Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Al Fresco Blue

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 know that we are all so glad that it is officially Spring!  I, for one, can hardly wait to entertain on the back porch.  Although the shade grass still sports its perennial green, the Bermuda grass still looks like straw, and it will be another month or so until the rose bushes are in bloom.  Nonetheless, sunny and in the 70's means it's time to go outside for lunch!  On this day, I invited a small group of friends for a simple meal of soup and salad.

The blue and white stripe tablecloth was the result of a 'going out of business' sale at one of our local Hancock's.  The fabric is a Sunbrella type material that I picked up for less than $5.00 per yard.  I've always wished that I had bought enough to make multiples of this cloth.  Stripes always provide such an effective design punch.

My guests were offered iced tea or water, served in the Godinger, "Sutton Place" goblets.  Godinger, also marketed as Cash Crystal of Ireland, is a heavy weight crystal at an extremely reasonable price.  I found mine via eBay. The flatware is our everyday stainless steel, Towle, "Antique Bead."  I tied simple cotton Pier One napkins with a variety of narrow blue ribbons to add an additional graphic element to striped tablecloth. Tip:  I occasionally stroll through Michael's and search through their sale bins of ribbon on the bolt.  It's pretty amazing what you can pick up for $1.00.  I keep my ribbon stash in pretty fabric covered hat boxes, and I enjoy using it often for my tablescapes.  When I cut lengths of ribbons to use as napkin rings, I later store them in small ziplock bags in my napkin drawers.  That way, they are easily accessible when I want to use them again.

Simple yellow Daisy Mums from Sam's, my personal florist, are cut short and plopped into beakers that match my dinnerware.  The beakers are an eBay find.  I kept the flowers low because...

...I wanted to highlight the blue and white eggs that I painted.  You've previously seen the eggs in use HERE.  I've packed them into a trio of cloches that fit on white iron pedestals of different heights. I had seen some of the beautiful Hungarian painted eggs.  I researched them with the idea of buying some, but when I saw the prices, I said to myself, "I can do that!" My precious daughter claims that I say that all the time.  Do you find yourself often making the same statement?     Tip:  The eggs are faux.  I found them at Michael's.  If you want to look for some, they come in a mesh bag, and they look like brown eggs.  They actually have a foam stuff on the inside.  I bought my eggs last year, but I've also seen them at Michaels and Hobby Lobby this year.  I painted each egg with a layer of Gesso to give them a smooth finish.  I used a Navy Blue acrylic as my base coat, and the designs are all created with white paint.  After the eggs were completed, I used a high gloss varnish to finish them off with a nice shine.  With Easter just around the corner, they are perfect for this season.  That said, I use them throughout the year.

For a charger, I used Pottery Barn's "Outdoor Collection," enamelware.  I picked them up on clearance two years ago.  Topping the charger is our Furnival, "Blue Quail" dinnerplate and cream soup.  I've had this charming English transferware for many years, and I still adore it.  We use it as one of our everyday patterns.  The Quail pattern also comes in a wonderful brown.  Furnival is no longer in business, but Mason's Ironstone, Ltd. bought the molds and continues to produce the pattern.  The Furnival's pieces can still be found on eBay and through Replacements.

Okay, everybody sing along..."It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood; a beautiful day for a neighbor...won't you be mine, won't you be mine, won't you be my neighbor?"  Give me a minute...I'm going to put on my cardigan sweater and change my shoes.  Then we'll sit down and get to know each other better!







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 HERE 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.

53 comments:

  1. Blue is my favorite colour - I've never understood the popular opinion that it is a cold colour. It makes me feel very warm, indeed.
    The eggs are very pretty! Thank you for the good directions on how you painted them.

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  2. I'm swooning over those cream soup bowls. Your blue looks so refreshing and ready for a spring luncheon. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. A beautiful table as always -- there is something magical about blue and white with a touch of yellow!!! I love those eggs, have seen something like them somewhere and like you priced them -- how clever of you to make them!

    I've always been fond of that blue and white pattern (but I'm sure there isn't a blue and white pattern that I don't like!!!)

