Thursday, September 2, 2010

Marie Antoinette Autumn Luncheon

I am a member of a wonderful, small Haviland Group.  Our entire mission statement is to meet at least quarterly and share a nice luncheon served on Haviland China...no rules...no dues...no required attendance...my kind of club!  One of our number is a knowledgeable Haviland dealer, and she always brings information to share with us about this lovely porcelain.  Did you know that although Haviland was designed and manufactured in the Limoges area of France, it was always marketed for and sold to the American market?  It amazed me to learn that there are more than 30,000 to 60,000 patterns of Haviland China.  Who knew?   We decided to explore the question, "How would Marie Antoinette set a table for an autumn luncheon?" Yes, we understand that Marie Antoinette was long gone before Haviland was ever produced.  In order to address that somewhat whimsical question, we volunteered to create a tablescape for The Theta Flaming Festival, an annual philanthropic fundraiser.


I think that Marie would have chosen to host her luncheon at her "Hamlet", located on the grounds in back of Versailles.  The "Hamlet" is where she retired with her court favorites to pretend that she was a simple country maid, living an idyllic pastoral life.



I made both the tablecloths, and I think that Marie would have appreciated the blue furls on chocolate moire.  I love the way that the cording, stitched on the grain instead of on the bias, causes the cloths to fall in the gently scalloped folds.

For our centerpiece, we elevated Nana's Haviland Chocolate Pot, and my Haviland Ranson Creamer and Sugar on a Ranson Chop plate.  We chose to fill them with Sam's Club roses in the corals and golds often associated with autumn, and we mixed them with luscious blue Hydrangeas.  When I think of Marie Antoinette, I always think of the multitude of hues and shades of glorious blues found at Versailles.  Hypericum berries added the finishing touch.  The Val St. Lambert crystal candlesticks danced in the glow of candlelight from the mini-hurricanes.  (The Flaming Festival does not allow open flames during the event.)

 The floral theme was extended onto the table with miniature arrangements at each place setting.  They were constructed in Haviland Ranson ramekins on matching underplates.  The Waterford Simply Blue goblets were paired with our precious Nana's antique French crystal wine goblets (Maker unknown).  The sterling silver flatware is Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance," my wedding silver. 

Nana's white linen napkins with light blue embroidered cutwork and a lace edge added a soft texture to the design.  A shimmering silver beaded charger plate anchored a Castleton "Blue Empire" dinner plate.  Next came a Haviland "Ranson" dinner plate, soft and feminine with its double ruffled edge.  The luncheon plate is Theodore Haviland "Rani", with it's intricate pattern and cartouches featuring exotic birds.  The final layer is a Charles Field Haviland dessert plate, featuring more exotic birds, holding an individual dessert cloche from Tuesday Morning.  The place cards were made from miniature gold frames attached to the cloches with pale blue picot ribbon.  I'm fairly certain that Marie Antoinette's favorite feature would have been the Ebony & Ivory' cupcake from Cuppies & Joe.  www.cuppiesandjoe.com

The doors of the Flaming Festival were about to open.  Ours was but one of many beautiful tablescapes intended to inspire you the next time that you create a design for family or friends.  If you happen to be in our area in early November, try to join us for Theta Flaming Festival, 2010.  It's always a marvelous experience!


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.

37 comments:

  1. Just stunning! The table setting is beautiful and your tableclothes are fantastic!

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  2. Ok, can we recreate this cottage in our backyard and have high tea parties in our tiaras with all your beautiful dishes? Hmmm? Informative and gorgeous tribute to Autumn, and to Marie, my dear friend.

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  3. A very pretty autumnal table! Haviland is such pretty china and they were certainly prolific in their patterns.

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  4. This is a lovely table. I adore the centrepiece with all those pretty flowers. I think Reine Marie Antoinette would have liked to dine here.
    Greetings from Europe!

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  5. It's all beautiful, but I'd have to say that my favorite element is the layered tablecloth - perfect!

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  6. That is just beautiful! I have one set of Haviland that my mom had, but never used!
    Your cloths are beautiful.What at lovely luncheon with Marie!
    Enjoy the weekend, Cherry!

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  7. Oh my goodness. Your table is stunning. Every detail is perfect and I love your two tableclothes too. What a great event. I'm sure your table was a sensation. Hugs, Marty

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  8. This is so lovely! I really like the color combination...very unique.
    The mini cloches at each place setting are adorable!

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  9. I was waiting to see if my sister has seen this yet and commented. This will light her fire with all the chocolate and blue. It's really, really beautiful, Cherry Kay! I love the way you arranged that centerpiece. The flowers are just gorgeous.

    And the dishes
    And the stemware
    All around, such a lovely table!

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  10. Cherry Kay this is gorgeous and I think she would have gone to the Hamlet too. It is so lovely. I loved Versailles and could have spent a lot more time there.
    I think she would love the blue Waterford for certain and the domed servers with cupcakes. Wow, what a fun luncheon. I bet it was a blast.

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  11. Cherry Kay,
    I love the Haviland set and the colors are so lovely. Versailles is one of my favorite places on earth, I read everything I can on Marie Antoinette, her life fascinates me.
    Love your floral centerpieces too!!!
    xoxo

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  12. Your table is fit for royality! I love the chocolate brown with the blue. Who knew there was a group of creative women who love Haviland China and get together to celebrate! This sounds like something I would love.
    Yvonne

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  13. This is absolutely stunning. You are so talented. What a fun group to belong to. I think Marie would be pleased! You win!
    Sheila

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  14. Stunning...I love the blue stemware and the dishes and the flatware and, and everything!

