Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Adrift On a China Sea

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. 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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Entertaining Women's first blog post was July 7, 2010.  It's hard to conceive that I've been blogging my tablescapes for almost two years.  I never dreamed that I would be "published" in any format. It was always my Aunt Ida's dream for me, and I think that she would be happy.  I'm having even more fun with my blog today than when my daughter-in-love, Jamiann at THE BLACKBERRY VINE, graciously helped me figure out how to even start a blog.  I look forward to my third year.  I adore the many new blog buddies that I've come to care about, and I am humbled by your support and unending encouragement.  Thank you seems so inadequate.  I introduced my blogiversary give-away last week.  To read about it and learn how to be the winner, click HERE.



CUISINE KATHLEEN issued an "At the Beach Challenge" for this week's meme, "Let's Dish."  It didn't take this prairie lady long to realize that I didn't have a single shell, lighthouse, beach ball, beach towel, etc. in my stash of supplies for tablescaping.  "Adrift in a China Sea" (pun intended) is probably a stretch, but I had a good time digging through drawers to create my entry for Kathleen's blog party.

The color story would be paramount for my tablescape today.  I needed to establish a vision of water and sand...

After using one of the flip-top tabletops to extend the 48" games table to 60", I chose a light teal/aqua matelasse quilt to use as my tablecloth...the color of sea and sky...  ✓.  Tip:  If you check the dimensions of quilts, coverlets, even duvets, you can often find a king size piece that is almost a square shape.  They are generous enough to be used as a floor length cloth.  I use duvets frequently, and they are often reversible with a different pattern on the other side...double duty.  Give it a try!

I remembered that I had ordered these wonderful textural cloths, made in the Philippines, from Christine at CHRISTINE'S HOME & TRAVEL ADVENTURES.  She had used them in one of her 
tablescapes, and I was pleased to learn that she had some extras available in her shop.  When I placed them on my table, I was thinking about sand, sand dunes, and sea grasses...and strolling for miles down the beach searching for treasures tucked here and there...

...like sand dollars.  Remember that I told you that I didn't have any shells...well, I didn't.  I did, however stumble across an unopened box of soaps in one of the guest baths that looked like sand dollars.  Shells...✓. ...

...or a box of pirate's treasure!  The malachite box belonged to our precious Nana.  I looked for my roll of pearls from Michael's, but I couldn't find it, so I used my strand of pearls that once belonged to mama.  I did finally remember the Nell Hill's mother of pearl spoon with a shell handle.  Found treasures... ✓.

Now, it's important to stay hydrated when exploring the beach....right?  I've had this Japanese brass teapot for many years.  It belonged to my beloved Aunt Ida.  It normally lives in the kitchen.

The large antique bronze bowl was found at the same estate sale that produced the 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates that will go to the winner of my give-away.  The bowl is one of my new/old favorite things.  I filled it with hydrangeas from our garden for my centerpiece.

My place setting continues the color story  of the sea.  The blue and white rice bowl and under plate were estate sale finds.  

The antique Imari chargers belonged to my Aunt Ida.  She was an intelligence officer stationed in Tokyo after World War II.  She bought a number of antiques during the years that she lived there.  I am blessed to care for them.

I used the Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" because it reminded me of deep sea coral, and because I wanted to remind you to 1.  follow me, and 2. leave comments on this post as well as archived posts between now and July 7.  The more comments, the better your chance to win a set of 12 of these beautiful plates!  The antique carved ivory flatware reminded me of the orient.  The napkins were an eBay purchase, and the Waverly napkin rings were a give away prize from our "Let's Dish" hostess, Cuisine Kathleen.

I admire the simple, clean lines of the two goblets chosen for today's table.  I paired the Rosenthal "Iris" clear crystal stem with the Vietri Smoke optical goblet.  The Vietri is currently available on the market.  I've really enjoyed using them in a number of different designs.  Check them out at a store in your area.  For nice crystal, they are not too expensive at about $20.00 per stem.  I've collected them one or two at a time.

I would love to have you join me.  We can sit at my table and dream of sea, sand, and sky...far away places and found treasures. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer day.


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 June, I think of lazy summer days and time to share a meal with friends.  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!



Wednesday evening is the fourteenth 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!


It's always a treat to learn something new when I go exploring in blog land.  Tonight I'm excited to join Yvonne @ Stone Gable for her new meme, TUTORIALS, TIPS, AND TIDBITS.  Bring your notebook...there's so much to learn!


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!  KC has just released her 5th studio CD project, "The Tag Hollow Sessions".  The sold out CD release concert was this past weekend.  "The Tag Hollow Sessions" 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.

39 comments:

  1. The very first thing I thought of when I saw that textural cloth on your table was lots and lots of fan senilia sinilis shells all clustered together! So pretty!!! I love your play on words and images. Very imaginative! The setting is gorgeous, and it works VERY well for a fancy beach setting! The little soaps were perfect!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Ahh...wouldn't it be so much fun to sit at each others tables. Too bad we can't transport ourselves through the monitors...
    Fun table...

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  3. Lovely table. I like your interpretation of the theme! Great job!

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  4. I think you did an amazing job creating a table reminiscent of the sand and sea! Love the soft shades, and the little treasure chest and "sand dollars" add just the right touch!

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  5. Wow! Your table is beautiful, Cherry Kay! I ♥♥♥ the charger plates, the color palette is just so perfect for a beach theme. Thank you for sharing your talent with us, again.

