Tuesday, February 1, 2011

S'No Bleu Today

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.

I set the game table last night for lunch with my Garden Friends after our Bible Study tomorrow.  Some of the Garden Friends are currently out of town, so I prepared a table of eight for a simple meal.  I invited them to join me for chicken chili, jalapeno corn bread, spinach salad, and lemon cake.  It was starting to snow as I laid the table.  This morning when I arose, it was apparent that we were in the midst of a bonafide blizzard.  The bitter cold weather and two to four foot high drifts will be here for at least a few more days, and this has become the "luncheon that wasn't."  Despite the change in plans, I wanted to share my tablescape with my blog friends.  For this table, I've returned to my first love...blue and white.

    As much as I adore my dining room, I always enjoy small groups gathered around the game table in our living room.  The flip-top tabletop has been added to accommodate a party of eight.  Round tables are wonderfully conducive to good conversation during a shared meal.

I laid the foundation for my table with a Waverly blue and white toile tablecloth, an eBay purchase.  Simple  white cotton napkins from Pier One were purchased on deep clearance several years ago.  I took the opportunity to buy four dozen of these napkins for pennies on the dollar.  They are wash and wear and come in handy for large groups.

One of my favorite tablescaping strategies is to use a dinner plate as a charger.  Today I put the Burleigh Blue Willow, one of our everyday patterns, to work as an anchor....


...under the Meissen "Blue Onion," luncheon plate.  Tip:  I often purchase quantities of assorted luncheon plates.  They increase my tablescaping options exponentially.  With a luncheon plate, any good sized dinner plate can become a charger.  The "Blue Onion" is my latest estate sale find.  Tip:  Our estate sales will usually cut prices by up to 75% during the last hour of the last day.  I frequently go early and scope out special items for which I'm unwilling to pay the full asking price.  I'm willing to roll the dice and go back during that last hour to learn if the objects of interest are still available.  I am frequently successful.  Give it a try!

My centerpiece is the Burleigh, "Blue Willow" tureen, a gift from Sweet Mister many years ago.  The pink nosegays are faux...just intended to add color for my post.  The fresh flowers are chilling in the refrigerator in the garage.  Once I knew that there would be "S'No Blue Luncheon" tomorrow, I decided to postpone creating my floral arrangements.  Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to welcome dear friends to my table before the weekend passes...always the optimist!

The pair of Coalport decanters, an eBay purchase, serve double duty.  They contribute to the centerpiece design, and I fill them with fresh drinking water as a convenience for my guests.


The Fenton, "Empress" cobalt goblet is paired with an unmarked black amethyst goblet for water and wine.  The L'Argent, "Sophia" flatware completes the place setting.  Did you notice the miniature blue and white tureen just above the goblets?  My dear friend Marsha gave me a pair of these for my birthday.  She found them at Nell Hill's in Kansas City.  I think that they'll be perfect for serving butter or maybe as a salt cellar.  I wish that I had more of them.  

Sooooo...here I am...all dressed up and no where to go...certainly not the worst problem that one could face...not a problem at all, really.  If you happen to be out tomorrow on your cross-country skis or hiking in your snow shoes, slide on over.  I think that it will be a great day for that chicken chili, and I'll warm you up with a hot cup of cocoa or a steaming chai latte!  I'll keep an eye out for you.

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  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.  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. I knew that if I hung around long enough you'd get to my favorite colour combination! I have four sets of dishes that include blue as the dominant colour - Johnson Bros Hearts and Flowers, Lotte, Everyday Doulton Lemon Trellis and Bing and Grondahl's Seagull. I love blue!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cherry Kay,
    You're up late too.
    I can't believe your husband had to drive home in this. Did he have any problems getting in? I'm glad he's home safely.

    I love layering dishes and love that you used your Willow plates as chargers. I think the deep color makes the others really stand out. I've had my eye on some flatware like yours also. I don't think I saw the blue though. Very pretty!

    I like the rug under the table as well! ;-)

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am sorry your luncheon did not take place. Old Man Winter has a habit of changing plans for us. I know your guests will be able to enjoy your tablescape on another sunny day. I love the blues and especially like your tureen. Hope you dig yourself out soon!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always love blue and white tablescapes!!!! Love all of your blue and white dishes!

