Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Tables for Two

"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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About a month ago, Retta, from The Gazebo House, hosted a precious tea party for her little princess in the gazebo HERE.  She designed a darling tablescape with LOTS of DOTS!  I commented on her post that I had recently bought a great Waterford Linen, "Ballet Dot" tablecloth at Tuesday Morning, and I thought that she might like it, too.  Rett contacted me to say that she had made a run to her local TM and found the Ballet Dot napkins,but no tablecloth.  When she told me about the napkins, I returned to pick up napkins for myself...and I found another tablecloth.  Do you see a pattern evolving here?  I bought the cloth and mailed it to Rett.  We've had so much fun with the whole process that we agreed to both create tablescapes with our new linens and post them at the same time.

We also think that it would be great fun if you all decided that you would like to join our party.  When you read posts from other bloggers, do you smile when you discover that someone collects a pattern just like yours?...or linens...crystal...silver...centerpiece components?  Those of you who collect roosters and chickens immediately come to mind.   We'll announce a date for our Tables for Two Party soon, so start finding your partners and make your plans.  It's going to be fun!  Rett and I live half way across the nation from each other, and we've never met in person...but I believe that I've found a wonderful new friend!  We're excited for you to make some new friends, too!

   

The timing for me has been perfect because I've invited the Garden Friends to join me for lunch.  Everyone will bring something to share, so my main job is to create a tablescape to welcome my precious guests.  It's still blazing hot here, so I wanted to create a cool (as in chilly) atmosphere.  My mind went immediately to my favorite blue and white.  I need to warn you that this is a photo intensive post.  The early morning light was so wonderful that I just kept snapping.  Scroll quickly if you desire.  Enjoy!




Blue and white always makes me happy...cool, calm, and collected.




The Waterford, "Ballet Dot" tablecloth and napkins provided the perfect anchor for my design...lady-like and refined without being too prissy.  This cloth has a really nice "hand" to it; I'll check out Tuesday Morning again!


I knew that I wanted to employ a variety of shades of blue.  With that in mind...

...I bought soft blue Hydrangeas to mix with a variety of blooms from Homeland Grocery Store and arranged them in  a pair of blue and white import, reticulated compotes from Hobby Lobby.

I placed the compotes to either side of our Burleigh, "Blue Willow" tureen and under plate.


I spread a number of cobalt and silver open salts along the table.  They belonged to our dear Nana.  My guests always seem to really enjoy using them.

The little blue and white frog was a gift from my dear friend Cindy.  On the bottom of the frog, she wrote F. R. O. G. = Fully Rely On God.  I keep this little guy in my kitchen, in a spot where I'll see him every day.  He's on the table today because I wanted to share the idea with you.

The Coalport decanters provided the finishing touch for the center of the table.  I put water in them, so my guests could easily refill their goblets.  I bought them on eBay for a song.  You can find them with some regularity.  They were originally  used by some  liquor company as a limited edition promotion.  Some sellers don't know what they have, and they put a high opening bid on them.  Take your time; they'll show up again for very little.  eBay Tip:  Always ask the seller questions about an item BEFORE you place a bid.  For example: A seller might list a plate for an opening bid of $9.99 and a shipping quote of $8.95.  The seller also might let you know that  a total of 10 plates are available, each for the winning price if you want more.  If you want to buy multiples, be sure to ask the seller for a "multiple purchase/combined shipping quote" for the number of plates that you wish to purchase BEFORE YOU PLACE A BID.  Why?  eBay's system will automatically increase the listed shipping price by the number of plates that you purchase.  If you buy 5 plates, it could tell you that your shipping charges will be $44.75 ($8.95 x 5).  If you haven't asked the seller for a quote, you could end up responsible for the exorbitant shipping charge, and you've committed yourself to a contract for purchase.  Most sellers will automatically revise the invoice, but I don't plan to ever put myself in a bad position because I failed to inquire.

For the place settings, I started with the gold-toned bamboo handled flatware.  I bought a large service of it at an estate sale.  They picked up the gold rim on the Royal Doulton Steelite cobalt blue charger plate.  I recently bought 12 of these on eBay for $20.00!  Steelite is Royal Doulton's restaurant quality stoneware. 

  The middle layer is our everyday Burleigh Ware, "Blue Willow" dinner plate.  I chose the Burleigh because I liked the gold rim...and it was dishwasher safe.  I have always really liked the Booth's "Real Old Blue Willow" china, but I didn't want to have to hand wash it every day.  I'm still tempted to collect the Booth's...some day.  It's an amazingly beautiful pattern.  

The Coalport, "Kings Ware" luncheon plate is another recent eBay acquisition.  It continued the idea of "dots" with its calico center field and with its embossed rim.  The blue and white import lidded cup was an estate sale find.  Today I served Gazpacho in it.  The chilled soup was perfect for a hot summer day. 

I didn't use any candles today.  I didn't want to add one extra degree on this sweltering August day.  The sunlight did a beautiful job of making the lights dance through the crystal goblets...

