Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A Quiet Independence Day Celebration + First Blogiversary Giveaway

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.
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It's amazing to think that I've been blogging for a year.  Blogworld has come along at a perfect time in my life, and I've had a blast!  I am thrilled to find so many wonderful, talented, and generous souls who share my passion for tablescaping and gracious entertaining.  Heartfelt thanks go to so many of you who have followed my blog, and to those of you who regularly bless me with your comments.  You're the best!  To commemorate my year, I have a giveaway planned.  I'll post my gift in a few days, and a winner will be drawn and announced on Wednesday, July 20, 2011.  Stay tuned for more details.

This year our Independence Day celebration was intentionally low key.  Sweet Mister recently underwent spinal surgery for two crushed discs.  He is doing very well, but he will be wearing his fashionable Boston Collar for another week or two.  In addition, one of our dear friends recently almost lost the index finger on her left hand to an immersion blender. (You. don't. want. to. know.)  She's also recovering, but still taking it easy.  The four of us agreed that this year's Fourth of July observance would be customized for the 'Walking Wounded.'  A quiet dinner, sans the summer heat and fireworks, was just what the doctor ordered for our little quartet.  

 We're dining at the game table in the living room...just right for a group of four.  Okay, I know that there is an odd glass sitting on the far side of the table.  I was deciding between the Godinger, "Sutton Place" and the Mikasa, "French Countryside".  I forgot to remove the maverick goblet after my dry run.

Giving a heartfelt nod to our blessed "Red, White, and Blue," I layered the table with a toile tablecloth that I bought on eBay.  I don't know who made the fabric, but it is gorgeous...has a marvelous hand to it.

I often use a larger tureen for the centerpiece, but tonight the covered vegetable to the Furnivals, "Blue Quail" was a better proportion for our table.  Tip:  Estate sales are often a good resource for assorted vintage oriental wooden stands.  I frequently buy them, and I've collected a variety of sizes.  They are just right to elevate the centerpiece and make it seem special. They can be purchased for a pittance.  Keep your eyes open for them!  

I used four Furnivals, "Blue Quail" beakers, another eBay acquisition, to hold simple "American Beauty" roses from Homeland.  The antique linen and lace napkin is an estate sale find.  I've caught it in a Coalport, "Countryware" napkin ring, also from eBay.  Tip:  If you're not treasure hunting on eBay, you're missing out on a marvelous opportunity!  There are certain things that I have learned to make it safe, secure, and rewarding.  If there is enough interest, I'll be happy to share some of the strategies that I utilize.

I wanted to use the antique carved ivory handle flatware, but I only have knives and forks.  I solved my dilema by mixing it with Horchow's L'Argent, "Sophia" in gold.  The individual silver salt and peppers are lined in cobalt.  

I ultimately chose to use the Godinger, "Sutton Place" goblet with the AJKA, "Arabella" wine.  I liked the mix of textures, pattern, and color found in the crystal, toile, linen napkins, and English transferware.

  Years ago, it was my wounded friend and guest for our Independence Day dinner who introduced me to Furnivals "Blue Quail".  We originally purchased it for our lake house.  When we sold the house, I brought it home, and we use it as one of our everyday patterns.  It still delights me every time that I use it.  For this occasion, I floated it on the Pottery Barn, "Outdoor Collection" navy blue enamelware charger plate.  I purchased my set of chargers severals years ago on clearance sale.  They were a great deal, and I use them often.

For our supper, I've prepared a Beef Tenderloin.  I'll serve it with mashed potatoes, fresh steamed asparagus, green salad, and French bread.  The menu was chosen to make it easy for Sweet Mister to eat.  He still has to be careful when swallowing.

As soon as I exchange the odd goblet, I'll be ready for our dear friends to walk through the door. The aromas wafting from the kitchen are wonderful.  We're looking forward to an evening of delicious food and fabulous fellowship.  We'll be thinking of you as you celebrate with barbecue and picnics...sparklers, firecrackers, and Roman candles...and magical pyrotechnic displays lighting up the heavens.  I'll also be holding our amazing military close to my heart and in my prayers.  But for them, we would not have the privilege of spending our evening surrounded by what I refer to as 'fantasy and fluff.'  I am humbled by the service that they provide for us each and every day.  I pray that our mighty God will pour His favor and protection on them.  I hope that you had a grand Independence Day! 









