Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Jadeite Birthday Lunch

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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It didn't start out this way....

When my dear friend Cindy is the guest of honor at one of my tables, I often make a point to highlight the color green...her favorite.  For Cindy's birthday, I decided that I wanted to use the Fireking Jadeite "Alice" as my focal point.  I found 13 of these on the last day of an estate sale for $3.00 each.  At the time I wasn't familiar with Jadeite, and little did I know that I was getting an amazing deal.  I set the table early in the week, and I was waiting until closer to the party to build my floral centerpieces.  But then...

...the amazing Miss Alycia from TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE posted about a wonderful deal at Gordman's for some hot colored glass charger plates.  I was waiting for Sweet Mister to meet me at a Mexican food restaurant when I received the email, and as soon as dinner was over, I hot footed it to the store.  I bought chargers in this hot pink and in turquoise...and my plans were suddenly in flux.  I couldn't wait to use them!

I replaced the Wedgwood "Queens Plain" with the high white Wedgwood "Countryware".


The Fire King Jadeite "Alice" remained in the line up.  The glassware initially came into fashion because it was durable and cheap to produce. McKee was the first to manufacture jadeite, but the Jeannette Glass Company is credited for coining the name. However, Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation became its largest producer. In 1942, Anchor Hocking debuted the popular Fire-King line in a variety of colors, but jadeite (or “Jade-ite” as the company calls it) remained in high demand for 30 years.

The stain- and heat-resistant tableware was served in frugal diners across America. Additionally, restaurant owners could save money by serving coffee in thick-rimmed “cheater mugs” that appeared to hold more than they actually did. The simple design of the Anchor Hocking Restaurant Ware was one of the most popular lines produced from 1950 to 1956. Today, Restaurant Ware is also the most collected, in part because of its sheer abundance.

Collectible jadeite pieces come in many forms and, as usual, the hardest to find items fetch the highest prices. Whereas mugs generally sell for around $20, a Fire-King grease jar can run $100. A set of four nesting bowls in mint condition may sell for $200.
A keen eye can tell the difference between vintage jadeite and department store knock-offs. You can identify the maker (and worth) of most pieces by examining the markings on the underside: “McK” in a small circle indicates McKee, and a “J” inside a triangle indicates Jeannette Glass Co.

The antique Luneville "Old Strasbourg" leaf plate would later be used for homemade strawberry cupcakes served with Brandy Ice.  The Old Strasbourg plates feature a variety of floral sprays.  I liked the way that they worked with the frosted white tumblers...


My dear friend Marsha delivered the 5 white tumblers over the weekend. I had fun using them in my design because they were actually Marsha's birthday gift for Cindy.  Marsha found them in an antique store; each one features a different floral design.  Marsha also made Gazpacho for our luncheon.  It was delicious, and we served it in the Coalport "Old Coalport" bowl.  It's really a cereal bowl, but it worked just fine for our soup.

Rounding out each place setting...the pink and white striped napkins were found at an estate sale, 12 for $1.00.  They are caught in the Coalport "Countryware" napkin rings.  Next to the L'Argent "Sophia Gold" flatware, I placed the MacKenzie-Childs individual salt and peppers.  The Green glass decanters were a Tuesday Morning find.

The Jadeite pedestal bowl ultimately ended up on the gift table.  I bought the flowers at Sam's and Homeland Grocery.  I really liked the pink gift box that I found at Gordman's...the same day that I bought the glass chargers.  I fitted it for Cindy's gift...

...and then I carefully removed it...

  ...and used it as my centerpiece!  I bought this wonderful Italian tureen on eBay.  I surrounded it with a trio of floral centerpieces that I designed using small green plaid metal buckets, found on the after Easter clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby.  When she opened her "empty" gift box, Cindy had to figure out what went in it.

My finishing touch, the hot pink Italian crystal goblets, a Marshall's find, highlighted the floral bouquets in the pale mint green tablecloth...another of my eBay gets.

It was a wonderful day to share food, fun, and fellowship with my dearest friends.  I linked to a fabulous recipe for CHESAPEAKE CRAB QUICHE from Blue Bay Crab Co.  Thank you to ROBIN FLIES SOUTH who posted the link.  The quiche was a huge hit served with a mixed berry salad and poppy seed dressing, accompanied by garlic bread.  I'd love to have you as a guest at my table someday, too!


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!



Tonight is the twelfth 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!  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.

29 comments:

  1. Well, this looks fabulous. I love pink and green used together! The striped napkins really add a delightful touch to the stack of plates. I don't have any jadeite, but looks like a wonderful addition to your table. Great find!

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  2. Oh my, I love the table for your friend's birthday. I was so much fun to see how it evolved. My daughter collects jadeite. It is very pretty and I do remember my mother using it.
    I bet it was fun to watch her try to figure out the gift mystery.
    Have a great week, Ginger

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  3. A very pretty table -- love the pink and green and the very pretty tablecloth!

