Thursday, October 6, 2011

Gently Falling

"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. During this beautiful season when we celebrate harvest and Thanksgiving, 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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My dear friend Marsha recently moved into a beautiful new home, and she wanted the Garden Friends to share their Bible Study at her house this year.  Although I would love to have this precious group of women at my house every week of every year, I am thrilled for Marsha to receive the blessing of hosting this wonderful group in her home.  Today, I invited anyone who was available to come back to my house after our study for a bowl of my homemade chicken noodle soup...that always says Autumn to me.

I've decided that I need to embrace the colors of Fall slowly this year.  By the end of November when Thanksgiving rolls around, I'm often totally over the color orange.  This year I'm going to use a variety of color themes over the next two months.  Last week I had the pleasure of spending some time over at Boogie Board Cottage, and I found just the color inspiration that I wanted for my first Autumn tablescape.  Check out Mary's lovely blog!

The 'tablecloth' for today normally lies folded at the end of the bed in one of our guest rooms.  The kingsize quilt was a long ago purchase from Tuesday Morning. The soft teal color tells the color story for my design...soft...welcoming...comforting...gentle.

The set of patina copper chargers were found at an estate sale just this last week...$20.00 for a set of 8.  I grabbed them the moment that I laid eyes on them!  They are quite heavy, and they have kind of a hammered design.  Of course, I wish that they'd had more...maybe some day.

Perched on the copper charger is a Wedgwood, "Countryware" dinner plate.  Once we were gathered around the table, I asked each guest to take a Wedgwood, Majolica Leaf Plate to the kitchen for their spinach salad with smoked chicken, strawberries, pecans, fresh Parmesan cheese, and vinagrette.  The Haviland, "Ranson" coupe soup bowls were waiting to be filled next to the soup tureen on the kitchen counter.  All of the mentioned dishes were collected over time through my 'personal shopper', eBay.  eBay Tip:  Before you place a bid, be sure to factor in the shipping charges.  Depending on the item/s, shipping can be fairly expensive.  If shipping is not specified, be sure to request a shipping quote to your zip code from the seller prior to bidding.  You'll be happier if you avoid unpleasant surprises!

The antique carved ivory flatware added a soft golden tone that was a nice addition to my gentle Fall table.  I found the service for 12 at a wonderful local antique store.  It was not a bargain, and it had nothing to do with 'need.'  I drove straight through 'Need' many miles ago.  The silver soup spoon, on the other hand, was another eBay bargain.

I've used the Pottery Barn Hemstitched Linen "Flax" napkin numerous time since this summer.  It's a wonderful, calm sophisticated hue that mixes beautifully with so many different colors.

Making an encore appearance after playing a primary role in last week's Orleans Toile and Spode Mayflower post, the Vietri Amber goblet added another kiss of soft gold to my Autumn tablescape.  I paired it with the Mikasa, "French Countryside", our everyday goblet.


Have you ever noticed that you're willing to spend money on certain things, and you would never dream of spending much money on other things?  Do you remember when everyone used to wear pantyhose regularly?  I put a run in my pantyhose practically every time that I wore them.  Therefore, I could never bring myself to shell out the dollars for the nicer brands.  I bought L'Eggs (remember those?) for $2.99 a pair, by the dozen.  Well, I pretty much feel the same way about spending much money on a pumpkin that is going to rot...So I got myself to Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and WalMart, where I found this lovely "almost natural' grouping of pumpkins, gourds, and neutral berry branches...and I'll be able to use them for years.


The pheasant feathers were courtesy of my mighty hunter, Sweet Mister.  He brings them to me after hunting trips.  I have this idea that some day I'll be able to make a set of feather chargers out of them.  Just dreamin'?...We'll see.  

Are you seeing lanterns everywhere this year?  I found these at Hobby Lobby, just this week.  They are about 12" high, which makes them the right height for the dining table.

I had extra berry branches, so I plopped them in a pair of neutral containers on the buffet.  I like the height that they added.  Hmmm...I need to put in some new candles. Hope that I remember to do that before the Garden Friends arrive.  Hey!  It could happen...or not.  Do you recognize those silver tassels from last week's post.  They live here most of the time.







Some candlelight shots for your pleasure...I even managed to snag...



...a few blue hour frames...and right before I left to join my Garden Friends for Bible study...










...the sweet Lord took His paint brush and stroked a few drops of sunshine across my table.  I'm off to Garden Friends.  We're currently working our way through a wonderful book called, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" by John Ortberg.  I think that you would enjoy it.  You will always be welcome to join our circle of sisters!


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 fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to 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.

48 comments:

  1. I like your table and the "softer side" of Autumn as Pat at Crooked Creek calls it. I love those white pumpkins with the softer orange. It's a very pretty table and those lanterns make the perfect centerpiece with the pumpkins and feathers.

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  2. This table is stunning and so refreshing with the blue and white. I personally love the white pumpkins for decorating this time of year. You have outdone yourself with this table. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  3. I love the colors you used on this beautiful table. So soothing and serene. You collections are wonderful, especially the gorgeous ivory flatware.

