We just received our April 2011 issue of House Beautiful, and there’s a stunning spread featuring the Elsie Dinnerware Collection by Charlotte Moss.

Charlotte’s Elsie dinnerware for Pickard China (which, by the way, makes the official dinnerware for the White House) was inspired by interior designer Elsie de Wolfe, who was a huge champion of French architecture and landscaping.  With this as a starting point, Ms. Moss created a collection which celebrated Ms. de Wolfe’s passion for “treillage,” or trellis.

Charlotte is a native Virginian whose books and projects have hugely inspired us at Gracious Style.  Her look is very richly layered, and she can transform the great into the extraordinary by paying attention to details.  Here’s an example of what I mean.

When the collection was introduced, the Elsie dinnerware was shown on a green toile garden-themed fabric, and the stemware and the arrangements both featured ferns and green fruits.  It looked great.

But look at what she’s done now.  She’s taken the same plates, and by changing the table linens and the flowers (and showing them in her beautiful dining room), the effect is now extraordinary.  We love how much life the arrangements give the table; they practically leap off the page!  And because the dishes are a neutral green, they feel right at home.  What a joyful table!

All of Pickard China’s dinnerware is made in the United States.  You can see the entire collection of Charlotte Moss dinnerware patterns on our website.  And if you own any of her dinnerware, we’d love to hear how you’ve used it.

Gracious Style is an online retailer of sophisticated, high-quality products for every room in the house.  We love helping others create warm and welcoming rooms for themselves.  To read more, visit our blog.