    I have some tureens from Nell Hills as well but they're a bit bigger -- just perfect for individual servings of soup!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love blue and white, it's beautifully classic. I hope you can stay warm, Cherry Kay. Thank you for sharing another gorgeous table and creation. I agree about round tables. They are so flexible too, it's amazing how many place settings you can fit on them....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  6. So sorry your luncheon had to be postponed! But your table is lovely -- all of us blue-and-white lovers are happy to enjoy it! Great tip about buying luncheon plates -- they're plenty big for most meals. I really like all the different blue and white patterns you've layered -- they play well together!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well when you postpone that is know fun but wow what a table! One of our bathrooms is in blue toile, isn't it so timeless and elegant!! I love the pattern on pattern effect with the layering. gorgeous dishes too Cherry Kay. Another feast for the eyes and soul
    xx
    Bunny

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful blue, always a favorite. Your table looks fantastic, I'm sorry your luncheon was postponed. We've got winter here today too and its nasty. Stay warm.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love it love it love it, blue china has always been my favourite, especially I loved your Waverly blue and white toile tablecloth, I always wanted one but never been able to have found one!!! Enjoy your days always great visiting your blog. Love Karin karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your menu sounds wonderful - and your table is a visual treat for this lover of "blue and white." I'm sorry your friends had to miss it all, but thanks for sharing with us! I hope you'll stop by and see what I consider to be the BEST tablescape ever. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the blues! In the morning I'll strap my snowshoes on and hike right on up. How unlucky for your friends to have missed out.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the tablecloth! My mother-in-law had the Blue Onion plates like yours. All the blue tones go very well together. Nice job.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Cherry Kay! I LOVE this tablescape! Blue and white are my favorite, too! The layers are so pretty! Stay warm!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  14. PS...I watched the video...very moving! Your daughter is a very talented young lady!...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dear Cherry,

    I couldnt find your emial so I am writing from here, thank you for your e-mail about the tablecloth I will definitly be looking at ebay and thank you for sharing the 'pacific cloth', I really need one, my silver set came with a box which I store in a cabinet that my husband designed for me (his an architect) and my mom sewed couple of velvet bags for my old grandparents silver to store in the cabinet too, I will take pictures espacailly for you and share it send it to you but I couldnt find your email could you please send me your email.

    Lost of love
    Karin

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, man....I'm so sorry the weather put the brakes on your luncheon! I have a Chinese New Year luncheon planned for tomorrow that I fear may meet the same fate. We got 12 inches of snow yesteray. Our city has done quite well with the snow removal efforts, and thanks to a wonderful neighbor with a tractor & snow blade, our cul-de-sac AND all of our driveways are completely clear. I'm just hoping my guests can safely get out of their neighborhoods. We'll see. Meanwhile, I LOVE YOUR TABLE!!! I love blue and white so much and this is just stunning, especially the tureen. I admire your patience with the estate sales. I gamble that way with stores and have a fair success rate. I have GOT to start hitting estate sales. Maybe this spring..... Have a wonderful week, and thank you so much for stopping by my blog earlier this evening. I appreciate it. Stay warm, and I hope the white stuff melts soon!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh, Cherry Kay! You know I am in love with this tablescape! And that Meissen... WOW! I adore Blue Onion, and I'm glad to know your secret for estate sales. Thanks for that tip.

    Your friends really missed a special lunch. Wish i had been there. I would have oohed and ahhhed as I'm doing now! Hope you stay safe and warm...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love blue and white too. Your table is stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sheila,
    You are such a gifted artist! Love the combination of china, mix and matched with panache. I hope to experience an auction soon. Your tips inspire me! ~CJ

    ReplyDelete
  20. So pretty! I really like the blue and white tablecloth as it ties everything together.

    The green glass lamps in the background are nice!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I so love your combo of plates. My mom had some blue onion.. where is it now?? I do love the mini tureens. They are so darling and could be so useful for many things. I do love the big tureen too. And the coalport decanters look perfect. All dressed up and no where to go, stay warm, be safe. Okay now to be nosy.. what bible study group?

    ReplyDelete
  22. The blue and white is beautiful!

