Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Shower of Thankfulness

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. 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.


Last week at this time, I was fully engaged in preparations for a luncheon for 120.  Veronica, the bride-to-be, wanted to have a Friday luncheon to shower her friends with thankfulness as she prepared to walk down the aisle on Saturday morning.  My precious daughter and I stepped in to organize the catered luncheon, which was held in the pavilion building of a local church.

We decided that each table of eight would be set with a different china pattern and chose to feature primarily pinks, blues, and golds.  Much of the day on Thursday was spent in my kitchen creating the floral arrangements.  We were allowed to have access to the building on Friday night, so we transported the dinnerware after 9:00 PM.

The next morning at 7:00 AM, we were back at the pavilion putting everything in its proper place.  The caterers provided flatware, stemware, and napkins to be used with my china and floral centerpieces.  We rented celadon tablecloths to provide continuity from table to table.  The flowers were done in my Lenox urns and in 8 reticulated creamware vases that I bought on clearance a few years ago at Michael's.  Friday evening the centerpieces were used, yet again, for the rehearsal dinner.

Everyone seemed to have a marvelous time.  I wanted to share photos of the tables with you for Tablescape Thursday.  Obviously, with this many tables, it's a photo intensive post.


For the bride's table, we chose Copeland Spode, "Jewel" with the "Jewel, Heath & Rose" luncheon plate.  It reminds me of lace...like we would see in a wedding gown.  I collected my "Jewel" over a period of time on eBay. 

We set two tables with my Wedgwood, "Albion," on the "Corinthian" blank.  It is also an eBay find.

I was able to buy a service for 12 plus numerous serving pieces in this Bernardaud Limoges, "Artois, Green."  It was a fantastic get, and I adore it.


  Nana's lovely treasures are represented today, too.  This gold encrusted plate is Limoges, "Dresden Flower," from the 1920's.


Stouffer Studios were located in Chicago.  They were known for their excellent gold decoration on china.  This was another eBay find.  They are one of my favorites...I have LOTS of favorites!

Guests always seem to really enjoy the Schumann, "Empress, Dresden Flowers."  A service for 10, plus numerous serving and accent pieces, were another amazing get from a local Haviland dealer.

I bought these through eBay.  They look a great deal like Nana's Limoge "Dresden Flower," but they are marked "Guaranteed 22 Karat Gold" on the back.  I thought that they would work well with Nana's plates.

 Another eBay purchase, I bought Castleton, "Empire, Blue," to coordinate with my mother-in-love's wedding china, Castleton, "Laurel."  Castleton, an American china company, came to prominence after the beginning of World War II in Europe in 1938, made it impossible for brides to obtain French and English china.

Copeland Spode, "Luneville,"  such a fresh, pretty pattern....another eBay find.  Did I tell you that I really like eBay?

This is one of my favorite "Nana" patterns...Haviland, "Medallion."  That's my name for it.  I have no idea what it's really called.  For this luncheon, we set two tables with this pattern.

Two more eBay goodies....I layered a Coalport, "Sevres Group," over Wedgwood, "Countryware."  Did you notice the Pottery Barn "Hour Glass" party favors...they represented God's Perfect Timing for this marriage.  

 And one final pattern from today...again from our dear Nana.  This one is by Royal Sutherland.  I don't know the name of this gold encrusted china, but it is so lovely.  Yeaaaaaa for Nana!

The dessert table featured a Pottery Barn Champagne Bucket that the bride would later give as a gift to the groom.  I bought the flowers from Sam's.  Cupcakes were from Cuppies and Joe, a local shop.

My precious daughter created this centerpiece for the bride's table.  We gave it to her as a hostess gift from the two of us.

I pick up these Lenox Urns occasionally at estate sales.  They are an incredibly useful shape.

I found these reticulated containers on clearance at Michael's.  Tip:  I use a clear glass custard cup as a liner...works perfectly!

It was a wonderful opportunity to share my passion for china by designing the tablescapes for this special day.  Wouldn't it be a dream if all of us could one day sit down together and share a lunch...wow...can you just imagine the party that we could all create!  Now that would be a party for the ages!

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. 
To visit Between Naps on the Porch, clickHERE


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.  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!


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.

