Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Ridgways "Lynton" Alfresco

"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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Here on the prairie, we experience extreme weather variations ( with the exception of this winter) during each of the four seasons.  Our Spring this year is glorious, and we know that with the strong possibility of a blazing hot summer, we want to grab every opportunity to enjoy our time outside now!  Everything is greening up nicely, and although the Plumbago is still small and the Day Lilies have yet to open, my potted Geraniums and the Knockout Roses are putting on a lovely show of reds and pinks.  I am not a gifted gardener, but I do love a wonderful display of color in my flower beds.  With that in mind, yesterday I set a table on the back porch for luncheon with friends.  The day was perfect!

Come on outside and see what's waiting for your enjoyment...

We'll settle in the shade of the big ole tree, and we'll soak up that magnificent clear blue sky.  We might still be sitting here come supper time.

Happily returning, yet again, to my cherished blues, I layered the patio table with the Williams Sonoma, "Light Blue Linen Hemstitched" Tablecloth, an eBay purchase.  These are such lovely tablecloths.  They are machine washable, and I usually lay them out to dry across one of the patio tables.  They iron up nicely and easily.  eBay Tip:  These tablecloths can be listed for a pretty penny on eBay.  Once again, take your time!  Keep watching by saving items of interest to your My eBay page.  You'll start to see a range of prices appear, and you'll quickly learn to recognize when someone lists one for a "good price for the particular item."  Pay attention to the ending time for the auction and plan to bid during the last 30 seconds or so...depending on the speed of your computer and server.  I prefer to bid with 20 seconds left in the auction, and I bid the highest price that I would be willing to pay.  I rarely actually pay that price; it's usually just a dollar or so above the current high bid.  By bidding my high bid and bidding late, the other bidder rarely has time to come back and bid against me.

My centerpiece was a no brainer...I used the blue and white pot filled with Geraniums that sits on this table throughout the summer....

...flanked by a pair of Hobby Lobby small blue and white footed bowls holding battery operated pillar candles...

...and a pair of Coalport Decanters, another inexpensive eBay find.  Today the decanters were filled with water and wine which prevented frequent trips to the kitchen for refills.

The featured player for today's table is the Ridgways, "Lynton, Blue".  You can also find it in a wonderful brown.  For years, I've been searching for Ridgways, "Portland Basket", to no avail.  When I came across the Lynton pattern on eBay, I decided that I could achieve much the same design effect.  The Portland Basket remains on "the list."  If I ever happen to find it, I'll give this pattern to my children...maybe.  

I used the Wedgwood, "Queens Plain" 'Large' Dinner plate as a charger.  I bought these from Replacements for a better price than I could find on eBay.  The small Cream Reticulated Plate was one of twelve that I picked up at the tail end of an estate sale for $10.00.  They are not marked, and I don't think that they are particularly valuable...except to me.  I really like them.  The flatware is the L'Argent, "Sophia" in the 'gold'...

  ...I chose the "Sophia" gold because they nicely punctuated the yellow roses in the plate's floral garland.

The blue and white gingham napkin is the napkin most used by Sweet Mister and me.  We've had them since 1985...I'd say that they've proven their value.

The sun was so crisp and bright that I knew that clear crystal goblets would be dancing in the light...
The larger Godinger, "Sutton Place" goblet was another eBay acquisition, purchased a few at a time for $5.00 each or less.  The last time that I checked, the price was higher.  The wine goblet is Tiffin, "Elyse", found at the end of an estate sale for a scandalously low price.  Tip:  Have you ever tried to find someone to identify a crystal goblet design for you.  Most replacement places will help you.  I thought that it was interesting to learn that when you send them a photo, they are most interested in the stem of the goblet...more than the bowl.  Evidently, it is the stem that is usually peculiar to a specific manufacturer...pretty cool little tidbit.

I'm good to go, and if you check the top right portion of the pic, you'll see that Dickens, my Yorkshire Terrorist, has almost finished his perimeter patrol of the back yard.  This has been a really easy process for me because once again, my generous friends are bringing...

  ...take out!...

...I think that I'll step over to one of my chairs, put my feet up on the ottoman, and catch a wink or two until my dear friends stroll through the door.


Wish that you could join me for fellowship, food, and fun.  Let me know if you're going to be passing through my neck of the woods.  I'll set a table just 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 April, I think of  glorious sun-filled skies and meals shared al fresco.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAY.  Hope to see you there!

