Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Port in a Storm

"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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Last week, I was staying close to home and avoiding the oppressive summer heat, when the phone rang.  It was one of my dear friends.  She shared that she had been out and didn't want to have to go home right then.  She asked if we could have lunch.  I suggested that she pop into one of our favorite haunts and pick up a couple of grilled salmon salads to-go.  She agreed and said that she would be at my house in about thirty minutes.  I quickly went to work to put together a luncheon รก deux.

I was glad that I had decided to leave the McGuire rattan chairs at the living room game table after the luncheon that I shared with you for my first Blogiversary giveaway.


The green and white striped tablecloth is one of three that I bought for a song on eBay.  It was a nice and easy, 'cool' choice for a hot day.  eBay Tip:  Do you remember that I told you about 'saved searches' that will show up on your 'My eBay' page HERE?  Sometimes, if I'm serious about searching for a particular item, I'll create a saved search for multiple titles.  For example, I have been seeking (and finding) Coalport, "Exotic Bird" plates for a long time.  The registration number for the plate is Z3137.  eBay searches are published according to the title that sellers create for their auctions.  Some sellers might list the plate as Coalport "Exotic Bird",  or Coalport bird plate; others might use Z3137 in their title, and another might even just list it as "Coalport plate" because they really don't know what they have.  I'm probably going to create searches for all four possibilities, and it will improve my odds of finding the plates.  Okay, go set up your 'My eBay page'...just follow the directions; it's not hard.  Now start entering a variety of titles that might apply to the item that you are seeking.

Because my timeline was abbreviated, I grabbed the Wedgwood, "Napoleon Ivy" teapot (estate sale), one of our Wedgwood, "Edme" tureens (eBay), and a Bordallo Pinheiro, "Cabbage Leaf" pitcher (Tuesday Morning) for an asymmetrical centerpiece grouping.  The green hydrangeas were quickly cut from my garden.  The heat has left them rather sad looking, but the occasional brown petal seemed to fit right in with the terra cotta wine brick and the green Williams Sonoma pitcher.

 The texture of the Caspari Rattan Charger picked up the vine motif in the Wedgwood, "Napoleon Ivy" dinner plate.  I bought a large service of the Napoleon Ivy during the last hour of an estate sale...It was a great deal!

The Wedgwood Majolica "Leaf Plate", is a fairly recent acquisition.  I found the set on eBay.  I've seen this plate many times in green, but I had never seen them in the white.  I thought that they would be a nice accent plate for the Napoleon Ivy, as well as several other patterns.

The Pottery Barn Hemstitch Linen Napkin is called "Flax".  I like the natural color and simple design for my outdoor inspired tablescape.  I watched the Bamboo handle flatware for weeks at Big Lots until it went on clearance.  A friend and I each bought 24 place settings for $1.00 per piece, and we share them when we entertain larger groups.  Think co-op!

We've had the dark green Colony goblet (I think) for many years.  The Optic wine glass with the green stem was listed as Tiffin, when I bought a set of 8 through eBay.  Just this last month, I bought an additional set of 8 through eBay, and they were listed as Fostoria.  I don't have a clue which one is correct; I just know that I really like them.  Tip:  My saved search is for 'green goblet'.  Pick a color...start your own search.  

She would be here in another ten minutes or so.  I'm so blessed that my friend trusted me to be her 'port in the storm.'  What would we do without our precious friends?  I'm convicted that friends are gifts from our loving God...our Abba, Father.  I pray that I shall always be a good steward of the gifts that He has provided for me.


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.


When I think of summer, I think easy going afternoons shared with friends over a no fuss table.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper HERE for her meme Seasonal Sundays.  Don't miss out on this marvelous blog party.  See you there!  




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.

39 comments:

  1. I think that a spur of the moment lunch with a friend is one of life's sweet pleasures. Lovely that your friend felt that she could call you as a port in a storm and that you would take the time to make the setting so special.

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  2. Very pretty table that you pulled together in a few minutes. Your pieces are fabulous and thanks for the tips on Ebay shopping.

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  3. Beautiful setting! I love the Wedgewood Ivy, and have not seen it before. I also really like those pottery barn linens. I was looking at some similar not too long ago somewhere (I think Kohls) though I did not buy them. They are perfect in this setting as they are very natural looking. I recently acquired that same flatware at Home Goods and am going to be using it again in a fun tablescape this week. Do hope you will come back by later and check it out after I get it posted. You also really do seem like just the kind of friend others would seek out for comfort. That is so special! :)

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  4. Along lazy summer afternoon passes quickly with a friend to help pass the time. Lovely tablscape, the ivy dishes are perfect with the tablecloth.

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  5. A very pretty table. I love all your greens. I have two demitasse cups in the Wedgwood ivy -- a gift from a friend.

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  6. Your table setting is so gorgeous!! I love the green stripes and the dishes are just beautiful.

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  7. You created a fabulous setting in short time. Spur of the moment gatherings always bring so much fun and joy... no time to over think things... xo HHL

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  8. What a lovely table for a spur of the moment memory in the making. Love the bold stripes with the ivy plates. So summer and yet elegant and cool. i know what you mean about the plants looking very sad.. it's been so hard to keep them alive. A very lovely table! xo marlis

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  9. Your table is so pretty. I love the deep green. You have a gorgeous home, Cherry Kay!...Christine

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  10. I have never thought of buying linens on ebay! What a beautiful choice. You are so right about friends. You are a wonderful friend and I am sure your friends love and adore you. What a lovely table you put together, surely your port was a gift.

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  11. Ohhh you are a true friend its so hard to find these days. How lucky you are to have a friend who would call and pop up to enjoy lunch with you.

    As always your table looks great I2m sure you and your friend had a wonderful time.

