding more places and spaces to tuck flowers, moss, candles and fairies.

Faux bois vases have a plastic cup insert where cut daisies, mums and greens are placed. A combination of forest moss, reindeer moss and green moss (who knew there are so many kinds!) fill in along the empty spaces between the chargers and centerpiece.

Initially I worry about the large Malapai rocks weighing down the tree base, but they add character, height and texture to the table.

Lighting the Tree

Perhaps the most time consuming part of this table is hanging the glass votive globes from the tree.

These 3 inch glass globes come in a set of 24, with jute twine, but I want the votives to feel like they are floating. I use clear fishing line which looks better, but is a pain to tie. Having the patience to hang only 16 of them, I am satisfied with the end result. A bit of moss is added, mostly to hide the battery case on the bottom.

Our club house recently underwent an entire renovation, but it appears the design team overlooked the fact that you can see into the kitchen from this dining room. Since our table is placed very close to the kitchen, I put up a dividing screen to block this unsightly view. The local florist, Blume Haus Florals, delivers the lighted tree as another forest contribution.

Additional Touches

For the female guests, I provide a floral hair piece to wear. The original ones are from Amazon, but did not feel substantial enough (artificial flowers only). I add fresh flowers and greens to beef them up a bit.

In addition to raising money from the table sales, there is a dessert auction. Since I had so many apricots, I donate an almond apricot tart with a small bottle of Amaretto di Sarona. Thankfully it is one of the first desserts to sell at full price!

This year, it seems all the table hosts stepped up their game. Many of the tables are unique, colorful and have a fun theme~from Yellowstone to pickle ball. The best news is that lots of money is raised for well deserving scholarships.

All in all, it is a very fun and worthwhile event. Any thoughts on what theme I should be considering for next year?

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