Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Black & White Lunch on the Back Porch

I've been part of a wonderful Bible Study for the past twenty-three years.  We gather in a different home each year, and we represent a wide variety of denominations.  Our group is called "The Garden Friends," and they have become my dearest friends over the time that we've been studying together.  We celebrate birthdays, once every month or so, throughout the year.  There may be three birthday girls, or there might be seven birthday girls.  I adore the times that I receive the blessing of hosting them for these occasions.  The size of the luncheon group varies from around twelve to around twenty.  This day, I prepared two tables for an al fresco birthday fete for sixteen.

Can you see the trunk of my giant shade tree, just past the Knock-out Roses?  It provides welcome shade, and we normally have at least some type of breeze (We also occasionally have 100 mph straight winds...go figure!).  This particular day offered the best of everything for a birthday luncheon on the back porch.  My back yard is certainly not a fancy spot, but it welcomes my guests to while away an afternoon sharing a meal and conversation.

I am a huge advocate for Matelasse cloths, and I bought these on eBay.  Wheeee!  You'll see them on my tables in many different tablescapes.  Today I thought that they were the ideal complement to my wedding china, Oxford Bone China by Lenox, "Filagree."  I still enjoy using it after all these many years.  I, like so many young brides, seemed to prefer a platinum band for my china.  My tastes have shifted toward gold rims as time has passed.  At one point, I considered giving it to my daughter, but my husband spoke up and said that he really wanted us to keep it for now.  I like that he had an opinion and that he still cared for the wedding china that we picked out forty-two years ago!



The black lacquer charger plate was an inexpensive purchase at Hobby Lobby.  I think that they serve as an effective anchor for each place setting.  Resting atop the "Filagree" is a Haviland "Ranson," Schleiger #1, luncheon plate.  I wanted a set of white china, and I couldn't find one that I liked until I ran across this antique pattern.  I collected them for about three years, and I've enjoyed learning about Haviland, in the process.  "Ranson" is the name of the blank; there are a multitude of different painted designs that were created by Haviland on the same blank.

My black and white color theme was enchanced by the assorted party favor boxes that I made and wrapped with a variety of black and white ribbons.  I made the boxes with my Cricut Expression.  The Cricut is a marvelous tool.  It also creates wonderful place cards.  The boxes rested on some of Nana's crisp white antique Madeira napkins.  I'm a fan of individual salt and pepper shakers, and these cut crystal S&P's added just a touch of shine and a bit of texture.


I liked the subtle splash of contrasting colors provided by the Waterford 'Simply Lime Green" goblets, and the casual arrangement of white daisy mums and pink Alstroemeria.  I didn't want to spend too much on flowers, and good ole Sam's offered just what I needed.  The Black Tole container was an estate sale purchase.  I actually found three of the same design that day.  I use them regularly, and you'll see them again!  The Reed & Barton, "Francis I," was my mother-in-love's sterling flatware, and we are blessed to have it.  I used it on one of the tables.  I think that it works well with the "Filagree."  On the second table, I used our wedding silver, Reed & Barton "Grande Renaissance."  It was bought to complement the  "Filagree."  

 
It's always an easy endeavor to design a tablescape for my Garden Friends because each one of them always calls and offers to bring a dish for everyone to enjoy.  The food is always magnificent, and I don't have to prepare the entire meal.  Are you ready to eat, yet?  What did you bring to share with us today?  Sit next to me...I want to get to know you better!

I am participating in Tablescape Thursdays, with thanks to Susan Between Naps on the Porch.


Entertaining Women
Entertaining Women

Hello, I'm Cherry Kay I was 40 before I realized that I am an artist. I love to paint, work in clay, rubber stamping, design tablescapes, entertain, and share ideas. I'm an interior designer wanna-be...no credentials, but lots of experience.

60 comments:

  1. Beautiful table and a wonderful occasion to have a party. I love my Cricut Expression too! Thanks for sharing with us today!

