Karen McCartney introduces The Palate Project, a new blog by stylist Claire Delmar.

Renowned Sydney stylist Claire Delmar has launched a new blog focused on what she is decoratively passionate about – the tabletop. It comes from a deep appreciation of the sharing and conviviality that comes with time spent around the table. "My most cherished memories are of conversations had while enjoying lovingly prepared food in comfortable surroundings', she says.

And in keeping with her philosophy she wants to share her stylist's knowledge with the world, offering 'how to' guides on putting a tabletop look together. "Don't expect anything overly styled or matching table settings – what you see is how I love to live," says Claire. Her approach is unique. Each concept is broken down into digestible 'ingredients' and clearly explains the 'method' for each table setting. Not only does she share the process through behind-the-scenes shots but she also provides all the details on the interesting products she has sourced.

With a background as Style Editor of Inside Out and Style Director at Home Beautiful, as well as her current freelance career, Claire brings a sophisticated simplicity to everything she touches. We are delighted to share her 'Navy Berries' tabletop, shot by the extremely talented Amanda Prior. For more inspirational ideas subscribe to her blog at clairedelmarblog.com.



NAVY BERRIES
Ingredients
2 Litres of Murobond Murowash in Blackberry
1 Paper Chandelier by Jo Neville, Paper Couture
1 Handmade stoneware asymmetrical bucket vase, Alison Fraser for Slab + Slub
6 Society linen napkins, Ondene
1 Ceramic jug, Hub Furniture
1 Handmade stoneware vessel, Alison Fraser for Slab + Slub from Small Spaces
1 Handwritten menu, Written by Hand
1 Jam jar, Quintessential Duck Egg Blue
6 Bowls, Planet
6 Midnight blue dinner plates by Christopher Plumridge, Planet
1 Soda siphon, Murobond
1 Hand stitched table runner, Alison Fraser for Slab +Slub from Small Spaces
6 Handmade tiles, Alison Fraser for Slab + Slub
6 Glasses , Shelley Panton
Floral by Forage by Lisa Mattock



Method
Mood can be created by many contributing elements. As someone that has such an affiliation with the visual I often feel that the setting is of most importance.

From the minute you walk in the door that setting or room has an effect on your mood whether you notice it or not. That is why I believe in creating spaces that make people feel good.

Colour plays a big part in this adventure and having never been given the opportunity to shoot a blue story and always hoping the brief would pop into my inbox I felt it was the darker blues that resonated with me. Perhaps that's from my UK background and the love I felt for the winter hues. Would you live like this in sunny Sydney? I'm not sure, but sometimes I wish I had the courage to take a wander into this space for a day or two.

Alison Fraser from Slab + Slub is incredibly talented and someone I respect highly. Her handmade stoneware asymmetrical bucket vase and the midnight blue dinner plates by Christopher Plumridge from Planet add earthy texture to the table. The richness of the palette of the plates works as a stunning background to make the food stand out.



You don't want to look like you've gone to too much trouble or you'll never be invited back. Clever ideas that are simple like this handwritten menu (contact Glenda at Written by Hand if you would like something customised) on some white cardboard and pinned or Blu-Tacked to the wall or in this case a leftover timber panel is simple but elegant. A touch of floral from the Society napkins from Ondene and the stitched table runner add detail and create layers to the somewhat stark solid colours.

If you are feeling like a hands on project Jo Neville from Paper Couture holds classes for these magnificent Pajaki pendant lampshades. Pajaki - it is a Polish paper chandelier that was made to embrace the Harvest and brighten up the home after a long grey winter. They were made with straw and lots of coloured paper often using recycled giftwrap. Jo holds classes at her Paper Couture workshop. Go along, you never know what you'll fall in love with.



Smoked Trout with Israeli couscous and herbs
200 grams smoked trout
1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked to packet instructions
Handful of cherry tomatoes cut in halves
1/3 cup parsley coarsely chopped
1/3 cup mint coarsely chopped
few sprigs of dill
Juice of half lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper

Allow couscous to cool. Combine all salad ingredients and dress with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper

Photography by Amanda Prior.

You can follow Claire on Pinterest or on Instagram @clairedelmar