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  4. Oh, this lovely outdoor table transported me from 2 days of snow flurries. What a gorgeous table. The blue and yellow is just the happiest. I adore the tablecloth you made, but my jaw dropped when I read that you painted those fabulous eggs. I could paint them blue, but the detail would never looks as professional as yours. What a great idea to use the foam centered eggs, then they don't break. They are fabulous in the cloches. AHHHH.... you have made my heart sing today!

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  5. How nice to be able to sit outside to have lunch already! i love the 'blue quail' china-it is such a pretty blue and white.
    Thank you for your kind words today and for giving me the link for the aqua jars. i am happy That i was finally able to get some but I do like the frog top-I think i will try chicken wire inside mine to see if that works.
    I am sure your guests had a lovely visit.

    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  6. Cool! We are indeed cut of the same cloth! I love the blue and white stripe and such a great deal you got on the piece. Oh my. It's perfect for outdoor entertaining, no need to worry about anything. Your dishes come to life on the stripe with the help of the blue charger. Love the glasses too. And the flowers.. they are simply perfect! However, the same cloth splits at painting eggs. Yours are beautiful. What a great idea. Paintbrush or paint pen?

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  7. Your table is just beautiful! Love your dishes and I LOVE your eggs. I have a couple hand painted real eggs from Romania...probably similar to the Hungarian ones you are talking about. They are amazing, but I like your idea of painting faux eggs...safer for me with little boys running around here!

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  8. This is such a beautiful invitation to outdoor springtime dining! Love the eggs - what a wonderful job.

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  9. I am so impressed by your artistic ability! The eggs are adorable and look great in your cloches. The blue and white tablecloth is so perfect for many settings, I might just have to take a trip to Hancock and see if they have any more of that fabric!! China is great and what a beautiful outdoor setting!! Your friends are sooo lucky!!

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  10. This table is SO inviting!!! The dishes are beautiful and I love the cloches. Just so pretty!! Your cream soup bowls are amazing.

    Happy spring!

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  11. I would love to be your neighbor to enjoy this wonderful table. Your eggs are magnificant!

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  12. Beautiful table, Cherry Kay...there is nothing quite like blue and white. I really like the china pattern, my husband would love it! The centerpiece is stunning...did you freehand those amazing eggs?

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  13. I don't EVEN know where to start!!! That tablecloth is downright fabulous!!! I love the rolled edge on it! I shared with you that I have begun sewing my own linens, but there is NO way I could ever do something like that. You did an EXCELLENT job! We have a Hancock's here in the KC area, and it DOES carry fabulous patterns. It's always like Christmas when I go in there, and I just want to buy everything!!! On to the eggs...you have incredible patience and talent to match! I MIGHT be able to get through one before calling it quits. It is evident that you put a lot of care into the creation of those beauties! All of the dishes and stemware are gorgeous and perfectly suited to the occasion. I like it, too, that you used variations on a blue theme with the napkin ties. Very clever, and it looks fabulous. Like you, I keep my ribbon snippets in a plastic Ziploc. Those that I fear getting creased I just wrap around a toilet paper roll first, then slide it into the bag. I love the simple yellow posies that just pop right out. Perfect! GORGEOUS table, Cherry Kay! You craft such beautiful tablescapes, and I hope you will join in the Mikasa Giveaway I'm hosting through March 30. Take good care, and have a wonderful week!

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  14. What a beautiful table! Love the blue and white. Your glassware is gorgeous!

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  15. Oh, how I love blue and white! This table is spectacular. LOVE those eggs.

    - The Tablescaper

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  16. Beautiful table as usual, Cherry Kay. The stripes int he tablecloth gives it some kind of a nautical look. Love your dishes and the eggs you painted....Christine

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  17. Very pretty setting, fun cloches! How nice to be able to eat outside already-enjoy:@)

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  18. Hi lovely lady. Your Tablescape is Beautiful as always sweet lady. I love the Blue and White as you know ~~~ I miss you coming over to see my tablescapes !!
    I just put on a [ French Country Side ] I hope you like it ~~~ I also hope you have a Great Day sweet lady.
    xxoo
    Diane

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  19. This is stunning and so current with the blue and white trend that is going on right now! I love, love, love, the blue and white stripe tablecloth. What a great choice.