54 comments:

  1. My goodness - you ladies in Oklahoma certainly know how to fete a bride! That looks just wonderful - I can imagine what a thrill it must have been for the bride and her mother to walk into the room and see the tables, the flowers...the attention to detail. Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos!

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  2. Thanks very much for the tips on SD, Cherry Kay - The Spruce Goose, definitely, for The Great Dane, and everything else for me!....I can't wait.

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  3. Lovely tables all. And I'm impressed with your collection of china! What beauties!!!! And such pretty floral arrangements. The luncheon was made lovely by all of the pretty tables!

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  4. These are by far the most beautiful thoughtful shower tables I've ever seen. Each one distinctive in their style and the centerpieces are just perfect, tulips being my favorite. Thank you so much for sharing....I'm sorry I can't provide a better comment but right now I'm just in awe.

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  5. i just so much enjoyed seeing all your different dishes and centerpieces, but the lace looking dishes and the simple tulips in the first photo is my fave.

    how amazing is your daughter's song and voice! how proud you must be!

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  6. MOG, what a wonderful display of china, Cherry Kay! I feel like going shopping there but I would buy them all if I was. They are all so lovely and exquisite. I shop a lot from Ebay yoo and you have just proven that we can really find a lot of great items there. How gracious of you and your daughter to help out the bride....Christine

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  7. What a treat, Cherry Kay. I loved looking at all of the different patterns. I felt as if I was a bride in the registry. (Well, kind of) I couldn't possibly pick a favorite.

    When I think of bloggers who are gracious hostesses, I sincerely think of you. You always do things with such style.

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  8. Cherry Kay, I was hoping you'd share pics of the luncheon -- and wondering how you'd decorate the tables. Perfect solution! I was thinking that the Empress, Dresden Flowers was my favorite (of all the favorites!) until I saw Nana's Royal Sutherland... Perhaps I'll say the combination of the two is my favorite! So glad things went well on Friday!

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  9. So many tables and so many lovely china patterns. I will have to say that the Spode "Jewel" has a special place in my heart! Jewel

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  10. What beautiful tables you set for the Bride-to-be, I know she was thrilled! Your assortment of china is stunning~ I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite!

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  11. The tables are wonderful! So many beautiful china patterns! I am so glad I received my Artois Green for wedding gifts! I still love it 25 years later!The dessert table looks wonderful too!

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  12. What a party! You continue to amaze me with your lovelies, and on this cold day the hints of spring in the flowers is welcome.

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  13. Oh, you absolutely hit a home run with this. It's just amazing, and your china! Oh, your china! It's fabulous. Artois is probably one of my favorite patterns. It's just stunning, and all of the Haviland and the Wedgwood... girl, this was GORGEOUS. Your centerpieces were breathtaking as well. I know that you blessed that bride's socks off. Super job!

    And your daughter's song is lovely. What a precious girl.

    Hope you will join me for a china drawing I'm having on my blog. Silly me forgot to mention it in the linky, but I wanted to be sure you knew about it. Something tells me you'd like to have a shot to win a piece or pieces of your choice.

    Happy Tablescape Thursday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  14. Cherry Kay -
    Isn't this every 'scaper's dream? To use it ALL at one time? I just can't imagine transporting all these precious plates to the site! I'd go 2mph! There're just beautiful. What a lucky bride.
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

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  15. Oh My Goodness! Every table is a masterpiece!!! My favorite of the dishes was the FIRST TABLE with the lacy ones...LOVED THEM!!!
    Your daughter is a very talented Lady...Just Beautiful, inside AND out!
    Bless you both,
    Warm Winter Hugs,
    Donna

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  16. Hooray!!! You totally pulled it off! What a marvelous use for all your lovely china! I am really taken with the Castleton "Empire, Blue". What a stately look! Everything - including all the fabulous floral arrangements that you and your daughter so lovingly assembled - is fantastic!!! You deserve a rest now!

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  17. I love the mix of everything, you certainly DID pull it off! I loved everything...I got to bed late because I was looking at all the details1 Thanks for sharing with us! Just lovely!
    Angela

    http://amcinnisartworks.blogspot.com

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  18. You and your daughter did an amazing job-every table is beautiful! I enjoyed seeing all the pretty china and beautiful bouquets.