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  4. I love this table with the muted colors, very, very pretty. Your centerpieces are always stunning.

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  5. Cherry Kay, this is the most spectacular fall table. I love how elegant and rich it feels. Such beautiful flatware.. drool drool.. I really love your white pumpkins, must get some for myself..hate repeating the spending on rotting fruit myself! You have a most artistic eye for composition.. I love dropping in.. xo marlis

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  6. Your tablescape is beautiful! I love the centerpiece and your dishes are stunning! You did a great job!

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  7. I am just falling in love with the white Fall tables this year...so pretty...I really would love to try it...gorgeous!

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  8. Your table is so very well done! I adore everything you have put together to make your guests excited to come to the table. Your dining room is very pretty! You have wonderful taste.

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  9. Good morning, Cherry Kay! I am SO with you on the "easing into fall" thing. My dining room has a lot of orange in it (red's cousin that also is fabled to stimulate the appetite), so I get tired of orange quicker than most, I think. I do love orange, but I need to dance with a few different partners every once in awhile. :-) I love what you've done here. The pumpkins and gourds look absolutely real, and you'll be able to enjoy them for years to come. I like that! I'm a big fan of pheasant feathers, and I love the way you framed the centerpiece with them. GORGEOUS dishes. Absolutely gorgeous!!! I love your statement about having driven through the need many miles ago! I think I'll use that line with my husband and see how far it takes me! :-) Oh...My Ebay purchase arrived yesterday. It was perfectly intact and exactly what I ordered, so I'm happy! Good advice on checking the shipping charges before ordering. I did do that, and my purchase was still a fabulous bargain! I'm not quite "addicted" to Ebay yet, but I'm sure I'll get there in time! I've already got my eye on some creamed soup bowls that I hope are still around by the time I can get them. Gorgeous table, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  10. Beautiful, beautiful table. I agree completely about buying pumpkins which are only going to rot.

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  11. Oh, absolutely the best tablescape I have seen in a while. Love the colors, and lanterns, and feathers, and quilted cloth. Beautiful pics in candlelight too!

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  12. Hi Cherry Kay,
    I love the idea of the teal spread for a tablescloth! I do not like orange so I completely try to stay away from it! I love white pumpkins! Great dishes, by the way and feathers!!!!!
    Blessings My friend,

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  13. Your tables cape is so beautiful, Cherry Kay. I am really in love with your plates, so delicate and pretty. beautifully put together centerpiece....Christine

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  14. So beautiful, Cherry Kay. My eyes kept going to the salad plate, it is just lovely! I love the colors, easing into Fall indeed
    Wonderful buy on the chargers, and your prowess with eBay is amazing.
    I was in PB and WS Outlet today. Pretty empty, and not much that appealed to me. Spent nothing but time! :)

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  15. I'm with you on the fall color scheme. I do love the blue and white with the hint of browns. It's autumn in a subdued sort of way. The arrangement down the center of your table is stunning. You have some beautiful things and I'm always in awe of your china. Love the flatware--my daughter says it's amazing how we can justify certain purchases, especially when I lecture her about buying clothes. She promptly tells me I spend just as much on a place setting! lol Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Another beautiful table. I quite agree about Orange Fatigue by the end of November. I have a bowl of gourds on the hall table, some fall flowers and a couple of candles - that's it. A wreathe of leaves on the front door announces the season, and I'm ready!

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  17. Hi Cherry Kay...

    My friend, I just know that you are such a blessing to your Bible study group! I would love to be a guest at one of your lovely tables!!!

    Ohhh my...I'm not sure where to begin. Everything is just sooo beautiful! I love that you used the soft aqua quilt for the table covering. I don't know if I would have thought to use that color with an autumn table but it's really pretty paired with the white's and yellows in the centerpiece! Which by the way...is stunning! I love the lanterns! I also love the white Wedgewood dinner plates. This is the first time that I have seen this pattern...sooo pretty! Ohhh my goodness, Cherry Kay...you really scored finding those gorgeous copper chargers! Oh yes, I would have scooped them up in flash! Sooo awesome! Well dear lady, thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous autumn table with us...this was such a treat!

    Warmest autumn wishes,
    Chari

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  18. What a fabulous table...love the color combination...so soft and different..I have been loving the white pumpkins! The lanterns on the table are so perfect! As usual another fabulous table!! Hope you are enjoying fall!

    Miss Bloomers

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  19. I love it!! I am inspired and happy to see your beauty....thank you my friend!

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  20. STUNNING tablescape post!

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  21. Hi Cherry Kay, what a gorgeous table you have set. The color scheme is so lovely and inviting. xo

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  22. Back from Seasonal Sundays to look at this beautiful table. Have a blessed Sunday!