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."   Hop on over HERE 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.

31 comments:

  1. What a wonderful tribute to our troops and your friends! Thanks for sharing. The time and effort you spent were well worth it.
    Sincerely,
    Angela

    http://amcinnisartworks.blogspot.com

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  2. Love that tablecloth and it looks wonderful with the blue and white. I like a quietdinner at home anytime over a big noisy celebration. Wonderful tribute to our troops.

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  3. A beautiful table -- so perfect for the Fourth.

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  4. Cherry Kay, Congratulations on your one year anniversary! I've learned so much from you and delight in reading your posts. They are a cherished "habit" now! Your table is fabulous as usual.. I love that you chose the more ornate goblets, they work so well with the cobalt pieces! The red of the roses and the red in the tablecloth set the mood for wonderful get together.

    I wish your husband a speedy and uneventful recovery. You are absolutely right, I don't want to know about how the finger got stuck in the immersion blender!!

    Many blessings dear friend, Marlis

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  5. What a lovely table! I love the red toile table cloth and the Blue Quail dishes are beautiful!
    I too like to mix patterns and textures; it's a charming and patriotic table, for sure!

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  6. Cherry Kay, that is a beautiful table!! I also love the toile table cloth!! Beautiful combination of colors, etc., for a lovely table!!

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  7. Congratulations on your first blogiversary! You have entertained us with your beautiful tablescapes and your wonderful trips... I enjoyed them so much, although I'm a fairly new follower. Wishing your husband and your friend a full and speedy recovery! Loved your beautiful patriotic table.. that toile tablecloth caught my eye... I'm gonna look for one in ebay. Loving those crystal blue goblets... I love crystal and how they sparkle and shine.Adding those red roses with baby's breath vases really highlights your table and I must say I love your sideboard-table in the background... beautiful piece of furniture. Looking forward to many more lovely tablescapes to entertain us, Hugs~ Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  8. Congratulations on one year of blogging, Cherry Kay!
    Beautiful table...the blue and white looks so nice on the red toile.

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  9. Hi Cherry Kay,

    Your tables are always beautifully conceived and executed; this one is no exception. Whether you're entertaining dozens of guests or having an intimate dinner party, you do it with great style and impeccable good taste! You have a great flair for writing as well. Blogging's the perfect outlet for your creative gifts, and I'm so glad you're celebrating your first year as a blogger.

    Cheers!
    Bill

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  10. There is nothing better than a quiet evening with good friends. So sorry to hear about your husband and your friend and trust both heal well soon. Congratulations on one year!

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  11. My congratulations on your one year.

    A beacutiful tabel as always.

    Tahnk you for sharing

    Lots of Love,
    Karin Åžen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  12. How beautiful your red white and blue table is -- love the beautiful toile tablecloth and I'm sure that everyone was quite cheered to be celebrating with you -- your menu sounds delicious.

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  13. Cherry Kay, sadly there is no Home Goods here! (I have to drive to Dallas!) But when you come visit your sister.. please drop me a line so I can entertain you..
    hugs, marlis

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  14. I'm very glad to hear your hubby is doing well, post-op, Cherry Kay. I'm sure its partly due to the great nursing care he is getting at home. *wink*
    Your tables are absolutely lovely! Very elegant & refined & yet, happily festive as well.

    Congratulations on your upcoming Blog-aversary! I'm really glad to have found you & hope that you keep it up for a long time.

    fondly,
    Rett

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  15. OMG, your cobalt goblets against the red toile cloth make this table absolutely striking! Just amazing.

    - The Tablescaper

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  16. Lowkey your 4th may have been, but your table is as lovely as always. I've thoroughly enjoyed your elegance and collection of beautiful things.

