Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Blue²

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 really thought seriously about creating a tablescape using something other than blue this week...after all, I gave  you a serving of blue last week.  But...I just couldn't help myself.  I'd been moving ideas around in my head for this design for quite awhile, and I wanted to strike while the iron was hot.  Today the Garden Friends Bible study group celebrated our March and April birthday girls...do we ever quit calling ourselves 'girls'?  I hope not.  Although last week was lovely...sunny and warm, this week has been unseasonably cold and quite gray.  Weather like this always makes me think of Heathcliff calling across the moors, "Cathy, come back, Cathy!"  I actually like hazy gray days; I find them rather mysterious and romantic....but I digress.



Come on in, my bloggy friends.  There's a lot to explore today.  I just completed the preparations for my precious Garden Friends; there will be ten of us for lunch after we have our Bible study.

The Williams-Sonoma white-on-blue Edwardian motif/toile tablecloth is a recent ebay get.  I don't know how I missed this when it was in production at the WS store, but I'm really glad that I did because I bought it for less than half of its original price.  Woohoo!
This tablecloth is my inspiration for today.  I am a huge fan of the lifestyle books by Carolyne Roehm.  In her book At Home with Carolyne Roehm,  she shared a wonderful table using a magnificent white-on-blue toile matelasse cloth.  I looked for that tablecloth for years, but alas, my search never proved fruitful.  I was thrilled to find this one; it achieves virtually the same look.

 I opted to refrain from using a large cobalt charger today.  I wanted to highlight the contrast between the cloth and the bright white of the Wedgwood, "Countryware" dinner plate, an eBay purchase.  I made the same design choice when I laid out the Argent, "Sophia"  flatware, Tuesday Morning and Horchow.  I didn't want them to be 'swallowed' by the intense motif in the tablecloth.

  You originally saw the Miessen, "Blue Onion" luncheon plate when I posted about one of two back-to-back luncheons canceled because of snow storms.  I thought that it was a natural choice for today.  I like that many of the design elements in my cloth can be found in this wonderful old plate.  The "Blue Onion" plates were one of my last day/last hour, 75% off, estate sale finds.  Atop the luncheon plate, sits a simple Pier One cotton napkin held by a Coalport, "Countryware" napkin ring.  Remember, when Coalport went out of business, its molds were obtained by Wedgwood.  Coalport originally produced the "Countryware", and Wedgewood continued the exact same pattern for a number of years.  Both are still available on the secondary market.  Tip:  You'll pay about half as much for the Wedgwood as for the Coalport.  Just sayin'... :-)

Back for an encore appearance this week, the over-sized Godinger, "Sutton Place", goblet, yet another eBay purchase, adds a classic touch to my design.  I've paired it with...

...this smaller, unidentified etched goblet.  This stemware was another estate sale find.  Tip:   Around here, it is possible to leave a bid on most items in estate sales.  At the end of the first day, of a two-day sale, the vendor will call the high bidder on items that didn't sell at the original asking price.  I generally offer $5 - $10 over half of the asking price.  I get a lot of calls!  Just ask the person at the cash register if they accept bids!

Does anyone recognize this goblet...the maker, please?  Bill, Mr. Affordable Accoutrements, do you know anything about this wonderful old stem?  I was able to buy 20 of them...so excited!

Now obviously, no one would accuse me of going minimalist with today's table.  Still, I did restrain myself by using only one color for the floral arrangements in the centerpieces.  Sam's provided the yellow mums.

The large Burleigh, "Blue Willow" bowl is flanked by an inexpensive pair of blue and white import bowls that I picked up at an estate sale for $4.00...last day, last hour.  I'm telling you, people!  You're missing out if you're not at the good sales at the end.  The white ceramic birds were bought on clearance at Michael's.  I placed a small tweetie at each place setting.  Three larger birds flank the centerpiece.

To complete the centerpiece, I interspersed white porcelain candlesticks between the floral pieces.  The taller pair are Coalport, "Countryware".  The smaller pair are Rosenthal; I can't remember the name of the pattern.  Both were eBay finds.  The salt and peppers are Coalport, "Countryware".
  

As a finishing touch, I filled a pair of old Lenox vases with Sam's Dutch Iris. Many of you have inquired about the silver pieces on the buffet.  The Barker-Ellis candleabras and the Towle, "Lafayette", tea service all originally belonged to our dear Nana.  The pair of Lalique, "Le Coq", also belonged to her.  The buffet is an antique French piece, purchased locally.

For the candlelight photography fans.  I'm working on a steep learning curve here.

I think that I've taken care of all the details.  If I've missed something, no one will know unless I tell them.  Lunch will feature Chicken Tetrazzini, a big green salad, fresh berries, Italian Garlic Bread, and Harvey Wallbanger Cake.

"Little Charlie Dickens", my four-pound Yorkshire Terrorist is watching for our guests to arrive.  Some of our friends fondly call him "Door Bell"  He'll alert me as you approach the front porch.  We can hardly wait to share food and fellowship with you at the table.



