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An Autumnal Tablescape in an Old Cathedral, Courtesy of David Stark and Jane Schulak

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An Autumnal Tablescape in an Old Cathedral, Courtesy of David Stark and Jane Schulak

November 24, 2022

For just about every holiday that rolls around, we turn to event designer David Stark for table-setting inspiration (see, for evidence: a DIY Scandi-inspired spread to an architectural tablescape for autumn). Luckily, David now has a new book with event producer Jane Schulak and writer Kathleen Hackett—At the Artisan’s Table, just out—and it’s full of tabletop inspiration for every occasion, mixing “historical table wares from the world’s finest design museums with pieces by an international array of contemporary artisans who reinterpret traditional crafts and styles.”

We’re intrigued by the “Forbidden Fruit” table settings in particular; join us for a look.

Photography by Aaron Delesie from At the Artisan’s Table.

in forbidden fruit, david and jane pair ceramics by welsh artist philip eglin w 17
Above: In Forbidden Fruit, David and Jane pair ceramics by Welsh artist Philip Eglin with an ochre palette, pews as dining benches, and the grand but time-worn surroundings of an old cathedral in Detroit (ironic, since many of Eglin’s “irreverent and socially charged ceramics,” as Hackett writes in the book, deal with the church).
a tablescape pairs jaunty gingham with eglin&#8\2\17;s ceramics, twisted be 18
Above: A tablescape pairs jaunty gingham with Eglin’s ceramics, twisted beeswax candles, and an eighteenth-century Creil-Montereau faience soup tureen. Eglin’s figures nod stylistically to the work of German Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Elder.
bundles of wheat and beeswax candles of varying sizes seem simple but add lots  20
Above: Bundles of wheat and beeswax candles of varying sizes seem simple but add lots of drama.

Above: Mugs and plates by Eglin pair with a tablecloth hand-embroidered by Jennet Walters (his wife), featuring Eglin’s “favorite subjects: popes, priests, and pinups.”

another table, set for dinner and surrounded by swiss dining chairs. 23
Above: Another table, set for dinner and surrounded by Swiss dining chairs.

For more, see At the Artisan’s Table, just out this month. And for more tabletop ideas from David Stark, see:

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Frequently asked questions

Who is David Stark?

David Stark is an event planner and designer who has created events and installations for clients such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Target.

What is 'The Artisan's Table'?

'The Artisan's Table' is a book by David Stark that showcases the work of artisanal food and drink makers. The book features recipes, stories, and interviews with these makers.

What is the article about?

The article is about a tablescape that David Stark created to celebrate the release of 'The Artisan's Table'. The tablescape features items from some of the makers featured in the book, as well as props that evoke the feeling of an artisanal workshop.

What is a tablescape?

A tablescape is a decorative arrangement of items on a table, such as dishes, candles, and flowers, used to create a certain mood or aesthetic.

What types of food and drink makers are featured in the book?

The book features makers of cheese, wine, beer, cider, spirits, chocolate, and more.

What is the mood or aesthetic of the tablescape?

The tablescape evokes the feeling of an artisanal workshop, with tools, materials, and finished products on display.

Can I buy items from the tablescape?

Some of the items from the tablescape are available for purchase through David Stark's website, while others are vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces.

Where can I buy 'The Artisan's Table'?

You can buy 'The Artisan's Table' on Amazon or at your local bookstore.

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