Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Pat's Day

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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I'm fairly certain that there's a whole lot o' green going on in blogworld this week.  St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and Kathleen @ Cuisine Kathleen has challenged us with her 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl.  I've had fun pulling out 'the green' for my tablescape, and I'm extra excited because I also get to celebrate a visit from my sister, Pat!  Yes, that's right...I'm blessed to celebrate St. Pat and my sister Pat with a luncheon!

In addition to Pat, we'll be joined by KC and our darling Beatrice Emaline, plus two dear friends.  I'm excited for them to have some time to get to know my sister better.  If you've read my blog for any time at all, you're not surprised that we're dining at the games table in the living room. I've added the handy dandy flip-top tabletop to create a 60" table.  

I made the 120" round tablecloth.  Tip:  I hate to hem round tablecloths!  Instead, I cut strips of fabric and make a hefty cording.  I think that it's much easier to attach cording to finish the edge of a round cloth than to hem it.  Tip #2:  I break the rules when making cording for tablecloths.  The books teach to cut fabric on the bias, but I cut it on the grain of the fabric.  This makes the cording stiffer, and it also is what causes the bottom of the cloth to hold its nice wavy shape.  Just sayin'! 
I've used two chargers.  The base is an inexpensive black acrylic charger from Hobby Lobby, $1.99.  The next layer is the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Charger....

  The dinner plate is Coalport Cathay, an amazing eBay get.  This design is also found on the Coalport pattern called Hong Kong in a color way of cobalt, coral, and gold...in case you're in the market for an Imari type pattern.  Flanking the stack is the Reed & Barton Francis I flatware.  The Williams-Sonoma Hemstitch Linen Napkin is caught in a Coalport Countryware Napkin Ring.

Our opening course will be a cup of Tomato Bisque. After our entrĂ©e of Chicken Tetrazzini, Salad, and Hot bread, the Green Charms Dessert Plate will be used for a dessert of individual peach pies.

Continuing with the greens and blacks, I used the AJKA Green Arabella goblet with the Black Amethyst unmarked goblet found on eBay.  A number of you have asked me about the AJKA crystal.  AJKA, pronounced a-jeece-ka, is manufactured in Hungary, often considered the source of the best in cased (colored) crystal.

Some of you have also asked about the pair of crystal presentation bowls on the refectory table. They are also AJKA, and I found them at the tail end of an estate sale for $30.00.  I grabbed them so fast that it made my head spin!  Patty @ Pandora's Box has been busy again.  She painted the Courtly Check style pattern on the silver pitcher.  She's one talented lady!

  The centerpiece took only minutes to create.  I chose the Mottahedeh Musee Decoratif Tureen to continue with the bird motif found on the plate.  The small white birds are Dollar Tree treasures.  The trio of Green Mercury Glass Jardinieres came from the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby.  Today they are filled with White Mop Head Hydrangeas from el grocery store.


  At the first of this week, the temps were in the 30's, and by Friday, we should reach the high 70's.  I contemplated dining al fresco, but I may end up leaving the door open and lighting the fire in the fireplace...

  No matter the weather, I know that we'll enjoy an afternoon of good food, great fun, and treasured fellowship.  If you're passing my way, I'd love for you to come join us and meet my Pat, too!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for TUESDAY TO DO AND LIST MAKERS.  So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!

Wednesday is Cuisine Kathleen's 5th Annual ST. PATRICK'S DAY BLOG CRAWL.  I'm excited to be a participant.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for .  Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS.  Don't miss it!  

                                                                
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme,  "TABLESCAPE THURSDAYS."   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.

March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring.  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! 

  
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 "The Tag Hollow Sessions""  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.

24 comments:

  1. Cherry Kay, it's absolutely lovely. The Coalport Cathay is gorgeous and anew pattern to me. Great idea to stack it with black and then the CC. The Green Charms are a pretty touch atop the stack, and I like the sound of peach pie!
    I used white hydrangeas in white ironstone too. Don't you just love that look? Seeing your green stems makes me think I need to add some green glass to our cupboards. It really looks elegant. Thanks for sharing your sister luncheon. We are both lucky to have sisters visiting this week. '-) ~ Sarah

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  2. This is so beautiful and inspiring. You are truly an artist and you have fabulous taste and vision. Thank you so much for sharing this delightful post.

    Francie

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  3. What a beautiful table! I love your tablecloth. The green crystal is just perfect, too.

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  4. Cherry Kay.. Love the tablecloth and the tips! Have you ever used a hemmer foot on your machine? Not nearly as pretty as the heavy cording, but very quick! Gorgeous fabric for the table cloth! Your plates are wonderful. I love your centerpiece too. I need to remember to use an individual bloom in a container.. so effective. I hope all y'all have a fabulous visit! What a blessing it will be to have everyone at your gorgeous table.. xo marlis

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  5. Gorgeous Cherry Kay! Love the centerpieces you made and your dishes are just beautiful! Courtly check and green ..just perfect together! I need to get busy and create a table..my son Patrick's birthday is this month too...so I have even more reason to celebrate! Enjoy your week and weekend..we are suppose to have lovely weather!!!
    Miss Bloomers

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  6. Love those beautiful green glasses and your bird plates are very pretty:@)

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  7. I love your table, with the stunning dishes Cherry Kay! You did an amazing layering of perfect china for the green party. The green stem ware is beautiful, so elegant, with the tablecloth floor length. I always love your tablescapes and this one is one of my favs! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
    FABBY

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  8. It is beautiful. You have such lovely china, crystal and sterling flatware! Your centerpiece is very striking and it is special as all your tablescapes are.

