I’m very proud to share this article written about John for his table design at Shreve, Crump & Low benefiting the Boston Living Center. John’s table is featured here as the “Favorite”, complete with many pictures, an interview, and descriptions of many of the products used.

Congratulations John!

http://www.theinsidesource.com/topics/home-and-garden/view/re-creating-a-garden-inspired-table/#share

An Excerpt from the article below:

Maybe it’s because we’re already longing for warmer weather, but at the opening night party last week, it was designer John Berenson’s of John Berenson Interior Design, whose “Magic Garden” table most caught our eye. The stone table, surrounded by rustic-chic carved wooden chairs from Oscar de la Renta for Century Furniture, was set with Anna Weatherley “Ivy Garland” plates hand-painted with ivy and butterflies atop William Yeoward “Avington Lavender” chargers rimmed with gold. Stemware included Heritage “Cricklewood” etched goblets and wine glasses, as well as Baccarat “Mille Nuit Ametyhyst: champagne flutes. The sterling was Tuttle Richelieu ($875/5-piece place setting) and the accessories include Grant Dawson “Gold Warbler” salt & pepper shakers and Baccarat colored butterflies

Berenson graduated from Boston University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, and has been creating fabulous rooms for years, first in Miami and then in Boston. His rooms combine comfort and simplicity with a heavy dose of luxe femininity, and have been seen in in Architectural Digest, New England Home, and The Boston Globe Magazine. We spent some time chatting him up to learn about the inspiration and process behind his lush tablescape, which looks fit for a wood fairy.

The Inside Source: With so much to choose from, how did you decide on a theme?

John Berenson: After several trips around the store to look at china with my assistant Troy, we noticed a beautiful stone table that looked as if it came out of a lovely English garden. It was like being hit by a bolt of lightning. Also, I have always loved Anna Weatherly’s “Ivy Garland” pattern—the craftsmanship of the hand painting is so beautiful.

TIS: And the color scheme?

JB: One of my favorite color combinations for accents is green mixed with purple. I predicted purple would be big this fall!

TIS: So the garden took shape from there?

JB: I equate design and decorating with cooking, which I am also passionate about. Designing is a process, like seasoning; as you create, you add a bit at a time until you reach that perfect taste. When I started to build upon the color scheme, using organic yet elegant accessories, the idea of doing a luscious lunch in a garden came to fruition.

TIS: Any tips for creating an inspired table?

JB: Flatware should always make a statement. To me, it’s like jewelry. Go for something you will remember (and love), long after you first pick up that knife and fork.

TIS: Who can you imagine dining at your garden-inspired table?

JB: Who else but the Ladies Who Lunch! I had two people in mind, both very fashionable, with impeccable taste. One is a jeweler and the other the wife of a king of silver. Both are wonderful philanthropic women with hearts of gold. Thinking of them sitting with a champagne, a yummy lunch, coffee and a little sweet to finish off a spring afternoon made this table an easy one to design.

John Berenson was invited along with a select group of Boston’s top designers to create a table setting to be featured at the “Festive Table” charity event, benefiting the Boston Living Center. Please join us to help this great cause and to view John’s work.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Be the first to view these magnificent table settings. Join us at Shreve, Crump & Low’s Festive Table Kick-off Events, November 4th and November 5th. Event Details and to Purchase Tickets.

Shreve, Crump & Low presents “Festive Table 2009″, a designer showcase of table settings created by Boston’s premier interior designers, running November 5 – November 29. The designers were given complete freedom to create their ultimate table setting. All of the merchandise comes from Shreve’s extensive china, crystal and giftware departments and from the designer’s own collections. Both floors of Shreve’s will be transformed into a display of magnificent table settings and will inspire you to create your very own “Festive Table”!

You are invited to Festive Table, a designer showcase of table settings created by Boston’s premier interior designers and hosted by Shreve, Crump & Low.