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.

40 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tablescape! I love blue and white...and with touches of yellow...perfect! I have to say that my favorite is your "door bell"! Hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

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  2. The blues are all so pretty together. And I enjoyed seeing all the birds on the table too

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  3. Your table exudes joy! First of all, blue and yellow just make me HAPPY! You have managed to take the basics and pull them all together to offer a lovely, coordinated setting for dear friends to enjoy. Wonderful tablescape!

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  4. This is such a gorgeous table. What a tablecloth. Of course the fact that it's blue and white doesn't influence me at all - ha ha. I got the same little birdies at Michaels. They fit with so much.

    But...the thing I like best about this post is the view of your crystal cabinets holding their bounty. I know you have outstanding stemware. I've seen it on your spectacular tables, but to see it all ammased in those cabinets is just spectacular. You need to take us on a virtual tour one of these days (I wish it could be a for real tour but Oklahoma is a bit far from NY).

    - The Tablescaper

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  5. I love the blue and white and especially the splash of yellow....the linens are also georgous!

    Have a wonderful week

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  6. Doorbell is adorable!!! So sweet, I'd have to take him in, but Regan outweighs him by about 8 lbs. My dear feathered friend, this table is amazing.. Looking at the tablecloth, what a clever idea to add the contrast on the sides, which makes it soo possible to use most 54" fabrics. Duh said the lightbulb in my head! I love the blue onion pattern and the white wedgwood is perfect on the table. You mastered the large pattern so well. The balance is perfect and the accessories perfect! thanks for droppin in!

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  7. Do great minds think alike or what?!

    We have some of the same dishes and we have amazing daughters. OK, yours has a better singing voice! :)

    I was in a blue and yellow mood this week and so were you. I absolutely adore every part of this table. Plus, I love chicken tetrazzini so I would fit right in. I would love to be on your guest list!

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  8. Really love this table of blue, white and yellow,
    very pretty and really like the addition of the lil birds throughout. Nice centerpcs. as well.
    Very Very pretty, and a great tablecloth find too!
    I am sure all your friends felt very special sitting at this lovely table.
    Blessings, Nellie

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  9. This table setting is stunning. I love the tablecloth. Your stemware is beautiful and I love all the little details. I found white bird salt and pepper shakers at Pier One recently, but I might have to take a trip to Michael's. Those birds are too cute!

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  10. If I were within a hundred miles of you, I'd join your Bible Study/Luncheon Group in a heartbeat. This is just gorgeous, and you can use blue till the cows come home to my utter delight! Loved this. As always, really lovely.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  11. Well, you can't post too many blue tables for this gal!....and I hope my friends and I will call one another 'girls' until we're rocking in the care home!

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  12. Your blue & white table is a perfect cure for the "not-quite-spring-blues" I seem to have a case of...your tablecloth is such a lovely foundation for your luncheon setting! Your etched goblets are beautiful, as are your cabinets holding your bounty of crystal!

    I'm a huge fan of Carolyne Roehme~ her books are such eye candy, A Passion for Parties is one of my favorites, but you would love her book A Passion for Blue & White!

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  13. Georgeous tablescape! Your daughter has a beautiful voice, what a gift! So happy she uses it for such efforts!!!

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  14. AAH,blue and white and yellow can't be beat! I love everything, just perfect for a gloomy day.

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  15. I liked your Wuthering Heights comment. It feels quite a bit moorish around here too. Hadn't been able to put my finger on the local color these days, but that's it.

    You table is beautiful as they always are. I love blue, white, and yellow. I think letting the place setting pop without the cobalt charger was a great call!

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  16. A wonderful tablescaspe! I adore the combination of blue and white. I noticed that your Meissen Blue Onion plates do not all wear the sword sign on the front. This means that either the ones missing were made before 1888 (since then Meissen uses her brand sign on both sides) or their are made by another factory as eg Teichert Meissen or Hutschenreuther.
    Greetings from Switzerland
    Cornelia

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  17. Love how you put this all together. My everyday china is Countryware and you have shown it off beautifully. I especially love the napkin rings and your post has sent me scurrying to Ebay to look for them!
    Francie

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  18. Hi lovely lady. Your Tablescape is Beautiful with the Blue Onion Dinner Plates sitting,
    also your tablecloth is to die for. I love going over to Ebay to buy my plates and tablecloth like you do sweet lady.Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my new Tablescape.I hope you have a Great Day...
    xxoo Diane

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  19. Cherry Kay, I am in awe of the level of entertaining you do! You seem to host luncheons for ten as easily as the rest of us brush our hair! This table is just lovely -- the yellow mums were perfect as a contrast to your beautiful blues and whites.

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  20. Another great table setting. I must say the collection of glasses you have is amazing. They are like diamonds sparkling in those cabinets. Wish I could come for dinner some time. Lol.