Tonight is the sixth edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  So excited to be 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. Your table for lunch al fresco is lovely. Blue and white work every time! The only thing nicer than lunch under the big tree is lunch brought by friends - such a treat. I remember watching the trees bend in the wind of an Oklahoma City summer morning and then my shock, on stepping outside, to fine the breeze was really searing hot. Enjoy your spring sunshine and make the most of these lovely days!

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  2. What a beautiful setting!! The blue and white looks so cool and crisp, with the red geraniums providing the perfect pop of color! What a lovely way to enjoy an spring afternoon! Very pretty!

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  3. Oh I love seeing your outdoor tablescapes! This is such a gorgeous china pattern. I love the yellow flatware you used and the red geranium. They really pull out those colors from the dishes. But I like how you still have so much pretty blue in this setting with just the right hint of the other colors. It is so pretty as is the rest of your patio too. How fun to be able to create a lovely and inviting table and wait for the food to arrive. That's the life!

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  4. Cherry Kay.. fabulous.. I love those plates. Thank you for being a very good friend and making me more ebay savvy! No the plates aren't here yet, but the bread plates are and they are exquisite! I have always loved that pattern. Your Ridgeway is so pretty and the gold flatware was the perfect choice with it, perfectly bringing out those yellow Texas roses (wink)... Love the two candle cups from HL.. must find some of those too. An absolutely gorgeous table in a fabulous backyard! I'd join you on the couch in a heartbeat! Hugs, xo marlis

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  5. As always a magnificent table and most excellent hospitality. And...now I am inspired to eat dinner outside today!

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  6. You have a really great back yard, Cherry Kay, with all the trees and patio space. There's plenty of room for entertaining 5 or 50! It's wonderful! Everything is greening up nicely, too. You are SO right about these summers in the middle of the continent. We get good and scorched!!!! We're supposed to get up to 91+ today, but mercifully back into highs only in the 50s over the weekend. I can tolerate that! It's way too early to be fighting humidity and overbearing heat! I continue to hail you as Queen of Ebay!!! Such beautiful pieces, and the linen is just beautiful!!! That's a good idea to just lay them out over the table to dry without heating up the house! Lessens shrikage, too, I'm sure!

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  7. Cherry Kay you ALWAYS have the perfect setting that is SO inviting! I think I can even feel a cool breeze drifting by! You are SO RIGHT about being patient for the right price on ebay. When I first started shopping there MANY MOON AGO, I didn't know that...
    I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blues with the backdrop of your rich green lawn and flowers. "It Is GORGEOUS"!!!
    HUGS to you,
    Donna

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  8. I love outdoor tables and this one is gorgeous!

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  9. Lovely outdoor setting. The layering is great!

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  10. What a beautiful outdoor table! Your yard looks so pretty. Everything about this table is inviting. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Visiting from LD!

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  11. Glorious! The setting, the table, and those beautiful Lynton dishes!

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  12. Beautiful yard! Your setting is so pretty, love your dishes and linens!

    Have a wonderful night!

    Aledia @ Plum Perfect

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  13. Just beautiful. What a lovely space to entertain. Beautiful plates as usual!

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  14. Gorgeous table! Outdoor tablescapes are so much fun, weather permitting.
    Your dishes are lovely and the backdrop is beautiful. Ebay is a great place to find some awesome stuff, especially gorgeous dishes and tablecloths. Thanks for sharing a wonderful setting.

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  15. Hi Cherry Kay, Your view out of the sliders is beautiful and you have a wonderful setting for dining outdoors. We tried to eat out today but it is still too cold. And if I told my poor little roses that yours were in full bloom they would just faint. You were very lucky to find those chargers for less $$ at Replacements because I think they are usually expensive. If you ever find your other dish pattern you can always mix and match! Linda

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  16. Oh, I forgot to say thank you for the tip on the stemware! i am trying to identify my mother's unmarked crystal, purchased something around 1950, and she thinks it was from Hungary. That's all she can tell me. Linda

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  17. There is so much to love about this table! The red geraniums look great with the blue/white theme, and I love that touch of yellow, too. And, thanks for sharing your ebay tricks, Cherry Kay!

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  18. It is so fun to be in everyone's backyard again. You have such a beautiful area back there and such great shade for a pretty table. The red just pops against the blue. Ahh, what beauty in color. I just loved it and wish I were there too.

