Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Outback Out Back

"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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Last Friday night, one of Sweet Mister's dear friends was 'batching' it for the weekend while his wife was away on a 'girl trip.'  Of course, we invited him to join us for Outback out back on the porch.  I pulled our table together while Sweet Mister drove to pick up dinner and bring it home for the three of us.

Come on out.  The Western sky is starting to show streaks of pinks, reds, and golds....sunset can't be too far away.  It's a beautiful evening.

I thought that a red, white, and blue color combination would be pleasing for the guys.  I'm once again taking advantage of the blue and white pots with red geraniums for a no brainer centerpiece.  The Coalport blue and white decanters add to the centerpiece design and are filled with water and wine.  The red and cream toile tablecloth is an eBay find...just a little feminine touch for moi.

I've really enjoyed using the Steelite Cobalt Charger plates since I bought them on eBay.  Remember, Steelite is Royal Doulton's restaurant quality dinnerware.  It's very reasonable, and it is quite well made.  The cobalt flatware is L'Argent, "Sophia", acquired through Horchow and Tuesday Morning.  The Williams-Sonoma navy hemstitch napkins were bought through eBay.

Men always seem to appreciate a larger dinner plate.  Tonight I chose the Royal Worchester, "Regency" Ruby dinner plate...yep...eBay.  This pattern is also available in a beautiful cobalt and a gorgeous green.  eBay TIp:  When you see auction prices listed with an italics font, it is always an indication that you are looking at an international seller.  I bought 12 of these from a seller in London.  The price for the plates was good enough to endure the higher shipping costs.  Just pay attention when buying from international sellers.  Always request a shipping and insurance quote before bidding.  They can be outrageous!

Dinner from Outback always includes a large salad.  The Royal Doulton, "RD199" luncheon plate, was the perfect choice for our salad course.

    A nice Cabernet Sauvignon was served in the AJKA, "Arabella" wine goblet.  Holding its own with everything else on the table, the Dollar Tree cobalt goblet was filled with iced water.

  Easy peasy...everything is ready.  I'm looking forward to a delicious meal and afterwards maybe we'll curl up in the easy chairs and visit as night gently falls here on the prairie.


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 SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there!



Tonight is the seventh 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.

35 comments:

  1. Your toile tablecloth is very pretty, Cherry Kay. I love how you mix the cobalt blue with it. Beautiful tablescape!..Christine

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  2. What a beautiful setting! Your linens are lovely with that china.

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  3. A very pretty table -- love the red white and blue color scheme!

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  4. Beautiful table, but I have to tell you, that tree is incredible! It must be very old. Your whole back yard is just beautiful.

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  5. Now THAT'S the way to do Outback!!! I love their food, but I would love it even more if I got to eat it from this lovely setting! Wow...your Dollar Tree stems look really, really blue!!! I didn't even peg them as being a Dollar Tree buy! Thanks for the tip about international sellers. I had no idea. I haven't gotten deep into the whole eBay experience, but when I do I'll be ready thanks to you!!! :-) I hope you have plans for a relaxing weekend. Enjoy!

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  6. The colors of your beautiful table are just stunning!!!! This is a WOW factor table!
    Love all the china and am just swooning over the gorgeous chargers!
    I would love to have been the fourth at your wonderful table!

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  7. Love every single element on your table!!! And your yard is looking beautiful...it got green fast!!! My maple trees are just starting to leaf out......

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  8. The colors are so pretty together! I love to see such elegance outdoors!

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  9. What a beautiful setting! Love the cobalt glasses! What a find! I'll have to look for those. I have the matching green ones from DT. What a great place to enjoy friends!

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  10. Your red white and blue table is lovely. I imagine that the evening must have been a very pleasant one, indeed.

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  11. Red geraniums are one of my very favorites and grace my front porch every year. I love the way that you combined the reds and blues and your tableware is gorgeous. Those red goblets are stunning. What a lucky dinner guest to sit at this fabulous table!!