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  17. Cherry Kay, Congratulations on your one year anniversary-mine is today so don't miss my giveaway! I do like that blue transferware but have never seen it before. I'm glad to hear your Sweet Mister is doing fine and hope your friend recovers soon. I would like to se a post on ebay ideas. I have purchased a few things but with very mixed results, enough to keep me away. Linda

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  18. Hi lovely lady.
    Congratulations sweet lady on your one year with your Beautiful Tablescapes !!! Your blog name Entertaining Women is so true !!! I also would like to Thank you so much for all your lovely comments on my Tablescapes so sweet of you ~~~ I hope you have a Great Week.
    XXOO Diane

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  19. Your gorgeous table had to make everyone feel better just by being there! I have enjoyed all of your beautiful tablescapes, and I am in awe of all the entertaining you actually do! Congratulations on your anniversary, keep 'em coming!! You are a pro.

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  20. Congratulations and happy anniversary! I just adore your linens. What a pretty table for the 4th. I had a table ready, even had the pictures uploaded, but then had some work I had to do and didn't get to finish the post or post it! Oh, well, the summer takes precedence, right?

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  21. Heartiest congratulation on your first blog-aversary! Just a few days back I had mine...yes!:)
    Love your creative space...it is unique and refreshing! Please, keep up the good work and many more good blogging years to come on your way :)
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  22. Cherry Kay, this is lovely! What a wonderful celebration and tribute! I love every red, white and blue touch...you didn't miss a thing! The blue goblets are stunning! I need me some blue goblets! :)
    Happy Blogoversary! Time to celebrate...fire off the cannons...send up the fireworks! Happy Birthday and Happy 4th of July! :)

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  23. Cherry Kay, congratulations on one year of blogging! My blog anniversary is coming up in just a few days, and I hope you're planning to celebrate with me by "attending" the Vintage Linen & Dish Auction at My Place to Yours! It's definitely amazing what a whole new dimension blogging has added to our lives, isn't it?

    Your 4th of July table is wonderful! I'm so sorry to hear that a "wounded warrior" table was necessary, but sometimes a nice quiet, low-key dinner is my favorite! I wish I could FEEL your toile tablecloth! I can just imagine how wonderful it is... And the napkins? Oh, my! Great find.

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  24. What a refreshing take on the holiday. I love the tureen and dishes and your setting is beautiful too. The green lamps behind the table are wonderful! Thank you for your kind comments and good luck spraying painting those chargers. Dianne

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  25. Your table just warms my heart. I love everything about it. Those quail dishes are darling. Oh YES, I would love to hear your hints about buying on ebay! Do tell! ;)

    Donna

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  26. What a beautiful table setting! Wonderful ingredients for a wonderful day :)

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  27. Oh it's ok....I'm up again now! I had fallen on the floor with my mouth drouling. (not a pretty sight). I flippin well luuuurv your napkins and beeeauuutiful cutlery. Jealous much??? Oh yea!!!!

    Fab table, your such a clever girl!

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  28. Congratulations Cherry Kay! Your table is stunning, combining some of my favorites, transferware and toile!

    Hope you had a wonderful 4th!

    Kindest wishes,

    Nancy

    p/s Sometime I am going to try to make it down to see your daughter perform!

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  29. Happy Bloggy Anniversary!!!! And what a delightful, festive & celebrative RW&B 4th table to coincide with your special occasion, too!!!

    I am in love with those antique napkins....and the tablecloth.

    I have found some great deals on Ebay but would always love more tips--especially about buying china pieces....I haven't done that yet and would like to try...so please let us know your tips if you get a chance!!!

    I have just returned from getting Alexandra back from Tuscany and now we're already preparing for her to leave again, but I will write you an email soon!!!

    Thanks so much for your lovely comment on my blog--I always appreciate your visits so much,
    Lana

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  30. Cherry Kay! Thank you so much for visitng me and leaving a comment! Congrats on your one year anniversary of blogging...what a milestone! Your tablescape for the luncheon for your friends is so gorgeous...I love the pretty plates and the attention to every little detail! The flower arrangement is stunning! Have a wonderful week! Angie xo

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  31. A few years ago, I found a single blue & white toile Martha Stewart beaker (about the size and shape of a Mint Julep cup). I'd never seen that pattern or shape before...and I'm still trying to find more of them! SIGH.

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