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  19. Your table is lovely!! I love the pieces that your used (this is the third blog that I have seen with yellow flatware - I have to get some!!), but I really appreciated the way that your took the time to explain your choices and give a little history of the pieces. The history of tableware is what keeps me collecting! Thank you for sharing.

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  20. So enjoyed your outdoor setting today!! the blue and white is always my favourite - crisp - and the punch of colour from the dinner plate floral and cutlery handles perfect!!! Happy TT..xo HHL

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  21. It looks like spring has reached Oklahoma in full glory, and you table is a wonderful tribute to the season. Isn't it wonderful to again be able to enjoy dining outdoors?

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  22. Looks like a perfect day for a lovely table outside. Very pretty.
    Love the blue and white.
    Pat

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  23. I'm eating up your Lynton Blue. No need to serve anything else! Spring is always so gorgeous! You have beautiful outdoor shots!.

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  24. Lovely!

    Your friends probably compete madly for an invitation to your table, just so they can see what you are going to do!

    That china pattern is just what I like -- colorful.

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  25. Hi CK,
    How I wish you could send some warm to Sweden. I so jealous when you ladies, grabbed your tables outside.
    I am in need of sunny and warm weather.

    Happy TS...

    Greetings from rainy Stockholm,
    /CC

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  26. I believe I could sit there and enjoy the scenery all weekend long! You are known for your "blues" and this is a perfect example of a beautiful springtime table! Lovely!!

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  27. Cherry Kay, that blue cloth just takes my breath away - the way the light is showing through it. The items you have chosen are shown so beautifully against that cloth. Blue and white is such a timeless, relaxing combination. I am sure you and your guests lingered at that table. Thank you for the eBay tips. I have often looked at these cloths but was worried they would not be easy to care for. I am waiting for my plumbago to bloom too.

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  28. What a lovely table in such beautiful sorroundings! I love all your layer of dishes and the flower Lynton plates are simply gorgeous! Pretty blue and white elements you've used to create this wonderful setting. Enjoy your fabulous weather! Hugs,
    FABBY

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  29. What a welcoming outdoor space. No wonder you expect your friends to linger. I love the blue and white for outdoors. Are you sure you should have given away your Ebay tips? You may have to change your last minute bidding time by a second or two now!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  30. You have such a lovely backyard, it's perfect for this tablescape. It's gorgeous. I love every single bit of it. The dishes, the setting, just all of it.

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  31. How beautiful, Cherry Kay. Love the dishes and it is always wonderful to dine al fresco.....Christine

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  32. Such a beautiful day to dine on the patio..today our wind is high...but we love those nights when we can sit out enjoy dinner. Love the table you have set..so pretty with all the blue and white and that red accent of the geranium is perfect!! Gorgeous as always! Your yard is lovely!
    Miss Bloomers

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  33. What a perfect day to dine outdoors! Better yet, no cooking! The table looks lovely, I love your ebay tips, though I am not good at it! The tablecloth looks so graceful, out there under your big tree, and the china and crystal are just beautiful!
    Thanks for being a charter member of Let's Dish!
    Have a great weekend!

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  34. Such a beautiful outdoor tablescape you have created for us to see. Love the soft blue of the tablecloth along with your dishes and goblets, all are just lovely. Great choice on the centerpiece with the red roses and your red rose bush showing in the image. Such a perfect tablescape.

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  35. What a perfect place for a dinner. I love the blue and white, one of my favorite. The red geranums are perfect. I wish I could have been there. Great job. Richard from My Old Historic House

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  36. Love your table. So pretty...

    Cynthia

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  37. Your table is so inviting. Blue and white are always a hit! I'm jealous that you already can dine al fresco and your roses are already blooming. It's this time of year that I can only find blooms online. We have another month before we can enjoy those things in western pa. Peggy from PA

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  38. So gorgeous!!! Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  39. Your daughter is very talented. Loved her song. How wonderful for her song to be chosen and for such a cause. You must be proud.
    I adore your Ridgway dishes. I thought I knew a lot about dishes but I had to look up Ridgway. Lynton Blue is a keeper!
    Please come and visit Lady B and me, Dame Ruthie at
    http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com/

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  40. This is so inspiring and I just adore the pale blue cloth! I have one too and love how vividly you have built this composition.

    Francie

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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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