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  12. Such an elegant outdoor or outback table setting! The tablecloth sets the stage! Cobalt blue is so attractive against the tablecloth snd I love the geraniums! We can't plant annuals yet because of frosts but I'm ready! Your back area is lovely!

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  13. Cherry Kay, this is wonderful. Your backyard is the perfect backdrop! I wish I could have roses close to our patio, but alas, no sun. I love those ajka glasses. Must be on the lookout. I've always hesitated bidding on things from overseas, but with your reassurance, I might just try that now. Your table turned out fabulous.. great tablecloth and love those dishes. Geraniums are perfect with your setting.. Have a wonderful Friday and a beautiful weekend. xo marlis

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  14. Wow!! Gorgeous! Your back yard is so pretty, I love all the red geraniums in the blue and white planters. Your table is amazing. I am loving the color combo and the toile tablecloth is to die for!

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  15. I can't believe mixing the cobalt and the deep red. It absolutely perfect combination, Cherry Kay. I love the way you mixed them in you settings.

    Ur such a clever, lady, huh?

    Have a great week-end and enjoy.
    /CC

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  16. Gorgeous table setting! I love that deep blue color. And it looks perfect with the red and white on your table.

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  17. Love the toile... and the colors were perfectly balanced... set off beautifully by the blooming geraniums... gorgeous affair!!!

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  18. I've never seen red, white and blue look so elegant. That tablecloth is so pretty, no wonder you added it for you! I'm sure you and the men enjoyed your Outback in style!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  19. What a beautiful table, and what a beautiful back yard. I LOVE your big tree.

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  20. So pretty together - the cobalt is always so striking and I love it paired with the beautiful tablecloth. Isn't it wonderful to be eating outside?

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  21. Both the tablescape and the setting look so inviting!

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  22. Beautiful, beautiful table. I'd use this all summer long. Visiting from Let's dish! xo

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  23. How wonderful it is to be able to set a pretty table and enjoy the outdoors. We have to do it while we can!

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  24. I love this table and how you pulled it together for "take out". I'm sure it was a magical evening. I wasn't aware that Steelite was the restaurant grade. I'll have to check it out. Love those chargers!

    - The Tablescaper

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  25. What a beautiful backyard setting for dinner. I love your tablescape, the cloth is gorgeous. The blue looks great and pops on the cloth. Love the blue cobalt.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  26. Easy peasy took a lot of thought, talent, and lovely glassware, flatware, china, and crystal! It does look like a beautiful evening to celebrate family in a great backyard setting. Lovely. Thanks for posting. ~CJ

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  27. Gorgeous setting for an eveninng of entertaining.
    Love all your colours.
    Everything is so cheery.
    Thank you so much for sharing and visiting.
    Shel

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  28. Lovely setting for an al fresco dinner :)
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

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  29. I'm late coming to this 'Outback' party outback, but it's just absolutely charming! I have the dollar tree goblets and the Regency in cobalt blue. I love how you mixed the colors!
    Nancy

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  30. You set a beautiful table with the blue and red toile tablecloth. Just gorgeous and inviting.
    Have a happy Sunday

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  31. Beautiful setting! What a wonderful big porch, perfect for entertaining.

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  32. It looks wonderful! I love the tablecloth, and the setting is perfect for an Outback night!
    Thanks so much for linking to Let's Dish!
    Mother's Day Challenge this Wed at 7! :)

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  33. Everything is so beautiful. I like how you have included the very elegant with the Dollar Tree. I have the same goblets. You're not worried about anyone breaking them.
    Love the red white and blue color scheme. Hugs, Ginger

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  34. Wow! What a beautiful table, and of course you always present us with the most breath taking tablescapes. Love the cobalt blue. those chargers are to die for. I hope you have a fabulous Mother's day.

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  35. This is so pretty, and the red toile is just beautiful! You are so artistic.

    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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