Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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!










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.

40 comments:

  1. Like your friend, I'm a fan of 'high colour' especially when it lifts spirits like this table setting must have!

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  2. The candlelight view is gorgeous, but this table smiles the brightest in the sunlight! I love your pink and green - and I love it when a table tells me exactly what it wants. So glad you were listening!

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  3. A very pretty table! Love the color. I'll have to visit that napkin site -- I adore napkins although my napkin drawer is really full!

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  4. Well thank-you for a "birthday" table post! I just had mine last Saturday and I already adopted a table from Alycia as my birthday table, but now I'm going to have to adopt another one! Love love all the color! Your china and stemware are fabulous! The early morning picture of the table with the stemware standing there all dazzling is perfect! Thanks for the "birthday" table...I'm sure there was a gift on the sideboard for me too!! ;-) Wink wink!!

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  5. Such pretty table. I love pink and green. Your tablecloth and dishes are so great together! Love the little bunnies.

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  6. Hello,
    oh whow, that table is breath taking. I really love every detail. The color combo ist great, very fresh and modern and the toile pattern is amazing. And the colorful stemware hits me off! You have chosen every detail so carefully that despite this hot colors the whole table looks elegant and simply gorgeous. The plates show just the right amount of decoration in the perfect colors. To say. "Well done" is too less. I am speechless.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  7. Oh Cherry, this table is sooo full of life and excitement. You can't help but smile.

    You are an excellent ebay shopper. Life is a bit too busy for me to pay attention to it now, but I love buzzing in and out of HomeGoods to see what treats they may have in store!

    LOVE this table!!! Sure wished we lived closer.

    - The Tablescaper

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  8. What a spectacular table, Cherry Kay. I love that tablecloth, I need to find me one. I have those stemware in red and they look lovely in hot pink. I have not seen them in that color. I found mine at HG and love them too. I love your Ebay found dishes too. Pretty pattern and edges....Christine

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  9. GORGEOUS color combo! Perfect for Spring! Love the various images, the way the lighting and mood changed form day to night :) Thanks for sharing over at Susan's TT party! Have a Happy Easter!

    xo Lynda

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  10. Wow! This is lovable.

    I would ask one too, if ever I am around §;-)

    Adorable pieces that I only drool.

    TY for the great idea.

    Happy TS,
    /CC

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  11. Your table is simply stunning...love the pretty pink glasses...they look so wonderful with that beautiful tablecloth and the dishes...sooo pretty

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  12. I think you are such a good Ebay shopper because of the knowledge you have from how to search for what you want to knowing if something is good quality and/or a good deal. Have you ever written a post about it? This table did come together beautifully and those glasses are so elegant. The table just glows in those candle shots too.

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  13. You don't have to worry about me shopping on Ebay and competing with you, because there IS NO competing with you!!! You ARE the Queen of Ebay, Cherry Kay! Those napkins are absolutely fabulous, and I will be visiting Mr. SellNapkins for that color. I have looked for both that color napkin AND that color of pink stemware for a long, long time to no avail. (Can't even find any in my wholesale catalogs!) Now that you have turned me on to the napkin source, I can concentrate on just the stemware. The toile table linen is just beyond words, and I love all the "high color." You nailed this! The dinner plates are the perfect selection, too. They don't fight with the table covering at all, but they do pick up on the essential colors. The tureen with the bird on top is the cat's pajamas, and I love how the favors tie in so neatly with the decor. Fab-u-LOUS!!!!!!!

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  14. I just love your table! The colors are right up my alley...I love the tablecloth, dishes and those cute flower bunnies! I am sure you all had a happy time at the party!
    Blessings My Friend,

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  15. I absolutely adore your toile tablecloth. I love those colors together and you have set an exquisite table. I'm so sad that I couldn't join your garden party. So much fun!!! On another note, I was noticing your dining room chairs. Do you know anything about them? When they were produced and who made them? I recently purchased a table and chairs (I call them Duncan Phyfe style) and my chairs are exactly like yours. I can't tell if our tables are the same because your is covered in this post. However, I am interested in knowing anything I can find out about this furniture design. I searched the internet and only found one other place that had chairs like these (at an antique market) but they did not know anything about them. I look forward to hearing from you.

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  16. Gorgeous! The colors are so pretty and it looks lovely in the evening light.

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  17. If the food was half as good as the table, then you definitely win the prize. These colors are so fabulous and I WANT those pink goblets. If you ever find any more, let me know. It seems that most of the places like Marshall's around here just have next to nothing any more.

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  18. Very beautiful tablescape. I'd like to own everything on that table...especially that great tablecloth!!

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  19. Oh.My.Goodness., what a beautiful table! I can't decide which I like the best, the tablecloth or the crystal...both. As always, you have a fabulous centerpiece, too.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  20. Beautifully rich in color. This is such a lovely table, and I was really smitten with it in the candlelight!

