Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Let's Party!

Whether a party is for four or twenty-four, I think that it's worth the time and effort that it takes to let my guests know that they are more valuable to me than the finest jewels.  Today, the party was to celebrate my dear friend Janet's birthday, and there were four of us who gathered around the table for lunch. 


Janet is an accomplished hostess in her own right, and I wanted to do something fun...something with punch and a tad on the contemporary side...lots of color and texture.

One of my fuschia matelasse tablecloths set the tone for the party.  I found them at Horchow Finale in Dallas.  They were $19.00 each, and I bought multiples, including one for my daughter-in-love.  A visit to Horchow Finale is always like participating in a marvelous treasure hunt.  I highly recommend the adventure!

I found these whimsical metal party hats and the delightful 'Happy Birthday' cake pedestal in the gift shop at my hair salon, for Pete's sake! (I go once a month to "get back to my natural blonde.")  They were marked for deep discount...yippeeeeee!!  Keep your eyes open; you never know where you'll find the next perfect accessory for your tablescapes!  For place cards, I made the scalloped discs on my Cricut Expression using a double-sided card stock.  The black and white metal flower pots and charger plates are Mackenzie-Childs "Courtly Check."  It is such an amazingly versatile pattern, and I enjoy the graphic punch that they add to a design.  The frosted chillers belong to my precious friend, Cindy.  She contributed a delicious chilled avocado - cucumber soup for our feast.  It was so delicious!  You can check out Cindy's creative genius at http://www.moreentertainingwomen.blogspot.com 
The assorted colors of the party hats were the guiding factor when I selected the sunflowers, Dutch iris, and pink roses for our centerpiece.

The bamboo handled flatware was a great find at Big Lots.  Janet, the birthday girl, and I each bought 24 placesettings.  We thought that they would be fun for large gatherings, and we agreed to 'co-op' them.  They were less than $1.00 per piece...great 'get.'  The tiny individual salt and peppers are Mackenzie-Childs.  I collect them one pair at a time; they're a bit expensive.  The conical blue wine goblet is by Dorothy Thorpe.  She was a California artist, and she was popular beginning in the 1930's and on into the 1950's.  If you are fan of the television series, "Mad Men," you might see her products used in episodes involving cocktails and entertaining.  These goblets belonged to our Nana. The Lalique Crystal tumblers with the palm fronds, so very Art Deco, also came from Nana.  Also from Nana's linen closet, so many years ago, the vintage monogrammed damask dinner napkins added a crisp, clean line to the design.  I wrapped each napkin with a lacy green ribbon, simply adhered into a ring using double-sided tape on the under side.  My birthday gift for Janet was also wrapped using the same ribbon.

In addition to the Mackenzie-Childs, "Courtly Check," I sandwiched a Royal Doulton, "Harlow" dinner plate under a smaller 10" white dinner plate.  Entertaining Tip:  I pick up these 10" dinner plates with a simple gold rim from antique stores and estate sales.  The ones that I have found thus far are made by "Johnson Brothers, Haviland (France), Limoges from Bassett, Austria, and RK - Austria.  They are available very inexpensively, and any design or size differences are negligible.  I usually find a stack of them, and I buy them all.  They come in handy for large groups in a buffet situation and when I want a plate with minimal decoration.  You'll notice that I started out my design with the Haviland "Ranson" cream soup and underplate.  That's the matching bone dish, top left, that I used as a bread plate.  When Cindy brought her lovely chillers, I switched out the soups.  Flexibility is often the key to a successful tablescape design.  You'll also notice that at this point, I was considering the matching Dorothy Thorpe tumblers to go with the conical wine goblet.  They eventually stepped aside to make way for the clear and textured Lalique.


My guests have arrived, and lunch is ready to put on the table.  Some day, I'd love to have you at my table, too!  Let's party!


Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "Tablescape Thursday.  I'll be linking my post to "Tablescape Thursday.  Click on the button below to hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 9:00 pm on Wednesdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.








  


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.

42 comments:

  1. Oh My Goodness!! What a fabulous table! I just kept admiring everything. It's whimsical and elegant all at the same time. The black and white dishes and pots just pop against the beautiful pink tablecloth. Love the salt and pepper shakers.