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  15. It is a beautiful table. I love the color combinations and the individual cloche per table is such a wonderful touch. I always wonder about tablescape events. I think I would be afraid to take in my most precious things where the public would be passing by them. The thought scares me a bit!

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  16. Very beautiful -- quite sumptuous. Thanks for stopping by my new website.

    Scribbler

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  17. I am so fond of Haviland china. My grandmother gave me hers as a wedding gift. I love them more every time I use them. Your table is lovely and I like the way you and your friends treasure your china.

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  18. Oh my you absolutely take my breath away. this tablesetting is most beautiful. Thanks for the tip on the cording. I was always wondering how that works!! I love the blue and white and the table does so remind me of Versailles and Marie Antoinette. I say let them eat cake! Really majestic.

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  19. Oooh, this is sooo beautiful! Love the table covers, love The Hamlet! Great job!

    I'm a Follower now!

    Katherine

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  20. LOVE chocolate & blue...your layered table with the flowers is perfection! I had no idea there were that many patterns of Haviland china!

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  21. Such a lovely table setting! And the centerpiece turned out beautifully. Very clever to use the chocolate pot, sugar and creamer as one unit. I adore Haviland.

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  22. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up from the computer desk.....this tablescape is drop dead beautiful.OMGoodness,I'm blown away!...BTW,thanks for visiting LazyonLoblolly,and for the sweet comment,I'm trying to improve,and with your's and others encouragement,I'll get better.

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  23. Hi,

    This is my first visit to your blog! Yes I was out in the great big Oklahoma gust of wind last night! I started looking for the funnel cloud!

    How fun is your table! I love the group you belong with and the mission you fulfill! The Marie Antoniette theme is so clever and your tablecloths are divine! I am a new follower now!!

    Miss Bloomers

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  24. How perfectly charming and what fun it would be to be part of your group though I haven't a single piece of Haviland to my name. I always look forward to your creations and to hearing from you.

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  25. I love your pretty table. What do I love most? I think the Waterford pale blue glasses. I am just finding a love of blue that I never had before. This table setting is gorgeous.

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  26. Hi Cherry Kay,

    What a stunning table, adorned with treasures truly fit for a queen! Your Haviland club sounds delightful. The centerpiece is beautiful, and your tablecloths are spectacular -- so dramatic!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    Bill

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  27. This is breathtakingly lovely! I love your beautiful tablecloths! Everything is just set to perfection to Marie Antoinette! Thanks for you very kind comments this week too. Happy Entertaining.

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  28. Stunning! I'm your newest follower.

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  29. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. I loved visiting. I was wooed over here by your comment on my blog. Thanks for visiting. I'll be back. BTW I am doing and apron and cookbook give a way starting tomorrow. Come by and check it out.
    Have a fabulous weekend.
    Sherry

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  30. This is simply stunning! That little hamlet is also gorgeous. Thanks too for always visiting me!
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings froM South Africa.
    Shel

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  31. Well this is just stunning! I love every detail of it. Everything is so pretty!

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  32. Your table is just exquisite. I love the Haviland.
    However, your table cloth is absolutely the best. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Carol

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  33. The tablesetting is just lovely. I think that the tablecloths are gorgeous! I love to look at the detail of each of your tables you post. I also enjoyed learning about Haviland china.
    Thanks so much!
    Sherry

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  34. Oh Cherry Kay....Marie would have been proud of your work! These exquisite treasures have all been gathered to be shared & displayed beautifully. I know your Haviland group's table had to be one of the best!
    It truly IS fit for a Queen!

    I had to laugh at the statement "The Flaming Festival does not allow open flames" LOL Just struck me funny! Of course, I understand why but still.....

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  35. Hello Cherry Kay...

    Ohhh my...I think you would definitely pleased Marie Antoinette with your fabulous table!!! If not...I would have had to say, "Move aside, dear lady...and let me dine at this beautiful table!" Hehe!

    I just adore your table's centerpiece! I love all the rich autumn colored flowers and that blue hydrangea! Loved that you used the Haviland pitchers to hold the beautiful bouquets! Ohhh my...and the Haviland china certainly sets a beautiful table! I loved just looking at all of the many wonderful layers to this table...it really IS in the details...isn't it!!! And one last thing...I love the pretty blue goblets...they're gorgeous!

    Now...I did want to comment on your beautifully sewn tablecloths! My friend, they are stunning!!! Actually, they were the first thing to "draw my eye" when I seen the table! You did a marvelous job...what a talented seamstress you are! Like you, I love how the cording seems to direct the soft folds at the bottom!!! What a treat...thank you so much for sharing this fabulous table with us...I think you did Marie proud!!!

    I just wanted to come by to say thank you for stopping in for a visit and for leaving such a sweet note! I'm sooo glad that you have added Happy To Design to your list of blog follows! I'm honored, my friend! I am also adding your delightful blog to my list of blog follows! I'm looking forward to your upcoming posts...as well as going back through some of your past posts! It's so very nice to meet you, Cherry Kay!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  36. Where have I been?? How did I miss this?? Drop-dead gorgeous is what it is! I LOVE the linens you made, then of course everything else is pretty fabulous too. Thanks for your comment and for the link!! Small world it is and we can definitely make a difference in at least one child at a time!!

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