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  21. How lovely! Every speck of this table is just perfect...love the little birdies at each spot & love the way you elevated the centerpiece. I gave away one of those Oriental stands. *kick-kick*

    You have the most gorgeous collections, Cherry Kay. I bet your UPS guy loves you, all the stuff you find on Ebay. I always get outbid at the last second. :/

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  22. Cherry Kay, that tablecloth is absolutely gorgeous! The Blue Onion looks great on it. I love the yellow flowers with the blue. Your tables are always a treat to visit.

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  23. You're giving ol' Carolyn Roehm a run for her money here!!! I LOVE her and SO admire her style which you have captured perfectly with your own signature! I NEVER tire of blue and white with its calming qualities. It is classic and clean and perfect for nearly every occasion! When you punch it up with the yellow, it's really quite amazing. Bravissimo! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog with words of support. I feel so much better today than I have for quite some time. I will try to get out of bed for a bit tomorrow. I'll be up to my old tricks again by this time next week, I'm sure! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  24. Blue, white and yellow-happy, happy colors! I'm sure the girls had a great time enjoying this beautiful setting:@)

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  25. Hi, Cherry Kay. I love that tablecloth - and choosing to skip the cobalt charger was the perfect answer; just the right amount of contrast! The birds add a sweet touch, too. What a great table around which to fellowship!

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  26. You have outdone yourself again. The whole scenario is fabulous.

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  27. You have inspired me! I may have to do a blue and white table this weekend. Yours is lovely, and that tablecloth is outstanding. Thanks for sharing.

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  28. This is lovely, Cherry Kay! So elegant yet comfortable...a lovely setting for a luncheon! I love your irises on the server, too!
    Have a beautiful weekend~
    ;-D Kathleen

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  29. Blue and white is so pleasing, I feel like I could just pull up a chair, and be right at home. The tablescloth is wonderful and pairing it with the yellow mums and the lovely white and blue china turned out so elegant. It all looks just gorgeous in your lovely dining room!

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  30. It is always such a treat to "sit" at your tables and drink in all the lovely details and "oogle" over your china, crystal and silver appointments. You know that blue and yellow are dear to my heart; in fact, my tablescape this week features those colors. Your new tablecloth is so stunning and just perfect for your setting. It is such fun to visit you and linger a bit to enjoy the moment. It is better than sitting down with a new Victoria magazine for me!!

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  31. Beautiful tablecloth! It goes so well with the dishes. Another superb tablescape, CherryKay!...Christine

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  32. Love everything single bit of the table just wonderful the china and the tablecloth just loved it.

    Luv
    Karin
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  33. Wish I was going for Bible reading at your house and later have lunch in that gorgeous et table! You know I adore that Meissen Onion pattern, as I got a set for 8 from my hubby for our 36th. Anniversary and now I just love your toile tablecloth! It's perfect with the white plate for contrast, cause, yeah, it would've gotten lost! Happy weekend Cherry Kay.
    FABBY

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  34. Thanks for dropping by pretty girl and for such nice comments! I love yellow with blue and white.
    Enjoy your sunday.
    FABBY

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  35. Hi. Thanks for visiting my blog. Your dining room and tablescape is just gorgeous! What a wonderful lunch with your friends.
    ~ Julie

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  36. I love that cloth, it is so rich looking. The contrast is great!
    I like Carolyn's books too.
    Beautiful table, C, I bet the ladies were thrilled!

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  37. I adore your tablecloth! What a fabulous statement it makes under those gorgeous dishes!! The yellow flowers are the perfect pop of color and are such a cheerful addition. I love yellow flowers with a blue and white table. One of my favorite tables you've set. Hope you enjoy today's weather..I think the wind has finally calmed down! :)

    Miss Bloomers

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  38. Just beautiful...the yellow with all of the blue is such a wonderful contrast. I LOVE your stemware!! Unfortunately, I can't help out on the identification :-(

    Lunch sounds delicious. And I am with you for cloudy weather...it is always so "Wuthering Heights" (love your reference. My english husband loves rainy weather too. Reminds him of home! We get our fair share here in upstate NY!

    Again...beautiful table!!!

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  39. I do love this color combination and your dishes are so pretty. It's always a treat to stop by and see your lovely touches.

    Donna

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  40. Hi Cherry Kay,

    I was going to begin my comment with, "GORGEOUS," but I see that word has been used multiple times by those who arrived before me. Sorry, but I'm going to say it anyway! ;)

    This IS absolutely gorgeous! Blue, white, and yellow combine beautifully and create that dramatic "pop" we all want to achieve.

    I think you and I are kindred spirits when it comes to estate sales. Thanks for sharing the great tips! Sorry I don't recognize the pattern you featured here. Have you sent a picture to Replacements.com? They're my 'go to' source when all else fails.

    That you admire Ms. Roehm doesn't surprise me. I'm embarrassed to admit that I'd never seen her books until someone mentioned her in a comment on one of my table posts. So far, I've ordered three of her gorgeous volumes from Amazon. I think I've found a new addiction!

    Hope you're having a great weekend!

    Bye for now,
    Bill

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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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