Gingham, Sunflowers, and a Bowl Full of Apples

School began last week in our area, a sure sign of the approach of fall. Before fully embracing the season, I wanted to set a table with one of my favorite Franciscan patterns, "Apple." Produced by Gladding McBean & Co., the Apple pattern was made for an impressive 71 years, from 1940 until its discontinuation in 2011. It's part of the Franciscan line, which also includes popular patterns like Ivy, Desert Rose, and October—all featuring hand-painted, vibrant colors with raised designs. Similar to other California potteries such as Metlox and Bauer, these dishes have an informal style with a distinct California flair.

I've set multiple tables with these dishes, and thanks to the versatile pattern, each table has its own unique look. During late summer, I use apples and sunflowers for decoration, creating a consistent theme across my apple tables. I adore the cheerful, vibrant sunflowers!

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The plate stack features a bit of Fiesta in it with a dinner plate, salad plate in Apple, and either a Jade salsa bowl or Scarlet berry bowl. A ceramic apple napkin ring or sunflower napkin ring holds green gingham napkins. I had planned on using all sunflower, but when I went to find them, I only had two—so onto plan B! Since I only had four Jade salsa bowls, it worked out well. I do like symmetrical tables!

The centerpiece usually sits on my coffee table in the living room, but was perfect for this table, full of apples, pears, sunflowers and candles, it was a perfect fit!

The tablecloth is a bright red cloth I had originally purchased for Christmas, but I've used this gorgeous color in a couple of tables. The runner is a gauzy drapery scarf (is that a thing?) that used to be in the dining room in our old house, it was swagged over the top of the drapes. The light gray green adds contrast to the table and accents the gray green of the Noritake Breeze ice tea glasses.

After setting this table it put me in the mood to bake an apple cake or apple bread. Our farmer's market has great apples from the Watsonville area, I will need to pick up some!