    Thanks for the tip about checking out antique shops for dishes. My sister and I have tried a few but most shops around here are not air conditioned and the hot south GA heat was just too much. Hope to try more when the weather cools off. I can't wait to see what you show next!!

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  2. A very pretty fun table!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  3. My favorite part about it is the black and white check pattern that you repeat in both the centerpiece and in the settings. I LOVE the grouping of pots in the centerpiece.

    But frankly... the whole table is just as lovely as can be. I love the party hats and the colors and the table settings. I think it's great that you and a friend co op with dishes. That's the ONLY way to go!

    I think that you're masterful! I'm so glad that you started sharing your ideas via blogland.

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  4. We had such a good time. I'm glad you honor us with your creative gift of hospitality. There are always plenty of oohs and ahhhhs everytime some walks in and sees your amazing tables. I loved bringing the frosted stemmed chillers with the embossed cherries for the soup. So fun! Thanks for the mention and link, my sweet BFF. You always amaze and inspire me.

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  5. What a beautiful table. I know the guest of honor was thrilled that you showed such concern for every detail. I love the whimsey of the table and yet it is so elegant. Beautiful centerpiece and the black and white is wonderful. What a lovely way to say Happy Birthday. Hugs, Marty

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  6. What a great friend you are to host such a fun party! I'm keeping your tips in mind for different uses of dishes that come from different sets. You've done a terrific job as usual!

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  7. What a fun and colorful table, I know you all had a great time!

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  8. How cute is this?! I love all the unique details! Lucky friends to have you do such special things for their celebrations!

    Katherine

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  9. What a delightful table for a birthday celebration! So many wonderful elements...starting with the matelasse. I would so love to be close to Horchow Finale, what a treat. The Courtly Check and those party hats add the perfect touch of whimsy! Thanks for sharing your creative genius :-)

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  10. This looks like a fun celebration! I love your McKenzie Childs chargers and pots are wonderful. The cake stand and party hats also caught my attention. I agree sometimes those smaller gift shops have the neatest things! Very cute!

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  11. What a lovely festive table! I know your friends were delighted to share a birthday lunch there. LOVE the checks and the way you chose flowers in colors to match the party hats! Must plan a trip to Horchow Finale.... Thanks for the tip!

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  12. Hi Cherry Kay~
    I adore your Mackenzie-Childs inspired birthday table! Hop FUN! I'm guessing all your guests had a FABulous time!
    How wonderful to have Horchow Finale near you, too!
    Have a beautiful weekend~
    ;-D Kathleen

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  13. What a lucky friend you have! You went all out, and the look is great! Thank you so much for stopping in and leaving a comment on my bird tablesetting, I love having visitors. I have joined as your newest follower, and hope you will take the time to come back and do the same! Have a blessed week! Sandi

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  14. What a wonderful table setting! Fun and colorful and yet elegant at the same time! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment.
    Vanessa
    http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com
    P.S. I'm your newest follower!

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  15. What a happy and fabulous table setting, fit for a birthday girl! I love anything Mackenzie-Childs and her "Courtly Check" pattern is one of my favorites, the birthday party hats are just darling!

    Thanks for you kind visit, I am happy to have found your blog, it's great!

    Nancy

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  16. Hi Cherry!
    Thanks for stopping by, your table is so lovely and fun, looks great, bravo:)))
    I am your newest follower.
    Greetings from Europe, Biljana

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  17. Hi Cherrry, Your table is fabulous... a party is guaranteed to be fun at a table as fun and colorful as that... the ladies must have felt so special!!
    Thanks for your visit... you should try the Eden Rose.. mine is a climber and she has been a very easy to grow girl... a real beauty!
    Bella

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  18. Hi Cherry!
    What a great table! A very Happy B'day theme found at the Salon? Who knew 8o
    Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope you stop by often.

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  19. Your table is so happy and cheerful. What a fun way to decorate a table with the party hats. How lucky are you to have found them on clearance....and at a beauty salon! I like the cake stand and I LOVE the table cloth color, it's so pretty and feminine.

    Thanks for coming over to visit, hope your having a wonderful day!

