Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Orleans Toile and Spode Mayflower

"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 four of us gathered to celebrate a belated birthday for Debbi.  I was blessed to host our luncheon.  I've begun collecting a set of plates for my daughter-in-love, who has her own wonderful blog, THE BLACKBERRY VINE, and I decided that this would be a delightful opportunity to let her know about her plates by using them in a tablescape for my blog post!  I'm excited to give them to her.

Although I considered setting up my tablescape on the back porch, the possibility of rain convinced me to locate our luncheon at the game table in the living room.

A yellow and purple color combination doesn't normally fall within my comfort zone, but lately I've been encouraged by all of your wonderful tablescapes to expand my horizons.  

   The Williams Sonoma "Orleans Toile" tablecloth was an eBay purchase.  Entertaining Tip:  This tablecloth is actually a 126" x 70" cloth, obviously too large for my 42" round game table.  I folded the cloth into a 70" square, and Shazam...I was in business.  The excess was completely concealed, and the drop was generous for my small round table.  I made certain that the four points fell between the chairs.

After viewing Mid-Atlantic Martha's blog this summer, I was inspired to pull out our dear Nana's vintage Pansy Rings.  I layered them on tiered cake pedestals to create height.  Creating this centerpiece took just a few minutes.  I snipped a bundle of white spray roses from Sam's and stuck them in the rings.  I embellished the roses with sprigs of assorted ivy that I cut from a couple of small pots of ivy that I bought at Lowe's.  So easy!


The silver salt and pepper cellars also belonged to Nana...

...and once again, the Tuesday Morning crystal decanters made it easy for my guests to refill their water goblets...

My candleholder is really a miniature amethyst hyacinth bulb vase.  I bought them in assorted colors at SteinMart years ago. A tea candle fit perfectly and provided just the touch of reflective sparkle that I desired.


 My daughter-in-love adores Copeland Spode, "Mayflower", so when I found some good buys on my old friend, eBay, I started collecting them.  I've been able to acquire 8 dinner plates for her.  For my table, they seemed to be a natural match with the "Orleans Toile".

As much as I love to use high color, these shades and hues were so intense that I felt like I needed to neutralize them a bit with an additional 'color'.  I chose silver, starting with the beaded silver chargers, a gift from my sister...many years ago.  I use them frequently.

Yet again, I've chosen to use my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I".  It's hard to go wrong with this elegant old pattern.  I've had the Two's Company silver tassel napkin rings for many years, but this is the first time that I've used them.  They are so pretty, but they are not extremely versatile.  I've tried them many times, only to return them to their drawer in favor of something else.  Today however, they added just the right touch.

The Corbel silver goblets were a wedding gift from my mother-in-love almost 43 years ago.  I actually decided to remove them right before my friends arrived because the table was feeling a bit too crowded.  I did return them when dessert was served...filled with my mama's recipe for Brandy Ice...a favorite of the Birthday Girl.

The Vietri Amber goblet is one my newest acquisitions. I've told my kids that this is at the top of my wish list for Christmas.  At $19.00 per stem, I'll collect a few at a time until I have a full set. They are probably available in your area, too.  I think that this will be a classic design that I'll enjoy for many years.  It also comes in a color called "Smoke" and in a great "Apple Green."

The finishing touch for my trio of goblets was the AJKA, "Arabella" amethyst stem.  I have an assortment of 12 of these in 4 colors, a Tuesday Morning purchase many years ago.  Lately, I've been able to add extras in each color thanks to eBay.  As is so often the case, these have escalated in price, but by watching and waiting, I've been able to find some good deals on additional goblets.

I love these marvelous old Double Damask linen napkins with a geometric stripe border and a field of small dots.  They belonged to my mother-in-love, and there is a lovely matching tablecloth that I use often.


In lieu of a birthday cake, I asked The Cookie Princess to design a cupcake for our party...

...She did a wonderful job!  I placed them in the individual lidded dessert pedestals, and they became a part of the tablescape.

The menu for today also includes the Pioneer Woman's recipe for Creamy Baked Chicken Spaghetti, a crisp green salad, and fresh baked French bread...just right for a cool Autumn day. My dear friends should be here any time.  I can hardly wait for them to arrive.


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 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 Fall, I think sunlit mornings and close friends gathered at my table.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper 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.

