Thursday, December 9, 2010

And So It Begins...

First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. As the holiday season progresses I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

This year it seems that each time I have a spot of time to work on my "Christmas House,"  I have either been interrupted or distracted.  I'm still not finished, but I do have a number of things in place.  One of the first things that I readied is the breakfast room and kitchen.

Each year I pull out the Spode Christmas Tree, and I place it in one of our cabinets to be used as one of our every day dish patterns.  I also set the breakfast table, and the tablescape stays in place throughout the holiday season.  It becomes one of our Christmas vignettes...and the table is always set for dinner!

We've enjoyed our Spode, "Christmas Tree" for many years.  It's another one of the patterns that my mother-in-love gave me as gifts over a period of several Christmases, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  Sweet Mister and the kids added some wonderful serving pieces to our collection.  For this design, I have layered it on top of a Mackenzie-Childs, "Courtly Check" charger.  The charger is anchored by an additional red lacquered charger.  The flatware is Argent, "Sophia," in the off-white.  The goblet is Fenton, "Empress."  The white basket napkin ring was my mama's.  They always bring a smile to my heart each year when I carefully unwrap them.  I've had the green damask napkins for many years.

The focal point of the centerpiece is the Simpich, "A Christmas Carol" Collection.  Although it is no longer in business, The Simpich Store was in Old Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Their dolls were each handmade, and it was always a treat to visit their store.  Shoppers were always welcome to explore their workrooms and watch the artisans create the dolls.  Sweet Mister generously gave me a number of the Simpich collections over the years.  I enjoy using them each Christmas.  I'll share them with you over the next few weeks in Susan's Between Naps on the Porch meme, "Metamorphosis Monday."  If you fall in love with the Simpich dolls like I did, you'll still be able to find them on eBay.

I anchored the centerpiece with a festive red and green plaid runner.  I like the contrast with the European Pine of the breakfast table.  Flanking the Simpich Dolls are a pair of Spode, "Christmas Tree" hurricanes. Oh my gosh, every once in a while I actually get organized.  In this instance, I bought three dozen cream colored tapers to be used throughout the holiday season.  I carefully put them away for safe keeping.  Well, I've obviously put them someplace REALLY safe because when I went to find them today for the tablescape, they've disappeared!  Yikes, I'm quite sure that as soon as I go buy more tomorrow, I'll trip over them upon returning home.  Placed between the Simpich "A Christmas Carol" Collection are three of my recent estate sale finds.  An Indiana Glass Ruby Flash cake pedestal holds a vintage Mason's "Pink Vista" scalloped bowl filled with Granny Smith apples.  Nestled in behind Mrs. Cratchit is a vintage Ruby Glass pitcher.  I liked its tall skinny shape, and the color is wonderful.  

Beyond the table at one end of the breakfast room sits our baker's rack, one of our first furniture purchases many years ago.

During the Christmas holidays, I enjoy filling our baker's rack with an assortment of Christmas pitchers and some of my Spode "Christmas Tree" serving pieces.  I also like to use some of my tureens.  In addition to the Spode,  I've used my Fitz & Floyd "Swan," and the Rosenthal, "Sanssouci," tureens.  You'll also notice a selection of Haviland, "Ranson" pieces.  The Simpich, "Pilgrims" Collection comes out at Thanksgiving.  I can't bear to put them away until after Christmas.  I always think of what it must have been like for the Pilgrims over their first Christmas in the New World.


Anchoring the other end of the breakfast room is our Welsh Dresser.  Sweet Mister bought it for me while we were vacationing in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's one of my favorite pieces of furniture.


I used to rotate different transferware patterns in and out of the dresser.  Then one day I created a display using the Copeland Spode, "Tower Pink,".....

I liked it so much that I lost interest in rotating patterns.  It's been living here for several years now.  The Spode shares the hutch with my maternal grandmother's sterling tea service.  The design has always reminded me just a bit of a pagoda.  It was a gift from my Aunt Ida, who brought it home from Occupied Japan after World War II.  Ida was a WAC Major stationed as an intelligence officer in Tokyo.   During Christmas, I add the Lenox, "Original Thirteen Colonies Wreaths" Collection.  Each plate features a different wreath that represents items indigenous to one of the original colonies.  I'll probably use them in a tablescape design for our Christmas dinner, and I'll share them with you in a few weeks.  I'm blessed to have an additional collection of these plates that once belonged to my mother-in-love.  There are actually 13 plates in each set; I tend to leave Georgia in the cabinet because it's very pink.  It's one of my favorite wreaths, but it kind of sticks out within my Christmas vignette.  I always use it on the table at my precious daughter's place....she loves it!  You'll see it before the holiday passes.   