    I love a cozy round table setting. This one is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Such a pretty tablescape and a shame that your luncheon was cancelled because of the snow. However, that certainly is the beauty of blogging - it didn't go to waste and we all get to enjoy your lovely blue dishes and the goblets are gorgeous! Now, if only we could taste your chili too!

    DD

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your tablecloth is really beautiful, as are your dishes! I am so jealous of your soup tureen!

    ReplyDelete
  25. You've put together a beautiful collection of blue and white dishes and accessories. A lovely table.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love blue & white! Your table is very inviting and your menu sounds like they missed a good meal. The weather does have a way of inconveniencing activities. You did a fantastic job and I am thankful you shared it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh, this is lovely! I just love blue and white. Your dishes are just so classic and timeless. I just love that tureen. I'm sorry the weather prevented your gathering but I'm glad you were able to share it with us. I, too, like gathering around a round table. It is so cozy. Hope the weather is improving.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ahh! I'm sure you had "me" in mind when you set your table....I just love blue...you know that!
    All so elegant and classical. I love your tureen as well.
    Trust you are keeping snug inside!
    Love and blessings from South Africa
    Shel xx

    ReplyDelete
  29. My eyes lit up when I saw your game table all dressed up with this beautiful tablescape. And thank you for the tip about the estate sales. Hoping that you can reschedule your special lunch for friends!

    In regards to your inquiry on my blog, the Mirror Lake Inn is also wonderful in the summer. The only season we haven't been there is Spring.
    You will want to go over and over again :-) It is truly relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love your S'No Blue table! Blue & White are always good for lifting my spirits & your lovely table with its layers are no exception!

    No cross-country skis or hiking in your snow shoes required for me in my neck of the woods fortunately! They were predicting a layer of ice this morning that looks like we might thankfully avoid too. Stay warm and thanks for sharing your lovely luncheon table.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi lovely lady.
    I love your blue and white Blue Willow china so Beautiful with the Blue Onion !! I'm looking for the Tureen for my set. Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my Tablescapes.I hope the keep warm today!!!! lol Diane

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the blue and white--Carolyn Roehm (spelling?) has a wonderful book on that and your tablescape would fit perfectly!

    The blue willow is divine--when I was a journalist I wrote for an interior design magazine in Charleston, SC and I got to write about an amazing waterfront/Battery home where they'd created the entire dining room around their family blue willow collection! They would LOVE this tablescape!

    Thank you so much for your wonderful comment on my little blog!

    I'm truly looking forward to finally blogging more often and sharing Italy's treasures with more frequent posts once we get acclimated!

    MANY blessings to you,
    Lana

    ReplyDelete
  33. Beautiful! I'm just now getting around to visit. Thanks for stopping by my spot ... and I have to tell you that if you friends can trudge through the snow ... they'll certainly be met with a cheerful tablescape. Love the combination of blues ... I'm with you regarding luncheon plates ... and they were seldom used,so I frequently find them at antique stores in nearly perfect shape! Love your post ... Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I think blue and white is one of my favorites. I love the Waverly toile! Your plates are beautiful, and that tureen is just gorgeous! I do hope you get to treat your friends at this beautiful table!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Stunning, Cherry Kay...absolutely gorgeous. I love everything about your table, especially the tureen! Blue Willow is my favorite pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the blue and white dishes! It is such a classy combo! I love the tureen and the pattern on your dishes.
    I hope someone gets to see and enjoy your lovely table with you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your table is beautiful. I hope your friends got to see it! I just hate it when I'm all ready and the party doesn't happen.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm so sorry that your luncheon got snowed out and your didn't get to share this beautiful table with your friends -- we certainly enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful table. Your turren from Hubby is gorgeous. I love your layered plates, your table is so inviting.
    hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a lovely table...your tablecloth is just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love your blue and white table. The table cloth really sets it off. I've been looking for nice blue glasses, but so far nothing has surfaced. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment on my blog.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  42. Beautiful classic blue patterns. Love them all, just gorgeous!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  43. HOW GORGEOUS! I love the whole thng, your Willow transferware as chargers are terrific, and the Meissen plates, well, beautiful! I have a two tier Meissen with a little boy on top carrying flowers, it's an antique I bought at an oction and I usually fill it up with grapes when I have guests.
    Next wednesday I''m hosting a sitting down dinner party for 16 good friends, with a bufett table for the food and I will post the pics (I'm not a good photographer)
    Thank you for sharing!
    XOXO
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your tables are always beautiful. I love blue and white, so this one especially appealed to me. I did spot the miniature tureen. It's so pretty and a great idea to use it for butter. Those decanters are so pretty, and I love the way that add height to the table. Sorry your luncheon was cancelled, but how nice that we got to see this table. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you so much for your lovely comment...I think we all love comments on what we do, but when it comes from talented bloggers it makes one proudly humble...so thank you again.
    Yes, I got the Meissen piece I mentioned from a bid at e-Bay for $ 1,155...my husband gave it to me for my b'day 2 yrs. ago...so maybe it was a little bairgain?!
    Now, maybe you know about this for sure...I have a friend who's got an onion design complete set of dishes like yours and it's Hutstenrewtchen ( can't really spell it)made in Germany, is it the same or not? Thank you.
    Lots of hugs.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi Cherry Kay - thanks so much for stopping by and leaving what has to be one of the best comments I have ever received. It means so very much to me. I love this blue table - one of my favorite patterns and you have affected the essence of elegance here. I'm a new follower! Thanks for sharing your talents.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Cherry Kay - thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving what has to be the best comment I have ever received. I really do appreciate it. I love this blue tablescape and you have affected the elegance the Blue Willow pattern deserves. Thanks for sharing your talents.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ooooh, I'm so happy that you stopped by my blog, because I got to come visit yours! You have a beautiful tablescape set up here. I am taking your advice, btw, and am setting up my candlesticks on my Valentine's tablescape. Thanks for the tip--just what I was looking for!