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  20. Hi Cherry Kay, I'm loving all the color on your table. For me, there's no such thing as too much. Just looking at the table lets me know that everyone had a great time....how could you not! Love hearing from you, too.
    L

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  21. Hello Cherry Kay, This is one of the happiest most cheerful tables I have ever see. Truly, the colors are so fun, wish I were there I am betting your guests are still smiling :)
    xoxo

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  22. Oh this is just beautiful. I can only imagine how thrilled your friend was with her celebration. It is fun to fuss over our friends!

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  23. What a fun table! I recog the MC right away! It is pricey though!
    You gave your friend a wonderful party! I love the cream soup cups!

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  24. What a wonderful table! It's so full of fun and whimsy! The Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check adds the right punch of fun.

    Those party hats are adorable. Where did you find them? Did I miss that in your post?

    Thanks so much for your visit. We love to entertain - my children included.

    - The Tablescaper

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  25. It's so festive and cheery. quite stunning. I love the mackenzie childs and the conical glasses. Perfect. It set the perfect happy tone for a special friend's birthday.

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  26. I just love to look at every detail of your tablescapes. This one is so fun! Thanks for all the tips on how you accomplished this and I will be looking out for some of the things you have shared. I made some little notes in the notebook I always carry.

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  27. What great colors! This table just screams PARRR-TEEE! You couldn't NOT have fun at this setting. I know the birthday girl was delighted with this. Love those wonderful table linens. And all the fun elements you've gathered for such a lively event. Thanks for your very sweet visit.

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  28. I love your party table...flowers are so nice and bright, like any party should be!

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  29. Gosh Cherry Kay, I just noticed that you commented on my other blog. I really do need to pay attention! Yes-you did drive through Del Norte on your way to Lake City if you drove up on Hwy 160. Lake City is a beautiful place this time of year. Thanks for all of your comments on other posts, I appreciate your kind words. I've loved being able to play with my dishes every week and finding others that feel the same way. I'll keep watching for your wonderful posts each week.

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  30. Lucky birthday girl! This table is so much fun. Love the metal party hats. I may have to switch hair dressers. Mine only sells shampoo. What a great deal on the flatware and how smart that you and friend bought them and agreed to share if one had a large party. I know this was a fun celebration, because your table definitely set the tone for fun. laurie

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  31. This birthday party tablescape is just too cute :). I really like those cute metal party hats, so whimsical and fun. You created a gorgeous centerpiece. Goodness gracious, you sure did get some great buys and fabulous finds.

    All the Best,

    Requi

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  32. What a great birthday tablescape! The party hats are the perfect addition and set the festive tone! I like your grouping of floral arrangements on the birthday pedestal plate and what a deal you got on that bamboo flatware! Hope your friend enjoyed her lunch, I know I would have!

    DD

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  33. Wonderful party table! Love the bright colors paired with the Mackenzie Childs pieces. That looks fantastic. Thanks for stopping by.
    Sherry

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  34. oh how i would love to sit a spell at that table! you did a beautiful job! thanks for visiting cottage romance and for your nice comment about my 70's lamp re-do! please come again!

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  35. What a gorgeous table lovingly set for friends, you are such a sweetheart to do this for them! We usually go out to lunch, this is so much nicer. That centerpiece is just out of this world and with the darling large plates to coordinate, this is just a perfect party setting.

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  36. You really are ready to party with the wonderful Birthday Tablescape! The metal party hats and the coordinating color in the flower centerpiece is beautiful and fun. I see we shop at the same Horchow Finale and that pretty pink tablecloth is a real find.

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  37. This is just so fun! Your colors and patterns are perfect for a birthday celebration. I have to say, I think you did an outstanding job on that flower arrangement/centerpiece. It truly ties everything together!

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  38. Kate, thanks so much for stopping by. I tried to find your blog, but I wasn't successful. I hope that you'll return for another visit, and let me know how to find you. I appreciate your kind words. Cherry Kay

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  39. beautiful table setting!! I love the center piece..makes the entire able look so lively and happy...!!!!

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  40. Your table is fun, festive and colorful! I love the centerpiece! Those checked flowerpots are precious.
    Beth

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  41. Thank you for the comment about my bedroom makeover. You are exactly right about loving it after 20yrs! Now I'm re-thinking the bed, it maybe a passing phase. hehe It will take me quite awhile to save that much anyway, by then I may find another option or just make my own tufted headboard! BTW the centerpiece is gorgeous! Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. Thanks for sharing.

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