It's now Thursday afternoon, and it's a gorgeous, bright December afternoon.  I couldn't resist capturing some more shots of my breakfast room tablescape with the glorious sun streaming through the window.  The ruby glass appears to be on fire, and I adore the natural lighting.  I hope that you enjoy them.
The Cratchits and I are excited to wish you a Merry Christmas.  We'd love to have you join us at our table for good food and great fellowship.

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.










You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "Orchid."  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  KC is currently the featured artist of the week at http://jivepk.jivewired.com/kcclifford.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!  You can also watch her perform in various YouTube videos. 


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.

41 comments:

  1. How festive! I love the Dickens figures on the table and your hutch filled with lovely holiday dinnerware. A charming scenario!

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  2. Hello,
    very festive table. I love the china and the figurines are outstanding. And the pearly flatware is great. What a nice decoration are the plates in the hutch. Thank you for showing this wonderful table.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  3. Your Welsh dresser is gorgeous & so beautifully displayed! LOVE your Thirteen Colonies Wreath China, that's the first time I have seen that~ what a wonderful theme for a pattern! Looking forward to closer peak on a table :-)

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  4. Hi lovely lady, ~~ your room is just Beautiful with the Dickens figures, and the lovely China, in your Christmas Hutch so sweet ! Im one of your followers ~~I would love for you to come be one of my followers, I know you like Teblescapes. Have a Happy Hiliday and a Merry Christmas.'
    Diane

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  5. Oh Cherry Kaye, I don't know where to begin. You have so many gorgeous treasures. I'm using my Christmas Tree Spode as my kitchen set this season too. The ruffled Mason bowl is amazing. My eye went right to it. The green apples set it off perfectly.But your welsh dresser took my breath away. What a magnificent piece (how I wish I had the space for a piece like that)and you've filled it to perfection. I don't think I've ever seen the varied wreath pattern. It's so neat to be able to display all of the different patterns at once. I'm going back to check out the photos again. Each is so chockerblock full of treasures, I can hardly take it all in.

    Wished we lived closer! It would be so fun to compare notes (umm...I think I mean china) in person.

    - The Tablescaper

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  6. Wonderful Christmas table. I love the figures, especially.

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  7. The dolls are so much fun amidst your table! very nice.

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  8. I scrolled very slowly so that I could drink in every detail, Cherry Kay. I love the bakers rack and Welsh cupboard displays. They are wonderful, and I'm glad you didn't put away your pilgrims. I love pilgrims, too.

    The table is fantastic, and I love the centerpiece. Ebenezer Scrooge is just perfect. What detail!!

    Thanks for sharing your breakfast room. I finished mine too and am on to the next room. It does take time, doesn't it?

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  9. What a wonderful and interesting breakfast table, Cherry Kay! I love the Spode layered with the checked chargers, and your A Christmas Carol figures are delightful! I know your family enjoys seeing all the family treasures throughout the holidays.

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  10. Oh, I couldn't wait to see what you would be doing at the holidays! I just love the Spode combined with the Courtly Check. So festive and elegant! I enjoyed each and every detail.

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  11. Gorgeous table...the little dolls almost bring your table to life!
    Your hutch is beautiful with all the festive plates.

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  12. You certainly have an enviable lot of collections! I adored looking at all of them, especially the Cratchits. I just know you have a ton of fun setting all that up every year! Loooove the Tower Spode.

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  13. Cherry Kay, This is so pretty. I really like the punch of color combining the green apples in the Vista bowl. That hutch is simply GORGEOUS! I love the way it's set up. It looks so nice.

    Nancy

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  14. I so love that you layered the spode with MacKenzie Childs, and then the red. It really makes it all new and wonderful. Your Welsh hutch from Santa Fe is really grand. I love it! Your decorating talent is really evident in your displays. I love how inviting your table is.

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  15. Your table looks beautiful! And that hutch, oh my, it is fabulous! What a wonderful collection of dishes you have!

    I have a card reader, but it is too small. Had to spend 25 today on a multi size one, annoying as I will never use it again!

    That Kahlua thing is good, easy and feeds a mob! I saw many go back for seconds!
    Enjoy!
    Kathleen

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  16. Beautiful dishes on your lovely tablescape. Love the pattern on the plates and all your little people.

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  17. You're certainly a lucky woman. The Welsh dresser is magnificent. Not many people have ROOM for a piece like that.
    I never knew there was a 13 colonies wreath pattern. How much fun is that!
    Love the red tiered plates that sit in the window and the Dickens People scattered throughout. Do you talk to them as you arrange them? I know I would. Such a festive place to enjoy a meal with your family.

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  18. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. Your table is so warm and welcoming. I love your centerpiece. Your hutch "stole" my heart... Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. hugs ~lynne~

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  19. Hi,
    I back to thank you for the idea concerning the Santa advent calendar. That never occurred to me. I always have cotton balls on hand - and wouldn't you know it, I'm all out. But they're on my list the next time I'm at the market.