44 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful table you have set! I love the toile tablecloth and how beautifully it picks up color from the gorgeous Spode china and "Arabella." Adding those beautiful silver tassels to the damask linens give such an elegant appearance!My favorite are the silver goblets and lidded dessert cloches... love the detailing on the silver goblets. Very elegant tablescape and I've enjoyed my visit here today. Thanks for entertaining us,it was a lot of fun. Have a good day!~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  2. Beautiful, elegant...this is one of my favorite tables, ever! I think it is the tablecloth that pulls everything together...anyway, I love it!

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  3. BEAUTIFUL!!! From the table cloth to the cupcakes!!! Your daughter-in-love (that is such a wonderful term xo) will be delighted with the gorgeous plates!! I love that most items on your table have memories attached to them ... we have become such a disposable society , and with that lose so much of our past. Thank you for sharing another wonderful inspiring setting, and the menu sounds delish!! xo HHL

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  4. What a wonderful colour combination for fall. I love it - even though it's outside my normal comfort zone too.

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  5. Cherry Kay! This is so lovely. I love the Mayflower pattern. Lucky DIL for sure. Your elevated centerpiece is downright ingenious. Love the use of the rings on the pedestals. Another extremely lovely table.. xo marlis

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  6. As usual, your tablescape is stunning, Cherry Kay. It looks very happy and your guests and you will have so much fun. How lucky of your DIL to get those pretty Spode dishes!...Christine

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  7. Cherry Kay, this color scheme is right up my alley! What a wonderful surprise and what a fun way to show them. I just love everything. I need to spend more time on ebay! The plates are fantastic as is the linen and the goblets are wonderful too.

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  8. Cherry Kay, it's fun watching you "stretch yourself" beyond your comfort zone. You did a great job! The color combination would be beautiful for a traditional Easter table, too. What a lucky girl your daughter-in-love is to be receiving such a fabulous and generous gift -- and to have family members who like playing in the dishes, too!

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  9. just beautiful! what a lovely gift for your DIL!

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  10. I for one LOVE the purple and gold combo! It's bold and beautiful and shows so much personality!!! Very smart choice on the color of the flowers to temper it all. It looks great! I hope your wish list is fulfilled for the Vietri stems...they're beautiful!!! I have long admired the "Arabella" stems and remember seeing them at Tuesday Morning and longing for them! The amethyst is particularly striking. The color is so deep and rich! Perfect for so many occasions! Glad you finally got to use your Two's Company tassel rings, too! Great added touch! Enjoy your week, Cherry Kay!

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  11. Beautiful tablescape! Love the dishes and your centerpiece!

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  12. Those dishes are gorgeous! Your DIL is indeed a lucky girl. I think the strong colors work and your instinct to add a neutral color too, is right on. I had to do the same with my red table. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful table!

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  13. So beautiful. It's neat that you're stepping outside your comfort zone! I too have that tablecloth, but I don't think I've used it yet. The Spode plates are amazing. Your daughter in law is one lucky girl!

    - The Tablescaper

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  14. Oh how lovely. I have to agree about seeing things in a new light on other tables set. I love the flower rings on the pedestals -- I'll be trying that as well! I also now have an affection for purple, a color I always avoided in the past...from seeing how lovely it is on tables. How delighted your daughter in law must be!

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  15. Love the yellow and purple on this gorgeous table and that long table behind the table is fantabulous!

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  16. Coming to your table each week gives me such pleasure. Thank you!

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  17. This is absolutely stunningly beautiful as always! I LOVE the purple/yellow combo (I'm going to do a purple/copper combo for fall, I think????).
    And your silver goblets are truly wonderful!!!! Every detail is perfection!!!! I so wish that I was a guest at that gorgeous table!

    Love/hugs/blessings,
    Lana

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  18. Such an amazing table you have created! I adored the toile tablecloth and the silver goblets and lidded dessert cloches I also have one myself always enjoy using it.

    Wonderfully done.

    Karin Åžen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  19. So many beautiful things on this table! It is fun to try new things, and I think you nailed this one. The purple and gold look is so beautiful, and I love your Nana's silver s&p cellars, and the lovely stems, I'm swooning. I never have much luck on ebay, I'm always the highest bidder but then when the auction is over, I've lost. I can't seem to figure it out. You have had great luck as that china is beautiful and looks so great with your tablecloth. I'm sure the birthday girl felt very special at this gorgeous setting!!