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  2. Cherry Kay, you always make everyone at your tables feel very special and very welcome and it's always a feast for the eyes. Our Garden Friends are precious treasures. The black and white party was one of my favorites. But then, each luncheon or party you have, I think THAT'S my favorite table! Aw, gee. I can't choose. They're all my faves.

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  3. Oh my gosh--this is divine!!! What can I say???? I am speechless!!! It is indeed, gorgeous!
    HUGS,
    Cindy

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  4. Lovely table and beautiful setting!

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  5. Love your table! I have the silhouette die cutting machine and share your enthusiasm for those creative wonders! Your back yard is beautiful. I just love the black and white with the touch of green.. Thanks for the inspiration. and thank you for stopping by it let me find your blog!

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  6. Cherry Kay, this is my first visit to your lovely blog & I am in awe with this scene you've created. It is outstandingly beautiful & so elegantly done.
    I'm in love with both your MIL's silver as well as your own. Just breathtaking & so are the Matelasse tablecloths.

    I have a friend who turned a damaged one into a beautiful little jacket for her granddaughter. I've got my eye out for some...damaged or not.

    I am inspired by your lovely centerpiece as well. I just purchased a container very similar in shape & size. Its burgundy with a crest & pineapple on it. My DD uses lots of Williamsburg touches in her home so I'm going to have a fresh flower arrangement made to fit into it for her birthday next week. I may take them a photo of yours!

    Your yard & plantings are delightful & as I said, this was my first visit to your blog but I guarantee it won't be my last.

    fondly,
    Rett

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  7. What gorgeous tables and how fun to get together so often and have all these celebrations. I love the gifts at each place setting.

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  8. Oh, I love this black and white party! The different wrapping paper on the little gifts is such a special touch!

    What a lovely blog you have! This is my first time to visit, I couldn't stop scrolling down and seeing ALL the gorgeous tablescapes you have done, and the painting! Wonderful!

    Enjoyed my visit!

    Katherine
    P.S. - Thank you for your well wishes!

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  9. What a lovely table you've set! Love the boxes on the plates.

    Just something so classy about black & white theme.

    Enjoyed seeing your post.

    God bless and may you have a sweet week,
    d

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  10. I absolutely love everything about your dinner in the yard! The boxes were a perfect treat and good call on not giving away the china! I would love to dress up and visit. Thanks for stopping by and resting at my picnic, you can stay as long as you like,
    Jeannine

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  11. Ok, you get an award from me! I love black and white....and your table is stunning....I wish I could have joined you....

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  12. Very elegant...I see more than one of us were thinking black and white this week!

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  13. Lovely tables!! It looks like so much fun, and you have a beautiful space to host! Beautiful!

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  14. You know what I love about your tables... how you varied them by varying the wraps and ribbons on your boxes. That is just genius! I am loving the black and white on this, too. Such a lovely party. GREAT job!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  15. Beautiful tables you set for your bible study friends. I am sure they were in awe. Love your garden....Christine

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  16. Of course, I love the B&W and lime green (did the same colour combo as you pointed out!) but also, what a lovely set-up with the two identically decorated tables! I would LOVE to be part of your Bible Study group! You guys go all out - we should try something like that! I can imagine how lovely it would be to show up to your place and be treated to that lovely setting...and I know the food will be delicious too (church potlucks always are!)
    Happy 100th week of TT to you!

    DD P.S. Going to be a follower!

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  17. How can I join?!! This is just gorgeous and I bet your garden friends were blown away as they entered your back yard and saw what a lovely table you had set for them. You really outdid yourself.

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  18. How lovely! Everything looks perfect. But I have to know, what was in the little boxes? I love hearing about what people give as little favors.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  19. What a gorgeous setting for your Garden Friends! I LOVE black & white combined with green. I am drooling over your lime green goblets. Love your matelasse tablecloth & your ADORABLE black & white packages at each place setting...