The cobalt AJKA, "Arabella" was a lovely contrast to the Waterford, "Simply Blue" goblet.  The cut design in the Waterford stem picked up even more dots.  The miniature blue and white tureen held butter pats today.  My dear friend Marsha brought me the pair of these from Nell Hill's in Kansas City.  I only have six of the lidded soup cups, so I used Japanese rice bowls, estate sale purchases, at each end of the table.


God was doing amazing things with his paint brush this particular morning!

I kept the buffet quite simple today...

Perched on the Towle, "Lafayette" sterling tea service, from Nana, is an Italian blue and white tulipiere.  If you happen to run across another one, I'd love to have a pair of them!  This one is about 15" tall.  The Lalique, "Le Coq" stand sentry duty.

We're good to go...

Dickens, A.K.A. "Door Bell", let me know when my guests arrived.  He's very good at his job!

Everyone filled their plates from the kitchen counter.  Gazpacho, quiche, green salad, French bread, and Red Velvet cake made up our menu.  The custom painted bread board and the creamware pitcher arrived recently from Italy.  Sweet Mister bought them for me the day that we spent driving along the Amalfi Coast earlier this summer.  I was excited to be able to use them for the first time.

It may be hot outside, but I think that this table will create a nice cool mood for my guests to linger and share food and fellowship.  I'm going to skip on over to see how RETT AT THE GAZEBO HOUSE has used our Ballet Dot tablecloth.  Why don't you come with 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.

32 comments:

  1. Love your idea of a table for two. Rhett is a sweetie. I'm not surprised that the two of you hooked up.

    Wonderful table. Of course anything in blue makes me swoon. The contrast of the two shades of blue in the crystal is very appealing.

    Kathleen and I were at Tuesday Morning last Thursday and got a few things but nothing like that tablecloth.

    - The Tablescaper

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  2. Always in love with blue and white and it is such a cool feeling table for summer. I'm in love with the Coalport, "Kings Ware" luncheon plates. I love the rim on this set, hopefully I will be able to fight the urge to start collecting yet another set of china.

    Your table just makes me happy on this hot summer day. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  3. A very pretty table -- but then you know I'm a big fan of blue and white. I love tuliperes as well -- and am always on the lookout for them but oftentimes they are pricey!

    Love that tablecloth.

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  4. Cherry Kay, this is simply stunning! I always adore blue and white, but your gorgeous blue crystal really sends this table over the top. I will be thinking about a Table for Two!

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  5. Cherry Kay, this is a fabulous table, I've mulled those dot tablecloths for a while now.. Today I have to go shopping! I love your detail and all the personal touches you've added to the table. Love the pieces of coalport and the Burleigh pieces too. Stunning table as always. I love the tulipiere.. Golly geez, that is a magnificent piece. I will keep my eye out for one, or two!
    Thanks for your detail, it certainly is a good teacher. xo marlis

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  6. Oh my goodness, Cherry Kay! This turned out SOOOO special! I just love how God's sunlight dances around your beautiful table for your special friends.

    You have so many wonderful pieces to play with & have done a fabulous job of combining them. You really ARE talented when it comes to tablescaping...and bargain hunting, too!
    I just bought a Coleport decanter this morning for $10, based on your advice about Ebay.

    I love your treasures from your trip to Italy & wished I would have brought home something similar from our visit. I did get lots of hand blown Murano glass for myself & all the girls in the family. So nice to remember the trip whenever we use a treasure like that.

    Thank you again & again for finding my tablecloth & napkins for me. I hope we get LOTS of interest in our joint "Tables for Two" party!

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  7. I just talked about cleaning my small curio...wow, your curios must take days...how gorgeous and what wonderful storage and show piece!

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  8. So beautiful!
    You have really special pieces -- so many gorgeous pieces of china and crystal -- and I am just bowled over by the cabinets with all the crystal. Fabulous.

    I love the idea of the Table for Two party -- you are right, we DO find "taste mates" in the blog community.

    I think I have mine!
    Already visited Rett -- how lovely that you both went for the blue and white with your dotted cloths. True great minds!

    Wonderful, all around.
    Cass

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  9. Cherry Kay, I speak Pfaff too (I still have two of them).. and you are welcome to come retreat anytime!! thanks for dropping by with the kindest comments!

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  10. Gorgeous table, Cherry-Kay! I love blue and white and you beat me to mine for TT, BNOTP plan. Yesterday a bought a large English bowl and might make a tablescape to flaunt it. Your table elements are so pretty, the blue stems are stunning, I love the reticulated compote and the silver things in the tray, very elegant table and dining room. Hugs, FABBY

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  11. I just came from Rett's, Cherry Kay. What a great idea about the tables for 2 meme. I love both of your tables...Christine

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  12. Cherry Kay, this is just fabulous!! I love blue and white always, and you take it to the next level. The photos show how beautiful the light is too. I just noticed your beautiful rug...it looks very similar to one I have in my living room. Beautiful room!!