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  20. Beautiful! Love the plate and cream soups. You did a great job on those eggs. We have snow here in NY, so I am very jealous you can dine outdoors.:)

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  21. Great 'scapers think alike. I've used Sunbrella in so many places. Your tablecloth is perfect for the patio. The stripes are just stunning. It makes the entire look come together. Your talent in making the dark blue and white eggs just amazes me. Just incredible. I had seen the brown Furnivals china but not the blue. It is perfect here especially since Quail live outdoors! Everything about this table is pulled together so nicely. Congratulations on a beautiful job. Lucky friends to have you spoil them with soup and salad lunch.

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  22. Merry Kay, another beautiful table! I love the whole blue and white look, the transfer dishes are beautiful, the heavy glassware is great, it's perfect for this pretty outdoor's table. I love the cloches with pedestals with the eggs you painted, such talent! Beautiful and fresh.
    FABBY

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  23. Dear Cherry,

    Just love the table so pure and lovely.

    Especially the eggs (I want them tooo!!!) their so pretty as you know how I love blue and white the ggs are just great, also the soup suacer cups too.

    Lots of Love,
    Karin Åžen Cankan

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  24. I LOVE blue and white...is there any color combo more beautiful?! Wow! Your table is just stunning! I love how you carried the theme right to the centerpiece...it's truly lovely. Great chargers...good snag on those! PB carries some great tabletop stuff. I love their embroidered/monogrammed napkins. :)

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  25. This look is so pretty to me. I do love your plates and bowls. Thank you for telling us where things came from! :) Great idea about the ribbon and storing it in with your napkins...what a time saver.

    Donna

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  26. Oh My..this is so inviting! I love the striped tablecloth. Your eggs are beautiful! You are so talented...thank you for sharing a beautiful table! Now, can you come and set your table in my backyard. Have a great day!
    Blessings My Friend,

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  27. Oh your table looks just beautiful! it is a breath of fresh Spring air!!

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  28. Again,.....I love your table and you're so talented you would have been grate decorating our dishes back than! Thank you for your very generous comments.
    Love
    Fabby

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  29. Lovely table setting. It's only in the teens here and we all think it's boiling hot for March, LOL. I love blue.

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  30. Your eggs are fantastic. They look gorgeous in the cloches!!

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  31. You sure are talented! I couldn't paint eggs to look that good if the lines were already drawn for me! The table looks just wonderful! Love the soft pattern on the plates. Cute idea with the cloche's!
    I have Aunt's that used to make their own painted eggs with real ones. Delicate work for steady hands! Your tablecloth is great especially with the rolled edge! I too love Sam's for their flowers!

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  32. Another beautiful table Cherry Kay! I love the eggs you painted. What a great idea. I should do something like that for Easter, but I would never have time! Thanks for stopping by:-)

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  33. Isn't it wonderful to be able to dine outside again? I don't know about you but we are taking advantage of every opportunity. The eggs are great. Did you stencil or freehand? In either case, they are lovely.

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  34. Another beautiful table Cherry Kay. Isn't blue so soothing?

    Jo

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  35. Oh I adore your outdoor tablescape~ swoon!

    I am currently hosting an auction of vintage and antique linen treasures on my blog. Stop by and take a peek.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  36. You PAINTED those eggs? They are AMAZING! In fact I zoomed in on those the moment I looked at the picture. I said to myself, "Pattie, you are going to have to get some cloches (people are doing some amazing things with cloches these days) and then I replied, "Yes, and some of those eggs would be nice as well." I was stunned to see that you'd made them. Bravo!

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  37. This is just lovely as always. My favourite colours too! Blue and white. It is always wonderful to stop by here.x
    Thank you for visiting me again!
    I so enjoy your comments.

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  38. Your table is just stunning! What a beautiful statement the tablecloth and you lovely eggs make.
    Love your plates and those cloches are too cute!