    Thanks for the information on the quilt repair~ I'm afraid some of the fibers have dry rot from years of neglect, but I'm glad to have the information :-)

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  20. What a lovely idea to get together like that with a Bible Study! Sure wish my garden were cool enough to even consider it!
    Thank you for stopping by, your table is simply gorgeous!
    Cricut is now on my wish list :)
    Kathy

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  21. I don't know where to start.
    I love it all.
    Isn't it rewarding to use china and sterling that you have had for years.

    I have Francis 1st-
    Yes, we are kindred spirits!

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  22. Cherry Kay, how marvelous to have such a longstanding Bible study group! Your patio tables are just gorgeous -- so elegant in black and white, with the beautiful china and silver. The little gift boxes add to the delight! Thank you for visiting my table this week, too!

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  23. So many pretties here! I love the matelasse tableclothes! I didn't know you could get those as tableclothes. Love your whole color theme. I also really love your wine glasses too! You have such a beautiful yard! I am sure you and your friends must have had a wondeful time! It's beautiful!

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  24. What a beautiful tablesetting. I love the black and white and the touch of green. The little gifts is such a special touch. How wonderful to be with a group of people for such a long time. I know there are friendships that are priceless. Thanks so much for your gracious comments on my TT. Hugs, Marty

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  25. Hello,
    what a adorable party for so many persons. You have set marvellous tables. All looks so pretty and I love the soft green scrytal glasses. They add with the centerpiece a beautifull color spot on the tables. Thank you so much for sharing this pretty tables.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  26. I just love your yard. It is so calm and relaxing. Your tables are gorgeous! The cloths are so pretty. I don't know that I have seen those and they are quite lovely. I have only seen them as bedspreads. Do you have a source? I love the black and white color scheme with the hint of green. How lovely to enjoy such a meal with such dear friends!

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  27. First, the best part about this is that you have kept your Bible Study group going so long. I love that. We had a wonderful one that has fizzled to just a few. We're trying to reignite.

    And about that table... I love every little inch of it. I love the matelasse tablecloths. How perfect to keep them from blowing. The colors are wonderful and the splash of lime is perfect.

    I want to be in your Bible Study group! You clearly do it all "heartily" as for the Lord and not man. Way to go!

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  28. You were so kind to give me so many details on the cloths! Thank you!

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  29. Your garden is beautiful. I love the little boxes you made. I'm very impressed!

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  30. What a beautiful yard and just a perfect place to entertain! I love your tables, they are beautifully set and the colors are just brilliant!

    Isn't it fun to play with dishes? I am happy I found your blog!

    Nancy~

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  31. Oh, I love black and white! You set two spectacular tables! And matelasse -- love it, too. :-) If you didn't see it, check out the vintage matelasse spread I restored recently for the 77th Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. I just couldn't bear to let it go unloved any longer!

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  32. Oh very pretty! The black & white is so elegant. The matelasse cloths are a wonderful touch and the little boxes are so sweet.

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  33. Beautiful table! Love the black and white theme. So perfect with the gifts on each place setting. OK City, I bet you do have 100 mph winds. You poor guys are always getting the threatening weather. Take Care.
    Sherry

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  34. Cherry Kay, I just love everything about these tables! Using the matelasse
    cloths is such a good idea! I have a few bedspreads I can dig out! And I also have fine china with a platinum rim. I'm hoping to do a tablescape soon with it. And what is in those delightful boxes? You made them??!! I am so impressed by all the talents in this new (to me) land of blog! Linda

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  35. Cherry Kay, you are the most creative person I have ever known.
    Your garden tables are beautiful and only speak of your constant striving to create beauty to please others. You have your own Eden.
    Thank you!!!

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  36. Cherry Kay,

    It's so wonderful to read about your Bible study group being together for so long.

    Your tables are lovely. I love your Grand Renaissance, the lime stemware and the packages you made just add that perfect punch of fun. You've got such a pretty place to host your get togethers.