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  4. Cherry Kay, this table is just divine!!! Great that you were able to use those beautiful chargers you got! They certainly add the perfect pop to the table! Love your style. I know the birthday girl had a blast.. have a blessed week.. xo marlis

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  5. It started out great, and it ended up great....a can't lose situation! I am SO glad you found the chargers!!! They are going to come in handy (especially with those gorgeous goblets and dishes) many times over in years to come. I have never bought any Jadeite, but my cousin & aunt collect it with a fervor. I will have to "borrow" their someday. (And, of course, by "borrow" I mean steal and keep!) That was a great idea to use Cindy's gift as the centerpiece and then make her wonder what it would be!!! Fun! I think I will use that tactic in the future because it's always fun to keep 'em guessing!

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  6. Your table is beautiful. Richard from My Old Historic House.

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  7. Wow, I need to get to Gordman's, First Alycia and now you have some of those bargain chargers. They work perfect on your table and especially with those beautiful goblets and the stack of dishes. Another beautiful tablescape by Designing Women!

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  8. I love your pink and green, and I'm sure Cindy did, too! How could she not? The Jade-ite plates were really a great find. (Was this the same estate sale you told me about the other day? I won't blow your surprise, but I can't wait to see THAT tablescape one day. Those dishes are really eye-catching in a classy, casual way.) I've never heard of Gordman's, but if you and Alycia recommend it, I'll have to see what it's all about!

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  9. Once again you have set an exquisite table.
    You are so talented.
    I love to visit here!
    Thanks for sharing
    Shel

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  10. This post is over-the-top in your attention to detail. Wow - what a lucky friend to have such a birthday luncheon and fabulous gift awaiting her. Love the way you put everything together, especially that little "pop" of gold in the flatware. Serious envy over those chargers - I do not think we have Gordman's in Georgia.

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  11. You put the rest of us to shame, as always! I will probably be after your hot pin stemware, now that I have relieved Kathleen of her flatware! Marshall's here is way away from where I live, but I have never seen anything like that in HG or TJXX. Was it long ago or more recently?

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  12. The hot pink set off your dishes so well and I know you got a great deal! Speaking of deals, good one on the napkins too. What a wonderful birhday celebration and you made my favorite quiche. I can only make it for guests since my husband doesn't eat seafood. Just another thing to add to that list of requirements for husband #2. Just kidding of course.

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  13. The Italian tureen is to drool for, CK. With the touch of the cute goblets, wow... that's amazing beautiful.

    Happy Bday young girl.
    Hope you'd got what you wish for.

    Jadeite is blessed having her family.

    Greetings from rainy Stockholm,
    /CC

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  14. The hot pink Italian crystal goblets really caught my eye. Such an interesting color! I know the birthday gal must have been feeling the love. That was a great idea to use Cindy's gift as the centerpiece. I am going to steal that idea for a birthday celebration I am hosting in two weeks. I might attach balloons to it :-)

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  15. Fabulous colors! What a wonderful gift...I'm sure your friend must have been thrilled! (I would!)

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  16. Wow, it would take me weeks to get all of this together. Thanks for the story behind each part of the tablescape. It is lovely. I know the guest of honor was thrilled.

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  17. Hi darling, what an incredibly beautiful table. Your choice of colors is so fresh and happy. Thanks for sharing a story with each step, you make me want to strive harder.. always a pleasure when I stop by your place. hugs ~lynne~

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  18. Another wonderful luncheon chez vous! I have to admit that, as I set table after table during the wedding week, I often thought of your beautiful tables and knew that I was falling short sometimes. Good times were had, but I just know that the attention to each beautiful detail enhances the lunch or dinner or special occasion.

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  19. I was wondering if you got any of the glass chargers! Did you gulp down your food, I would have! Dishes first!
    Lovely table, so colorful! I love the idea of using the gift as a centerpiece, what a fun idea!

    Thanks so much for linking to Let's Dish! Have a great weekend!

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  20. An exquisite tablescape!! I love the gorgeous color palette! Thank you for sharing....

    Anita's Parisian Party
    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  21. What a LOVELY tablescape. The colors just blow me away. Very pretty, indeed.

    Not only have I seen the Bush bumper sticker, I had it on my car.
    We traded cars and I've not put another on. I am looking for one that says
    O-bama, O-NO.

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  22. What a lovely table...I remember my mother having tons of Jadeite when I was a teen. Love those chargers!

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  23. Lovely eye candy! Tablescape is wonderful :)
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

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  24. Such beautiful colors. I love those goblets. I can't get over all of the gorgeous glassware that there is in the world and I get to see so much of it on people's tablescapes. How fun.

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  25. I love your white Wedgewood. I have it too and it is my favorite.

    Francie

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  26. So lucky of you to get those chargers. I bought 4 of each of the pink and turquoise from HG in FL but that was all they had and I would have loved to get more. But we do not have that store here. Again, your table is gorgeous...Christine

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  27. Your combinations are amazing! I wouldn't mind adding some jadeite to my collection.

    Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  28. Beautiful! Love your new chargers and dishes. Your centerpiece is Such a sweet gift.

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  29. Love those hot pink glasses from one of my favorite stores! Love the Centerpiece, you are a good birthday shopper!

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