Colorpalooza

"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. As you consider your own philanthropic opportunities, 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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Today we celebrated birthdays for the Garden Friends who were born in March and April.  From the moment that I grabbed the tablecloth that I wanted out of one of the linen closets, this table just seemed to tell me what element to add next...from start to finish...  I had so much fun putting this together to honor my sweet sisters in Christ.

Barb, one of the birthday girls and the friend who collaborates with me each year to create a table for the Theta Flaming Festival, adores what I call "high color."  As I worked, I could already see the giant smile on her face.

Are you shopping on eBay, yet?  Come on, people!  Of course, I really shouldn't encourage you because you'll end up bidding against me, and I'll lose something that I want.  This is one of the Williams Sonoma "Orleans Toile" tablecloths.  It was new, in perfect condition...and I would have never paid the full price to buy it in the store.  The hot pink hemstitch napkins were also an eBay purchase. eBay Tip:  Do a search for hemstitch napkins.  The seller is called sellnapkins, and they sell a dozen of these wonderful 20 x 20 napkins for $23.00.  Although I've found them with free shipping, tonight I noticed that some of their multitude of colors are now listed with a shipping charge...still a very good price.  They are a linen/cotton blend.  The napkin rings...another eBay find are Coalport, "Countryware".

I wanted to use something other than a plain white plate, but I needed to choose a pattern that didn't fight with the toile.  I chose the Coalport, "Old Coalport", and I rested it on the silver beaded charger to give it just a bit of separation from the cloth.  It made me happy.  It also made me giddy that I found a great deal on these plates on....wait for it...you've got it...eBay.  I always enjoy setting my table with my wedding silver flatware, Reed & Barton, "Grand Renaissance".

When I walked into the dining room early this morning, I immediately knew that the stars of this production were the crystal goblets...

The Vietri, Apple Green Optical Goblet is a new acquisition.  I adore this goblet...yep, you could say that...I've now bought it in three colors.  If you're looking for a lovely stem that is incredibly well priced, check out this one HERE!  In addition to the Amber and Smoke, which I've already shown you, it also comes in a lovely clear and a striking red.

The Garden Friends suggested that they should each get to take home one of the pink goblets as a party favor.  They were hands down the hit of the entire table!  Do you remember the story of this special pink stem?  I found 6 of them at Marshall's on a trip to Scottsdale, and I lamented that, although I had visited every Marshall's in my area, I was unable to find more.  About a week later, I went to the front door to find a package on the front porch.  Upon opening it, I discovered that an anonymous angel had sent me 4 more of these enchanting stems.  Today was the first opportunity that I've had to use all of them, and I was beyond thrilled!  If any of you have some of these that you are willing to sell, I'd love to visit with you.

The quartet of creamy Lenox Urns adorned with Hypericum Berries topiary balls have been holding court on the dining table since I used them for St. Patrick's Day.  Today I switched the tureen to the Mottahedeh, "Musee Des Arts Decoratifs" featuring the bird finial...as a nod to Spring.

Since Palm Sunday and Easter are just around the corner, I nestled four of these sweet "flower petal" bunnies around each urn.  I think that I'll use these for many years.  They are so cute!

I'm ready for the Garden Friends to start the birthday celebration and to give thanks as we approach our  most important holiday of each year.  I love the days when the sun dances through the window and softly kisses my table...

...I'm showing restraint...at least for this moment.  I snapped a number of these special shots.  I also caught some candlelight moments last night when I completed my design...

...So much for restraint....I just couldn't resist.  I'm always so surprised when they turn out okay.

Pink and green....hard to beat...who knew?

Even the darling birthday treats fit right into the color story.

It was a grand day of good food, fellowship, and lots of blessed laughter.  Coming my way?...let me know, and we'll set a place for you!

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 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

When I think of March, I think of the anticipation of Easter Sunday and entertaining friends with a delicious lunch.  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!

Tonight is the second edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH!".  So excited to become a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

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!