    Nancy

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  37. p/s I meant to answer your question earlier...yes I have a physical store that I plan to open this fall. I welcome private showings to. I also have my Etsy shop which is here:

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/englishtransferware

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  38. Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my blog regarding my tablescape for 1 today. I wanted to come over and thank you personally.....soo glad I did. What a lovely backyard lunch...I have 3 matalesse coverlets and never tried using them...it looks great.

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  39. So elegant, and yet so inviting. Love the little individual gifts. How wonderful to have had such a great group of friends for so long! I bet your house is their favorite place to have a meal. laurie

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  40. Truly beautiful. Aahhh, those Matelasse cloths ~ uber gorgeous, the perfect backdrop for your stunning tablescape. Those gift boxes you made are adorable. Your tree has such character, a welcome guest to your parties - providing shade.

    All the Best,

    Requi

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  41. Oh how inviting! I love outdoor table scapes and yours is nothing short of fantastic!

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  42. what a lovely table!! I can just imagine how wonderful it must be to sit outdoors and look at the beautiful large trees..fantastic!!

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  43. BEAUTIFUL! I love the tablecloth with its texture.

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  44. What a perfect place for your luncheon. I'm sure everyone was blessed by the beautiful settings, and little boxes that added just the right touch.
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  45. Wonderful! What an inviting table. You inspire me everyday with your blog. Thanks and keep up the great work!

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  46. Admomok, thank you for your kind comments. I hope that you'll decide to blog, too. We all have something of value to share with others...blogs are such a blessing because they let us share worldwide. Cherry Kay

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  47. Gorgeous and in such a beautiful setting! I think it is so neat that your Bible study group has been together that long. Also, good call on your husband's part--keep the china :)! I can't believe you made the boxes--amzaizng! Every detail is perfect and looks as if it is done with love!

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  48. Cherry Kay, you have creativity in your DNA! What a blessed site this is and I'll visit it often. Your photos and copy made me feel as if I actually ate lunch with everyone. Beautiful!

    OneFromOklahoma

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  49. Dear Anonymous, I hope that I have an opportunity to welcome you to my table sometime soon. Cherry Kay

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  50. How pretty -- I'm sure all the birthday gals were happy to join this pretty celebration. How sweet that your husband is sentimental about your wedding dishes.

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  51. I have spent my morning time perusing your entire blog. It has been a joy to get to know you and your style. Those little boxes on the black and white table are dear. I must investigate the tool you used.
    You are welcome to come to Virginia and visit Applejack Lane anytime.

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  52. Black and white...you can't top it!

    Lovely!

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  53. Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a gracious comment. This is my first visit to your blog and I love your tablescape! Black and white is so timeless, I love it. And you have done it beautifully. I'll be back for another visit.

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  54. Hi Cherry Kay,
    What a beautiful event...the ladies must love it when it's your turn to host! Love those gorgeous tablecloths and your lovely gifts are so pretty atop the plates. The rugs underneath are such a great look...really feels so elegant and special! Beautiful tablesettings! Happy 100th TT! :)
    XO
    Susan

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  55. Thanks for linking up your wedding china at my impromptu party! I loved seeing these tables again.

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  56. These tables are lovely! So is your back yard, Cherry Kay. I know your guests felt special at this luncheon. You didn't miss a detail! Love the wedding china. I still love ours after 36 years. I'd pick it again! ~ Sarah

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  57. Cherry Kay, I enjoyed seeing these pretty tables again and even went to Replacements to see your Filagree pattern "up close"! It really is a timeless pattern, and it worked perfectly for your black and white theme.

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  58. Here from the impromptu wedding china meme. Glad you kept it! I like the silver edge, mine has it too, but I did indulge in some lenox eternal with the gold edge. Very basic and so many things can be mixed with it. I pick it up at the outlet when they have it for 10 a plate and then use my 20 off coupon.
    Love your wedding china, very pretty and timeless!

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