    Carolyn

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  19. All of your tables and arrangements are just absolutely gorgeous. I have seen the pattern, Bernardaud Limoges, "Artois, Green" and have inquired about it many times but can never find it. I think Patricia Wells showed a pic in one of her cookbooks and I fell in love with the pattern. Now at least I have found the name of it and will be on the look out for it. I also like the Schumann, "Empress, Dresden Flowers". That pattern would look fabulous in my red dining room. Welllllllllll, you certainly provided lots and lots of eye candy in this post from the stunning dinnerware to the flower arrangements with all the combinations.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  20. Everything was so beautiful. I just went from photo to photo. Gorgeous.

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  21. Oh, Cherry Kay, I so enjoyed this post! What fun to see all your beautiful china set on so many tables! The flowers were lovely, too. What a delightful occasion you designed!

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  22. What a lovely event for one special bride! You possess so much talent for creating such a wonderful luncheon. All of the china and flower arrangements were just fabulous. I am amazed.

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  23. WOW!!! Everything is so beautiful...love all the china and flower arrangements. thank you for sharing....

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  24. Cherry Kay, this was the most delightful tour of dishes. The tables looked beautiful. I am sure that the bride and her friends and family awestruck when they walked into the room. You created a truly delightful memory for everyone. Thanks so much for sharing. I would be hard spoken to select a favorite set of dishes.. but the Dresden sure speaks to my heart.

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  25. What a beautiful post ... and not only because of the lovely china, but because of the way you blessed the bride-to-be with this memorable event. Truly "love in action." Thanks so much for sharing.
    God bless,
    Lynn @ Cottage and Creek

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  26. I loved listening to your daughter's sweet, moving song while viewing your beautiful tables. I don't think I can even pick out a favorite. Such a great post! I got an ITunes gift card for Christmas and I would love to buy some of your daughter's music!
    Mary Ann
    PS Excited to become one of your followers

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  27. This is lovely -- what an amazing china collection you have -- and what a wonderful occasion for showcasing it. Beautiful arrangements as well.

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  28. That was beautiful! I have never been to a shower for 120, and they say we do things up big in NY. :)
    Love all the tables, great idea to use different china for each.
    I love to do centerpieces too, and I get my flowers from Sams club too!
    You and your dau did a beautiful job!
    I had to laugh at you trying to figure out the rim of my bowl! Whipped cream it was, and licking the plate is allowed, for the kids anyway!
    Have a great weekend, Cherry!

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  29. Everything is just beautiful. The china, the flowers...and the crisp, white napkins, all the same, brought unity to the whole beautiful scene.
    You did a magnificent job.
    xo bj
    O, and I do remember that you have a sister here in Lubbock. I wonder if she has a blog....??

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  30. Wow. You and your daughter did a wonderful job for this bride. I loved so many of the different plates that I couldn't pick a favorite. I came away with some helpful ideas from what you did with the containers for the flower arrangements. Swede

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  31. Whoa...what an undertaking and everything is just gorgeous...so many dishes. Where do you keep them all?

    Each table is prettier than the next!! The flowers are so beautiful. I'm sure the bride was ecstatic with it all!

    You are amazing!!

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  32. Hi lovely lady. All the tablescapes are so Beautiful, and all the diahes to work with!!! I would love to have a job like this sweet lady.
    You have a great night. Thanks so much for all your lovely comments on my Tablescapes ~~
    Diane

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  33. Positively gorgeous! Truly, truly lovely!

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  34. Thanks for sharing! Great ideas on how to do tables for a large group. You were able to keep the background similar with the tablecloths but make the 'scapes varied with the gorgeous different sets of china. The floral centerpieces are lovely! I'm sure a fun time was had by all and enhanced by the terrific decor!

    DD

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  35. Wow! That is tablescaping to the extreme! It must have been fun (and also a lot of work) to create so many different tables all at once. The florals are beautiful. The one in the silver bucket...stunning! I'm sure the bride and everyone in attendance were thrilled to be a part of such a beautiful party!