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  21. Cherry Kay, this is such a departure from the other tablescapes I have seen you put together, and I can see the fun you had! Fun and cheerful, and yet it's also very elegant. The tureen and the stemware are gorgeous and the little bunnies are adorable. You really are a good ebay shopper!

    Thank you for the sweet comment on my post. I looked up the dishes I used, and they are called Precious by Nikko.

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  22. This is one of the most beautiful tablescapes you have posted. Love the green and pink-one of my favorite color combinations. Love, love, love the china, napkins, stemware, and that gorgeous toile tablecloth. I love toile but that tablecloth is just amazing! You outdid yourself.

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  23. Gorgeous pink! Perfect for spring.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)
    Have a nice day.

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  24. Cherry Kay, I sooooo wish I lived near you & could be invited to sit at such a GORGEOUS table!! "High Color" indeed & so happy looking.

    The hot pink & lime green just set my heart a flutter! Soooo elegant, with the "Old Coalport" & your wonderful Reed & Barton, "Grand Renaissance".

    The sun & shadow shots really show off all these wonderful pieces. You truly have a special knack for making your guests feel welcome & I know they felt blessed to have you in their life. I know, I do!

    Thanks for letting us see the preparations for the birthday celebrations & also for all the shopping tips, too!

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  25. Popping back in to say I just bought some of those napkins! THANKS!!!

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  26. I agree, I would want those stems too! Beautiful high color table, perfect for Spring! I either have the cloth or the matching napkins from the WSonoma Outlet. I know I paid .99 for the napkins and scooped up a lot of unusual color combos!
    I will check your napkin source, but I have the have the free shipping, it is in my blood! :)
    Thanks for linking up at Let's Dish!
    I went back and picked up some more of those cream soup bowls by Hutschenreuther. You saw the dishes, right? I initially bought 6 of each style, then realized for 1.00 that was foolish! Now I have to stop shopping and use what I have!

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  27. Hi, Cherry Kay...the first thing that set my heart aflutter was those gorgeous pink goblets, with the green a close second...LOVE them! What a beautiful table. The tureen is to die for, and the plates are unbelievable beautiful! Beautiful table! ~Zuni

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  28. I love "high color" as well. What a fabulous table. How wonderful to have a special angel send you a blessing like those 4 pieces of stemware. Gorgeous!

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  29. What a beautiful table. I love the pink and green...so refreshingly spring. Those goblets are beautiful and I love the deal on those napkins! Beautiful dishes as usual!

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  30. Such a beautiful table! That tablecloth is gorgeous! It's really amazing how well the chrystal matches it. I love pink so I've just poured over all the details in this table. Gorgeous!

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  31. I'm awestruck! I don't even know where to begin. I love the colors, I love the china, the tablecloth the napkins, all of it. The candlelight was so gorgeous. A very beautiful table, to say the least. Thanks for sharing this with us. I just started and have three now under my belt. I know, I have a long way to go. I just posted my Easter table. I think it's cute, but no awe factor.

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  32. Spectacular table!!! I love all of the beautiful colors! Lucky birthday ladies to have such a nice party table!

    I love ebay and hopefully am not bidding against you. I've gotten napkins from that ebay seller in red and in orange. They are great!! I've gotten other linens on ebay as well. You can find beautiful linens for next to nothing!

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  33. Hi Cherry Kay, Your table is fabulous! I love pink and green together and the white of your dishes and the urns and (gasp) tureen keep it cool enough! I see all your wonderful goblets in the china closet. You must have hard a wonderful time with your friends. Just gorgeous in every way! Linda

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  34. What a beautiful table! I love the high color combination! The toile tablecloth is so adorable!

    http://www.remodelandolacasa.com

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  35. Oh my.
    What an absolutely stunning table!
    I took notes and am headed straight to Ebay.

    I love 'high color' too, plus I love that description.

    I enjoyed visiting so much-

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  36. I love Toile and the pattern you used is divine. I also love pink and those glasses are the bomb. What a table, what a party. Richard from My Old Historic House.

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  37. I love it so much....I think of you often when I am putting things together. What would Cherry do? And I do love those pink goblets...you are a treasure, keep showing us how to enjoy our things!!

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  38. Cherry Kay, your table is gorgeous. I should be here. My birthday was April Fool's Day and I love to garden...Pink and green is so pretty together. The tablecloth is quite the find. I am loving the bird tureen....I am sure your guests really enjoyed sitting at this fabulous table.

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  39. Cherry Kay, I finally made it. This is fabulous.. I love the photo of the beautiful glasses. Breathtaking. The tureen is a spectacular piece. It's beauty is perfect to herald in spring! Your guests must have had a wonderful time especially with how special you made them feel. Your table is as gracious as you. xo marlis

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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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