As a kid growing up and then as an adult on into my 40s and 50s, I can’t remember ever missing a presentation of the Grammys. Come what may, I’d park myself squarely in front of the television set, ready to “ooh!” and “aah!” at all the luminaries in attendance. I knew every word to every song and would – a la Beatles-first-come-to-America – scream and cry with joy whenever a cutie pie took the stage. It was all so magical. And then came the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, and I was nowhere to be found. I didn’t even DVR it. What’s the point? I have no idea who 90% of the people are, I find many of the outfits abhorring, I took the antidote for “Bieber Fever” before it became an epidemic, I’m not gaga for Gaga, Nelly’s “It’s Getting Hot In Here” means something completely different to a menopausal woman like me, and most of the “music” just sounds like a train wreck to my ears.
I set this vignette up with the seating at the Golden Globe Awards in mind. The guests all enjoy dinner at a beautifully set table and then remain seated there for the awards program. For an occasion such as watching The Grammys, I think it’s perfectly appropriate to set the table up near the television in the living room or family room. Guests can then remain seated at the table for the show or retreat to a nearby sofa.
I started with a black floor-length linen. A red table runner mimics the red carpet that celebrities walk prior to the broadcast. Heavy glass gold-leafed chargers anchor the place setting. My sister-in-law Zatina’s whimsical black and white dinner plates are rimmed with piano keys, and the salad plates are dotted with various musical instruments tumbling across a meandering gold staff. Gold flatware shines against the black linen.
Gold painted Christmas ornaments in the shape of musical notes are used to further “jazz up” the place setting. They stand up easily in the recesses of the napkin fold.
I borrowed a couple of ideas from a table I created for an at-home event a few years back. One of those ideas was martini tasting during the appetizer and/or salad course(s). Cristal is often served at fancy awards dinners like the Grammys, but jet-setters might enjoy something a little different like this. Since each glass only holds about 2 ounces, guests are still lucid enough to enjoy the rest of the evening!
This is another idea I recreated from an at-home event we hosted a few years back. Each guest’s menu was placed in an envelope as if its contents held the name of the winner. Upon opening the envelope to retrieve the menu, the “surprise” was little musical note confetti. I made these menus on our home computer, affixing a red strip of paper across the top of each to again resemble the red carpet.
Finally, the centerpiece. I wanted to do something that was easy, inexpensive, and that created an ambience fit for a star. Nothing says “ambience” like candlelight, and by simply floating candles in glass cylinders at different heights and adding a few votives, I think the mission was accomplished.
This was a fun “idea” tablescape to do! Thanks again to my sister-in-law, Zatina, who presented me with the challenge. I’ll give you your dishes back. I promise! 😉 I hope this table will serve as inspiration for future parties (Grammy night, early supper before the symphony, late dinner after a concert, musical tablescape, etc.).
Rock on, Zatina! I hope you like it!
Other Black & Red tablescapes on this site include:
Little Black Dress
Year of the Rabbit 辛卯
This week, as I proudly do every week, I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. After checking out the photos from my Grammy Night table, boogie on over to Susan’s place to see the work of many talented tablescapers from around the globe.
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
LOVE LOVE LOVE this.. totally LOVE this.. I didn’t watch one skosh of the Grammy’s either. I’m with you on all reasons. Your table is really wonderful. What great dishes and the musical notes in the napkins simply play well! I have to go get some tasters from Pier one.. you’ve planted another idea in my brain for a fun get together. You have exquisite taste and carry out your theme to perfection. The red carpet is perfect and the black makes it all so regal!
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What a fun musical, yet elegant tablescape! I doubt the tables were this lovely at the actual event. Well played my friend. You have an amazing gift! xx
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And the winner is………YOU! You’re always a winner! I just love Thursdays when I get an email of another one of your stunners. What info can you give us on those dishes, girl? I love it all, but I have to say you’re setting yourself up with that confetti!
Linda @ A Toile Tale
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Hi, Linda! Then we are in the Mutual Admiration Society, because I look forward to seeing your talents, too! I looked it up on Replacements, Ltd., and it is from Lynn’s “Maestro” collection. Although I didn’t use it all in the tablescape, my sister-in-law also owns the salad plates, cups & saucers. As for that confetti…I used to HATE it when people would put that in birthday cards because I’d have to clean it up. You’re right…that would be b-a-d!!!
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And yet again, you have EVERY attention to detail. I love that about your tables. The gold painted musical ornaments were perfect, as were the colors that you brought out. Another wonderful themed table. Those are my favorites.
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The piano key and instrument plates are wonderful! They are the perfect choice for your Grammy Awards dinner party…so well conceived! Thank you for sharing your marvelous design. Cherry Kay
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What a lovely job you did. Looks like a fancy after awards restaurant. Maybe Bieber wished he was there with you guys.
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Love your description of the Grammy’s! I couldn’t agree more! Your tablescape is very inspiring – so many fun details to try! The menus inside the envelopes is a terrific idea! I had a wonderful time going through ALL of your tablescapes under this category – FABULOUS as always!
DD
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Love your Grammy table! Very creative, as usual.
I like Gaga’s songs, have no idea of the real meaning though! 🙂
Remember the ratings from American Bandstand? It has a good beat and I can dance to it!
Thanks for sharing your creativity. I hope you will join my 3rd Annual St. Pat’s Blog Crawl. 🙂
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Oh how precious is this post. Love it! I must admit I did watch mostly with my mouth hanging open in shock though at the sily songs and outfits. Justin is a cutie pie.
Warmly, ~Melissa
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What a fun tablescape! Love the “red carpet”!
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Hey Alycia,
When I do my next “tropical” tablescape, I will put in a pina colada just for you! LOL! Thanks for stopping by! Have a good night.
Shelley
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A very elegent table! Love that your theme is the Grammy’s…I have to admit I don’t know any of the actors either! I didn’t watch…..Thank you for sharing your beautiful dishes. Blessings My friend,
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WOW! This is a award winning table for sure! Those plates would break any music lovers heart! This table wins best dressed in my red carpet book!!!!!!!
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Oh Alycia, I just love this. Thos plates are so much fun! You thought of every detail for this Grammy theme and the table turned out really awesome….Christine
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You do the most creative tablescapes on the face of the earth! Zatina’s dishes are the coolest, and I wish I had some!
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Thank you for stopping by my blog. Yep, I’m not to far from you. I live 10 miles from Marshall and 5 miles from Malta Bend. My younger kids attend school there. Its very tiny. You know the kind where several grades are combined and still the classes sizes are under 20! You might see me running through Marshalls in Independence with a empty cart heading for the dishware and linens! I guess great minds think alike since we have the same dishes! My hubby works nights at a freight carrier in KC KS, so I understand about the meals alone! So nice to meet a new blog friend!
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