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  39. Beautiful! You did a great job on those eggs. We have snow here in Upstate NY, so I am happy for you that you can dine outdoors.

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  40. Oh your tablescape is gorgeous! I love the blue & white. And the eggs that you painted...they're amazing! Really a stunning table.

    Thanks for visiting my blog & for the kind comments.

    Have a wonderful week!

    Gina

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  41. Beautiful use of my fav color, blue! Love the eggs- great job! Thanks for visiting me! Love, ~Nana~

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  42. Cherry Kay, you are so lucky to be able to dine outside already! We've still got frost on the roof today. Brrrrr!! Soon though.

    You made me smile with "Daisy Mums from Sam's, my personal florist" LOL I'm heading there today & maybe I'll find some Spring flowers as well. I could use some fresh color.

    Love your blue & white with the punch of yellow & those eggs are "super-D-dooper", to quote my sweet Caroline. Beautiful table, edge to edge.

    Color me jealous of your backyard space, too. You have room for THREE TABLES!!!!! *drool*

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  43. Your tablescape is so beautiful and I so want those lovely eggs. Those must have taken you awhile to paint...so many eggs!

    Thank you also for coming by for a visit and leaving a lovely message. Please drop by again soon and I'm happy you've decided to also try your hand and planting lavender this year!

    Jan @ BellaCasa

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  44. Cherry Kay
    Your color palate is a work of an artist! Lovely! and the Godinger goblets are so elegant. Looks like a wonderful day
    xx
    Bunny

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  45. Dear Cherry Kay. Although i have left a comment on here all ready, I thought it would be Just a quick word to add that I love this table so much that I have added a link to it on my blog. I hope you don't mind. It should be shared!! :)

    Jo

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  46. ....a beautiful day in the neighborhood is right! your table is just beautiful, I love the tablecloth you made, it gives your table such elegance and personality. The hand painted eggs are such a nice touch. I don't have steady hands, I would make a mess painting one but you did such a great job with the intricate designs. You created something so beautiful. Your dishes are beautiful, how lucky to have gotten them on clearance.

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  47. I LOVE your setting! It is so refreshing! How I wish we could get outdoor to dine right now! "SOON THOUGH"! I love every detail of your tablesetting. You are right, it would have been nice to have gotten MORE of that wonderful material for dressing MAYBE those other tables in your background(LOVE THAT!) and I have copied your instructions for those wonderful eggs(LOVE THEM!and thank you for the "How To")... AND I own the brown Furnival of your "Blue Quail" AND it's one of my VERY VERY Favorites... My tea set is used "ALL THE TIME". I especially love leaving it out ALL YEAR LONG. I have never seen the blue! I LOVE IT!!! Hmmm, maybe I'll have to get a wee set of it too!!!
    Thank you for your beautiful inspiration.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  48. Cherry Kay,
    Your Daughter is Beautiful "Inside AND Out". LOVE her song and what she wrote it about. "It's extremely touching"!!!You must be SO PROUD of her!
    Hugs to you Both...
    Donna

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  49. Dear Cherry Kay,
    It is time for me to introduce myself. I live in Springfield, Missouri. I love your blog and look forward to seeing it. Thank you! You are very artistic and gracious!

    Francie

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  50. Hello Cherry Kay!

    What a fabulous table. I love every detail. The striped tablecloth,pottery barn chargers,blue quail pattern,painted eggs,blue and white ribbons,stemware and flowers. A dramatic and sophisticated blue and white setting. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  51. I have a friend who owns a fabric store and I am the happy recipient of all the "bolt ends" -- not enough to sell but enough to make a pretty bridge tablecloth or some napkins. I will have to try and use the fat welt on the hem of a round cloth to give it some weight and heft. I've seen it used on end tables but never on a dining room tablecloth. I like that it makes it "perky."

    I'm also grateful that you used your handled soup bowls on a dinner plate. I inherited some from my mother without the saucers and was trying to come up with a way to re-purpose them. Voila! Now I will have to have a party and serve soup!

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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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