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  20. Hi lovely lady.
    Your Tablescape is gorgeous with your China, the purple and gold tablecloth go's great together sweet lady for this lovely Birthday dinner party. You did a great as always putting this one together !!
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    XXOO Diane

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  21. Hi lovely lady.
    Your tablescape is gorgeous with the lovely China and the purple with gold tablecloth beautiful. You did a great job putting this all together for this lovely dinner party as always.
    I hope you have a great weekend with your family.
    XXOO Diane

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  22. So wonderful! I think it does say fall in a lovely way! The china is a great match to the tablecloth. Jennifer

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  23. Cherry Kay, this is fabulous as always!! I love the colors. and the china is just gorgeous! Beautiful tablecloth too! Thanks for stopping by!!

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  24. What a lucky DIL you have! The table is a smash, as always, and I think my favorite thing besides the plates are the amethyst goblets. It's always such a treat to see what you are going to wow us with next.

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  25. Oh my I don't know where to begin. Your table is gorgeous! What a lucky daughter-in-law to receive such beautiful plates, and what a sweet suprise to read it on your blog. All of your touches are beautiful but my favorite are the Corbel goblets. Those are treasures. Beautiful post........

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  26. That is the Happiest Classiest table I have ever seen! I adore the way you brought amethyst goblets and a toile tablecloth all together with fluffly cookie cupcakes~:*~:*~KUDOS. Why doesn't somebody throw me a party like that!?

    ~~Wendy

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  27. I've just had a look through your blog and adore your amazing transferware collection and dinner services! Your tablescapes are amazing too.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog-it's lovely to meet you and find your blog!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  28. You did a wonderful job on your delightful birthday tablescape. I love all the elements especially the amethyst goblets and plates. What a fortunate daughter-in-law! I could not help but notice the pretty imari plates on your buffet also. Your menu sounds wonderful and I know your guests felt special.

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  29. Beautiful table settings...how amazing to serve the cupcakes under glass like that!! I loved the different patterns put together. We donate regularly to our local food bank. Because I can't be out in the sun, I can't participate in the hunger walks, I can however support those who do! This was a wonderful post.

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  30. Your table is so pretty! I love all of the details. I love that you used your Nana's things as well as your Mom's. Your dishes and stemware are lovely. I love your cupcake holders too. I'm sure the four of you had a great meal!

    Pam

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  31. Cherry Kay, what a magnificent table you have set!! Your daughter-in-love is blessed to have you!! I am sure that she loved receiving such a thoughtful gift from you! From the tablecloth, to the dishes and that Vietri stemware...this table is perfection! Thanks for leaving such sweet comments on my Fall Tuscan Table post!! God bless you!!!

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  32. Absolutely beautiful......if I can encourage you I will...I am inspired by the beauty of your tables!

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  33. Beautiful look overall and in each detail...All I can say is that I would be thrilled to sit for a mealat this table!

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  34. Cherry Kay, this tablesetting is just magnificent!! From the tablecloth to the dishes, this is sheer perfection. My personal favortie is the Vietri stemware. (I love everything from Vietri!) What a lovely way to honor your daughter-in-love, with her favorite dishes!! Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Tuscan table. I really appreciate it! God bless!!

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  35. elegant, regal and just STUNNING!

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  36. What a beautiful table. Yellow and purple are a wonderful combination. Thank you so much for your kind comments.

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  37. Love the table, love my plates, love you!

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  38. From the tablecloth to the cupcakes what a beautiful table you've set. I love the colors,your centerpiece is simply gorgeous.. and your wine glasses oh my gosh... over the top.. I'm still drooling.. you always wow me..hugs ~lynne~

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  39. I absolutely love that tablecloth - I'm the same as you: the colours wouldn't be my usual choice but, wow!, they look incredible!!

    And look at the way you've set the table!! I'd love to join you there..but will have ot make do with following your blog!

    Sarahx

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  40. This is one of my favorite china patterns...I may have to start searching ebay for a few place settings. The tablecloth is beautiful and what a lovely backdrop for this beautiful and elegant table setting. Your centerpiece is wonderful! Thanks for sharing this...really one of my favorites!! Hope you are enjoying our glorious weather!
    Miss Bloomers

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  41. I love this pattern too, it's just so beautiful. I love that you've paired it with the yellow and purple toile. I think it's stunning, Cherry Kay!

    Nancy

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  42. For being outside of your color comfort zone you did the most gorgeous job!!!!!!! I love everything from the tablecloth to the goblets! So beautiful and opulent! Rich, Rich, Rich!
    Yvonne

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  43. It is gorgeous. Just love the colours and those goblets are stunning.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Shel

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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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