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  13. Your table is gorgeous! Love all those blues and the floral arrangements are the exact right accent.

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  14. I popped over after seeing Rett's table. I just love blue and white. I like how you have incorporated various shades of blue in your 'scape. Your tureen is gorgeous! The food looks absolutely scrumptious, too!

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  15. The Table for Two is a great idea! As soon as you set the date, I'll see if I can participate; lots of travel coming up, but I sure hope I can!

    LOVE your "dot" table linens with the ever-classic blue and white dishes. What a fantastic deal you got on the chargers! If I'd seen those, you'd have had some more competition. (Great eBay advice you've shared, by the way!) Your cobalt salts are another favorite. I always love it when you use them in a tablescape! Beautiful job -- you AND God!

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  16. Beautiful blue tablescape! I love the idea you and Rett have about a table for two meme. I hope I can find someone to do it with me! Just thinking, maybe it would be good if someone would do a set up meme, with people posting a picture of some of their china so we can find ourselves a match!

    Katherine

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  17. Your table is gorgeous. Blue and white always wins my heart. Thanks for all the helpful information dealing on Ebay. I buy off there some...going to look for some of those chargers..hugs ~lynne~

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  18. Your Ballet Dot tablecloth is the perfect foundation for your blue & white table! Your amazing collection of china & crystal are always a feast for the eyes. I love your new painted bread board~ what a treasure and remembrance of your trip!

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  19. Love the different shades of blue used together. The flower color choice is perfect! This is a gorgeous table.

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  20. Hi lovely lady.
    Your Tablescapes are gorgeous with the blue and white China and Crystal !!! You have a amazing collection of Crystal just Beautiful.. Also thanks so much for your lovely comments on my new Tablescape.

    I hope you and your family have a great weekend coming up.. XXOO Diane

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  21. Marvelous! Simply marvelous! I love the idea of the "twofer" party, and I look forward to participating. I so admire your goblets shown here. They are just so.....fabulous!!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for that tulipiere. I love it that you have the beautiful transferware from Hobby Lobby mixed in. I used to be able to buy SO much beautiful blue & white there. They seem to have really cut back on their inventory in recent years, though. Not as much variety. You found great treasures in those vases! The food you served looks fantastic. What a treat for everyone!

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  22. Such a beautiful table.

    My fav as always blue and white, everything I mean everything looks great.

    You and Rett did a wonderful job its a great idea what you have done so I confradulate you both.

    Ohhh the party will be so fun I am so excited I wish I could find a partners its such an amazing thing to do with a friend/partner.

    Thank you for sharing.

    I will comment the same things to both of you.

    Love,
    Karin Åžen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  23. Your table is beautiful (as always) and made even more so by the morning light. I can see why you featured so many photots. Thanks for sharing more eBay tips.

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  24. Oh your blues are quite breathtakingly beautiful. The flowers are the perfect compliment to your beautifully set table. Love your stems. I have a four legged doorbell as well.

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  25. Gorgeous table! I just love tureen's and I'm drooling over this one. We buy and sell on eBay. You can certainly find some great deals there can't you?

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  26. Hi Cherry Kay,

    What a beautiful table you've set for lunch!! I also love blue and white -- never seem to tire of it. This heat truly has been brutal, hasn't it?! Your table looks cool, refreshing and elegant. Your flower arrangements are gorgeous! I love the Blue Willow tureen and your lovely crystal stemware. How fun that you were able to find the tablecloth for Rett, and now you both have a new friend :) Your lunch menu looks scrumptious; thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

    Denise

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  27. Burleigh collector in CIncinnatiAugust 13, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful table settings! I love your creativity and spirit. I found your pictures on a Google image search of Burleigh willow, because that is what I collect. Just a quick note to let you know your everyday plates that have the gold trim are not really dishwasher safe. The gold is painted on top of the glaze and then fired at a low temperature. Although after a few washings it appears fine, over time the gold can wear away and be affected by the high temperatures possible in a dishwasher. Again, thank you for these beautiful pictures!

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  28. That was such a lovely pause in the day for me. I well remember the heat of an Oklahoma City August noon, and I marveled at how cool everything 'felt' around your table.
    Lovely story of you and Rett and the linens! I'm off to WA at the end of next week, after a week of hard work on the mainland, and one of my favorite stops is Tuesday Morning.

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  29. Oh my goodness you are so talented! I know your guests were truly blessed by how beautiful your table looked.

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  30. Hi Cherry Kay! Your table is breathtaking! The blue and white is always such a classic, and your crystal stemware makes me swoon. Great tablecloth, I may swing over there today to see if they have it! I also love seeing any of your tables in your beautiful dining room. Your cabinets are awesome. Keep us posted on your twofer party, sounds fun!!

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  31. Thanks so much for bringing your magnificant table to Seasonal Sundays. See the post aagain reminds me that I had wanted to comment on that cutting board. I have a bread box, but it's all wood. I've never seen anything like yours.

    - The Tablescaper

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