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  36. How beautiful! Love all the old romantic patterns of china used in your place settings and the bridal table centerpiece is gorgeous!~
    Sherry

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  37. Hi Cherry,So many beautiful china the florals are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks so much for all
    lovely comments on my Tablescapes.
    Bless you both.
    XO
    Isora

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  38. It is so nice to meet you - and all I can say is, I am in awe. Thank you for the inspiration to create beauty and share it with friends. I popped by your profile and smiled. In the Garden was my grandmother's favourite hymn and mine. I have a group of garden friends too, you have helped me realize that.

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  39. Just fabulous. I loved every place setting. You are so blessed. Thank you for visiting My Cozy Corner.
    xo
    Betty

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  40. Cherry Kay-You and your daughter have my utmost admiration! What a gift you both have and have shared! I know the bride must have been overwhelmed and her guests felt honored! I cannot even imagine the work involved in all these arrangements and transporting all that precious china! You could come and do both my rehearsal dinners--I'll provide the caterer :) :)

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  41. Lovely settings!! Thanks for your comment on MacKenzie Childs courtly checks - they also use a green in their checks! I have quite a few pieces and visit their plant often and have watched the artists paint, but I think I will keep my chargers stark white and black. I am spraying these chargers with an acrylic spray, just to prevent scratching - each one takes a little under an hour to paint so i will have them completed in about 11 hours. Sometimes I paint in "M-C style", by "dragging thru" the blue, green and gold and sometimes I just go with the 2 colors....it is so much fun to do, i find it relaxing....stop by again! and thanks for the suggestions

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  42. Oh My! Everyt table is just stunning! All of your dishes are GORGEOUS!! Beautiful table settings.

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  43. Hi Cherry, yes I did work for J&J for 23 years. My husband worked for 29 years. Last year I asked for my several package since the company in Miami was moving to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. My Husband was relocated to Southern California so I got my voluntary package and moved to California, now I'm not working here, I got paid for 24 weeks of my salary. But I'm planning on moving back to Miami in May with my daughter since she is going to University of Miami. So my husband is going stay here in California till his two year contract is over.

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  44. What beautiful tables! One is prettier than the next.

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  45. Hi Cherry Kay,
    This is spectacular. I love the china and the flowers are exquisite. I like the idea of using the custard glasses as inserts for the flowers/water.
    You are so talented!!
    xx
    Bunny

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  46. Oh my Cherry...what a fabulous collection of china you have!!! It would be hard to pick a favorite..thanks for sharing these gorgeous tables and for your sweet visit!

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  47. This is a tablescaper's dream event! You did a fantastic job designing the tablescapes and putting together floral arrangements for this very special occasion. Always to be remembered.

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  48. Great use of all the beautiful table settings you have. Your pieces are wonderful and have carefully collected gorgeous sets. The flowers are incredible. The bride is lucky to have you in her life.

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  49. Oh my, one table is more beautiful than the next. What a vast array of exquisite china. How generous of you to share it. Just gorgeous.

    - The Tablescaper

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  50. So many beautiful tables. Veronica was one very fortunate lady to have you to help. The floral arrangements were gorgeous. So well done. My lady, you certainly have a lot of china! What a fun hobby you have! :)

    Elisabeth

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  51. These tables & your china collections are spectacular, Cherry Kay! What a passion you have for beautiful tableware & also for flower arranging. I think your choice of the pale green tablecloths was the perfect backdrop for all the wonderful spring colors.

    I am not able to see the text of the other comments...perhaps it is white text on a white background? Whatever, I hope I'm not repeating what others have said, but this is just a wonderful, wonderful luncheon!

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  52. Your party was beyond lovely.....the Oscar winning party of the year! The bride must have felt so special and will carry this memory with her forever, I am certain. Every detail was perfection and the tables were breath-takingly beautiful. Your china collection is of museum qualtiy in my opinion. I love the contrast of all the magnificient patterns. You are one talented lady, for sure!!

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  53. The Empress, Dresden Flowers, are some of my favorites of your vast collection of dishes. My Mom had a knock off version "Mayfair" and when I use them, I think of both of you :^)
    Blessings,
    J

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  54. I love your tip for using custard cups as liners for the reticulated urns! There are two things I always pick up at thrift stores: custard cups and glass pie plates. They are incredibly handy and I don't mind if I "lose" one at a potluck. I also had a fun summer BBQ where we used the glass pie plates for dinner plates and Mason jars for the drinks. It was a fun, casual party with live Bluegrass music and lots of friends!

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