    Maybe when you visit Istanbul one day you can call me and will have lunch at my house.

    Thank you for sharing.

    With Love,
    Karin ลžen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  12. What a lovely table -- I adore your ivy dishes. The green and white combination looks so cool for summer.

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  13. Love that table ... Ivy dinnerware is a favorite of mine and one of the few patterns I don't have! Thanks for sharing ... love the deep green colors!

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  14. Great tablescape you just came up with. I love the ivy dishes and all the green. Your house is beautiful too, my friend. Happy TT. Hugs, FABBY

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  15. I love the green and white color scheme. I adore the dishes but what I really love are the goblets. I am going to have to try eBay.

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  16. You set such a pretty table for your sweet friend! Love the greens!

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  17. You certainly set a sweet table to share with your friend. I'm so impressed that you could do such a great setting in such a short time! One day I'll be able to do this, too (I hope, I hope).

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips for eBay shopping with us and the stories behind the pieces you feature in your tablescape. I find it very interesting.

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  18. Hi, Cherry Kay! I've never seen the white majolica, either. It looks so pure and fabulous! It's kind of like seeing white pumpkins instead of orange in the fall...very refreshing! You did a wonderful job of pulling together such a nice table on such short notice. As for the hydrangea...I thought it was supposed to look that way! It looks cool...kind of vintage or Victorian or something. Very pretty. I haven't been shopping in months now (eek!), but I sure wish I could have hopped on that dark bamboo flatware. I have the lighter kind, but the darker just looks so contemporary. I love it! Congratulations on having the patience to wait it out until it went on sale!!! I hope you have a wonderful week. Enjoy!

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  19. Beautiful table to be a port in the storm! I love the green and white color combination and the rattan chargers!

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  20. You set this sweet table AND snapped pics before your friend got there? Impressive! I'm sure your friend received encouragement both from your kind efforts on her behalf - and from your friendship.

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  21. What a pretty table! I love the crisp white dishes and the rattan chargers.

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  22. Lovely! The green and white is very cool for a hot day!

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  23. Love the green theme! Very pretty!

    Katherine

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  24. I've been out of the tablescaping loop for so long. It's wonderful to visit and see one of your tables. I love that leaf plate (white) paired with the ivy. I too have seen them in green, but I like the white even better! I also love the bamboo. My mom bought some, and we love using it. We don't have 24 place settings, though. Leave it to the Entertaining Women to have a gracious plenty!

    BTW, I thought of you earlier in the week when I was browsing through Hobby Lobby. They had some of the most wonderful owls!

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  25. This is a fabulous table.....I never would've imagined you put it together at the last minute for a friend!!!

    I LOVE the green & white striped tablecloth!!!

    Hugs/blessings,
    Lana In Italy

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  26. Hi lovely lady.
    Lovely !!
    The white and green are Beautiful for this Tablescape for two!! you did a great job putting this together sweet.

    xxoo
    Diane

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  27. What a beautiful table! How wonderful that you were able to spend time with a friend and make the setting so relaxing and beautiful. The green and white is so cooling and perfect for the summer.

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  28. What a blessing to be the port in a storm for a friend... I'm sure God gave you the strength and right words and listening heart and ears!
    You table is a perfect way to greet your friend. I love all the greens and the tablecloth is striking. I could not keep my eyes off your flatware... and those chairs!!!! Beautiful haven table!
    xo Yvonne

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  29. WOW, you sure put together a beautiful table on the spur of the moment! Bravo!!! Love your color scheme and all your dishes are so pretty! My hydrnageas are turning green too. Have a great weekend. XO, Pinky

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  30. Like you, I love sharing time with friends, and if it involves a table, it is generally a no fuss, at least in the sense that I want it to be warm and comfortable. Your friend received a special gift from you.

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  31. Terrific job putting together a "last minute" table! It is perfect for the "occasion" of a friend dropping by last minute. How kind of you to welcome her instead of panicking that you didn't have enough time. Love the green and white colour combo and those ivy trimmed plates!

    Thanks for stopping by my "wedding table" post and offering me the use of your little birdies and cutting tool. I will keep that in mind and mention it to my daughter. You are more than generous!

    DD

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  32. just lovely...I love your tablesetting and especially your china. :-)

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  33. Oh I am so jealous. I just missed out on a full set of Wedgewood Ivy recently. The lady selling it on trademe (NZ's Ebay equivelent) wouldn't send them to me, she would only allow pick up's, it was too far away. It all looks beautiful on your table.

    Jo

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  34. I adore all of that LUSH green. Utterly FABulous.

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  35. Beautiful table! I love the ivy border on your dishes.

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  36. Hi Cherry Kay.
    I have just been and looked at "the Bavinger house". I see what you mean. It is certainly very Frank Lloydd Wright. I love him. When I did my interior design course, I had to do a whole module on The history of architecture, from Classical to the modernist movement. I chose to do a whole assignment on FLW. I absolutely love his style. He was so ahead of his time. The Bavinger house is amazing, did you used to hang out there? My husbands degree is in architecture,and as I said to you before, It is our goal to go on a cultural trip around the world, particularly in Europe. I mean who would miss the chance to lazily sit outside a gorgeous Italian restaurant, set in an old rustic building sipping italian wine and indulging in the best Italian food? Obviously not you, I saw your pictures. lol.

    Anyway, thanks for the post I enjoyed it hugely!

    Heres the trademe address http://www.trademe.co.nz/ We do have ebay here but it has never caught on. Trademe has cornered the market.

    So enjoy your browsing, If you need any help with a purchase please let me know!

    Best wishes Jo

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  37. That is a wonderful table, let alone a table thrown together with a friend enroute. The punches of green are great and yes those chairs add the prefect touch.

    Great to have your post being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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