    By the way, I went to the site where your daughter is featured. You're right. She's GOOD. Plus - she has great stage presence. She's very poised, very relaxed. Aren't you just sooooo proud!

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  20. Nothing shows china as well as a Welsh dresser IMO and yours is magnificent on both counts. Just love everything. Thanks for stopping by. Jane F.

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  21. Magnificent room!!! Absolutely magnificent!!!!! I love all the little details all around!

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  22. Wow, what is not to like about this! LOVE the way you used the chargers with the Spode. You have really made the Spode stand out and still feel warm and inviting. LOVE the Welsh dresser! So jealous I am of that! Gorgeous as always! Thanks so much for coming by:-)

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  23. Hi Cherry Kay, nice to get a glimpse of your breakfast room. Another lovely place in your home. I just love your dish collection, those wreath ones are precious. Of course, I love the Spode ones too, so classic! The Simpich dolls are lovely, never heard of them before. I will have to look for them. Beautiful furniture!.Christine

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  24. what a cute table and hutch! you have so many wonderful pieces and i love the addition of the black and white.

    happy dining with table of contents, i suggest joanne harris's chocolate cake first, its so delish!

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  25. I just stumbles on your Blog, I will enjoy following it..... love those women on your tablescape. thanks for sharing.

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  26. Wow!!!
    I love your tablescape. Fabulous dinnerware. And, I love nature's light flowing thru your windows. Thank you so much for visiting My Cozy Corner.
    xo
    Betty

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  27. It looks so cheery and welcoming and festive. I love the way the hutch looks!

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  28. First of all congratulations for your talented daughter...I beautiful voice and song. Your table is just beautiful, so much fun and cozy, I love all your china sets, they're all great! Thank you for visiting my blog, I have more Christmas home decor, tables and my family. Thank you for sharing your lovelies.
    FABBY

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  29. Hi Cherry Kay, This is so pretty I love the basket napkin ring from you mom so lovely, Cherryl you have so meny beautiful pcs.
    Thank you for stop on my blog.
    XO

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  30. Cherry Kay -- what a gorgeous dresser! I loved seeing all your pretty Christmas china -- thanks for your sweet visits week after week.

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  31. Wow, so many lovely China patterns. I love your Spode Christmas set, I've always loved that set. My Christmas set is from the early '80's (also from my Mother-in-law) but not a "name brand" set. Now that it's "vintage" I realize it's actually very nice!

    So nice to read of your daughter using her talent for those in need. I admire her for that.

    Thank you for stopping by my blog!
    Christmas blessings, Heidi

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  32. Your table setting is just beautiful. I particularly like the handmade dolls, so very unique. I couldn't help but notice the Spode Christmas Tree soup tureen, just beautiful and I will be on the look out for that piece. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and I am placing your blog on one of my favorites.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  33. This is just delightful! I so enjoyed each photo! The Simpich Christmas Carol collection is wonderful! Thanks for sharing with us!

    Katherine

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  34. Cherry Kay, I loved touring your breakfast room with all of its Christmas spirit showing. I LOVE your hutch, and I'm not surprised that you have two wonderful Christmas china patterns in this room. Your table setting is so pretty. I adore your mother's napkin rings. laurie

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  35. Hi Cherry, I love your name. And your dining room is so cozy looking.
    Thanks for stopping by to see me.

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  36. What beautiful things you have. Your breakfast room is just beautiful. The hutch is to die for. Well, I just love it every bit !!

    Mark Roberts fairies are the most beautiful things "in person". I hope you will go to his site and take a peek at his work. Just awesome. I only have 2..one I bought several years ago and one was a gift. I covet ALL I CAN GET. :))
    hugs, bj

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  37. Oh my! Beautiful dishes, beautiful table and beautiful people in your family. :)

    So glad I stopped by to see this.

    I posted my Christmas tree bread recipe today if you decide you'd like to try it!

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  38. Your tablesetting and dining area look so warm and cozy I can just imagine the delicious aroma from an apple pie baking in the oven!
    Love all your beautiful transferware pieces, and your hutch and the display on it are just gorgeous!!

    Happy holidays to you!
    Sherri:)

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  39. Your attention to detail makes your table setting perfect. I love the dishes and the figurines. Thank you also for the video. I would feel cozy and welcome sitting at your table.

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  40. Oooh and ahhhhhh! Your hutch is amazing! I love those red goblets. They just make the table! Very pretty.
    D

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  41. We opened a dining room wall to the living room a few years ago and I lost the area where my china hutch stood. I solved it by turning a linen closet into a china closet but I miss being able to see all the dishes and glassware that make me happy. Sigh. Love your Christmas decorations and the idea of using the Christmas dishes as daily dishes, all season long. A great way to keep the spirit going.

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Thank you for spending your time to leave a comment. I read each and every one of your generous thoughts. They encourage me in so many ways.

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