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  9. OK....I'm going to try this again. I don't know why my comment got eaten earlier! :-( I really like the tablecloth, but I am jealous as heck that you made it!!! You really do such a good job at sewing!!! I would think it would be really tough to roll that hem and get it on there like that! The fact that you are celebrating your sister, Pat, AND St. Patrick's Day proves you have the luck o' the Irish because this beautiful table gets to serve double duty! Now gimme that tureen, and let's call it a day! :-) Have a happy St. Patrick's Day weekend, and enjoy the relative warmth!!! It's headed this way on Friday!!!

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  10. Gorgeous table, Cherry Kay, as always! I hate hemming round cloths, too, so thanks for the tips! Have fun with our sister and Happy St. Paddy's Day!

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  11. How wonderful it will be to have your sister, daughter & granddaughter all together under your roof! You'll surely make them feel welcome with this beautiful table & yummy sounding menu.

    Every inch of this post just makes me GREEN with envy. Gorgeous china & stemware, lovely centerpiece & extraordinary silverware all combine to set a spectacular table. *sigh* You have SO many beautiful things, Cherry Kay. I so appreciate you sharing them with us!

    Thanks for the great tip about using cording & NOT cutting it on the bias. I never would have thought of that & I can't wait to try it. Brilliant idea!

    Happy St. Patrick's Day,
    fondly,
    Rett

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  12. SO beautiful, Cherry Kay! I, too, think the Cathay is stunning, and it looks wonderful with the Courtly Check charger. Have fun with your sister!

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  13. How wonderful that your sister is coming for a visit! I know you'll enjoy having time with family and friends together around your fantastic St. Patty's Day table. Every time you use Arabella goblets, I'm entranced!

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  14. My dear Cheery Kay,

    You made my heart stop §:-) and give my GH worries, LoL*

    I was browsing your post and GH is with me and I asked him my wish on our 24th Wedding Anniversary on the 3rd of April.

    Graciousness, the tureen is to die for, honestly.

    TY for always giving me your inspiration. You might not see me often leaving some words but everytime I am on my blog, I never missed once and read your posts.

    Enjoy your day, CK and have a great w/end ahead.

    GB to YĂ¡ll.

    Hugs from D´Box,
    /CC girl

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  15. Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous table, Cherry Kay. This has been a most enjoyable few days with all the green in blogland. I think I have a new favorite china pattern...Cathay is beautiful, in my favorite green.

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  16. Your lovely china is the first place I view in each tablescape. The Coalport was a wonderul china manufacture and I always love the quality of their designs and this pattern "Cathay" is gorgeous with all the green and black hues in your tablescape. I love how you have a great success on ebay. I am sad for a wonderful consignment story has recently closed it's doors and it was one of my favorite shops to find luxurious china and accessories at reasonable prices. You are certainly correct about crystal from Hungary and your different colors in crystal are lovely. My favorite is the Hungarian china by Herend and Anna Weatherley with all the hand painting. Your table coverings are extraordinary with the green hue and subtle pattern. It is always fun to visit each of your postings! Have a lovely visit with your sister.

    Pam

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  17. What a beautiful setting, Cherry Kay. I love the black and green together. I don't know if I'll ever tackle such a round cloth, but if I do I'll take your tip to heart!

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  18. I was going to ask where you found the long tablecloth, but then I read along - I am going to have to make one for my round table because I cannot find a long one anywhere!! Your table is so pretty (I could also imagine the new Aurora enamelware in this setting!) I am still on the hunt for a chubby tea pot - I did find a water pitcher for you. Enjoy your weekend!

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  19. Cheery Kay, That tureen!!!! Ok, now onto all the other fabulousness. Those dishes!! Oh my, I', oohing and aahing as I travel down the post. Your table cloth is beautiful. I really need a folding expander for my round table. I've been thinking of getting a 48" round, then covering it with a tablecloth, but I'm not quite the thing with the sewing machine although I can do it if forced. I hope you have a very happy St. Patty's Day with Pat! Linda

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  20. I love the look of the two chargers. I'm heading to my storage rack for chargers :o) I have 12 of the McKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Chargers and this is a great idea. Love the tablecloth, centerpiece and the tips. Enjoy the celebration!

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  21. Dear Cherry Kay,
    Wow. What a rich feeling to your tables cape. Opulent. Those who dined with you were lucky indeed.
    Happy St. Patrick's Day to you.
    I hope you will come and visit the blog I share with my friend...http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com
    Ruthie

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  22. What a wonderful celebration. The table is lovely, and the tablecloth is wonderful. You do have a great collection!
    Thanks so much for crawling again this year, I appreciate it!

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  23. Understand this is really a late comment, but I've been attempting to make a decision about the Coalport Cathay and seeing it here 'in situ' has made my decision way easy. Versatility is a requirement for the addition of a pattern to my collection, and this combination with the black and white did it!
    thanks
    j

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  24. Understand this is really a late comment, but I've been attempting to make a decision about the Coalport Cathay and seeing it here 'in situ' has made my decision way easy. Versatility is a requirement for the addition of a pattern to my collection, and this combination with the black and white did it!
    thanks
    j

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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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