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  23. You creativity it showing. What a gorgeous tablescape! I love the soft colors of teal in the quilt and the soft white in the pumpkins. The chargers were an absolute steal. I'm on the lookout for chargers but refuse to pay the high retail price. I have those same napkins in white and love them. Your white china, flatware and stems work beautifully together. I'm sure your guest were delighted to sit at such a lovely table and the soup and salad sound delish.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  24. Hello, and thank you for visiting my blog and for your sweet comment! Your tablescape just takes my breath away..it is stunning! I am like you in that I find I will spend any amount on certain things but very limited amounts on other things. It's just a matter of what is important! You have a beautiful home and I very much enjoyed your tablescape.
    Linda

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  25. Such a soft soothing table setting. I love the colors and I really love the white with the teal. Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Dianne

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  26. Love the beautiful soft colors, the white pumpkins look great! And homemade chicken soup always sounds good:@)

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  27. Love your soft colors to begin the fall season. Everything is gorgeous: copper chargers, bone handled cutlery, stunning centerpiece, and the beautiful quilt! Well Done!!!!

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  28. Gorgeous table, photographed to perfection!!

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  29. Very pretty table- love the quilt/tablecloth- the color is very pretty. You have such pretty china- and the stemware looks perfect with it. I love your new lanterns- I find them at T.J.'s all the time, except there are rarely two of the same item! Not sure if someone beat me to it or it's just how it comes in. I bought a lot of pumpkins this year but they are all outdoors. I have faux pumpkins inside and I don't mind that they are faux at all!
    Have a great Sunday Liz

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  30. This is a gorgeous table. I love the muted color. It's refreshing to see we can embrace Fall with other colors. The dinnerware is fabulous! I like the centerpiece with the white pumpkins, feathers and lanterns. Thanks for inspiring me.

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  31. Really beautiful table. Love the mix of natural elements (feathers, berries) with the more refined (dishes, silver) and the simple (candles). Perfect mix.

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  32. Absolute perfection. Love your choice of table linens and china. Gorgeous.

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  33. Stunning, just glorious!! I love your tablescape. We have so much to be thankful for!!

    I would love your thoughts on my Autumn decor so far, oh and I l have a new giveaway!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  34. Your dining table is set beautifully. What a pleasure for your gets to enjoy such a spectacular room. I would just sit there and drink it all in.
    Rita @MAY DAYS
    my three Yorkshire terrorists would love it too.

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  35. This is so beautiful But I think that tablecloth is the base of this amazing table. Great to have you a part of Seasonl Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  36. You have a way of making everything work in your own style. I have never thought about overdoing orange during this time of year, but now that I look around that is not the color I see most in my house, but I'm sure more will appear by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

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  37. The feathers in the floral arrangements are so pretty and unexpected! This table is so elegant and yet approachable...you really have a gift for this!

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  38. What an elegant fall table! So warm and full of rich pieces and organic naturals. I LOVE your china and your flatware. Just simply fabulous! The choice of tablescloth (beadspread) was perfect. I so love aquas/blues with naturals and browns. It really takes this whole table to a new level! The This is one of your best tables! Stunning!
    Please stop by StoneGable, I have a surprise for you!
    xo Yvonnne

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  39. Oh Cherry Kay! This is absolutely beautiful and homey and my idea of autumn. I love all the subtle fall hues with the brown and white. And I agree that soup just says "Fall" no matter what the type.

    Well, maybe not vichyssoise...

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  40. WOW WOW WOW! I just love your tablescape...love that quilt as the tablecloth...perfect color, perfect setting. Just beautiful. And I really like your wall color. The whole room and chandelier is just beautiful!
    have a blessed week.
    Debbie

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  41. I have the same kind of bed spread/tablecloth. Mine is a soft peach color and I got it at the Goodwill store. Washes beautifully, I love it, Thanks for stopping by, My Old Historic House. Richard.

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  42. What a gorgeous table! Each detail, just perfect - love the lanterns! Thanks for stopping by Redo 101 and for following me on Pinterest - it's very addictive! Have a great week!

    Hugs,
    Mary @ Redo 101

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  43. What a stunning table setting! Everything is just gorgeous!

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  44. oh wow, this is so pretty! Those chargers are lovely. I am always on the lookout for some chargers. I seem to use the same ones over and over. Your centerpiece is beautiful...love the natural elements. I've been using pumpkins I bought years ago too. Love that! I love the subtle colors of fall in your setting. I'm sure your meal was wonderful!

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  45. love the color combination on this tablesetting. The feathers added such a nice touch along with the quilt. Found you on Pinterest!

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  46. Absolutely gorgeous, Cherry Kay! I love the colors and textures. You captured it perfectly in a wonderful variety of lighting conditions. Beautifully done!

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  47. Your centrepiece with pumpkins and feathers starts my fall loved it

    Karin Åžen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  48. Cherry Kay, this is fun visiting these older posts that I had missed earlier. I see those gorgeous ivory knives and forks again. Love those! This is a gorgeous table setting, and yes, L'eggs were a staple of my wardrobe when I wore panty hose. ;-)

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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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