Earlier this spring, we had this gorgeous tabletop shoot totally planned out to shoot in the garden. We were just waiting for the sun to come out! So we waited. And waited. And finally… I said screw it, and we decided to shoot it in the office. And I’m SO glad we did, because it gave it this lush Moroccan citrus garden tabletop a little moody feel, and it also shows how – no matter what the setting – this table will transport you to Morocco!
As some of you may remember, the last two years I’ve spent a week in Marrakech helping my talented friend Annette Joseph with her workshop retreats. Well, this year, there was no Marrakech, and – I kid you not – I went through serious travel withdrawal. So I decided it was high time to recreate the feel of long, sunny lunches in Morocco with this tabletop instead!
I hung up the woven lantern I purchased in Marrakech to really set the mood. Rather than a tablecloth, I put down this pom pom blanket, the type you see all over the Medinas in Morocco. I love how the fringe adds a playful element! Then, we layered up modern black and white dishes with Moroccan bowls and glassware for a unique setting.
One of the things I remembered most from my travels in Marrakech was the presence and the scent of the orange trees. Carts were filled with oranges in the medina, blossoms wafted through courtyards, and I even purchased some essential oils to bring home with me as a reminder of that memory. So when I started on this table the first thing I knew I wanted was citrus!
The kumquat branches, mixed with hyacinth made for the most heavenly scent!! Even more so being inside where the whole room was filled with this divine fragrance. I love the pop of color they bring to the table.
When styling a tabletop, I think one of the best things you can do is add an element that doesn’t feel like it naturally belongs there. For example, you wouldn’t necessarily think about putting tile on a table, but the raw, earthy edge of these Moroccan tiles lended themselves so well as coasters!
On each chair I tied these tassels we purchased at the market. This one was actually given to me by Annette, and I recreated one
Just looking at these photos again makes me want to set the table like this more often! And it’s really not too hard, once you have all the elements in place. Here’s how to get the look for yourself…
1. this flatware | 2. cream frayed edge napkins | 3. vintage bronze flatware (for a similar style, try this flatware) | 4. black & white china dinner plate| 5. moroccan tassel blanket | 6. moroccan tea glasses | 7. orange tree candle| 8. this flatware
If you’re planning on recreating this table, you should also check out this amazing Moroccan Mint Tea Punch to go with – the flavors would compliment this setting so nicely!