    Blessings,
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Cherry Kay, the blue and white is gorgeous, always such a classic and a favorite of mine. Sorry the snow postponed your luncheon, hope it 'came to be' later! I haven't tried estate sales yet, although I signed up to receive emails for local ones. Maybe I'll give it a try once the weather warms a bit. Beautiful table as always!! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi there~ Love your blue and white!! Just gorgeous! Your table setting is beautiful~ I am especially loving those plates though! As for your question about the chocolate pot- yes, it is Haviland as is the tureen. They are absolutely beautiful pieces- what a great eye you have!! Thanks for stopping by today! :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thank you for the nice comment on my first Tablescape Tuesday. I consider it quite a compliment after visiting your blog and seeing how very talented you are! I will follow your blog happily and learn from you. Already I have learned to buy luncheon plates and use the dinner plates for chargers.....Thanks for this tip!!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Cherry Kay,

    The table, as yours always do, looks absolutely beautiful! The menu sounds wonderful as well. I'm sorry it had to be postponed, but very glad you shared your talents with us. You're generous to share your ideas and suggestions for table setting and estate sale shopping (as you well know -- two of my very favorite pastimes!).

    Hope the rest of your week goes well.

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Cherry Kay, I'm catching up on some blogging from the weekend and found your comment on my "Dinner at Camp" post. So glad you took the time to visit and comment!! I've been admiring your beautiful blue and white table and almost forgot what I was doing! Love those Fenton goblets (I sold Fenton glassware for awhile, now sorry I didn't have those!) Anyhow, to answer your questions...we are staying at this hunting camp (nine miles away from our snowed in farm house). In the fall when the hunters come there are anywhere from 2 to 15 guys camped out and hunting pheasants here. At supper time the neighbors show up and there have been as many as 30 people here feasting on roast pheasant, deer steaks, walleye, and chislic. I don't hunt with them, but do love to walk the corn fields and stir up the pheasants and take lots of photos! We have been cozy and warm here all by ourselves (2 dogs and 3 cats) since Jan. 7 and are grateful for a place to stay. You might enjoy another post I did after we moved in http://salls-country-life.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-8th-and-were-all-settled-in-to.html
    Thanks again for your interest.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Dear Cherri Kay...Thank you for visiting and for such nice comment on my dinner party tables, coming from you makes me very happy, you're such nice and special lady. I love all you do and I really love your Eng. Willow plate as a charger and how it turned out to be a bit larger than your onion plates. Great!
    Happy Valentine's.
    XOXO
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete

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.

Follow Me on Instagram