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  6. You have interpreted the theme beautifully! I love all of the beach-themed accents. As always, just perfect!

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  7. I did a Dollar Tree run to put some beach on my table.. And it soooo pales in comparison to the beachy elegance on your table. The Matelasse is perfect and I love coral in the butterfly plates to bring in that portion of the sea! Every piece is just perfect. I've taken so many lessons from this table. Thanks Cherry Kay, I love visiting. xo marlis

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  8. Gorgeous table! Very innovative to think of a China Sea theme. Love the Imari chargers and all your treasures. Everything is so pretty. Clever idea using the sand dollar soaps!

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  9. You certainly have a way with words weaving your theme and tablescape. It was a fun adventure and very pretty.

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  10. Hi Cherry Kay, Considering that you are miles and miles from the ocean, you certainly put together a beautiful "china" beach table!!! I am loving the hint about the king duvet, and the gorgeous plates from your Aunt!!!! And the pearls and soap were ingenious additions to your beautiful table. Linda

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  11. You were very resourceful in coming up with this beach table and you did an excellent job! It is very lovely.I love to see someone think outside the box!

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  12. I love it!
    It's elegant, classy and so well put together!

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  13. This table is just beautiful and you have accomplished your goal - it does look like sea and sand! You chose a very clever theme and I adore the addition of the pearls - I am a June "baby" and pearls are special to me.

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  14. I love Thursday morning, I can't wait to see what you have posted. This is lovely as always!

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  15. Beautiful. I love your interpretation of the beach! The blues and corals are asubtile reminder of how beautiful it really is.

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  16. Great job, Cherry Kay! Like you, I have nary a seashell or other beach-y item in my house. But you came up with a great concept and carried it through with every detail! I always get great tips from reading your posts!

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  17. Oh Cherry Kay! How clever of you! You sure pulled it off without any beach or sea stuff around the house. The table topper is perfect and I really like how you used the soaps and the pearl. The colors of aqua and coral fit perfectly....Christine

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  18. The textured cloth is stunning and what a creative way to use it. You always create the most stunning tablescapes.

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  19. Lovely elegant, yet beachy table! I love that you found more shells than you thought you had!!!

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  20. I'm seeing how versatile those orange dishes are. You still gave the feel of the beach with your colors and textures and those sand dollar soaps would be so perfect in my guest bath!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  21. Such a pretty table. Love the dishes and that table covering is beautiful.

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  22. This tablescape is extra special, love all the elements found while shopping your house. I love the sand dollar soaps, they are so sweet. Visiting from TT. xo

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  23. You have such a wonderful imagination!

    I didn't know Christine sold things like that -- you certainly made great use of it. In fact your whole table tells quite a story.

    I wish I could have met your Aunt Ida -- I get she could tell some stories!

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  24. First of all.. the dishes from your aunt's are stunning..me, I drool over things like this and I am doing just that with your exquisite and creative table setting, with such fabulous style which is characteristic in you! The texture cloths from Christine's shop remind me of fishermen's nets and the soaps worked perfectly, I really though they were shells at first glance! Awesome job my friend.
    Thank you dear Cherry Kay for your visit, it makes me sooo happy and for the COMPLIMENT on "our great minds thinking alike"!!
    FABBY

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  25. So pretty... love your antique chargers. How fun... Your table is an inspiration...

    Cynthia

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  26. Such an elegant beachy theme you have created today. Love the blue table covering and all your blues to go with it. Love the sand dollars in the small jar, so cute. Beautiful table!!

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  27. Great way to create the feel. I love addition of the coral color too. You textured clothis perfect. It reminds me of a net. Love the soaps. I wouldn't have guessed!

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  28. The tablescape is gorgeous! I love hydrangeas and it's done so creatively here! Glad to find your blog..stop by and say hi!
    xo
    Sharon

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  29. You did such a beautiful job interpreting sand and sea with your soft watery colors and neutrals. Your combination of dishes makes me swoon!!!! I love the title of this post!

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  30. I am loving your table! You came up with a perfect theme! I love that you showed your mom & Aunt Ida's treasures.
    Blessings My Friend,

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  31. Inspired design, especially the fluidity of the table cloth, use of pearls, and pearl handled items. I'm totally buying the South Pacific Seas theme. As always, you inspire! Happy Summer. ~CJ

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  32. Or adrift in a sea of beautiful china! Lovely interpretation of a beach table! The colors are perfect, sea and sand. I have a boat load of beachy stuff! Living at the beach, you get a lot of beach themed house gifts! If you come to visit, I will send you home with a bag of shells, non soap variety! :)
    New grand baby born this morning!

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  33. The beach is a state of mind - and you brought it to life. Well done - and so elegant.

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  34. What a pretty tablescape!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  35. I'm finally getting by for a visit after my big weekend sale -- and very glad I didn't miss this. It's a PERFECT example of setting a table to achieve a particular "feel" rather than an expected theme. Prairie Girl or not, you achieved a beautiful beach tablescape.

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  36. Beautiful. You did a wonderful job of pulling all the theme elements together.

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  37. I noticed the tablecloth right away. Lovely! I love the blue and white turned on its side with the shells aka soap spilling out. With this heat wave, it's nice to think about setting the table for a beachy theme. The soup tureen is a favorite.

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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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